A wealthy family is offering a remarkable annual salary of £180,000 for a tutor who can guide their young son in mastering the ways of an “English gentleman.” The parents, who are successful business people from overseas, aspire to provide their one-year-old with a quintessentially English upbringing, complete with activities like polo and exposure to classical music. Their ultimate goal is to prepare him for enrollment in prestigious British public schools such as Eton, aiming for the child to embrace a truly bicultural identity.
The position, which includes the substantial salary, was advertised on the Times Educational Supplement job board, with the family residing in North London. The job description emphasizes the importance of immersing the child in British culture, values, and nuances at an early age to prevent any cultural biases from taking root. The ideal candidate is expected to be well-educated, possess an extensive vocabulary, and speak with received pronunciation.
The tutoring role aims to introduce the child to various quintessentially British experiences to shape his habits, perspectives, preferences, and sporting interests. Opportunities for the child to visit iconic British venues such as Lord’s, Wimbledon, and Twickenham are mentioned, along with instructions in sports like cricket, tennis, rugby, equestrianism (including polo), and rowing.
The family’s decision to start this educational and cultural journey early stems from their belief that they began too late with the child’s older brother at the age of five. Coming from a multilingual background, the parents are determined to raise a child who seamlessly embodies two cultures. Following numerous applications, interviews for the tutoring position are scheduled to commence next month.
While the job has attracted significant interest, it has also sparked criticism on platforms like Mumsnet. Some individuals expressed concerns about the pressure placed on the child and the notion of molding children to fit specific expectations. Despite the impressive salary offered, there are reservations about the potential challenges of working for demanding parents.