Qualifications That Actually Matter
A maths degree does not automatically make someone a good tutor, and the absence of one does not make them a bad one. What matters most is subject knowledge at the level being taught, the ability to explain concepts in multiple ways, and familiarity with the specific exam board. A PGCE or QTS indicates formal teacher training, which usually means better lesson planning and behaviour management. But many excellent tutors come from non-teaching backgrounds with strong mathematical ability and natural communication skills.
DBS Checks and Safeguarding
This is non-negotiable. Any tutor working with children should have an enhanced DBS check. Reputable platforms handle this as part of their vetting process. If you are finding a tutor independently, ask to see their DBS certificate and check the date. Safeguarding training is also important and increasingly expected. A tutor who is reluctant to discuss safeguarding is a red flag.
Exam Board Expertise
For GCSE and A-Level students, exam board expertise is arguably more important than academic qualifications. A tutor who has marked for AQA knows exactly how marks are awarded and lost. A tutor who has taught Edexcel for years knows which topics appear most frequently and which question formats trip students up. Ask potential tutors which exam boards they have experience with and whether they have worked as examiners or moderators.
- AQA: Problem-solving and reasoning emphasis. Tutors need to teach students to explain mathematical thinking clearly.
- Edexcel: More structured multi-step problems. Tutors need to help students show clear, sequential working.
- OCR: Distinct question style with its own patterns. Board-specific experience is particularly valuable here.
- Cambridge IGCSE: International curriculum with different grade boundaries and paper structure. Requires specific preparation approach.
The Diagnostic Approach Matters Most
The most qualified tutor in the world will waste your child's time if they do not identify the specific gaps first. The best indicator of a good tutor is not their certificate collection but whether they start with assessment before teaching. A diagnostic-led approach ensures every lesson is targeted and productive from day one.