A summary:
- Mistake 1: Choosing a Tutor Based on Price Alone
- Mistake 2: Overlooking Qualifications and Teaching Experience
- Mistake 3: Neglecting DBS and Safeguarding Checks
- Mistake 4: Not Considering Online Tutoring Options
- Mistake 5: Disregarding Teaching Style and Tutor Fit
As education becomes increasingly competitive, more and more parents are turning to private tutoring to give their children the edge they need to excel. But with an increasingly crowded and largely unregulated tutoring market, the quality, experience and training of tutors can vary significantly across providers.
At The Profs, 92% of our students improve by an average of +1.4 grades after working with one of our experienced GCSE Tutors, A-Level Tutors or University Tutors.
With over 10 years of experience connecting students with trusted tutors, we know what works – and what doesn’t. Here’s a breakdown of five mistakes to avoid when hiring a private tutor:
Mistake 1: Choosing a Tutor Based on Price Alone
One of the most common mistakes is selecting a tutor purely because they are the cheapest option available. While lower hourly rates can seem appealing, the quality of teaching matters far more in the long run.
In practice, cheaper tutors are often:
- Students or recent graduates with little experience.
- Less confident in tailoring lessons to specific needs.
- Unable to deliver consistent results.
By contrast, a highly qualified and experienced tutor – often at a higher price point – can make a huge difference in student outcomes.
And the return on that investment can be significant. Studies consistently show that stronger results translate into higher lifetime earnings. Research from the Department for Education shows that a one grade improvement in GCSE Maths is associated with £14,500 extra lifetime earnings, whereas in English the return is £7,300.
Similarly, a 2022 report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that graduates from selective universities who achieved a 2.1 earned 20% more by age 30 than those who received a 2.2.
At The Profs, our pricing reflects the depth of expertise and proven results our tutors deliver. Over 90% of students achieve their target grades or academic goals, guided by tutors who hold Master’s degrees, PhDs and extensive teaching experience.
Mistake 2: Overlooking Qualifications and Teaching Experience
When hiring a tutor, it’s important to ask a simple question: are they qualified to teach at the level you need? The skills required to guide a GCSE pupil are very different from those needed to support an A-level, undergraduate or postgraduate student.
As explained earlier, many private tutors in the market are university graduates with limited teaching experience and few qualifications. But at The Profs, we take a more rigorous approach. Our Tutor Community Team invests thousands of hours each year vetting and onboarding our tutors before they are introduced to students. The result is a network that represents the very best in the tutoring industry:
- 98% have postgraduate qualifications.
- 41% possess PhDs.
- 70% have 10 or more years of classroom experience.
For over a decade, we have recruited former university lecturers, top admissions officers, and qualified teachers. Each tutor has been selected not only for their subject knowledge, but for their ability to motivate and empathise with their students. The results?
Of the 12,000 families we supported this year, those who responded to our August 2025 client survey reported excellent outcomes. In fact:
- 93% of our undergraduate students secured a grade improvement.
- 68% of our school-aged students achieved A*-A (over 2x the national average).
- +95% of our university applicants gained places at one of their top two choices.
- 66% of our Oxbridge applicants received offers (over 3x the national average).
Mistake 3: Neglecting DBS and Safeguarding Checks
Safeguarding is an area that is too often overlooked when hiring a private tutor, particularly through informal marketplaces or online listings. Not all tutors are DBS-checked, and some platforms leave safeguarding responsibility entirely to parents.
At The Profs, all Online Tutors complete:
- Enhanced DBS checks (or the international equivalent).
- Academic verification checks.
These checks are mandatory to give families peace of mind that their children are learning in a safe and secure environment. When hiring a tutor, always ask about safeguarding. A professional tutoring provider should be transparent and proactive about these standards.
Mistake 4: Not Considering Online Tutoring Options
Some families still assume that in-person tutoring is the only effective option. In reality, high-quality online tutoring can be just as effective, and often more flexible and consistent.
