Some quick tips for finding a tutor and what to look for when trying to choose a tutor. Finding someone suitable for your specific needs is important if you want to get the best possible outcome from your tuition.

• Look for a tutor who has experience and the correct knowledge to teach at the correct level you are at. A tutor used to teaching 4-year-olds to count may not be as effective in teaching GCSE students as someone who already has previous experience in doing so.
• It is important to know what you want to achieve. Are you looking for someone to simply help you pass your exams? Or are you looking for a tutor to challenge you and help you get an A instead of just passing?
• Try to find a tutor who has specific knowledge and experience in the area with which you are having difficulty. For example, if you are struggling with math, it is better to try to find a tutor who is knowledgeable to help you with that rather than a tutor who is not inspired by math or has struggled with math in the past.
• You may get recommendations from family, friends or even your school on what is considered a good tutor and they may have some knowledge of tutors other students have benefited from in the past.
• You need to determine if you want to learn with a tutor individually or in a group like at school, albeit in a much more relaxed and easy environment where you can get the help you need to pass your exam.
• It is best to find a tutor who is relatively local to you so it is easy to get to the sessions and if there are any issues you need to discuss the tutor is close at hand. It will also feel less of a hassle to get to your sessions if you don’t have to travel too far!
• Feeling comfortable in your environment is very important for learning, as is feeling comfortable with your tutor! You are much more likely to succeed if you feel comfortable and at ease than if you don’t.
• Cost is also important: consider the length of commitment required as well. A couple of one-on-one sessions may get you back on track, so beware of long-term deals that could prove to be very expensive.

check list

Are they qualified?

They have experience?

Are they verified by CRB?

Are they subject matter specialists, if you want specific help?

Do you feel comfortable with them and the environment?

Can you provide references?