Parents With A Migration Background Pay More Often For Tutoring.

Parents With A Migration Background Pay More Often For Tutoring.

There are large differences between parents when it comes to paying for extra help outside school. This appears from research among the Landelijk Ouderpanel of Ouders & Onderwijs. Almost half of the parents with a migration background (44%) spend money on tutoring or homework support. Among parents without a migration background this is 24%.

Level of education no big role

What also stands out in the research is that the level of education of parents does not play an important role. Both practically and theoretically educated parents pay equally often for extra support. The idea that mainly theoretically educated parents use tutoring and homework support is not true.

No trust in a fair chance

Lobke Vlaming, director Ouders & Onderwijs: ‘The research shows that parents with a migration background do not trust enough that education gives their children a fair chance. These parents often worry about the school advice in grade 8.

This while the media and education often say that tutoring and exam training are mainly used by theoretically educated parents without a migration background. They would increase their children’s chances and this would lead to even bigger inequality. This research shows something very different. Parents with a migration background pay for tutoring and there is no difference in level of education between parents.’  

More results from the research

In total, 28% of all parents spend money on extra education or support. This is often practice material (14%), tutoring (8%), homework support (6%) and exam training (5%). Parents in secondary education pay more often and higher amounts than parents in primary education: 42% of them spend more than €200 per school year. 

Offer more chances to all children

All children deserve a fair chance in education and it is important that parents can trust this, no matter their background. By giving the school advice later and providing more flow options, chances for more children get bigger. 

Ouders & Onderwijs also wants schools to offer extra support themselves when needed. Parents then feel no pressure to buy this themselves. Schools and the government must work together to offer structural solutions. For example, free or affordable homework support and tutoring.

About the research

A total of 1076 parents participated in this research with a child in primary education, secondary education, special (primary/secondary) education or private education. The results are statistically weighted, so the research is representative by gender, level of education and cultural background. 

Landelijk Ouderpanel

Parents often have valuable experiences and insights about how schools and teachers support children. By joining the Landelijk Ouderpanel you can share what is important, your concerns and think along about solutions that really make a difference for all children. Sign up and help make education fairer and more accessible for everyone.