How to Find the Right Maths Tutor

It's not just about qualifications

When most parents start looking for a maths tutor, they focus on credentials — degrees, teaching qualifications, years of experience. Those things matter, of course, and I'll talk about them below. But in my experience, the single most important factor in whether tutoring works is something much simpler: does the student connect with the tutor?

I've seen highly qualified tutors fail to make progress with a student because the chemistry wasn't there, and I've seen less experienced tutors do brilliant work because they built a genuine rapport. When a student feels comfortable with their tutor — when they trust them, feel safe asking "stupid" questions, and actually look forward to sessions — the learning follows naturally.

So by all means check the CV. But don't underestimate the value of a good personal connection. If you're still weighing up whether tutoring is the right step in the first place, I've written a separate guide on whether you should get a maths tutor that might help you decide.

Qualified teacher vs university student — both have their place

This is one of the first decisions parents face, and the honest answer is that both options can work. It just depends on what you need.

When a university student is a good fit

If your child is generally motivated, doing reasonably well at school, and just needs someone to troubleshoot specific problems — the odd tricky topic, some help with homework, someone to explain things a second time — then a university student can be excellent. They're often closer in age to your child (which can help with rapport), they tend to be more affordable, and if they're studying maths or a related subject, they'll know the content inside out.

The key requirement is that the student is already fairly self-directed. A university tutor is great at answering questions and working through problems together, but they're less likely to have the experience to build a structured long-term plan or identify deep-rooted gaps.

When a full-time tutor or qualified teacher is a better choice

If your child needs end-to-end coaching — a structured plan, accountability, regular progress tracking, and someone who can diagnose and address underlying issues — then a full-time tutor or experienced teacher is usually the better investment.

Full-time tutors have typically seen hundreds of students and can quickly identify patterns. They know the exam boards, they understand how topics connect, and they have systems for tracking progress and keeping students on course. They're also more likely to communicate regularly with parents, which makes a real difference.

I've been teaching for over 15 years, and the breadth of that experience is probably the most valuable thing I bring. I've worked with students of all abilities, in all kinds of settings, and I've seen what works. That pattern recognition is hard to replicate without years of practice.

The bottom line

There's no universal right answer. A motivated sixth-former who needs help with a few tricky A-Level topics might do brilliantly with a strong maths undergraduate. A Year 10 student who's lost confidence and has gaps going back to Year 7 probably needs a more experienced hand. Think about what your child actually needs, and choose accordingly. If it helps, you can see how I approach each level on my GCSE Maths tutoring and A-Level Maths tutoring pages.

Online vs in-person — what's better?

This is a question I get asked constantly, and my honest answer is that online tutoring is just as effective as in-person for most students, and in many ways it's more practical. I've written a full guide on online vs in-person maths tuition if you want the detailed comparison.

I work almost exclusively online, and here's what I've found:

The advantages of online

• No travel time. For either party. This makes scheduling much more flexible.
• Access to the best tutors. You're not limited to whoever happens to live nearby. You can find the right tutor for your child regardless of geography.
• Professional digital tools. I use a graphics tablet, interactive graphing software, calculator emulators, and a digital whiteboard. Students see everything in real time, and the visual quality is actually better than scribbling on paper in someone's living room.
• Students are comfortable at home. For students who are anxious or shy, being in their own space can make a real difference to how relaxed and engaged they are.

When in-person might be better

For very young students (primary age), in-person can be easier because the tutor can physically point to things, use manipulatives, and maintain engagement more easily. Some students with particular SEN needs may also benefit from being in the same room.

But for the vast majority of GCSE and A-Level students, online works brilliantly. Most of my students actually prefer it once they've tried it.

What to expect from a first session

If you've found a tutor who seems like a good fit, the first session should feel like a conversation, not an exam. Here's what a good introductory session typically looks like:

• Getting to know each other. The tutor should take time to build a rapport with the student. This isn't wasted time — it's the foundation for everything that follows.
• Understanding the situation. What's going well? What's causing difficulty? What are the goals? A good tutor will ask thoughtful questions and listen carefully.
• A bit of maths. Usually the tutor will work through a few problems with the student, partly to see where they're at and partly to give the student a taste of what sessions will be like.
• A clear next step. By the end of the session, there should be a sense of what a plan might look like and what the next steps are. No pressure to commit on the spot.

The most important thing is how the student feels afterwards. Did they feel listened to? Were they comfortable asking questions? Did they feel encouraged rather than judged? If the answer is yes, you've probably found a good fit.