From national providers to the individuals changing lives one child at a time; the inaugural National Tutoring Awards, held on 8th July, brought hundreds of the nation’s finest education professionals together. The lavish ceremony, held at Doubletree by Hilton, Tower of London, saw 12 exceptional winners crowned from 43 finalists, plus a special ‘People’s Choice’ award.
Organised and hosted by The Tutors’ Association (TTA), the National Tutoring Awards both celebrated and gave much-needed recognition to those making a transformative difference to students’ academic careers and life chances.
The Tutors’ Association is the UK’s only regulatory body for professional tutors. It provides the vital self-regulation that is necessary for tutors to define their commitment to best practice, professional development and a strict code of conduct and ethics. Representing in the region of 50,000 tutors and with almost 400 corporate members, the Association is the leading authority on the £6billion industry.
TTA President, John Nichols, explained why he felt it was vital to create the awards programme: “The scale and capacity of the private tuition sector is largely unknown by the general public and frequently overlooked by those in charge of decision-making for the future of education in this country. The purpose of the National Tutoring Awards is to showcase the quality and diversity of professional tutors and tuition businesses in the UK, all of whom work tirelessly to support students across the UK and internationally.
“Whilst the problems faced by the education sector are rarely out of the news, it’s almost unheard of to see the stories and successes of those striving to make a positive difference. Learning loss, attendance levels and the desperate struggle for children to catch up in the wake of the pandemic is still very much a reality for schools and educators. Our members categorically deserve the recognition and appreciation that the awards programme has enabled us to show them. We intend for the event to become a firm staple in the industry calendar.”
140 TTA members attended the gala dinner. Among their ranks, a significant number of those accredited by the government’s National Tutoring Programme (NTP). The NTP is a government-funded scheme to support schools by providing access to high-quality tutoring to help pupils whose education has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One such member was Simon McQueen, Co-founder and Director of Bright Heart Tuition, who proudly accepted the award for ‘Tuition Business of the Year’ on behalf of his London-based firm. The award, sponsored by Inbound communications specialist, Cymphony – an avid supporter of the sector – required entrants to demonstrate excellence as standard. From commitment to student achievement, support of tutors, dedication to the connection of tutors with clients and outstanding professional conduct. Additional consideration was given to cross sector collaboration, safeguarding and support for disadvantaged students.
“The Bright Heart team is honoured to have its nurturing, person-centred approach and excellent tutors recognised by this prestigious award,” said Simon. “A big thank you to our clients who shared their success stories with the judges and congratulations to all winners and nominees, who have helped many pupils catch up and progress following the pandemic.”
Managing Director of Cymphony, and former TTA President, Tim Morris, said: “The impact that the private tuition industry continues to have on the education of our children simply cannot be underestimated. Here, tonight, we’ve seen and heard how countless young people are being empowered through education in one form or another. The net result can be anything from, say, securing a position at a top school in order to pursue a medical career right through to a child who, after being excluded from school, now has the confidence and the desire to succeed in their GCSE exams. It all has the potential to be equally life-altering for those involved. It’s quite right that the winners of tonight’s awards have been recognised in this way.”
TTA gave special thanks to the sponsors of the National Tutoring Awards, Connex Education Partnership, Mentor Education and The Oxford Coin.
