Is Tuition Worth It? A Teacher's Honest Assessment

Tuition is worth it when your child is struggling despite effort, needs individual attention unavailable in class, or has lost confidence in a subject. It is not worth it if your child is already doing well, you are doing it from peer pressure, or your child is already overwhelmed. The key is matching the intervention to the actual need.

Singaporean families spend over S$1.8 billion on private tuition annually (2023 data, MOE parliamentary reply). But not every child needs it. After 10 years running Ancourage Academy and teaching students across all levels, here is how to decide what is right for yours.

When Tuition IS Worth It

Tuition provides genuine value in these situations:

When Hard Work Is not Enough

Some students work hard but still fall behind. This is not about intelligence — it is about gaps. A concept they missed in Primary 3 snowballs into confusion in Primary 5. School moves on, but the gap remains.

Tuition can help identify and fill these gaps systematically. One of my students came to us with a C6 in Mathematics. Within months, she improved to an A1, not because she suddenly became smarter, but because we found the specific concepts she had been missing and addressed them one by one.

Lost in a Class of 40

In a typical school classroom, teachers cannot pause for every child who is confused. Some students are too shy to ask questions. Others need concepts explained in a different way.

Small-group tuition (3-6 students) allows tutors to spot confusion immediately, adjust explanations, and ensure no one falls through the cracks.

PSLE Is Coming

PSLE, O-Levels, and A-Levels are high-stakes. The stress is real. Tuition can provide:

• Structured revision schedules
• Exam-specific practice and techniques
• A calmer space to prepare away from school pressure
• Someone to answer last-minute questions

That said, starting early matters more than cramming. Students who build strong foundations in Primary 4 and 5 handle PSLE with far less panic than those who start tuition in Primary 6.

The Confidence Problem

Here is what gets overlooked. Many children come to us saying they "hate maths" or are "bad at English." The real issue? Confidence. They have struggled so long that they have given up trying.

"My kids used to be really scared of maths. Now they actually want to do their homework!" — mother of P3 and P5 students. That shift is not just about grades. It is about a child believing they can succeed.

Already Good, Wants Better

Tuition is not only for struggling students. Some children want to go deeper than school allows. They are curious, motivated, and ready for more challenging content. Good tuition can feed that hunger without the rigidity of school timelines.

When Tuition ISN'T Worth It

Not every child benefits from tuition. Sometimes it is unnecessary, sometimes it is harmful. I have turned away families when I did not think tuition would help.

If They are Already Thriving

If your child consistently scores well, understands concepts, and manages homework independently, why add tuition? Better to spend that time on sports, arts, or just let them rest and play.

Some parents enrol high-performing children in tuition "just in case." This can backfire. A child who does not need help may disengage, grow bored, or resent the extra hours.

The Peer Pressure Trap

Peer pressure among parents is real. When every other child in the class has tuition, it feels risky not to follow. But your child is not everyone else's child. Their needs are unique.

Ask yourself: Is this for my child's genuine benefit, or for my peace of mind?

Signs of Burnout

Watch for these signs of burnout:

• Constant tiredness
• No time for play or rest
• Grades dropping despite more classes
• Resisting learning altogether

More tuition is not the answer here. Quality beats quantity: one good class outweighs three mediocre ones. Balance matters more than hours logged.

When Tuition Becomes a Crutch

A red flag to watch for: if a child cannot do homework without their tutor, something's wrong. Good tuition builds independence, not dependency. The goal is to teach students how to learn, with problem-solving skills they can use anywhere.

If a tuition centre keeps your child dependent forever, that is a warning sign. Eventually, students should be able to thrive without tuition.

How to Decide: A Practical Framework

Before enrolling your child, ask these questions:

First: What is the Real Problem?

• Is your child struggling with specific subjects or concepts?
• Is it a knowledge gap, a confidence issue, or something else?
• Have you spoken to their school teacher about what is happening in class?

Before You Sign Up Anywhere

• Can you help at home with homework?
• Would study groups with classmates help?
• Are there free resources (Khan Academy, school consultations) to try first?

Red Flags and Green Flags

• Look for small class sizes (individual attention matters)
• Ask about teaching methodology, not just worksheets
• Insist on trial classes before committing
• Understand fees and what is included upfront
• Avoid long-term contracts (good results earn your trust)
• Check that the centre is MOE-registered

The 3-Month Check-In

• Set clear expectations: What does "success" look like in 3-6 months?
• Check in regularly with both your child and the tutor
• Do not hesitate to stop if it is not working

What Results Should You Expect?

Based on our experience at Ancourage Academy, here are realistic timelines:

Anyone promising instant results is likely overpromising. Learning takes time.

The Bottom Line

Tuition can be worth every dollar, or a complete waste, depending on your child's actual needs and the quality of teaching they receive.

My advice:

• Do not enrol because of peer pressure
• Do not overload your child with classes
• Focus on 1-2 subjects that genuinely need support
• Protect time for rest, play, and family
• Choose quality over quantity

If you are unsure whether tuition is right for your child, many centres (including ours) offer trial classes. A good trial should assess your child's current level and give you an honest recommendation, even if that recommendation is "you don't need us."

That is the kind of advice a teacher should give.

Common Questions About Tuition

How much does tuition cost in Singapore?

Group tuition typically ranges from $25-50 per hour depending on level and subject (as of 2025). Private one-to-one tuition costs $60-150 per hour. Our rates are transparent with no hidden fees.

How many hours of tuition per week is too much?

More than 6-8 hours weekly across all subjects often leads to burnout. Quality matters more than quantity.

When should tuition start?

When homework becomes a persistent struggle or confidence noticeably drops. For PSLE, P4-P5 foundation work beats P6 cramming. The MOE primary curriculum builds progressively — gaps in earlier years affect later performance.

Still weighing options? See our guide on choosing a tuition centre.