Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Tutor Pages?

The Tutor Pages is a free tutor directory for the UK. It covers all subjects: academic, music/arts, languages, sport/health and professional.

What are its benefits?

You can find a tutor in your local area for free, and also browse articles written by the tutors themselves. Reading these articles will help you make up your mind about a tutor.

How should I choose a tutor?

After selecting your subject and postcode, you will see profiles of tutors in your local area, along with those who can travel to you or who can tutor online. You may then contact as many tutors as you wish, free of charge, and without the need to register.

But how can I trust a potential tutor?

Just as a newspaper does not check the credentials of its advertisers, so The Tutor Pages cannot verify the accuracy of the information published by tutors. Sensible precautions with regard to your safety or that of your child are therefore advisable.

Having said this, we believe that The Tutor Pages provides you with the best possible tools to assess a potential tutor by yourself, without having to pay agency fees. There are a number of steps which you can take to make an informed decision, and we recommend that you use the criteria below to take full advantage of what The Tutor Pages has to offer.

• quality of profile. A quality tutor will have a quality profile. They will have completed their interview as fully as possible, and will have outlined their qualifications and experience. Ask yourself, "How well does this tutor's qualifications or experience match the subject s/he is offering to teach?". Hopefully, tutors will also have included a photo to show they have nothing to hide, and will have written a personal message to put students at ease. They will have tried to provide extra information, which may include uploaded documents (such as a CV, reference letters or student testimonials) and a link to their own website if they have one. They will also mention any professional organisations they belong to. Finally, if they intend to work with children or vulnerable adults, they may mention possessing a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure certificate. Many parents feel more comfortable employing a tutor who has had a CRB check, although it is not a legal requirement for tutoring (please see www.crb.gov.uk for more information).
• quality of article. It is compulsory for each tutor to submit at least one article on their chosen subject, a link to which can be found at the bottom of their profile. Pay close attention to this article. Quality tutors will have shown good use of the English language, and will have had something interesting or helpful to say. You should ask yourself: am I impressed by what I’ve read?
• value for money. Remember that, because The Tutor Pages is not an agency, you are already making a large saving by dealing directly with the tutor. Comparing tutor prices (£/h) both locally and nationally will help you determine value for money. Do bear in mind that a tutor's price should relate to the qualifications and experience that he or she has gained. Honest tutors will provide a clear pricing structure in their profile, including any discounts. Also look out for tutors who offer a free or reduced-price consultation lesson. This is a good sign, since it demonstrates confidence on the tutor’s part, and gives you an extra opportunity to assess the tutor.
• last log-in date. It is a good idea to check a potential tutor's last log-in date on the top right of their profile. Tutors who log in frequently demonstrate that they have provided up-to-date information, and that they are keen to take on more students.
• the first meeting. When meeting or phoning the tutor for the first time, pay close attention to their interpersonal skills. Now is a good time to ask them about their work, their background, their knowledge of current curricula (if applicable), their qualifications and experience, and any other students they have. Do they answer your questions in a straightforward manner? Are they happy to show you any certificates they possess? Do they look you in the eye? Do they respect your personal space? It is important to feel comfortable with your tutor, so trust your instinct.

What if I have a complaint about a tutor?

The Tutor Pages cannot control what happens between students and tutors once they decide to meet in person. However, should you encounter behaviour that may be deemed harmful to other students, you are requested to contact The Tutor Pages with full details and we may, at our sole discretion, suspend or delete the offending tutor’s profile.

Please note that The Tutor Pages has no intent or interest in getting involved in any disputes between students and tutors, and does not provide any arbitration or settlement services should a dispute arise.