The Profs’ purpose-built virtual classroom allows students to:
- Learn from the best tutors, regardless of location.
- Access interactive tools that replicate the best parts of in-person teaching.
- Replay recorded sessions for revision, note-taking and reinforcement.
- Manage lessons, scheduling and payments seamlessly in one place.
- Eliminate travel time and costs.
For many learners, online sessions offer a more personalised experience.
Mistake 5: Disregarding Teaching Style and Tutor Fit
Even the most qualified tutor will not be effective if their teaching style does not suit the student. Unfortunately, many families are left to figure this out through trial and error.
At The Profs, we take a different approach. In a world in which it’s becoming harder to speak to a real person, we talk to every prospective family about their specific requirements during an initial free consultation. From your first contact, our multi award-winning Client Success Team (“Best Tuition Business for Customer Support”, NTA, 2022 and 2023) takes the time to understand your goals and recommend the right tutor.
Our bespoke tutor-matching process considers:
- Academic level and subject requirements.
- Learning preferences and personality fit.
- Tutor qualifications and experience.
- Tutor performance and past student feedback.
- Timeframes and availability.
We know all of our tutors personally, which means every match is made with care, insight and genuine understanding of the student’s specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Finding the Right Tutor for Your Child
How can I find the right tutor for my child?
Take your time to assess both the tutor’s qualification and experience. Look for evidence of subject expertise, a clear understanding of exam requirements, and strong communication skills. The best tutors can explain complex ideas simply and adapt to your child’s preferred learning style. Platforms like The Profs offer a free consultation to help match you with the right tutor for your child’s educational journey.
What qualifications should I look for when hiring a private tutor?
Always check references, reviews, and formal certification. A tutor should be qualified to teach at your child’s academic level – whether that’s GCSE, A level, or university. At The Profs, 98% of tutors hold postgraduate degrees, 41% have PhDs, and all undergo thorough background and DBS checks for safety and credibility.
Is online tutoring as effective as in-person lessons?
Yes. High-quality online tuition can be just as effective as face-to-face teaching, provided it uses the right educational technology. The Profs’ online platform combines interactive whiteboards, recorded sessions, and collaborative software to make learning engaging and convenient. It also allows students to access the best tutors, regardless of location, while saving travel time and cost.
How can I tell if a tutor’s teaching style fits my child?
A good tutor will adapt their approach to your child’s learning style and goals. During your first session or two, observe how well your child engages – do they feel more confident, enjoy the lessons, and understand the material? At The Profs, our award-winning Client Success Team ensures every student is paired with a tutor whose teaching style complements their needs and personality.t.
How many lessons does it take to see progress?
Progress depends on the subject, learning goals, and how regularly tutoring sessions are scheduled. Most students begin to feel more confident and see measurable improvement after just a few lessons. A structured plan, regular communication, and clear objectives help ensure each session builds towards long-term success.
Can a tutor help with exam preparation and revision?
Absolutely. A professional tutor will help your child develop effective revision strategies, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking for exam success. They’ll also identify gaps in understanding and tailor each lesson to the syllabus, exam format, and mark scheme.
How can I assess a tutor’s credibility before hiring them?
Before committing, review the tutor’s academic background, reviews, and references. Look for verified profiles with clear evidence of success – such as grade improvements, student testimonials, and teaching experience across relevant key stages. The Profs conducts full academic and safeguarding checks so parents and students can hire with confidence.
How do The Profs tailor tutoring to individual students?
Every student is unique. The Profs’ tutors personalise each lesson to match the student’s learning style, subject requirements, and academic goals. With access to interactive online learning tools and expert guidance, every student receives support that builds confidence and improves overall learning outcomes.
Why is finding the right tutor so important?
Choosing the right tutor can have a lasting impact on your child’s academic performance and confidence. The right tutor will encourage curiosity, build critical thinking thinks, and support progress.
