Recently, your Officer Julia Kosowska, VP Education (Health), has negotiated with King’s a new, refreshed Personal Tutoring Policy. The Policy will be in place from the 2025-26 academic year onwards to make sure you get consistent, proactive support throughout your time at King’s!

 

Who is your Personal Tutor?

Your Personal Tutor is your go-to academic contact – someone who supports your learning, helps you settle in, and connects you with opportunities and services in your first year at King’s, whether undergraduate or postgraduate. Whether you’re dealing with academic questions, thinking about careers, or just need someone to check in, they’re here for you.  

 

 

What’s New?

The updated policy replaces the Personal Tutor Code of Practice from 2015 and sets clearer expectations for tutors and students: 

• Early Introduction and Regular Contact: You have a right to have an introductory meeting within the first three weeks of teaching and at least one compulsory meeting per term. This can be a one-to-one group session, but the contact must be consistent and shouldn’t fizzle out after the first few months! 

• Clear Communication: You’ll know your tutor’ availability, and if they’re away, you’ll be told who else you can contact. 

• Basic Knowledge: Your personal tutor is expected to know about the basics of your course, department, school as well as each module available on your course. If they can’t provide you with some information, they are required to signpost you to a knowledgeable person or service.  

• Two-Way Engagement: Tutors will need to reach out to you proactively, but students are also expected to engage and respond. 

• Reporting your Problems to the Senior Tutor: If the conditions above are not met, you have the right to report your personal tutor to the senior tutor as well as request a new tutor if you’re not feeling supported. 

 

What Can Your Tutor Help With?

Many students don’t realise that tutors can support with more than just academic problems. They can: 

• Help with settling in 

• Offer advice on course choices 

• Signpost career, wellbeing or financial support 

• Suggest extra-curricular and development opportunities 

• Provide references if you’ve built a relationship with them 

 

How to Make the Most of It 

• Attend your first meeting and get to know your tutor early. 

• Don’t wait for a problem – check in regularly. 

• Ask questions, even if you're unsure what to ask. 

• Use group meetings to connect with peers and request a one-on-one if needed. 

 

Improving Awareness

Students have said they want clearer info on what tutors offer, how often to meet, and how to reach them. Faculties are working to improve this, using KEATS, social media, and even Teams groups to help you stay connected. 

 

Final Tip 

Your Personal Tutor is there for you, not just when things go wrong. Engaging with them can help you feel more connected and supported at King’s. They’re aware of the Policy change, so you can count on them.