How to choose an online tutor
6 min read ยท updated 2026-08-31
Choosing a tutor is a hiring decision, and most parents make it with less scrutiny than they would apply to hiring a plumber. This checklist turns it into a fair test you can run in one week, mostly for free.
The seven things to check before paying anyone
- โ Qualifications you can verify: a degree in or related to the subject, not just 'experienced'
- โ A free trial class: any tutor confident in their teaching offers one
- โ Same-tutor consistency: ask directly, 'will the same person teach every session?'
- โ Curriculum match: they should name your exam board or syllabus without prompting
- โ Parent reporting: weekly updates and a monthly written summary should be standard
- โ Safeguarding basics: vetting of tutors, a way to contact the company, clear conduct
- โ A fair refund or re-match policy for the first week
Red flags that predict a bad experience
Pressure to buy a large package before any trial. Vague answers about who exactly will teach. Guaranteed grades (no honest tutor can promise an exam result). No written progress reporting. And a company that cannot explain how it vets and trains its tutors.
Run the one-week test
Book the free trial with your shortlisted tutor. Afterwards, ask your child three questions: did the tutor explain things in a way you understood, did you get to try questions yourself, and would you look forward to another class? Then judge the tutor by the study plan they produced, not by how friendly the chat was. One week of evidence beats an hour of sales talk.
What a good first month looks like
By week four you should have: a written study plan tied to your child's exam, at least one marked piece of work, a weekly WhatsApp or email update, and a child who can name what they improved. If any of those are missing, raise it early; good companies fix problems in week one, not at renewal time.
FAQs
Should I choose a tutor from a big platform or a smaller company?๏ผ
Platforms offer volume and choice; smaller companies offer accountability and consistency. Whichever you pick, apply the same checklist: verified qualifications, a trial, the same tutor weekly, and written reporting.
How much involvement should I have as a parent?๏ผ
You should receive a weekly progress note and a monthly summary, and be able to reach the company directly. You should not need to sit through sessions, but you should always see the plan and the marks.
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