How to Choose the Right Tutor: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Book

Picking the right tutor can be the difference between "my child dreads Sunday lessons" and "my child finally gets algebra." Here's the exact checklist our verification team uses when we recommend tutors to families.

1. Are they verified?

Ask: "Have you completed a DBS/background check, ID verification, and right-to-work check?"

Any hesitation is a red flag. On Adeyemi Academy, every tutor with a Verified badge has completed:

Photo ID verification
Enhanced DBS check (UK) or equivalent overseas
Right-to-work confirmation
Two professional references

If a tutor can't produce these, keep looking.

2. What's their subject specialism?

A great chemistry teacher may not be great at your exam board's chemistry.

Ask: "Which exam board do you teach most often? Have you taught the specific spec my child is doing?"

Cambridge iGCSE Chemistry differs from AQA GCSE differs from Edexcel International — and specialists always outperform generalists on the specifics.

3. How do they handle the "I don't get it" moment?

This is the moment that separates great tutors from average ones.

Ask: "When a student says 'I still don't get it' after your explanation, what do you do?"

Good answers involve:

Asking a diagnostic question to find where the misconception is
Trying a different analogy or representation
Slowing down without making the student feel stupid

Bad answers: repeating themselves louder or blaming the student for not paying attention.

4. Can they show you a plan?

A tutor who can outline the first 4 sessions with your child before starting is already better than 80% of the market.

Ask: "If we book 4 sessions, what would you cover?"

You should hear specifics — a diagnostic first session, targeted method work in sessions 2–3, and a mini-test in session 4. If they say "we'll see how it goes", they're winging it.

5. Do they have real reviews?

Look for reviews that:

Name specifics (subject, exam board, time period)
Mention grade improvements with numbers
Sound like real people, not marketing copy

On Adeyemi Academy, reviews are only left by students who actually attended paid lessons — no fakes.

6. What happens if it's not the right fit?

Ask: "If my child and I feel this isn't working after 2 sessions, what happens?"

Great tutors say: "That's fine, I'd rather you found someone better. I can suggest a colleague." Weak tutors will either try to guilt-trip you or ignore your concerns.

At Adeyemi Academy, you can switch tutors any time — no penalty.

7. Can we try before we commit?

Ask: "Do you offer a free trial or discounted first session?"

Serious tutors do — because they know the fit matters more than the money.

Every new tutor on Adeyemi Academy offers a free 30-minute diagnostic before you commit to anything paid. Use it. Watch how they engage your child, whether they listen, and whether the vibe is right.

The 5-minute test after your free diagnostic

After the first free session, ask your child just three questions:

"Did you understand what was happening most of the time?"
"Did the tutor make you feel comfortable asking questions?"
"Would you look forward to the next session?"

Two "yeses" out of three is enough to book a paid session. Three "yeses" and you've found a keeper.

Ready to start? Browse our verified tutors and book your free 30-minute diagnostic today.