What Makes a Great Private Tutor? 6 Qualities to Look For

04/07/2025 / Private Tutoring

What Makes a Great Private Tutor?

The British education system has become increasingly competitive, with parents seeking every opportunity to support their child’s academic growth. Whether it’s preparing for the 11+, bridging gaps in maths, or enhancing essay-writing for GCSE English, the right private tutor can make a transformative difference.

In today’s academic landscape, many parents are turning to private tuition to bolster their children’s educational outcomes. According to the Sutton Trust’s 2023 report, “Tutoring: The New Landscape,” 30% of young people aged 11–16 have received private tuition, up from 27% pre-pandemic, marking the highest level since their surveys began in 2005.

This increasing reliance on private tutoring reflects a growing awareness among families that tailored, one-to-one support can provide personalised learning experiences that schools, often stretched for time and resources, may not be able to offer.

So, what makes a great private tutor? Here are the six essential qualities every parent should look for.

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In-Depth Subject Knowledge

First and foremost, a great private tutor knows their subject inside and out. This doesn’t simply mean holding a degree in maths, English, or science — though academic qualifications are certainly important. What truly sets an exceptional tutor apart is their comprehensive understanding of the current national curriculum, including updates to Key Stage 2 SATs, GCSEs, A-levels, and other standardised assessments. They should be fully aware of exam board specifications — such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, and WJEC — and understand how those specifications impact the structure of exams, grading schemes, and required techniques for top marks.

A tutor with this depth of subject knowledge brings much more to the table than just homework support. They can deepen a child’s conceptual understanding, encourage higher-order thinking, and expose pupils to the kind of extended challenges that go beyond textbook learning. This is particularly crucial when preparing for competitive exams such as the 11+, GCSEs, or university entrance assessments like the UCAT or BMAT. These tutors also recognise the skills demanded under timed conditions, such as time management, planning extended answers, and working under pressure — and they explicitly teach strategies to handle these.

Moreover, such expertise translates directly into increased student confidence. When a child knows their tutor truly understands the subject, it fosters trust. Clear, accurate guidance eliminates confusion, consolidates prior knowledge, and opens pathways to new learning. For children who may have struggled in the classroom or fallen behind during school closures, this clarity can be transformative.

According to the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), one-to-one tuition is most effective when delivered by someone with “high levels of expertise” who can align their instruction with school-based learning objectives. This alignment ensures that tuition isn’t operating in a vacuum but is reinforcing and extending what’s being taught in school, thereby maximising its impact.

In short, a great tutor doesn’t just ‘know’ their subject — they live it, adapt it, and teach it in ways that help your child not only pass but thrive.

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Effective Communication

Academic knowledge on its own isn’t enough — a truly great tutor must be able to communicate effectively and with purpose. This means much more than speaking clearly or being articulate. Effective communication involves the ability to explain complex ideas in simple, relatable terms, to listen attentively, and to adapt one’s delivery based on the learner’s reactions.

Children often struggle not because the material is too hard, but because it hasn’t been presented in a way that makes sense to them. A skilled tutor knows when to rephrase, when to pause, and when to check for understanding. They might use analogies, diagrams, or real-world examples — whatever helps the child grasp the concept. This flexibility is a hallmark of excellent communication and is vital in tailoring sessions to the individual needs of the student.

Communication is also about building a rapport. A child who feels safe and respected is more likely to engage, ask questions, and admit when they don’t understand something. Great tutors establish a warm, encouraging tone that helps even the most hesitant learner open up. This kind of environment fosters curiosity and confidence — two essential ingredients for academic growth.

Equally important is how the tutor interacts with you as a parent. The best private tutors offer regular, constructive feedback on your child’s progress. This might take the form of informal updates at the end of a session, periodic written summaries, or occasional meetings to discuss long-term goals. This transparent communication ensures that you remain informed and involved, and it provides opportunities to align tutoring sessions with classroom learning or specific concerns raised at school.

