Tips for Choosing a London Tutor

August 22, 2017

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It has never been easier to find a private tutor. Recent research reported in The Guardian recorded a 33% increase in the amount of students signing up nationwide for support with school or passing specific entry tests. It appears that a London tutor is particularly numerous, as more than 40%, or roughly one in two children in London, receive tuition at some stage during their education.

But with a London tutor on offer, how do you choose the right one for your child?

NB: The following tips can also be used when selecting tutors outside London.

• Consider your child’s needs – Before seeking a tutor, ask yourself which areas your child needs support in. Do they just need a bit of confidence and time to let concepts sink in? Do they need help with certain skills or subjects? Also, ask yourself how much time your child can realistically concentrate for and how much effort they can put in.
• Ask about the tutor’s qualifications – Think about what qualifications tutors can bring to the table: degrees and additional certifications. Most importantly, do they have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)?
• Enquire about tutoring experience – This may include experienced gathered as school teachers and private tutors. Which areas of tutoring have they had most success in- explaining concepts, preparing students for entry tests,or helping with homework? Last but not least, have they had experience with the exam boards and syllabi used by your child’s school?
• Location – Check in advance if tutors are happy to visit your home or be visited for the sessions. Or would online tutoring be a viable option?
• Ask for documentation – Primarily, this would be testimonials from previous clients. Other main documents would include confirmation of a CRB check.

Whether you search for tutors using personal contacts, specialist websites, or Google, you can be sure to find all of these tips applicable. So now don’t let the lack of advice hold you back from selecting the perfect London tutor.