In 2016, Singapore ranked first in the worldwide Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in Math, Science and Reading.
One may wonder, what is Singapore doing that other countries don’t? The answer is obviously that the city-state is investing heavily in its education and has since developed successful approaches to its system.
It has long been proven that Singaporeans have a strong commitment to educational achievement and excellence. In fact, statistics show that the majority of Singapore parents are spending thousands of dollars a year on private tuition – and that is on top of their spendings in sending them to formal schools.
For many years, tuition has grown so in-demand that the tuition industry in Singapore is now estimated to be worth more than $1 billion. It’s primarily because of the fact that tuition is no longer merely viewed as an option but a necessity, and for good reasons too.
As a parent, you might wonder how a tuition centre can help in your child’s learning. So, in this article, we breakdown what exactly is a tuition agency.
- What is a tuition agency?
A private tuition agency in Singapore offers tuition-matching services between the parent and a tutor. In a typical scenario, you can request a tutor from the agency who will then recommend you with a shortlist of highly-trained tutors to select from.
- How does a tuition agency work?
The primary role of a tuition agency is to screen a pool of tutors registered under them and shortlist those who are a match to your specific assignment. The list will give you an overview of the profile of each candidate and will also detail information including their qualification, work experience, and rates.
You can select a tutor on your own, but the agency can also offer recommendations about the most suitable tutor for you. As soon as you confirm a tutor, the agent will finalise the process so you can immediately start with the first lesson.
- What happens after the first lesson?
The first lesson with a tutor will serve as a trial. You need to assess the suitability of the tutor for your child, in terms of their teaching style, attitude and punctuality to name a few.
If you find the lesson satisfactorily, you can proceed with the succeeding lessons. If it’s otherwise, however, you can inform the agency and request for a replacement. The agent will arrange for a substitute from the list of tutors provided beforehand.
- Who can sign up for tuition?
Studies show that 9 out of 10 students in Singapore are having some form of tuition. The majority of them are from primary schools, followed by those in secondary schools and junior colleges.
But, in recent years, figures show that tuition is also requested for children at the kindergarten level as well as by undergraduates who are studying for the master’s admission exams. As such, tuition is available for anyone who is looking to excel in every conceivable academic subject.
- Is it necessary to hire from a tuition agency?
Although it’s true that you can hire a tutor without going through an agency, it may not always be the best option.
The purpose of a private tutor agency in Singapore is to match your child with a suitable tutor. You are guaranteed to be offered with a list of highly-qualified tutors who are pre-selected based on their expertise and training, thus minimising the need to replace a tutor every time you realise they’re not suitable for your child.
Are you ready to hire a tutor? Give us a call and tell us about your tuition needs.