Tutors who communicate well don’t just improve understanding — they build confidence, resilience, and a sense of shared ownership over learning. These are qualities that will benefit your child far beyond the tutoring session.

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Patience and Empathy

When a child is struggling academically, the issue is often as much emotional as it is intellectual. This is why empathy and patience are not optional — they are essential traits for any tutor working with children and young people.

Empathy is the ability to see things from the pupil’s perspective. A great tutor takes the time to understand the student’s learning journey, including past setbacks, current fears, and future aspirations. They recognise when a child is frustrated, overwhelmed, or simply tired, and they respond with compassion rather than judgement. This sensitivity allows the tutor to adjust their approach in real time — perhaps by slowing down, revisiting a concept, or even switching tactics altogether to re-engage attention.

Patience goes hand in hand with empathy. Children need time to learn, and that process often involves mistakes, repetition, and moments of uncertainty. Tutors who are patient create a non-judgmental learning environment where questions are welcomed and wrong answers are viewed as stepping stones, not failures. This kind of approach is particularly important for pupils with special educational needs (SEN), those experiencing anxiety, or students who have had negative experiences in traditional classroom settings.

Furthermore, patient tutors don’t panic when progress seems slow. They understand that academic development is not always linear. Some weeks your child may make great strides; other times, they may plateau or even regress slightly. A tutor with genuine patience stays the course, calmly guiding the student back on track while maintaining high expectations and a positive outlook.

Ultimately, when a tutor shows empathy and patience, they send a powerful message to your child: “You are capable, and I’m here to help you get there.” That message alone can work wonders for a learner’s mindset and motivation.

Request your private, online tutor here >

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Tailored Approach to Every Learner

One of the most important qualities of an outstanding private tutor is the ability to adapt. Every child learns differently, and a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work when it comes to education. Great tutors take the time to identify how each individual student processes and retains information. Then, they tailor their teaching methods to suit.

Some pupils are visual learners who understand concepts better when they are presented through diagrams, charts, or colour-coded notes. Others are auditory learners who benefit from talking things through or listening to explanations. Kinaesthetic learners, on the other hand, may require a more hands-on approach — such as practical examples, role-playing, or physical activities — to truly grasp a subject.

A skilled tutor uses this knowledge not just to keep the child engaged, but to make learning more efficient. They might experiment in early sessions, trying a variety of techniques to see what resonates best. Once the tutor discovers what works, they build on those preferences while continuing to stretch the child’s ability to work in less comfortable modes. For example, a visual learner may be encouraged to develop their note-taking or verbal reasoning skills to prepare for exam conditions.

Adaptability is also about responding to the child’s energy, emotions, and focus levels in the moment. After a long school day, a pupil may arrive tired or distracted. A responsive tutor can shift gears quickly — introducing a short quiz to boost focus or breaking up a longer explanation into manageable chunks. They are attuned to subtle cues, such as fidgeting or disengagement, and can switch methods without disrupting the learning flow.

Moreover, good tutors adapt their lesson structure to align with school topics, upcoming tests, or real-time feedback from the child. If a student suddenly struggles with fractions at school or needs help preparing for a spelling test, the tutor can pivot that week’s session to provide immediate support.

Parents often notice a visible change in their child when a tutor takes this adaptive approach. Sessions become something to look forward to, not dread. Children feel understood, not boxed into a rigid plan. And most importantly, they start to see themselves as learners who can succeed — because the teaching finally matches the way their minds work.

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Strong Organisational Skills

Behind every effective tutoring session lies thoughtful organisation. A great tutor doesn’t just show up and see what happens — they arrive prepared, with a clear plan, relevant materials, and a structured approach that reflects the individual needs of your child.

Organisational skills are about more than neat lesson notes. A well-organised tutor takes a strategic view of your child’s learning journey. They begin by identifying academic strengths and weaknesses, then set achievable short- and long-term goals. From there, they design sessions that build gradually on prior knowledge, making sure each topic is properly embedded before moving on. This structured progression helps to prevent gaps in understanding and promotes confidence over time.

