Children in London are receiving more private tuition than anywhere else in the country as competition for state school places is so fierce.

Nearly half of children in state schools in the capital have received private tuition, according to an Ipsos MORI survey.

The number of pupils being tutored has increased to 43 per cent, from 36per cent five years ago.

Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of educational research charity the Sutton Trust, said: "The fact that approaching half the children in London have received private tuition is staggering, and reflects the relative affluence of the capital, increased competition for school places and, perhaps, some parental concerns over the quality of their children's schooling.

"The danger is that this boom in paid-for tutoring will widen the gap between the haves and have-nots. With fees of £30 an hour or more, [private tuition] is simply not an option for many."

James Turner, director of policy research at the trust, said: "In London, competition for schools is so fierce that parents feel they need to go the extra distance and pay for tuition. With the recession the competition for state school places is going to get even more fierce."

Sir Peter said that as the downturn continues more parents are expected to move their children from private schools to the state sector, using tuition to ensure they get into the best schools.

• 

  Supersize superport: London Gateway

  London Gateway, the £1.5bn container port under construction on the Thames at Thurrock, will have capacity to unload six of the world's largest ships at one time and have as much impact on the capital as a new airport or half a dozen Westfield shopping centres

  ---

• 

  One stylish affair: Matthew Williamson

  With London Fashion Week kicking off on Friday, British designer Matthew Williamson tells Rosamund Urwin about breaking up with his ex, post-show partying and his new model man

  ---