Choosing the right exam board tutor: what parents should know

“Do you have a Maths tutor?” is usually the first question we’re asked — but the right match depends on quite a bit more than the subject name on the label.

Exam board matters more than people expect

AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC each structure their GCSE and A-Level specifications differently — sometimes significantly so. A tutor who knows exactly how your child’s exam board words its questions and marks its papers can save weeks of wasted revision on the wrong style of answer.

Consider the goal, not just the subject

A student aiming for a top grade in GCSE Chemistry needs a very different kind of session to one who’s lost confidence and just needs to feel steady again. Similarly, IELTS, TOEFL and PTE candidates each face a different exam format, even though all three are “English tests” on paper.

Ask about vetting, not just qualifications

Every tutor on our team is DBS-checked and personally interviewed by our founder, Kirsty, before they ever take on a student — subject knowledge is only half the picture. Personality fit and teaching style matter just as much, especially for younger or more anxious learners.

If you’re not sure which tutor is the right fit, that’s exactly what Kirsty’s free matching consultation is for — tell us the goal, and we’ll suggest the right person, not just the nearest available slot.