Why Small Group Tutoring Can Be Even Better Than 1:1

In my experience, most parents come to me wanting 1:1 tutoring for their child. They often picture their child sitting at the dining table, one-on-one with a tutor. I totally get it—especially in the current climate, where teachers (and science teachers in particular!) seem to change every term. The idea of stable, individualised support from someone who really knows your child sounds ideal.

And to be fair—it often is. 1:1 can be a fantastic way to work.
But it’s not the only way.

There’s a growing body of evidence—and plenty of real-world experience—that shows small group tutoring can be just as effective, and in many cases, even better.

In this post, I’m sharing five research-backed reasons why group tutoring deserves just as much attention as traditional 1:1. I’m also bringing in my own experience—as both a 1:1 tutor and the founder of a small group learning programme—to show how this approach can really work for GCSE students.

1. Less pressure = more participation

One-to-one sessions can feel intense. For students who are anxious, shy, or lacking confidence, being in the spotlight for a full hour can be overwhelming.

In a small group, the pressure is shared. Students are more relaxed, more willing to speak up, and less likely to shut down when they don’t understand something. They can ease in at their own pace, observe others first, and gradually build the confidence to take part.

In my own sessions, I often see quiet students breathe a visible sigh of relief when someone else asks the question they were too nervous to say aloud. So often, when one child is unsure, the others are too—but no one wants to admit it. And honestly, they wouldn’t have in 1:1 either!

2. Peer learning enhances understanding

One of the most powerful things about group learning is hearing different perspectives.

Students learn from each other. They see how their peers approach problems. They hear new ways to explain things. And often, that’s what makes something click.

This kind of peer interaction is a key driver of progress, especially when a skilled tutor is there to guide and extend the discussion.

📖 According to the Education Endowment Foundation, collaborative learning approaches like small group tuition can lead to an average of four months’ additional academic progress over a year, compared to no intervention.

3. Active engagement improves retention

Small group tutoring creates space for discussion, reasoning, and reflection—more so than in many classrooms, and sometimes even more than in 1:1.

Instead of just being talked at, students are encouraged to:

• Explain their thinking

• Listen to others’ reasoning

• Reflect on mistakes

• Tackle problems together

This kind of active engagement leads to deeper learning. It also helps students develop metacognitive skills—they learn how to learn, not just what to memorise.

4. It builds motivation and accountability

A benefit that’s often overlooked? Social motivation.

Students in a regular small group begin to feel part of something. They turn up. They try hard. They push through tricky topics—because others around them are doing the same.

They cheer each other on. They celebrate wins (even the tiny ones). And they remind each other that getting something wrong is just part of the process.

Honestly? It’s one of the most joyful parts of running group sessions. Watching that kind of positive culture take root is magic.

5. It's more affordable—but that’s not the main reason to choose it

Yes—small group tuition is usually more cost-effective than 1:1. But that’s not the most important thing.

The value lies in the quality of the learning experience: the peer support, the increased confidence, the structured revision, and the sense of belonging.

For many students, this is the format that works best—even if it’s not what they (or their parents) originally expected.

Final thought

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tutoring. Some students really do thrive with 1:1. But if you’ve always assumed it’s the gold standard, it might be time to take another look.

Small group tutoring brings its own powerful benefits—backed by research, and by experience.

If you’d like to learn more about our own small group tutoring programme, HELIX, you can find the full details here.