StudyGuru vs First Tutors: Comparing Tutoring Platforms for UK Parents
First Tutors is one of the longest-running UK tutoring directories, connecting families with local and online tutors across hundreds of subjects. StudyGuru takes a different approach: a managed online-only platform with standardised vetting, a built-in whiteboard, and AI-powered after-lesson reporting. This comparison helps parents understand which model suits their family.
Who this page is for
- Parents who have found tutors through First Tutors and want to compare managed alternatives
- Families who want more oversight and structure around lessons and progress
- Parents comparing directory-style platforms with managed tutoring services
- Anyone researching GCSE maths tutoring options across different platform types
Quick Comparison
| Feature | StudyGuru | First Tutors |
|---|---|---|
| Platform type | Managed online tutoring platform | Tutoring directory / marketplace |
| Introductory offer | £15 Starter Pack (4 sessions at £15 each) | Check website |
| Platform fees | Price shown is total price — no additional fees | One-off finder’s fee for tutor contact details |
| DBS checks | Enhanced DBS via Update Service or fresh uCheck application | Not mandatory — ID and references required |
| Lesson platform | Built-in whiteboard + HD video | Arranged independently by tutor |
| After-lesson reports | AI-generated automatically after every session | Depends on individual tutor |
| Payment handling | Through platform (Stripe) | Typically arranged directly with tutor |
| Subjects | STEM at GCSE and A-Level | Very wide range: all subjects and levels |
| In-person option | No — online only | Yes — online and in-person |
| Tutor selection | Vetted pool (1 in 14 accepted) | Open marketplace (ID-verified) |
When to Choose StudyGuru
StudyGuru is designed for parents who want the platform to handle vetting, lesson delivery, reporting, and payments. Every tutor passes our 7-step verification including an Enhanced DBS verification and a live teaching assessment. Lessons take place on our built-in interactive whiteboard with HD video. After every session, you receive an AI-generated lesson summary with progress tracking and practice recommendations. Payment is handled securely through the platform and is only captured after the lesson takes place. The £15 Starter Pack (4 sessions at £15 each) offers a low-risk starting point.
When to Choose First Tutors
First Tutors is a long-established directory with a large number of tutors across a very wide range of subjects and levels, from primary school to university and adult learning. If you are looking for in-person tutoring, niche subjects, or a tutor at a specific price point, First Tutors' directory model gives you a broad selection. Parents contact tutors directly and arrange lessons independently. This offers flexibility but means you manage the relationship yourself. Check the First Tutors website for their current fees and verification process.
Pricing & Fees
StudyGuru pricing starts from £24/hour after the Starter Pack — the price shown is the total price with no additional fees. New customers can claim the £15 Starter Pack (4 sessions at £15 each). First Tutors operates as a directory where tutors set their own rates (starting from around £9/hour). First Tutors charges a one-off finder's fee for parents to access tutor contact details. Check First Tutors' website for their current pricing model. For a full breakdown of tutoring costs, see our GCSE maths tutoring prices page.
Safeguarding & Vetting
StudyGuru requires every tutor to complete our 7-step verification process: identity verification, right to work confirmation, Enhanced DBS verification (via the Update Service or a fresh application through uCheck), physical certificate upload, database verification, a 20-minute live teaching assessment with trained assessors, and final safeguarding team approval. Approximately 1 in 14 applicants are accepted. First Tutors requires all tutors to provide photo ID, proof of address, and two references, which are reviewed by a compliance manager. However, DBS checks are not mandatory on First Tutors — some tutors may have one (often because they also work in schools) but the platform does not arrange or require them. Parents should review each tutor's credentials and First Tutors' current verification policies.
Lesson Experience
StudyGuru sessions happen on a purpose-built interactive whiteboard with HD video within the platform. After each lesson, AI generates a summary with topics covered, progress levels, and practice tasks. On First Tutors, lessons are arranged between parent and tutor. The tools, location, and format depend on the individual tutor. This gives flexibility but less standardisation.
Payments & Cancellations
StudyGuru handles payments through the platform via Stripe. Payment is authorised 24 hours before and captured 24 hours after each session. No contracts. On First Tutors, payment arrangements are typically made directly between parent and tutor. Check their website for any platform-level payment options.
How Tutors Are Vetted at StudyGuru
Every tutor who teaches on StudyGuru must pass a rigorous 7-step verification process before they can accept a single booking. The process begins with identity verification and a right-to-work check, confirming the tutor is legally permitted to work in the UK. Next comes the Enhanced DBS verification — we check the tutor's existing DBS certificate via the Update Service, or arrange a brand-new Enhanced DBS application through our partner uCheck if they do not have one. The tutor must also upload a physical photograph of their DBS certificate, which our team cross-references against the database check. The step that sets StudyGuru apart is the live teaching assessment. Every applicant completes a 20-minute observed lesson with one of our trained assessors, who evaluates their subject knowledge, teaching style, ability to explain concepts clearly, and safeguarding awareness. This is not a checkbox exercise — approximately 1 in 14 applicants make it through to final approval by our safeguarding team. The result is a smaller but carefully selected pool of tutors you can trust with your child. This is a key difference between the two models. First Tutors requires ID, proof of address, and references, but DBS checks are not mandatory on their platform. Some tutors listed on First Tutors may hold a DBS certificate — often because they also work in schools or other regulated settings — but the platform itself does not arrange or require Enhanced DBS verification as a condition of listing. On StudyGuru, no tutor can appear on the platform, message a family, or accept a booking without completing every step of the verification process, including the Enhanced DBS check and the live teaching assessment.
