Choosing private tuition: things to be wary of

Here at A1 Tutors, we’re committed to ensuring you receive a first class education of the highest standard. If you decide to have private tuition, there’s a number of things we think you should be aware of when considering other agencies:

Video tuition
Companies who appear to be advertising personal tuition but who in fact offer video courses. Such companies tend not to give much away when you phone them, preferring to send a representative who then uses hard sell techniques to rope you into a long-term commitment costing upwards of a thousand pounds.

References
Agencies and teachers who refuse to provide references and screening documents, usually claiming “breach of confidence”. Genuine agencies will have no hesitation in disclosing all of these documents, as it involves no extra work to include a line in the original request asking referees to mark their references “confidential” if they don’t want others to see it. It’s then up to the agency to acquire additional references that can be disclosed.

Free assessments
Be wary of these (as opposed to a free lesson) as you can find yourself spending time with somebody who will not be your teacher but a “consultant” or “representative” whose job it is to persuade you to sign up for a long-term commitment. Quality tuition doesn’t need salesmanship. Once you see how helpful the teacher is, the service sells itself.

Classes
Always make sure that if you’re expecting individual tuition, that’s what you get. If you’re booking for class or group tuition, it should be clarified in advance, and the price should reflect the number of students.

Unqualified teachers
Some people think that having an ‘A’ level means that they can teach! Some agencies feel that a qualified teacher of an ‘A’ level subject can teach at primary level. Accept nothing less than a person qualified to teach at the level you require. In doubt? Request certificates

For more information about private tuition, take a look at our Private tuition and home schooling F.A.Q, or click here to contact us.