The right tutor understands your child’s curriculum, explains clearly, has experience with the same goal and fits your schedule and budget; the surest test is a trial lesson.
7 criteria to check
- Knows the curriculum: IB, IGCSE, A-Level, SAT; knows the exam board and paper structure.
- Relevant experience: has taught the same subject, level and age group.
- Qualifications: ask the tutor for relevant documents when needed.
- Teaching style: asks questions, sets work and gives feedback rather than just solving problems.
- Goals and plan: proposes a pathway and checkpoints for progress.
- Schedule and format: online or at home, timing and area.
- Clear fees: compare with the typical range and agree cancellation and rescheduling terms.
Questions to ask a tutor
- Have you taught students with a similar goal? What is your method?
- What does a typical lesson and homework look like?
- How do you report progress to parents?
- If there is no progress after a few lessons, how do we adjust?
Trial lesson and follow-up
Book one trial lesson and watch whether your child understands and feels able to ask questions. After 4–6 lessons, compare the work with the original goal to decide whether to continue or switch.
Warning signs
- Guaranteed grades or “assured” results.
- Unwillingness to share experience or to do a trial lesson.
- Requests for a large upfront payment before any lesson.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a native-speaker or a Vietnamese tutor?
It depends on the goal: native speakers help with pronunciation and conversation, bilingual tutors can explain difficult concepts. Experience with the exact programme matters most.
How many lessons per week?
One or two per week is common, more close to exams. Agree a rhythm with the tutor based on your goal and schedule.