Real Parent Scenarios
If you want a fully managed experience where the platform handles vetting, lessons, and payments: StudyGuru is built for this. Every tutor is DBS-checked and assessment-approved, lessons happen on our interactive whiteboard, and payments are handled through the platform. You do not need to arrange anything independently — the platform manages the entire process from booking to after-lesson reporting. If your child needs structured GCSE support with progress visibility: StudyGuru's GCSE maths tutoring covers both Foundation and Higher tier across AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. After each session, AI generates a detailed lesson summary and practice tasks. Your progress tracking dashboard shows trends over time, current vs target grades, and exam dates — giving you a clear picture of where your child stands without having to chase the tutor for updates. If you've used a directory before and want more oversight: Many parents start with a directory like First Tutors because the flexibility is appealing. But managing safeguarding checks, lesson logistics, and progress tracking independently can become time-consuming. StudyGuru handles all of this through the platform. You can start with a free intro call to see whether the managed approach works better for your family.
What Makes the Lessons Different
StudyGuru lessons are built around our purpose-built interactive whiteboard. Unlike screen-sharing tools or generic video calls, the whiteboard lets both the tutor and student write, draw, annotate, and solve problems on the same canvas in real time. This is particularly valuable for maths, where working through equations step by step is more effective than watching someone talk through a slide deck. Integrated HD video means the tutor and student can see each other throughout the session, maintaining the personal connection that makes one-to-one tutoring effective. After every lesson, our AI analyses the session and generates a detailed summary for parents covering: what topics were taught, your child's current progress level (Struggling, Progressing, or Confident), key moments from the lesson, and specific practice recommendations. On First Tutors, lessons are arranged independently between the parent and tutor. The tools used, the location, and the format are entirely up to the individual tutor. Some directory tutors may use excellent tools; others may rely on basic video calls or in-person textbook work. There is no platform-level standardisation, which means the lesson experience can vary significantly from one tutor to the next. StudyGuru's approach ensures every lesson happens in the same high-quality environment with consistent after-lesson reporting via the parent dashboard.
Common Concerns Addressed
What's the difference between a directory and a managed platform? A directory like First Tutors connects you with tutors — you handle the relationship, payment, and logistics yourself. A managed platform like StudyGuru handles vetting, lesson delivery, payments, and after-lesson reporting through the platform. Think of it like the difference between finding a contractor on a listings site versus hiring through an agency that manages the whole process. Are directory tutors properly vetted? First Tutors requires ID, proof of address, and two references. However, Enhanced DBS checks are not mandatory on their platform. Some tutors may hold a DBS certificate, but it is not a requirement for listing. On StudyGuru, every tutor must complete an Enhanced DBS verification and pass a live teaching assessment before they can appear on the platform. How do I know what happens in the lesson? On StudyGuru, you receive an AI-generated lesson summary after every session with specific topics covered, progress levels, and practice recommendations. Your progress tracking dashboard shows trends over time. On a directory, reporting depends entirely on the individual tutor — some may send updates, others may not. What if I need to change tutors?On StudyGuru, switching tutors is straightforward and free. Let us know the match is not right and we will help find a better fit. There is no lock-in. On a directory, changing tutors means starting the search process again, paying another finder's fee, and vetting the new tutor yourself. You can start with a free intro call on StudyGuru to check the fit before committing.
Making the Switch from First Tutors
Switching from First Tutors to StudyGuru is straightforward. Start with a free 15-minute intro call to discuss your child's current level and goals with a StudyGuru tutor. There is no commitment at this stage. If you decide to proceed, the £15 Starter Pack gives you 4 full sessions at a reduced rate so you can experience the platform properly. Unlike a directory, there is no finder's fee on StudyGuru — the price shown is the total price. Everything is managed through the platform: vetting, scheduling, lesson delivery, payments, and progress tracking. There are no contracts, no minimum sessions, and no cancellation penalties. Many families who switch from directories find that the AI-generated lesson summaries and parent dashboard give them visibility they did not have before.
Trust & Safety
Enhanced DBS Checks
Fresh Enhanced DBS arranged via uCheck for every tutor
7-Step Vetting
Identity, qualifications, DBS, live teaching assessment, and safeguarding approval
Pay After Lessons
Payment captured 24 hours after each session via Stripe
Secure Platform
All sessions on our platform with moderated messaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
£15 Starter Pack · 4 sessions · No commitment
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