Summer can be a turning point in your child’s academic journey. Whether they are catching up after a difficult year, preparing for exams, or aiming to deepen their understanding, the right tutor can make all the difference. With so many tutoring options available: online, in-person, private, group, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
How do you know which tutor is the right fit?
At Apollo Scholars, we help families across the UK and internationally by providing expert tuition that delivers results. This guide walks you through the key questions every parent should ask before hiring a tutor this summer, and how Apollo Scholars meets each one with excellence.
Why Summer Is the Ideal Time to Start Tutoring
Summer is more than just a break. It is a valuable window to:
- Close learning gaps
- Boost confidence
- Get ahead for the next academic year
- Prepare for GCSEs, A-Levels, 11+, or school entrance exams
However, the key to success lies in choosing a tutor who is qualified, aligned with your goals and skilled at engaging your child.
10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Tutor
1. What are the tutor’s qualifications and subject expertise?
It is essential to ensure your tutor is not just smart but also qualified to teach. Look for:
- A university degree (ideally in the subject they are tutoring)
- Experience with the UK curriculum
- A track record of working with students at your child’s level
At Apollo Scholars, we are subject-matter experts who are DBS (Enhanced)-checked and deeply experienced with UK exam boards.
2. How is the tutoring personalised to your child?
Every student learns differently. A top tutor will:
- Adapt their teaching style (visual, verbal, written)
- Identify strengths and weaknesses early
- Create tailored lesson plans and homework
Apollo Scholars delivers fully personalised learning to match your child’s goals, whether it is achieving a Grade 9 in GCSE Maths or building confidence in essay writing.
3. What curriculum and exam boards do they follow?
UK students are assessed through specific exam boards like AQA, OCR and Edexcel. Your tutor should be familiar with the content, structure and grading criteria of your child’s board.
We have a wide range of experience with exam boards, including:
- AQA, Edexcel, OCR, CIE, WJEC
- IB, IGCSE
- 11+, 13+, and Common Entrance exams
We make sure your child is prepared for the exact format they will face.
4. Do they provide regular progress updates?
A great tutor will:
- Set clear learning objectives
- Measure and track progress
- Provide feedback after each session
With Apollo Scholars, parents receive regular progress updates, goal reviews and communication from tutors, so you are always in the loop.
5. Are they DBS-checked and vetted?
Safety is paramount. Any tutor working with children should be:
- Fully DBS-checked
- Reference-checked
- Aware of safeguarding practices
At Apollo Scholars, we have undergone a rigorous background check and adhere to our code of conduct and child safety policies.
6. What do past families say about them?
Testimonials and reviews offer powerful insight into a tutor’s effectiveness. Look for:
- Independent reviews
- Word-of-mouth recommendations
- Case studies or success stories
Apollo Scholars has supported a wide range of families, many of whom stay with us for years and refer us to others. Our reputation is built on trust, transparency and results.
7. Is the format flexible: online, in-person, or hybrid?
Not every student thrives in the same way. You need flexibility. At Apollo Scholars, we offer:
- Online 1:1 tutoring (across the UK and globally)
- Online group tutoring for exam prep and engagement
- In-person tutoring in select Surrey locations
Your child gets access to expertise wherever you are located.
8. How do they engage and motivate students?
Students, especially teens, need more than just information. The best tutors:
- Build rapport and trust
- Make sessions interactive and fun
- Use praise and structured rewards
At Apollo Scholars, we are mentors as well as tutors. We foster a growth mindset, helping students believe in their ability to succeed.
9. What results have they achieved with similar students?
Look for tutors or services with a track record in:
- GCSE and A-Level success
- 11+ and entrance exam preparation
- Moving students from underperformance to excellence
Apollo Scholars has helped students achieve:
- Grade increases of 2+ levels in one term
- Long-term academic confidence and independent learning
10. Is the tuition cost aligned with value and outcomes?
Cheaper is not always better, and expensive is no guarantee of success or quality. Instead, evaluate:
- Qualifications and experience of the tutor
- Results and progress
- Personalisation and support
Apollo Scholars offers transparent pricing, exceptional teaching and outstanding value across 1:1 and group formats.
What Parents Are Saying
“Sessions are engaging and encouraging for our son. They are always followed by a recap and extra revision resources. Matt provides constructive feedback on work done between sessions. We are very happy with the tutoring.”
— Amanda C.
(GCSEs; History, English Literature, English Language and Maths)
Why Choose Apollo Scholars
At Apollo Scholars, we are more than a tutoring service. We are academic partners to families across the UK and internationally.
✅ What sets us apart:
- Subject-specialist expertise
- Full DBS (Enhanced) and safeguarding compliance
- Personalised plans and reporting
- Online, group and in-person formats
- Expertise in UK national and international curricula
Where We Teach
In-Person Tuition Locations:
📍 Surrey:
Cobham, Weybridge, Oxshott, Walton-on-Thames, Addlestone, Byfleet, New Haw, Egham, Chertsey and Staines
Online Tuition Available Across the UK:
Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester, Bristol, Southampton, Newcastle, Oxford, Cambridge, York and more locations.
International Tutoring:
Europe, UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, United States, South Africa, serving students following British curriculum, IGCSE, IB, and A-Level pathways.
How to Get Started
🎯 Are you ready to find the right tutor for your child?
Conclusion
Choosing the right tutor this summer can transform your child’s academic journey. By asking the right questions, about experience, approach, safety, results and flexibility, you will be better equipped to make an informed, confident decision.
At Apollo Scholars, we are here to make that choice simple. We combine expertise, empathy and excellence to help every student thrive.
✅ 1:1 & Group Tuition
✅ Online, In-Person & International
✅ Expert, Trusted & Results-Driven
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