Tutors who are organised also make excellent use of time. They arrive punctually, make transitions between tasks smoothly, and keep sessions focused without rushing. They ensure that each minute is purposeful — whether it’s reviewing past content, introducing new material, or giving your child a chance to reflect and ask questions.

For exam preparation, this quality becomes even more valuable. A well-prepared tutor can create a revision timetable, map out which topics to cover week by week, and provide past papers, mark schemes, or timed questions. They track how your child performs under exam conditions and adjust their instruction accordingly — offering additional practice where needed or changing the pace if progress stalls.

Outside of lesson time, organised tutors maintain clear communication with parents. They might offer regular updates on what was covered, what’s coming next, and how the student is progressing against their goals. Some tutors also use digital tools or apps to share resources, upload feedback, or keep a record of completed topics and assessment scores. This transparency helps everyone stay aligned and builds trust between the tutor, parent, and pupil.

In short, a great tutor creates structure — not just within a single session, but across the entire learning experience. This sense of continuity and purpose is especially helpful for children who find it hard to focus or manage their own time, and it ensures that every tutoring session makes a measurable difference.

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A Motivational and Inspiring Presence

Great tutors don’t just teach. They inspire.

While academic skills and preparation are essential, it’s often a tutor’s ability to motivate and inspire that leaves the most lasting impression on a child. The best tutors do more than help with schoolwork — they help pupils rediscover their potential, develop self-belief, and approach learning with a positive attitude.

Children, particularly those who have experienced academic difficulties or setbacks, can easily fall into the trap of thinking they’re simply “not good at maths” or “bad at writing.” A great tutor actively works to challenge those limiting beliefs. They do this by celebrating small wins, reinforcing progress, and setting achievable milestones that build a sense of success early on. These wins, no matter how minor they may seem, are powerful. They shift the child’s mindset from frustration to confidence, from avoidance to engagement.

An inspiring tutor also brings energy and enthusiasm to every session. They show genuine interest in the subject and convey it in ways that make learning enjoyable, rather than a chore. Their passion can be contagious — sparking curiosity in even the most reluctant learners. When a child sees that their tutor finds a topic exciting or meaningful, they are far more likely to engage with it themselves.

Motivation isn’t just about being upbeat. It’s about helping the child understand why their efforts matter. A tutor might connect a topic to the child’s personal interests, future aspirations, or real-world applications. For example, a student who enjoys sport might learn about ratios and statistics through football scores or Olympic times. A child interested in fashion might explore geometry through fabric patterns. By making learning relevant, tutors help pupils see its value beyond the classroom.

The most impactful tutors often act as mentors as well as educators. They offer encouragement during moments of doubt, provide perspective when things go wrong, and model resilience by showing how setbacks can be overcome. These are the soft skills that stay with a child long after the tuition ends — confidence, perseverance, and a willingness to try again.

Parents frequently report that a good tutor not only improves academic performance but also improves their child’s attitude toward school, their willingness to complete homework independently, and even their overall mood. That’s the result of inspiration at work — and it’s every bit as important as test scores.

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Get Expert Support: Request a Private Tutor Today

If you’re considering one-to-one tuition for your child, it’s important to choose a provider that understands not just the academic side of tutoring, but also the emotional and developmental aspects that make it truly effective.

At Principal Tutors, we offer one-to-one private tuition that’s tailored to your child’s unique learning needs. Our experienced tutors are all UK-qualified teachers who work with pupils across a wide range of subjects and key stages.

As a multi-award-winning tuition provider, we make it easy to get started. Our Tutor-Match service ensures your child is paired with a tutor who suits their learning style and academic goals. Lessons are delivered online for convenience and can be scheduled flexibly to fit around your family routine. With our simple pay-as-you-go pricing, you only pay for the lessons you need—no long-term commitment required.

All tutors are DBS-checked, ensuring a safe, professional learning environment every step of the way.

Request a tutor today or give us a call on 0800 772 0974 and give your child the tailored support they need to thrive.