How to choose · Tutoring and schools
How to choose a private tutor for a school-age child
Last updated 25 October 2026 · 2 sources listed · Reading time about 3 minutes
Short answer
Start by diagnosing what the child needs, such as gaps in foundations, exam technique or confidence. Then look for a tutor who can explain that diagnosis, plan work around it and report back. Check subject knowledge, safeguarding checks, teaching approach and fit with the child. A trial session shows more than any profile.
Who this is for: A parent or guardian looking for one-to-one or small-group tuition to support a child in a specific subject or exam.
What to evaluate
Diagnosis of need
Tuition aimed at the wrong problem wastes effort; a child missing earlier concepts needs different help from one needing exam practice.
How to check: Ask the school for areas of weakness and have the tutor assess the child in the first session.
Subject and syllabus knowledge
Curricula and exam boards differ, and a tutor who knows the specific syllabus can target marks efficiently.
How to check: Ask which syllabus the tutor has taught and request a short explanation of a topic the child finds difficult.
Teaching approach
Good tutors ask questions and build understanding instead of just supplying answers.
How to check: Observe a trial lesson, noting how often the child is thinking and speaking versus listening.
Safeguarding and background checks
Adults working one-to-one with children need appropriate vetting.
How to check: Ask whether the tutor holds a relevant background check, and for an agency, what its vetting process is.
Communication and reporting
Parents need to see whether tuition is working and what to reinforce at home.
How to check: Ask how progress will be shared and how often.
Rapport with the child
A child who feels comfortable asks questions and attempts difficult work.
How to check: Ask your child afterwards how the session felt and whether they would like to continue.
Logistics
Location, online setup and cancellation terms affect consistency.
How to check: Confirm place, equipment, rescheduling rules and notice for ending the arrangement.
Comparison
| Route | Good when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Independent tutor by referral | Trusted recommendations are available | No formal vetting or backup if they cancel |
| Tuition agency | You want vetting and replacement options | Agency margin built into rates and matching of variable quality |
| Online tutoring platform | Wide choice and flexible times | Differences in qualifications and platform policies |
| Tuition centre with group classes | Structured programme and peer environment | Less individual attention |
| School-run catch-up support | Aligned to the curriculum the child follows | Limited hours and variable intensity |
Decision worksheet
Rate up to three options against this guide’s own criteria. It runs in your browser and saves only on this device. It is a thinking aid, not a recommendation.
1. Have you checked each criterion?
0 of 7 criteria checked.
2. Compare options (0 = fails or unknown, 3 = meets it well)
| Criterion | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis of need | |||
| Subject and syllabus knowledge | |||
| Teaching approach | |||
| Safeguarding and background checks | |||
| Communication and reporting | |||
| Rapport with the child | |||
| Logistics | |||
| Total (max 21) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Questions to ask before you commit
- What experience do you have with this subject, level and exam board?
- How will you assess my child's starting point?
- How will you plan lessons and share progress with me?
- What safeguarding checks do you hold, and can I see evidence?
- Will lessons be in person or online, and what equipment is required?
- What is your policy on cancellations and missed sessions?
- How do you handle homework and practice between lessons?
- How will we know when tuition is no longer needed?
Typical trade-offs
Qualified teacher versus subject-expert student or graduate
- Upside
- Qualified teachers understand curriculum and classroom difficulties.
- Downside
- Younger tutors may relate more easily to the child but have less pedagogical training.
One-to-one versus small group
- Upside
- One-to-one allows full personalisation.
- Downside
- It costs more per hour and may foster dependence.
Online versus in person
- Upside
- Online widens choice and saves travel.
- Downside
- Younger children may find it harder to stay focused.
Regular long-term tuition versus short bursts before exams
- Upside
- Long-term support builds foundations steadily.
- Downside
- It extends the cost and may reduce a child's own independence.
Common mistakes
- Hiring before finding out what the child struggles with; get a diagnosis first.
- Choosing solely on exam results claimed; ask about teaching method and fit.
- Skipping safeguarding questions; verify checks, especially for home sessions.
- Letting the tutor do homework for the child; agree that the aim is independent understanding.
- Continuing indefinitely; set review points to decide whether to adjust or stop.
Related questions
How do I know if tuition is actually helping?
Look for evidence beyond grades, such as the child attempting unfamiliar problems without panic, explaining reasoning aloud, and fewer repeated errors in homework. Ask the tutor for examples of work before and after, and compare with teacher feedback from school. Set a review date after several weeks to decide whether to continue, change approach or stop.
Should the tutor communicate with my child's school teacher?
It can help, especially for alignment with classroom methods and gaps the teacher has noticed. Ask the school whether it is comfortable with contact, and obtain permission as needed. Share useful information, such as topics being studied, without pressuring the teacher to manage the arrangement.
Is group tuition effective?
Group tuition can work well for exam practice and motivation when groups are small and levels are similar. Larger groups resemble another classroom, with little individual attention. Ask for group size, how levels are matched and how the tutor handles different paces.
What if my child resists tuition?
Resistance often signals pressure, shame or poor fit. Talk with your child about what feels difficult, involve them in choosing the tutor, and emphasise progress and confidence rather than gaps. A trial with a different style or tutor may help. If stress is high, discuss with the school.
How much homework should tutors set?
Tutors should set work that reinforces the session without overwhelming the child, ideally short tasks targeted at the identified weakness. Agree expectations with the tutor and check workload against school homework. If the tutor sets large volumes of repetitive work, ask about the purpose.
Sources and further reading
These pages were reachable when we last checked. They informed definitions and rules referred to above; they do not endorse this guide. Where rules differ by country, check the authority for your location.
- Department for Education — GOV.UK, retrieved 27 October 2026
- Education — UNESCO, retrieved 27 October 2026
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