Is a tutor right for my child?

David @ MyTutorElite
Jun 25
2 min read

Expert Advice from MyTutorElite – Specialist in 11+ and ISEB Pre-Test Preparation

At MyTutorElite, I believe tutoring should be purposeful. Whether you’re trying to prepare your child for the ISEB Pre-Test, improve exam performance, or support a specific academic gap, having a clear objective is key. Without one, hiring a private tutor might not be necessary. If you’re unsure about the reason for getting a tutor, it’s possible your child simply doesn’t need one yet.

When Do Families Use a Tutor?

Here are some of the most common situations where parents turn to MyTutorElite for expert tuition:

Year 3 tutoring: To ensure your child is ready for prep school assessments and early interview preparation.
Year 5–6 tutoring: For 11+ exam preparation, grammar school entrance exams, or the ISEB Pre-Test for selective independent schools. These usually assess English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
Year 6 tutoring: To build strong foundations in KS2 English and maths before the Key Stage 2 SATs.
Common Entrance exam help: Especially in traditionally difficult subjects like Latin, science, or algebra.
GCSE tuition: For targeted support in specific subjects to raise predicted grades.
Following a poor report or exam result: To regain confidence and close learning gaps.
Post-illness or family disruption: When your child needs help catching up after time off school.
Learning difficulties: If you suspect or have a diagnosis of a special educational need, such as dyslexia or ADHD.

When NOT to Hire a Tutor

It may seem counterintuitive for a tutor to say this, but there are actually some cases where tutoring is unnecessary or even unhelpful:

Children under 5: No formal academic testing takes place before this age. Schools focus on how a child plays, listens, and socialises—not on academic performance. Tutoring for toddlers or preschoolers is unnecessary, and parents should be wary of services that promote it.
Over-coaching for reasoning tests: Listen to the school and your tutor. More and more tuition isn't always the answer.
Following the crowd: Parents often hire tutors because “everyone else is.” But effective tutoring should be goal-led, not trend-driven. If there’s no clear academic need, the pressure can be counterproductive.

Do This Before You Book a Tutor

Sometimes, a dip in school performance isn’t about ability—it’s about wellbeing. Before searching for a tutor, try these simple but powerful strategies:

Establish a bedtime routine: Tired children can’t focus well.
Regular meals: A hungry brain doesn’t retain information.
Limit screens: Shut down devices at least an hour before bedtime.
Support learning at home: Read together and casually go through a few maths problems or comprehension tasks.

At MyTutorElite, I always encourage a balanced approach. Play, sleep, reading, and conversation at home are just as vital to academic success as formal tuition.