How do I choose a good tutor for my child?

Look for four things: a recent DBS check, strong subject and exam-board knowledge, a free trial lesson and genuine reviews. Every GoStudent tutor in the UK provides a DBS certificate no older than 12 months, we match your child with one of more than 23,000 tutors for their subject, year group and goal, and the first trial lesson is free. GoStudent is rated 4.4 out of 5 on Trustpilot from over 28,000 reviews.

DBS certificate no older than 12 months
23,000+ tutors from primary to A-level
Free trial lesson before you commit

What to check before you book

Checklist for choosing a tutor, last updated November 2026
DBS checkDBS certificate no older than 12 months for every UK tutorAsk to see a recent certificate
Subject and exam boardMatched to subject, year group and exam boardAsk which boards they know
TrialFree trial lessonAsk for a first lesson to try
If it is not a fitWe suggest another tutorStart your search again
ReviewsTrustpilot 4.4 out of 5, over 28,000 reviewsAsk for references
Results93% of students improve their gradesAsk about past results

Last updated: November 2026.

Questions to ask a tutor before booking

  1. Do you hold a recent DBS certificate?

  2. Which exam boards and specifications do you know, for example AQA, Edexcel or OCR?

  3. How will you find out where my child is stuck?

  4. How will you plan towards the test, mock or exam?

  5. How will you keep me updated on progress?

Which tutor suits which child?

An experienced tutor suits exams and bigger gaps

For GCSE, A-level or the 11+, tell us you would like a tutor with exam experience and we will suggest one. Read how GoStudent works and see our prices.

A university student suits motivation and regular support

Students are close to the material and to your child's age, which many children find motivating.

Your child has additional needs?

See SEND tutoring and tutoring for dyslexia.

Frequently asked questions about choosing a tutor

Does a private tutor in the UK legally need a DBS check?
What qualifications should a GCSE tutor have?
Is a qualified teacher always better than a university student as a tutor?
What questions should I ask a tutor before booking lessons?
How can I tell after the first lesson whether a tutor is a good fit?
Are GoStudent tutors DBS checked?
How much does a GoStudent tutor cost?