Should You Consider Getting a Personal Tutor?

As GCSE and A-Level exams draw nearer, many parents start to wonder whether extra help might give their child an edge. Personal tutors are increasingly popular; but are they really necessary? And how do you know if it’s the right choice for your child?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of hiring a tutor, along with some guidance to help you decide what’s best for your teen.

Why Consider a Tutor?

GCSEs and A-Levels can be challenging for even the most capable students. A tutor can provide:

Personalised Support

Teachers do their best, but with large classes, it’s not always possible to give individual attention. A tutor can tailor lessons to your child’s pace, learning style, and specific gaps in knowledge.

Improved Confidence

Sometimes a student’s struggle is more about self-belief than ability. A good tutor can help rebuild confidence by creating a supportive, no-pressure environment where it’s OK to ask questions and make mistakes.

Structured Revision

If your child lacks motivation or gets overwhelmed by revision, a tutor can help structure their study time, keep them accountable, and ensure they stay on track.

Subject-Specific Help

If your child is only struggling in one or two subjects – such as maths or science – targeted tutoring can make a big difference without overloading their schedule.

Signs Your Child Might Benefit from a Tutor

You might consider tutoring if your child:

• Is consistently underachieving despite putting in effort
• Is anxious about subjects or topics
• Struggles to organise their revision or meet deadlines
• Needs a boost in confidence before exams
• Wants to move up a set or improve predicted grades

However, it’s important to talk to your child and their teachers first. Sometimes, simple changes at school or at home can be just as effective.

Things to Consider Before Hiring a Tutor

Your Child’s Willingness

A tutor is unlikely to be helpful if your child feels it’s being forced upon them. Involve them in the decision and make sure they see it as a helpful resource – not a punishment.

Cost and Time Commitment

Tutors can be expensive, especially over several months. Think realistically about your budget and how tutoring will fit around your child’s existing workload and wellbeing.

Quality Matters

Not all tutors are created equal. Look for recommendations, check qualifications, and ask about experience with the GCSE and A-Level exam boards your child is using. Some schools also offer trusted lists of local or online tutors.

Alternatives to Private Tutoring

If a tutor isn’t possible, don’t worry – there are plenty of other ways to support your child:

• Ask teachers for revision resources or extra help
• Use free online platforms (such as Revision World)
• Form study groups with friends
• Use past papers and mark schemes for independent practice
• Encourage good routines, healthy habits and open conversations about stress

Final Thoughts

A personal tutor can be incredibly helpful for the right student at the right time, but they’re not a magic solution. The most important support comes from you: your encouragement, your calm presence, and your belief in your child’s potential.

Before investing in tutoring, think about your child’s individual needs and learning style and remember, success isn’t just about grades. It’s about building confidence, independence and resilience for whatever comes next.