Parent question list
Best Questions to Ask a GCSE Tutor Before Booking
Good tutoring starts with clear expectations. These questions help parents move beyond a friendly first impression and check whether the tutor or tutoring service can support the learner safely and usefully.
Published and reviewed by Learnova · 4 July 2026
Questions about subject fit
Start by checking whether the tutor understands the learner's exact course. GCSE support can vary by subject, exam board, tier and the kind of gap the student has.
- Which GCSE subjects and levels do you teach most often?
- Do you understand AQA, Pearson Edexcel or OCR requirements for this subject?
- Can you support Foundation or Higher tier if relevant?
- Which topics would you check first after hearing my child's goals?
Questions about the first session
A useful first session should diagnose needs, not simply run through a generic lesson. Ask how the tutor will find gaps and how they will decide the next step.
- How will you check what my child already understands?
- Will the lesson include practice questions?
- How will you explain mistakes without knocking confidence?
- What should my child bring to the session?
Questions about progress
Progress should be described with evidence, not vague reassurance. Look for clearer explanations, fewer repeated mistakes, better independent practice and improved confidence attempting unfamiliar questions.
- How will you tell us what improved?
- What work should happen between lessons?
- How often should we review the plan?
- What happens if the pace or teaching style is not right?
Questions about safety, price and boundaries
Parents should understand who manages contact, where lessons happen, what is recorded or stored, and what the current price includes. Avoid pressure tactics and guaranteed-grade promises.
- What safeguarding process is used?
- How are tutor identity and suitability checked?
- What is the current price and lesson length?
- Are there cancellation rules or extra fees?
- Who do I contact if I have a concern?
Common questions
What is the most important question to ask a GCSE tutor?
Ask how they will identify the learner's actual gaps before teaching. This shows whether the lesson will be tailored rather than generic.
Should I ask about exam boards?
Yes. The tutor should understand the learner's subject, tier and specification, especially for exam technique and topic coverage.
Can a tutor guarantee a grade?
No responsible tutor should guarantee a grade. Progress depends on teaching, attendance, practice, exam conditions and the learner's starting point.
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