Choosing an A-Level Maths tutor is about far more than finding someone who’s good at maths. To ensure your child’s success, focus on tutors who understand the specific demands of their exam board, can tailor support to their goals, and keep you informed about progress. Here are the key questions every parent should ask before hiring an A-Level Maths tutor: and why they matter.
1. Are You Familiar With My Child’s Exam Board and Syllabus?
A-Level Maths isn’t a one-size-fits-all qualification. Each exam board: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC: has its own syllabus, assessment style, and even terminology. A tutor who knows the ins and outs of your child’s specific exam board can focus lessons on the exact topics and question types they’ll face.
Ask: “Which exam boards have you taught? How do you tailor lessons to my child’s syllabus?”
Modern tutoring platforms, like StudyGuru, use a ‘Tutor Learning Context’: tutors record each student’s exam board, tier, and target grade. This means your child’s lessons are always aligned with what matters most for their success.
2. How Will You Help My Child Reach Their Target Grade?
Every student has unique strengths, weaknesses, and ambitions. Whether your child is aiming for a B or pushing for an A*, a good tutor should have a plan to bridge the gap between current and target grade.
Ask: “How do you assess where my child is now, and how will you help them progress to their target grade?”
Look for tutors who start with a diagnostic assessment or review recent school work. On platforms like StudyGuru, tutors log your child’s current and target grades, so every lesson is focused and purposeful.
3. What Are Your Qualifications and Experience With A-Level Maths?
It’s vital to check that a tutor has both subject expertise and experience teaching at the A-Level standard. University maths degrees, teaching qualifications, and a track record of A-Level tutoring are all good signs.
Ask: “What’s your background in A-Level Maths? Can you provide references or testimonials from other parents?”
For peace of mind, check that tutors have up-to-date DBS checks and have been thoroughly vetted. StudyGuru, for example, only accepts about 1 in 14 applicants after a 7-step verification process, including enhanced DBS checks and live demo assessments.
4. How Do You Structure Lessons and Prepare Students for Exams?
Effective A-Level Maths tutoring is structured, with each session building towards exam success. Lessons should include problem-solving, exam-style questions, and regular reviews of tricky topics.
Ask: “What does a typical lesson look like? How do you incorporate exam practice and revision?”
Look for platforms that offer interactive whiteboards, where tutors and students can work through problems together in real time: this is especially useful for complex maths topics. Find out more about how tutoring works at StudyGuru.
5. How Will I Be Kept Informed About My Child’s Progress?
To ensure your investment is making a difference, request regular, structured feedback so you can understand what’s going well and where more support is needed.
Ask: “How do you report on progress? Will I receive regular updates?”
Modern tutoring platforms often provide structured lesson reports after each session. At StudyGuru, for example, you’ll receive detailed written reports covering what was taught, what went well, and what to focus on next. AI-generated summaries also highlight your child’s confidence levels and suggest practice topics. All this is accessible in your parent dashboard and via weekly email digests.
6. How Do You Adapt to My Child’s Learning Preferences and Needs?
No two students learn in exactly the same way. Whether your child benefits from step-by-step explanations, needs extra time on worded problems, or struggles with exam nerves, a great tutor adapts their approach.
Ask: “How do you personalise your teaching for different learning preferences or needs?”
Tutors who use interactive tools: like real-time collaborative whiteboards: can quickly adapt explanations and check understanding as they go.
7. What Practice or Revision Support Do You Provide Between Lessons?
A-Level Maths is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress comes from regular practice, not just weekly sessions. The best tutors recommend targeted practice between lessons.
Ask: “Will you suggest practice questions or topics for my child to work on between sessions?”
Platforms like StudyGuru include practice recommendations in their AI-generated lesson summaries, so your child always knows what to focus on next.
8. How Do You Build Exam Technique and Confidence?
Success in A-Level Maths isn’t just about knowing the content: it’s about applying it under pressure. Good tutors weave exam technique into every lesson, helping students manage time, interpret questions, and avoid common pitfalls.
Ask: “How do you help students build exam confidence and technique?”
Look for tutors who regularly use past papers and timed questions, and who track your child’s confidence levels on different topics (a feature included in StudyGuru’s AI summaries).
9. How Flexible Is Your Booking and Availability?
Life can be unpredictable: especially in the run-up to exams. Flexible, pay-as-you-go booking means you can increase or decrease sessions as needed, without being tied to a contract.
Ask: “How do I book sessions? Is there a minimum commitment?”
With StudyGuru, you can book individual sessions as needed, and even try a free 15-minute trial to check tutor fit.
10. How Can I Communicate With You Between Sessions?
Clear communication is key. You should be able to reach your tutor easily if you have questions or want to discuss progress.
Ask: “What’s the best way to contact you if I have questions?”
Look for platforms that offer secure in-platform messaging, so you don’t need to share personal contact details.
Making Your Choice: The Parent’s Checklist
Before you commit, reflect on the answers to these questions. The right A-Level Maths tutor will:
- Know your child’s exam board and tailor lessons accordingly
- Have strong subject and teaching credentials
- Provide regular, structured feedback you can understand
- Offer flexible booking and clear communication
For more detail on what specialist A-Level Maths tutoring looks like, see our A-Level Maths tutoring page, or explore our A-Level Maths tutoring options to find tutors who match your needs.
Next Steps
Ready to empower your child’s maths journey? View our tutors and book a free trial session to see the difference for yourself.
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FAQs
Q: How do I know if a tutor is familiar with my child’s A-Level Maths exam board?
A: Ask directly about their experience with your child’s exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, or WJEC). On platforms like StudyGuru, tutors record each student’s exam board, ensuring lessons match the exact syllabus and requirements.
Q: What should I look for in an A-Level Maths tutor’s qualifications?
A: Look for a strong background in maths (such as a degree or teaching qualification) and specific experience teaching A-Level Maths. Also check for enhanced DBS checks and thorough vetting.
Q: How can I track my child’s progress with a maths tutor?
A: Choose a tutor or platform that provides regular, structured lesson reports and progress summaries. StudyGuru, for example, sends detailed reports and AI-generated summaries after each session, which you can view in your parent dashboard.
Q: What questions should I ask about lesson structure and exam preparation?
A: Ask how lessons are organised, how exam technique is built in, and what kind of practice or revision support is provided. A good tutor will explain their approach clearly and show how it links to your child’s goals.
Q: How quickly can I expect to see improvement in my child’s A-Level Maths performance?
A: Improvement rates vary, but with regular, focused sessions and targeted practice, many students see progress within a few weeks. Structured feedback and clear goals help track this improvement over time.