School Guide's top five tips for choosing a tutor

Updated July 2026

Finding the right tutor for your child can make a real difference, but with so many options it can be hard to know where to start. Here is what to consider before you book.

How to find the best tutor for your child

1. Talk to your child's teacher first. Before booking anything, speak to their class teacher. Does your child stand a good chance of achieving the goal you have in mind? Are there any free resources available at school worth trying first? An experienced tutor will always be able to advise whether your child is ready for the specific goal you have in mind, but a quick word with the school can save time and money.
    
2. Do not think hiring a tutor is job done. Tutors give homework, sometimes as many as four or five pieces a week on top of your child's usual school work. Factor this in before you commit. The best results come when parents are involved and supportive alongside the sessions.
    
3. Always check DBS certification. It is essential that any tutor working with your child is registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Ask to see their certificate before the first session. If you are booking through an agency, confirm that they carry out enhanced DBS checks on all their tutors as standard. Do not rely on personal recommendations alone on this point.
    
4. Get references and ask the right questions. A tutor may look excellent on paper but a good learning relationship matters as much as subject knowledge. Ask for references from other parents, find out how they track progress, and make sure they are familiar with your child's specific exam board and syllabus. The 11+ system varies significantly across the UK, so local knowledge matters.
    
5. For GCSE and A-Level support, go to a specialist. If you are looking beyond the 11-plus to tutoring for GCSE or A-Levels, School Guide recommends award-winning GCSE and A-Level specialist tutors The Degree Gap. Sessions run on a dedicated platform, recorded so they can be revisited, and focused on exam technique. They cover Maths, English, the Sciences, Economics, History and more, from KS3 through GCSE, A-Level and university admissions.

Frequently asked questions: choosing a tutor

How do I know if my child needs a tutor?
Signs that tutoring could help include falling grades, loss of confidence in a subject, upcoming exams or entrance tests, or simply a desire to stretch beyond what school can offer. A good tutor will carry out an initial assessment and advise honestly on whether tutoring is likely to help.

What questions should I ask a tutor before hiring them?
Ask about their qualifications and experience with your child's specific exam board, how they structure sessions, what homework they set, how they measure progress, and whether they have references from other parents. Always ask to see a DBS certificate before the first session.

How much does a tutor cost in the UK?
Private tutors typically charge between £25 and £80 per hour depending on subject, level and location. Specialist tutoring agencies for GCSE and A-Level may charge from £40 per hour. Online tutoring is often more affordable than in-person, and many agencies offer a free initial consultation.

What is the difference between a tutoring agency and an independent tutor?
A tutoring agency vets, interviews and manages tutors on your behalf, which adds a layer of quality control and often includes DBS checking. An independent tutor works directly with you and may be more flexible on price, but requires more due diligence from the parent. Agencies tend to be a better option when you need a specialist or want peace of mind on safeguarding.

Should I choose an online or in-person tutor?
Online tutoring has become the norm for many families and works well for most subjects, particularly at GCSE and A-Level. Sessions can be recorded for review, and you have access to specialists across the UK rather than just in your local area. In-person tutoring can suit younger children or those who find it harder to engage on screen.

How do I check a tutor's DBS certificate?
You can verify a DBS certificate online at the government's DBS checking service. Always ask to see the original certificate, check the date and confirm it is an enhanced DBS check rather than a basic one. Reputable agencies carry out these checks as part of their vetting process.

What is the best way to find a GCSE tutor?
Start with a specialist agency that focuses on secondary education and exam technique. Look for tutors who are familiar with your child's specific exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR etc.), who offer a free initial consultation, and who have verified reviews from other parents. School Guide recommends The Degree Gap, voted GCSE Specialists of the Year 2025 and 2026.