As the long summer holiday approaches, many parents are asking the same question: does a six-week break really benefit students — or does it set them back? With growing debate across the UK about whether the traditional school calendar needs reforming, tutors are stepping in to offer a solution. From catch-up sessions to creative learning boosters, one-to-one support during the holidays can make all the difference when it comes to confidence and academic progress.

Why the Summer Holiday Is Under Scrutiny

For decades, the UK school year has followed a pattern of three terms, punctuated by a long summer break. But in 2025, this structure is being questioned more than ever. Some education experts argue that extended holidays can cause “learning loss”, especially in core subjects like maths and English. Others point to the growing pressure on working families who struggle with childcare and routine over summer.

Meanwhile, countries like the Netherlands and Germany use shorter, more frequent breaks — and consistently perform well in international education rankings.

Understanding Summer Learning Loss

Studies have shown that many students return to school in September having forgotten key concepts taught before the break. This “summer slide” can widen achievement gaps, particularly for students who don’t receive extra help at home. Maths skills, in particular, tend to decline fastest without practice.

For pupils already behind or those transitioning between year groups or key stages, this loss of momentum can have long-term consequences.

How Tutors Help Over the Summer

Summer tutoring isn’t about recreating the school day — it’s about short, targeted sessions that rebuild knowledge, strengthen confidence, and make learning fun. Many tutors offer flexible packages for:

Sessions can be held online or in person, at times that suit families — without interfering with holidays or family activities.

Boosting Confidence Before September

One of the biggest advantages of summer tutoring is the psychological boost. Students who end the school year feeling unsure or behind can use the summer to catch up, consolidate, and return to school feeling prepared.

This is especially valuable for children moving into:

Year 3 or Year 7 — key transition stages
Exam years — including Year 10 and Year 11
New schools or accelerated classes

What Parents Should Look For in a Summer Tutor

When choosing a tutor for the summer, consider:

Experience with short-term or revision-focused support
Flexible scheduling to suit holiday plans
A relaxed, engaging teaching style to keep students motivated

Find summer holiday tutors offering support across subjects and age groups.

Conclusion: More Than Just Catch-Up

Summer tutoring isn’t just about closing gaps — it’s about building confidence, creating structure, and giving students a head start for the term ahead. Whether your child needs help with maths, English, study skills, or exam preparation, one-to-one tuition can make the holidays both productive and empowering.

Explore maths tutors, English support, or 11+ prep tutors now on TutorExtra.