How to Get the Most Out of Online Tutoring
How to Get the Most Out of Online Tutoring
Whatever your thoughts on education in schools at the moment, one thing’s for sure: tutoring is on the rise. Whether it’s for entrance exams or just helping kids get started, more and more families are turning to tutors for support.
Honestly, I’ve seen children in my own son’s class getting tutoring for phonics—and he’s not even in reception yet! But with places getting more competitive and so many brilliant teachers leaving the profession, it makes sense. We all want a bit of consistency and stability for our kids, right?
And to be fair, there are loads of amazing tutors out there. Many of them are trying to carve out work that fits around their own families and lives (hi, it’s me 👋). But with busy family schedules and the rise of remote everything, online tutoring is becoming the go-to option—and why not?
It’s flexible, convenient, and for many students, an absolute game changer. No rushing out the door, no waiting in the car, no awkward dining table vibes—just jump online and get going.
But like anything new, online tutoring takes a bit of adjusting to. Whether your child is just starting or has been doing it a while, here are some practical ways to make sure they get the most out of every session.
1. Make sure you’ve got the right tutor
Before we even get to the tech setup and revision tips—start here. Online tutoring is an unregulated space, and while that means there’s flexibility, it also means you need to do your homework.
A good tutor should be:
Qualified in the subject they're teaching
DBS checked
Happy to answer questions about their approach and experience
Don’t be shy - ask them what exam board they know best, how they handle tricky topics, or how they personalise learning in a group. And if they get defensive or vague? That’s a red flag.
Also, think about whether now’s the right time. Some kids love tutoring from the get-go. Others need time to build confidence first. Trust your instincts - you know your child best.
2. Create a space that says “it’s learning time now” (but not shut away)
You don’t need a fancy setup—but a consistent space helps your child switch into learning mode.
Ideally, that space should:
✔ Be tidy and distraction-free
✔ Have a table, chair, and good lighting
✔ Be somewhere in earshot of a parent or carer, like the kitchen or dining room
Online tutoring should never feel like your child is being locked away in their room. It’s a two-way process that works best when there’s a sense of openness and shared responsibility.
I always encourage students to let someone know when they’re starting their session, and I welcome parents popping in for a quick hello or staying nearby. It helps keep everyone safe, engaged, and on track - and it shows your child that this time matters.
It’s not about hovering or eavesdropping. It’s just about being around and involved, so tutoring feels like a natural part of family life - not a secret side project.
3. Be early, not on time
Logging on a couple of minutes early might sound small—but it’s a big win.
It gives your child a chance to:
Settle in
Check their tech is working
Avoid the stress of being late and missing the start
In my HELIX sessions, we start on the dot—because every minute counts. Being a bit early means students feel calm and ready to go, rather than flustered and already behind.
4. Headphones are your secret weapon
Honestly, if there’s one bit of kit that makes online learning easier, it’s a pair of headphones. Even basic ones.
🎧 They help cut out background noise
🎧 Make it easier to hear the tutor clearly
🎧 Help students stay in the zone
Especially useful if you’ve got siblings (or fur babies!!) crashing around in the background (we’ve all been there!).
5. Encourage them to speak up—even when they’re unsure
This is especially true in small group tutoring. The whole point of a group is to learn with others—to bounce ideas around, hear different ways of thinking, and realise you’re not the only one who finds it hard.
But your child might need a bit of encouragement to get there.
Remind them:
Everyone’s in the same boat
There’s no such thing as a silly question
Getting something wrong is part of how we learn
My job as a tutor is to create a space where they feel safe to do that—and once they do, the progress is amazing.
6. Have what they need within arm’s reach
They don’t need a tonne of stuff. But turning up prepared shows they’re taking the session seriously—and means they won’t be jumping up to grab things halfway through.
I usually recommend:
A notebook and pen (writing stuff down helps with memory!)
A calculator (for science!)
A copy of any revision resources we’ve used previously
And of course, any snacks/water should be sorted before we start—not during!
7. Keep the momentum going between sessions
The biggest mistake I see? Students doing a great job in the session, then not touching it again until the next week.
The real magic happens when they:
Revisit the topic later that week
Try a past paper question based on what we covered
Log their wins (or their “need to go over that again” moments) in a simple notebook
This doesn’t need to be intense - it just needs to be consistent.
Final thoughts
Online tutoring can be incredibly effective—but like anything, what you get out depends on what you put in.
With the right tutor, a bit of structure, and some encouragement from home, your child can build confidence, learn smarter, and even (dare I say it?) start enjoying revision.
If you're curious about how I run my small group science tutoring programme for GCSE students, you can read more about it here 👇
