With perks and experiences now part of the package, is Big Tuition overshadowing independent tutors?
In Singapore, private tuition is as ubiquitous in students’ lives as homework. But as a recent article in The Straits Times reveals, today’s tuition centres often offer far more than just worksheets. Students at popular centres like Zenith Education Studio and Raymond’s Math & Science Studio (RMSS) can enjoy a range of perks, from theme park excursions to networking events—all reportedly without extra fees.
The shift towards more holistic tuition comes as the Ministry of Education has relaxed its emphasis on grades, removing exams for younger students and adjusting the weight of A-level scores. While historically tuition centres were focused on improving grades, today’s “Big Tuition” centres attract students with the promise of community, motivation, and experiences beyond academics.
But can all tuition centres afford to keep up? Independent tutors and small centres often lack the resources for perks, focusing instead on tailored learning. According to Zenith’s founder, tuition for one JC subject averages over $400 a month. In contrast, independent one-on-one tutors may charge $40 to $60 an hour, offering more personal attention without the extras. These small operators, like one tutor Shalni Doshi, try to encourage students through simple means such as snacks and stationery but face challenges competing with large centres’ incentives.
As larger tuition franchises attract cult followings, often thanks to social media, some worry that the landscape mirrors Singapore’s brand-name schools—creating another divide between those who can afford premium tuition and those who cannot. While extra perks may not be crucial, personal attention and quality teaching remain essential for struggling students, and for many, independent tutors play this role well.
Ultimately, whether parents choose big or small, tuition’s purpose remains the same: helping students reach their potential. After all, as many attest, the value of quality attention can’t be measured in theme park tickets.
