It’s a question most parents ask themselves at some point: “Does my child need a tutor?” Maybe you’ve noticed them slipping behind in class, dreading homework, or losing confidence. Maybe you’re worried about GCSEs on the horizon. Or perhaps you’re wondering if extra support might be too much pressure.
The truth is, tutoring can be life-changing for some children — but it’s not always the right answer, and it’s certainly not the only one. In some cases, your child might just need time, encouragement, or small changes at school. In others, targeted support from a tutor can unlock progress and confidence faster than you imagined.
In this guide, we’ll explore seven key signs that tutoring might help your child, along with situations where it might not be the best solution. You’ll also learn how to choose the right tutor and make tutoring work for your family. Throughout, we’ll keep the focus on what matters most: helping your child feel confident, capable, and supported in their learning journey.
1. Your child is consistently falling behind — and school support isn’t enough
Every child has ups and downs at school, but if your child is consistently struggling to meet expectations despite good attendance and effort, tutoring may help.
For example, imagine an 11-year-old named Ethan. Despite attending all his lessons and trying hard, his reading level is still two years below expected. His teacher is offering extra phonics support, but Ethan needs more one-to-one attention than the classroom can provide. A tutor focusing on targeted reading strategies could help him catch up and, crucially, rebuild his confidence.
Before deciding, talk to the teacher and SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) to understand what support is already in place and whether additional tutoring would complement it. Under the SEND Code of Practice, schools must provide help based on a child’s needs, even without a formal diagnosis. Tutoring should be seen as an addition to school support, not a replacement.
When tutoring might not be needed:
If the school is already offering high-quality intervention and your child is responding well, adding tutoring might not add much value — and could risk overwhelming them.
For more on how support in schools works, see our Ultimate Guide to SEN Support and EHCPs for Parents.
2. Homework is becoming a battle
Homework shouldn’t be a daily struggle. Yet many parents find themselves spending evenings negotiating, coaxing, or even arguing just to get it done. If your child becomes anxious, frustrated, or avoids homework altogether, that’s often a sign that they’re finding the work too hard — or don’t have the right strategies to tackle it.
A tutor can help break this cycle by teaching how to learn, not just what to learn. They might show your child how to plan tasks, break questions into smaller steps, or use revision techniques that actually stick. Over time, this builds independence and reduces stress for everyone.
Take Mia, a Year 8 pupil whose parents dreaded homework time. She’d sit at the table for hours, barely writing anything. A few weeks with a tutor transformed her approach: she learned how to plan essays in short steps and gained confidence in tackling tasks. Homework stopped being a battle — and her family’s evenings were much calmer.
When tutoring might not be needed:
If homework stress stems from issues like poor sleep, anxiety, or too many extracurricular commitments, those root causes should be addressed first. A tutor can’t fix burnout.
3. Confidence and motivation are slipping
Confidence is often the hidden key to learning. Once a child starts believing they’re “bad” at maths or “can’t” write essays, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Tutoring can interrupt that cycle by providing a safe, low-pressure space to succeed — often in ways the classroom can’t.
A good tutor celebrates small wins and helps pupils see progress. That sense of achievement builds motivation, which in turn leads to more effort and better outcomes.
Consider Jacob, a bright Year 5 pupil who had convinced himself he “just couldn’t do maths.” After a few weeks of personalised tutoring focusing on his strengths, he began to enjoy maths again. By the end of the term, his teacher noticed a clear improvement in both his skills and his attitude.
When tutoring might not be needed:
If motivation is low because your child is bored or unchallenged, they might need more stimulating work in class rather than additional tutoring. Speak with the teacher first.
For more ideas on boosting children’s resilience and confidence, see Building resilience in children: Everyday strategies that work.
4. There’s a key transition or high-stakes exam coming up
Big transitions — such as moving from primary to secondary school, or preparing for GCSEs — can be overwhelming. Tutoring during these periods can help children adjust to new expectations and develop essential skills before they’re under pressure.
For instance, Year 6 pupils preparing for SATs often benefit from targeted revision sessions, not just to boost results but to build familiarity with exam-style questions. Similarly, Year 10 or 11 pupils can use tutoring to strengthen weaker areas before GCSEs rather than cramming at the last minute.
A real-world example: Sofia, a Year 11 student, was on track for a 4 in English but needed a 5 for her college course. Working weekly with a tutor helped her focus on exam technique and essay structure — and she achieved that all-important grade.
When tutoring might not be needed:
If your child is already confident, achieving well, and receiving structured support at school, extra tutoring could add unnecessary pressure.
