Do you know exactly who will teach your child?
Ask whether the same person will teach consistently and who provides cover when they are unavailable.
Comparison Checklist
Tutor comparison checklist.
Use this independent checklist to compare tutoring options side-by-side. Focus on the practical details that actually impact learning, rather than marketing promises.
Private & Local
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Criteria
What to look for.
Who is teaching?
Do you know exactly who will teach your child?
Ask whether the same person will teach consistently and who provides cover when they are unavailable.
Are they a qualified teacher with relevant experience?
Subject knowledge is not the same as knowing how to teach a struggling child.
Can they clearly explain their DBS and safeguarding arrangements?
Ask how checks, supervision, communication and concerns are handled.
The Approach
Is there a proper diagnostic assessment before starting?
Ask how the provider identifies strengths, gaps and a sensible starting point.
Is the work genuinely planned for your child?
Ask how the level, explanation, pace and next task respond to the learner.
Are group sizes strictly limited?
Ask how many learners one teacher supports and what happens when several need help.
Feedback & Fit
Is there a clear way to track progress?
Ask what will be reviewed, how often, and how progress will be explained.
Are the total costs completely clear?
Watch out for hidden registration fees, material costs, or platform charges.
Are they honest about their limitations?
Be cautious of guaranteed grades, instant results or claims to diagnose or treat conditions.
Private Notes
Observations, gut feelings, or things to follow up on.
Who is teaching?
Are they a qualified teacher with relevant experience?
Subject knowledge is not the same as knowing how to teach a struggling child.
Can they clearly explain their DBS and safeguarding arrangements?
Ask how checks, supervision, communication and concerns are handled.
The Approach
Is there a proper diagnostic assessment before starting?
Ask how the provider identifies strengths, gaps and a sensible starting point.
Is the work genuinely planned for your child?
Ask how the level, explanation, pace and next task respond to the learner.
Are group sizes strictly limited?
Ask how many learners one teacher supports and what happens when several need help.
Feedback & Fit
Is there a clear way to track progress?
Ask what will be reviewed, how often, and how progress will be explained.
Are the total costs completely clear?
Watch out for hidden registration fees, material costs, or platform charges.
Are they honest about their limitations?
Be cautious of guaranteed grades, instant results or claims to diagnose or treat conditions.
Private notes
The Kip McGrath Model
For reference, here is how we answer these questions at our Darlington centre:
- Teachers: Qualified, experienced and DBS checked.
- Starting point: A free educational assessment before any recommendation.
- Group size: Maximum of four students per teacher.
- Lessons: Structured 60-minute lessons with individual work and direct one-to-one teacher help.
- Cost: Tuition starts from £37.
- Limitations: No guaranteed grades or fixed progress timeline.
For more context, read what to ask before choosing a tutor.
Created by Kip McGrath Darlington's teaching team. Last reviewed: 5 September 2026.