Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast 59: Catching Up and Cap'n Bob
Mar 5, 2021
Jane Mackenzie, a privatised education correspondent, highlights the challenges of the government's catch-up tutoring programme after COVID-19, touching on funding issues and effectiveness. Ian Hislop, the sharp-witted journalist and Private Eye satirist, alongside writer Francis Wheen, dives deep into Robert Maxwell's controversial legacy, exploring his intimidating tactics and the media's complicated dance with this notorious figure. Their discussions also draw eerie parallels with contemporary media personalities, making for a thought-provoking listen.
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Tutoring Money Flows Through Expensive Middlemen
- The National Tutoring Programme routes catch-up funds through private tutoring companies instead of giving schools the full cash directly.
- Jane Mackenzie explains money goes to tuition partners who subsidise rates, creating an expensive middleman and uneven access across schools.
Subsidies Mask Large Agency Markups
- Companies advertise large mark-ups: tutors are paid much less than schools are charged, with subsidised rates masking profit margins.
- At peak subsidy schools pay similar to organizing tutors themselves; subsidy drops to 10% next year, raising costs sharply.
Give Heads The Cash To Choose Interventions
- Give schools direct control of catch-up funds so headteachers can prioritise interventions for their pupils.
- Jane Mackenzie suggests handing schools 100% of the money instead of routing 75% through businesses to buy subsidised services.