Media reporting estimates one in six Australian students get tutoring at some point in their schooling, to help them catch up, qualify for specific schools or prepare for important exams.
But how should parents approach the task of finding a tutor? Our 2025 research highlighted the lack of national standards for tutor qualifications, safety practices and teaching quality. This means parents often have little guidance on choosing a provider they can trust. Unlike school teachers, anyone can call themselves a “tutor” in Australia.
Here are five considerations to help families make more informed, confident decisions about hiring a tutor.
Start With Clear Goals
Begin by talking to your child to get a shared understanding of what you and they hope tutoring will achieve. Also have a discussion with their classroom or subject teacher who can give advice on the focus, frequency and type of tutoring.
For some students, the goal may be improved performance on assessments. For others, the priority might be rebuilding confidence, strengthening maths or literacy skills, or developing an enjoyment of learning.
Then identify two or three measurable goals. This allows parents to monitor progress over time and hold tutors accountable.
Ask your tutor how they might go about achieving these goals to ensure everyone is on the same page.
It is important to review progress after a few months, and check in with the classroom teacher. If goals are not being met, the arrangement should be reconsidered. Effective tutoring should complement classroom learning and aim to make itself unnecessary over time.
Understand Your Budget and the Support You Need
Tutoring varies widely in format, cost and purpose.
One-to-one sessions can provide targeted support, but can be more expensive. Group settings may offer structure, peer motivation and reduced cost.
Families should also decide whether they prefer a qualified teacher or whether a university student or specialist tutor with relevant subject expertise can meet their needs.
For example, if your child needs help catching up, a tutor with a teaching qualification who understands the relevant curriculum and teaching methods might be best. If your child needs help with difficult homework questions, a university student may be OK.
Importantly, higher fees do not always guarantee higher quality tutoring. Parents should instead look to try and match up their goals, the tutor’s expertise and their household budget.
You also need to consider how many hours you want your child tutored each week. Evidence suggests shorter, high-quality targeted sessions are best.
Check Safety and Qualifications
Because the tutoring industry is sparsely regulated, parents need to make sure tutors are safe and appropriately skilled.
At a minimum, families should request a Working With Children Check or equivalent and evidence of relevant qualifications.
Relevant qualifications may include a teaching degree, subject-specific university studies or other credible training, for example, via the Australian Tutoring Association.
If your child is in early primary school, you should consider sitting in on the sessions or at least remaining close by.
Meet the Tutor First
Parents should arrange a preliminary meeting with the tutor or tutoring centre before you commit.
This meeting can reveal whether the tutor’s communication style, expectations and learning environment are a good fit for the child. Parents should ask how the tutor assesses student needs, aligns instruction with the school curriculum, provides feedback, and handles homework or preparation requirements.
This meeting may also provide an opportunity to determine whether the tutor(s) foster a safe, supportive environment in which the child feels comfortable.
A reputable tutor should be happy to engage in these initial conversations free of charge.
Be Aware of Red Flags
Red flags could include guarantees of rapid or dramatic results, requests for large up-front payments, or reluctance to explain teaching approaches and qualifications.
Also watch out for tutors who avoid communication with parents or schools, avoid discussing progress, or rely exclusively on worksheets and test drilling. This approach is unlikely to develop your child’s understanding.
High-quality tutors should be transparent about their methods, welcome questions, and view tutoring as a supportive complement to school learning rather than a replacement.
Dr Bronwyn Reid O’Connor is a Senior Lecturer in Secondary Mathematics Education, Sydney School of Education and Social Work. Dr Ben Zunica is a Lecturer in Secondary Maths Education, Sydney School of Education and Social Work.
www.sydney.edu.au