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has found that tutoring can add up to five months of progress in a year — especially when focused and time-limited, such as leading up to exams.
5. Your child has a learning difference like dyslexia or ADHD
Children with specific learning differences such as dyslexia or ADHD can benefit hugely from tutoring that’s tailored to their needs. Specialist tutors understand how to break learning into manageable chunks, use multisensory strategies, and build confidence alongside skills.
For example, a child with dyslexia might work with a tutor who teaches spelling through morphology (understanding roots and suffixes) and uses assistive technology like text-to-speech tools. Over time, reading and writing become less of a struggle — and self-esteem improves too.
However, it’s important to coordinate with the school’s SENCO to ensure tutoring complements existing support. And remember: under UK law, schools must provide support based on need, regardless of whether there’s a formal diagnosis.
For a deeper dive into supporting dyslexic pupils, read The Ultimate Guide to Dyslexia in Schools (coming soon).
When tutoring might not be needed:
If your child is already making steady progress with school-based support, extra tutoring might not add much — and specialist help (e.g. speech and language therapy or educational psychology) may be more appropriate.
6. You’re unable to give consistent support at home
Not every parent has the time, confidence, or subject knowledge to support their child’s learning at home — and that’s okay. Life is busy, and the curriculum has changed significantly since most of us were in school. If you find homework sessions stressful for both you and your child, bringing in a tutor might reduce tension and improve outcomes.
Tutors can also model effective learning strategies that children then apply independently. Over time, this builds their self-sufficiency — and takes the pressure off parents.
A real example: One London family hired a maths tutor not because their son was struggling badly, but because homework was damaging their relationship. With the tutor’s support, maths improved and family evenings became more positive.
When tutoring might not be needed:
If your child is self-motivated and you can provide structure (like a regular homework routine and access to online resources), tutoring might be unnecessary.
7. Your child wants to stretch themselves further
Tutoring isn’t just for catching up — it’s also valuable for pupils who are doing well but want to go further. Some children are naturally ambitious or passionate about a subject and want more challenge than the classroom can provide.
For example, a Year 9 student who loves science might work with a tutor to explore GCSE-level topics early or prepare for competitions. A strong English student could refine essay-writing skills ahead of A-levels.
This kind of enrichment tutoring can keep high-achieving pupils engaged and motivated, and it can help them stand out in future applications for selective schools, scholarships, or university courses.
When tutoring might not be needed:
If your child’s school already offers extension activities, clubs, or mentoring that stretch them appropriately, tutoring may be unnecessary.
When Not to Get a Tutor
Tutoring isn’t always the answer. Here are a few situations where it’s worth pausing before you invest:
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The root cause is non-academic. If your child’s struggles stem from anxiety, bullying, or poor wellbeing, tutoring won’t fix the problem. Address those issues first — perhaps with support from the school or organisations like NSPCC.
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They’re already overwhelmed. If schoolwork and extracurricular activities are leaving them exhausted, adding tutoring could do more harm than good. Focus on balance and wellbeing.
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They need time to develop naturally. Some children, especially in early primary years, progress at different rates. If there’s no ongoing concern, they might just need time.
Remember: tutoring is a tool, not a cure-all. The right support at the right time can be transformative — but unnecessary tutoring can waste money, add stress, and even damage confidence.
Choosing the Right Tutor
If you decide tutoring is the right step, choosing the right person matters. Look for tutors who:
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Understand the UK curriculum and key stage expectations.
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Are experienced with children of your child’s age and needs.
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Use engaging, evidence-based methods — not rote drilling.
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Communicate clearly with you and coordinate with your child’s school where possible.
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Have safeguarding checks in place (ask about their DBS certificate).
You can find tutors through school recommendations, trusted agencies, or platforms that vet their tutors carefully. Always ask for references and, if possible, arrange a trial session.
Final Thoughts: Tutoring Should Empower, Not Pressure
Tutoring can be a powerful way to help a child catch up, build confidence, or reach new heights — but only when it’s the right tool for the situation. Sometimes, the solution is closer collaboration with your child’s school or small changes to routines at home. Other times, a skilled tutor can make the difference between frustration and success.
The key is to stay focused on your child’s individual needs. Ask yourself:
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Are they struggling despite support?
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Is their confidence low?
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Are they preparing for a big transition?
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Do they want more challenge?
If the answer is yes to one or more of these, tutoring could be a great next step.
At its best, tutoring doesn’t just boost grades — it helps children rediscover their confidence, rebuild their love of learning, and believe in what they can achieve.
