Choosing tuition
How many hours of tuition a week does my child need?
Reviewed by Theon Teo, Founder · Last checked · How we check facts
Short answer
Most children need 1 to 2 hours of tuition a week per subject. Families typically book 1 to 1.5 hours at P1 to P4, 1.5 to 2 hours from P5 to Sec 4, and 1.5 to 2.5 hours at JC and IB, with more in the exam year and less once a gap is closed.
Typical weekly hours by level
| Level | Typical hours a week | Common lesson pattern |
|---|---|---|
| P1 to P4 | 1 to 1.5 | One lesson a week |
| P5 and P6 | 1.5 to 2 | One longer lesson, or two in the PSLE run-up |
| Sec 1 and Sec 2 | 1.5 to 2 | One lesson a week |
| Sec 3 and Sec 4 | 1.5 to 2 | One lesson, two before the SEC |
| JC and IB | 1.5 to 2.5 | One or two lessons a week |
Source: The Singapore Syllabus, rates by level and tutor type.
When to book more hours
- The exam year (P6, Sec 4, JC2), especially in the term before the papers.
- A child far behind in a subject, for a set period such as one term.
- Two subjects with the same tutor, such as Maths and Science.
When less is better
More hours do not always mean better results. A child who is tired after a long school day learns little in a third hour, and too much tuition leaves no time to practise alone, which is where most learning sticks. If homework and school work are suffering, cut back.
Once a gap is closed, many families drop to one lesson every week or keep a shorter lesson for checking work.
One long lesson or two short ones?
For younger children, one lesson of an hour or 1.5 hours usually holds attention better than two hours in one sitting. For older students in an exam year, two lessons a week keep practice regular and let the tutor check work in between. A 2-hour lesson suits full paper practice.
What the hours cost
Every extra half hour a week adds two hours to a 4-lesson month. At P5 and P6 with a full-time tutor at S$40 to S$55 an hour, moving from 1.5 to 2 hours a week adds about S$80 to S$110 a month.
Source: The Singapore Syllabus, rates by level and tutor type.
Common questions
Is 1 hour a week enough?
At lower primary, often yes. From P5 upward, 1 hour usually leaves little time beyond checking homework, so 1.5 hours is more common.
How many subjects should my child have tuition in?
Usually one or two. Start with the subject losing the most marks. Tuition in every subject leaves little time for rest and practice alone.
Can we change the hours later?
Yes. There is no contract or minimum number of lessons with The Singapore Syllabus. Agree the change with the tutor and give 24 hours' notice for any lesson you cancel.
Want a tutor shortlist?
Tell us the level and subject. We send 3 to 12 tutor profiles with their rates within 16 hours, and you choose. No contract and no minimum number of lessons.