Tutors charging £250 an hour are reported to help children with anxiety

Private tutors are being hired at up to £250 an hour to support children’s anxiety and special educational needs during school entrance preparation, and the Department for Education has said a white paper due in the coming weeks will expect inclusion units in all secondary schools.

Tutors are increasingly being hired to support children's emotional regulation and special educational needs alongside academic tuition. Providers report demand for wellbeing-focused sessions that address anxiety, confidence and coping strategies. Some agencies say fees for in-person specialist sessions can reach £250 an hour, with online rates typically lower. Ministers have announced a forthcoming white paper that will set expectations for inclusion units in secondary schools as part of a broader education plan. Key details: - Providers report rising demand for tutoring that focuses on anxiety, emotional regulation and SEND support as well as exam technique. - Some agencies quote fees up to £250 an hour for in-person specialist sessions and lower rates for online lessons. - Tutors are being engaged earlier in children’s schooling and include specialists such as confidence coaches and interview coaches alongside subject tutors. - The Department for Education has said a white paper is due in the coming weeks and that all secondary schools will be expected to create inclusion units. Summary: The reported trend shows families seeking paid, specialist support for wellbeing and learning needs that some schools may not have capacity to provide. The situation will overlap with government plans announced for greater inclusion in mainstream schools, with a white paper expected shortly.