Tutoring in Putney

Combine three channels: local school and parent recommendations in Putney, a vetted agency or platform for background-checked options, and university department noticeboards for high-achieving students. Interview two or three and run paid trial lessons before committing to a term.

One to two hours a week sustained over a term beats cramming before exams. Twice-weekly is worth the extra spend in the final run-up to major exams or when a student is significantly behind grade level.

Set a baseline in week one (a recent test or past paper score), ask the tutor for a short written note after each month, and re-test with a comparable paper every 6-8 weeks. Judge on evidence, not on whether your child says the sessions are fine.

Rates scale with three things: subject level (primary school cheapest, exam-year and university-level most expensive), tutor credentials (students charge least, certified teachers most), and format (online runs 20-40% below in-person). Get quotes from both an agency and an independent to see the spread.

24 hours' notice with one free reschedule per month is standard. Be wary of tutors or agencies that charge full price for illness with notice, or demand a full term's fees up front with no refund clause.

No references, refusal of a trial lesson, guaranteed grade promises, demanding a full term's payment up front, doing the student's homework for them, and vagueness about their own results or qualifications. Any two of these together — keep looking.

GCSE tutoring typically runs £25-45/hr and A-level £30-60/hr, with qualified teachers and London-based tutors at the top end. Online lessons usually save £5-15/hr versus in-person.

Twelve to eighteen months before the September exams — the established 11+ tutors in selective areas run waiting lists. Starting in Year 4 for a Year 6 exam is normal, not excessive, in competitive regions.