A family in North London is seeking a tutor for their one-year-old child to aid in his early development as an “English gentleman.” The family is offering a salary of £180,000 annually and requires the tutor to possess specific qualifications, including familiarity with traditional British values and Received Pronunciation. The position has attracted numerous applicants and generated extensive media discussion about its implications.
According to Adam Caller, CEO of Tutors International, the family is aware of the unusual nature of their request but believes that early education is crucial. They have expressed concerns about “cultural bias” in their older child, believing that early tutelage might mitigate this risk. With their objective of giving their younger son a head start in adopting desired cultural traits, the family wishes to begin the educational journey early, with aspirations for the child to take up activities like horse riding and music by age three.
This initiative has sparked conversations around social class and educational privilege. Critics in the tutoring field, such as Peter Cui, argue that cultural identity cannot simply be implanted through external influences and emphasize that individual growth is shaped by lived experiences. Cui suggests that the approach taken by this family is idealistic.
The demand for education that incorporates traditional British values is not limited to this one case. Others in the sector, like etiquette coach Laura Windsor, also emphasize the importance of manners and cultural knowledge for social interactions. However, existing nationals are increasingly questioning whether such tutoring is necessary, with some opting instead for broader educational philosophies focusing on emotional intelligence and adaptability in contemporary settings.
The increasing reliance on high-end tutors may reflect challenges within the British education system. As parents prioritize personalized learning experiences over traditional schooling structures, they question the efficacy and relevance of conventional examinations like GCSEs in an evolving educational landscape.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd9kljww1zdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss