How each role supports a child’s daily life, personal development and long-term education within a modern private household.
Families will sometimes go to an agency saying they need a governess, or a tutor, when what they really need is something quite different. The terms governess, nanny, and tutor have been stretched and used differently over time, so it’s no wonder parents (or sometimes agencies themselves) feel unsure what each role involves.
In this article, we aim to provide a simple explanation of the distinctions, grounded in real private households today.
Where did these roles come from?
Historically, nannies cared for young children, providing routine, safety, comfort, and supported their early development; governesses educated children at home, particularly girls, and focused on languages, arts and social accomplishments; and tutors prepared older pupils (usually boys) for examinations and university.
Interestingly, it was traditionally governesses and tutors whose duties overlapped. Today, however, families most often confuse the remit of the nanny and the governess.
Over time, as families’ needs evolved and global lifestyles became more common, so did these roles.
How these roles work today
Nanny (and Au Pair)
A nanny’s role is probably the one that’s changed the least over the centuries. Their primary focus is caring for very young children, typically from newborn through the early years, although some families employ nannies for childcare throughout all the way up until late teens.
In many households, a nanny is also expected to support the smooth running of family life.
This often includes cooking the children’s meals, some duties such as laundry and tidying, organising school bags and activities, doing the school runs and taking children to appointments, and keeping children’s rooms and play areas in order.
Au pairs sit within the same category, though with lighter responsibilities and a cultural-exchange element rather than professional training.
Today, families often confuse nannies and governesses, especially when they want childcare combined with structure, language exposure or social development. But these are distinct roles, and when families understand the differences, it helps to avoid setting the wrong expectations.
Governess/Governor
Modern governesses (and governors, the male equivalent) usually combine education with personal development. Some may hold teaching qualifications, though many don’t. Their role typically includes primary-level academics, languages, and cultural enrichment, alongside providing structure to the child’s day, especially in travelling or homeschooling households.
Today, a governess or governor is often chosen as much for their manners, social background and cultural fluency as for their academic experience. They manage the children’s day-to-day lives, arranges lessons and playdates, oversees routines, and act as the point of coordination between the children, parents and household staff.
Tutor
The word tutor is used so loosely these days that it can mean anything from a university student doing weekend maths coaching to a seasoned professional preparing children for elite school entrance.
At its simplest, a tutor is someone who offers focused academic support in a particular subject or skill. They help with homework, reinforce classroom learning, and build confidence in areas where a child needs a little extra guidance.
Most tutors work part-time, supplementing a school-based education, but full-time tutors for homeschool also exist – and, crucially, anyone can call themselves a tutor. Like a governess, they don’t need to hold any teaching qualifications or belong to any industry body.
A Tutors International tutor is a different calibre of educational professional entirely.
These are fully qualified teachers with deep expertise in their subjects, chosen specifically for the educational objectives, personalities and circumstances of one family.
They design and deliver the curriculum, and assess progress, and provide long-term mentorship that supports both academic development and personal growth. Our tutors prepare students of all ages, from early years through to adulthood, for the academic and personal goals that matter to the student. They may support several siblings across different age groups, adapting their approach for each child while maintaining the highest standards of learning and guidance.
Most TI tutors are the child’s primary educator, as we specialise in full-time homeschooling and travel tutoring. The private tutor lives with the family, or close by, ensuring continuity of education whether the household is in London, the Alps or mid-Atlantic. They craft a personalised academic environment that reflects the child’s abilities, interests and ambitions. And while they bring warmth, mentorship and stability, their core purpose is thorough, personalised, world-class teaching.
In short, a typical private tutor fills educational gaps, whereas a TI tutor builds the entire educational and developmental structure around the student. If you’re interested in the scope of past tutoring positions (often far beyond those you might expect from a private tutor!) you can browse them here.
Choosing the right role
- If your primary need is additional care and stability for a child, you need a nanny or au pair.
- If you want holistic development, manners, languages and a well-structured day, you need a governess.
- If you want subject support or targeted academic help alongside school, you need a part-time tutor.
- If you want a single professional who can take full responsibility for your child’s education and personal development – designing the curriculum, providing consistent mentorship, maintaining daily structure, and ensuring travel continuity – you need a Tutors International tutor.
Understanding the distinctions between nannies, governesses and tutors means that families can invest wisely in the support their children truly require. Once you know whether your priority is care, enrichment or full academic leadership, the decision becomes straightforward.
If you’re unsure which role fits your family’s circumstances, we’re always happy to talk it through. Clarity at the beginning leads to better outcomes later, and the right educator or carer can make all the difference to a child’s life.
Want to know more about us? Explore our case studies for part-time, short-term and full-time tutoring placements, our recruitment process and testimonials from former and current clients.
