How to Choose an Online Tutor

A high star rating tells you a tutor's past students were satisfied. It doesn't tell you whether their teaching style fits how you specifically learn. Some tutors explain concepts top-down, starting from the big idea; others build up from worked examples. Neither is better, but the mismatch between a tutor's style and your learning style is a common, avoidable reason sessions don't click.

Before committing to a paid course, use a free Discovery Session, a short 25-minute call built exactly for this purpose. Come with one real question or problem, not just a general 'tell me about yourself' conversation. Watching how a tutor actually explains something you're stuck on tells you far more than a conversation about their background.

Years of experience matters less than relevance. A tutor with eight years teaching university-level content isn't automatically the right fit for a struggling SS1 student. What matters is whether they have real experience with your specific level and exam, not just the subject in general.

Pay attention to response time and availability before you book a full course, not after. A tutor who's slow to respond during the trial stage is unlikely to become more responsive once you've paid for sessions.

Finally, decide upfront whether you want private sessions or a group class. Private tutoring gives full attention at a higher per-session cost; a group class costs less per session and adds the benefit of learning alongside other students, but with less individual time. Neither is objectively right: it depends on your budget and how you learn best.