At times the relationship between the role of private tutor and that of teacher can become a bit tricky, as was the case when we were presented with the following dilemma faced by a parent.

Her son was recently held back from sitting an exam because his teacher felt that he wasn’t ready for it. He has been receiving extra tuition for about a year and his tutor thinks that he is capable of passing the exam. The parent felt anxious about the situation and wanted to know whether she should believe the tutor or the teacher. Have you ever been faced with a similar situation and what advice did/would you give?