Get the Best from your Tutor

Give enough time for private tutoring to work

Give the tutoring process a reasonable amount of time. Expecting everything to turn around for your child in just 2 or 3 sessions is unrealistic, especially if they have been struggling for a while. If they are sitting an entrance exam, for example, your best bet is to start them with a tutor about a year beforehand. Cramming can work in certain situations, but the best outcome for your child is that they build knowledge and skills steadily over time, rather than trying to cram everything in at the last moment under pressure.

In terms of how many hours and sessions your child will need to achieve the desired outcome, it is best to be guided by the tutor and the child. One hour a week is often sufficient when there is no time pressure and the tutor is building confidence, skills and giving support, but that will not work for every child. The huge benefit of private tutoring is that it is tailored individually to your child. Sometimes a child needs more support, or needs more processing time. Often a child will want more sessions as they approach an exam. Sometimes a student needs only a bit of extra help and a fortnightly lesson might suffice. Be guided by your child and the tutor.

Homework

Do you want the tutor to set homework every week? In our experience, this is becoming more and more popular with parents. It is a good idea as it gives your child a chance to practice skills and revise information taught in the tutorial, but there are a couple of points to take into consideration.

Firstly, your child may be resistant or reluctant to doing the homework. There is a danger they will see it as an extra burden on top of school work and the tutorial. They may see it as optional. If you spot this is happening, have a conversation with your child and advise the tutor of the outcome. Whilst homework aids the learning process, no one wants your child to grow resentful or feel under too much pressure – that will only damage the tutoring relationship.

Secondly, if you are asking the tutor to do a significant amount of marking outside the lesson, for example with a weekly A-level essay, be prepared for them to charge extra. Marking and feedback takes time and work, so consider that you are actually asking them to do overtime. Most tutors will accommodate you, but it is sensible to have a proper commercial conversation with them and establish the ground rules and price.