How to Choose the Right Tutor

Finding a tutor is about more than qualifications on paper. The best tutor for your child is one who's qualified, trustworthy, and able to connect with how your child learns.

1. Check their qualifications and experience

Look for relevant subject qualifications and genuine teaching or tutoring experience. A strong tutor should be able to clearly explain their background, the levels they teach, and the exam boards they know.

2. Look for verification and safety

For younger students, an Enhanced DBS check matters. On Sessioned, tutors display their verification status and DBS badge directly on their profile, so you can see at a glance who's been checked.

3. Read reviews from other families

Reviews tell you what working with a tutor is actually like — their reliability, communication, and whether students saw progress. Look for specific, detailed feedback rather than just star ratings.

4. Consider teaching style and personality

A brilliant mathematician isn't automatically a brilliant teacher. The best tutors are patient, encouraging, and able to explain things in more than one way. Many students learn best from someone they actually enjoy talking to.

5. Message before you book

Most platforms let you message a tutor before committing. Use it. A quick conversation tells you a lot about their communication style and whether they understand your child's needs.

Questions worth asking:

• What's your experience with my child's exam board?
• How do you structure a typical session?
• How do you track and report progress?
• What happens if we need to reschedule?

6. Start with a trial session

You don't have to commit to a term of lessons up front. Book a single session first to see how your child responds. The right fit usually becomes clear quickly.