Julia Silver founded Qualified Tutor in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the urgent need for quality tutoring amidst unprecedented challenges in education. With schools disrupted and learners struggling, Julia recognised the critical role tutors played in bridging gaps and supporting students’ academic and emotional needs.

Drawing on her experience as an educator and parent, Julia was driven to create a professional community that elevated tutoring standards. Qualified Tutor provided a platform for tutors to access training, resources, and support, ensuring they could deliver safe, skilled, and impactful sessions.

By championing professionalism and safeguarding, Julia aimed to empower tutors to navigate the demands of remote learning and beyond. Her vision was not just to meet the immediate needs of the pandemic but to establish a legacy of excellence in tutoring, helping educators and learners thrive in any context.

Qualified Tutor played a pivotal role in training tutors for the National Tutoring Programme (NTP), ensuring they were equipped to support learners most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognising the urgent need for high-quality tutoring, Qualified Tutor developed rigorous training programmes that focused on professionalism, safeguarding, and evidence-based teaching strategies.

These programmes provided tutors with the tools to deliver effective, inclusive, and engaging sessions, whether online or in-person. Key areas of training included understanding the curriculum, adapting to diverse learner needs, and using formative assessment to track progress. Tutors were also guided in building strong relationships with students to foster confidence and motivation.

Qualified Tutor’s commitment to raising standards ensured that tutors not only met the requirements of the NTP but also delivered meaningful and measurable outcomes for learners. Their work contributed significantly to bridging educational gaps and supporting recovery in schools across the UK.

Qualified Tutor launched digital credentials, Level 3 training, and membership as part of its mission to professionalise and empower the tutoring sector. These initiatives provided tutors with opportunities to enhance their skills, demonstrate their expertise, and join a thriving community of education professionals.

The digital credentials allowed tutors to showcase their qualifications and achievements in a modern, verifiable format. By issuing badges for completing specific training programmes, Qualified Tutor made it easy for tutors to display their commitment to quality and professionalism, whether on LinkedIn, their website, or to clients directly.

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training was introduced to offer tutors a recognised qualification, equipping them with core skills in planning, delivering, and assessing sessions while fostering inclusivity and safeguarding practices.

Membership provided access to exclusive resources, events, and coaching, creating a supportive network where tutors could continue learning, collaborate with peers, and grow their careers. This combination elevated tutoring standards and set a new benchmark for excellence in the field.

Odette Wohlman joined Qualified Tutor as a founding member, bringing her passion for empowering independent tutors and her deep commitment to professional development. Recognising the need for continuous learning and support in the tutoring community, she played a pivotal role in delivering groundbreaking and innovative events that provided tutors with the tools and strategies to excel in their practice.

Her leadership in launching the Safe, Skilled, Supported model of quality assurance revolutionised the way tutors approached their work. This model prioritised safeguarding, skill development, and consistent support, ensuring tutors had the resources they needed to thrive in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Odette’s forward-thinking approach culminated in the creation of Tutor Certification, based on a comprehensive 5-point check. By introducing this certification, Odette helped establish a recognised standard of excellence that tutors could be proud of, further enhancing Qualified Tutor’s reputation as a leader in the industry

Julia Silver’s book, ‘Love Tutoring, Be the Tutor Your Student Needs’ was released to significant professional acclaim for its insightful exploration of the tutoring profession and its focus on empowering tutors to create meaningful, impactful learning experiences. The book resonated deeply with tutors, educators, and industry leaders, offering practical advice and a fresh perspective on the art and science of tutoring. Julia’s blend of personal experience, professional expertise, and passion for improving tutoring standards led to the book becoming a highly respected resource in the education community.

In partnership with BETT, the world-renowned EdTech Expo, Qualified Tutor played a leading role in delivering a three-day hybrid event that showcased the latest innovations in tutoring and technology. This event provided an invaluable platform for tutors, educators, and EdTech professionals to engage with cutting-edge tools and techniques, while also offering workshops, networking opportunities, and live discussions. It solidified Qualified Tutor’s position as a key voice in the future of tutoring and education technology.

Furthermore, Qualified Tutor is partnering with a prestigious university to develop a Postgraduate Certificate for Professional Tutors. This innovative programme aims to equip tutors with advanced skills and knowledge, offering them formal recognition and furthering their professional development. The certificate is designed to meet the growing demand for highly qualified tutors and will provide a pathway for tutors to deepen their expertise, specialise in specific areas, and enhance their career prospects. This partnership marks an exciting next step in Qualified Tutor’s commitment to raising the profile and professionalism of the tutoring industry.