Since lockdown, online tutoring has become mainstream, and many families now ask whether it works as well as having a tutor in the room. The honest answer is that both work, and the right choice depends on your child, the subject and your circumstances.
The case for online tutoring
More choice. You are not limited to tutors within driving distance, so you can choose the specialist your child needs, for example an experienced A-Level chemistry tutor, wherever they live.
Convenience. There is no travelling, which makes after-school slots easier and helps families with several children or long commutes.
Good tools. A shared whiteboard, past papers on screen and a recording of the lesson can make online sessions as effective as paper in the room, and parents can see what was covered.
Consistency. If a family or a tutor moves, online lessons can continue without a gap.
The case for face-to-face tutoring
Younger children. Very young learners can find it hard to stay engaged on screen. In-person lessons make it easier to use books, objects and games.
Practical or physical subjects. Some subjects, and some students, benefit from working side by side with the same page.
Focus. Some children are distracted by a device and concentrate better with a person beside them.
Preference. Some families simply prefer a tutor in the home. That is a perfectly good reason.
How to decide
Ask yourself four questions:
- How old is your child, and how well do they concentrate on a screen? Older children usually adapt quickly.
- How specialised is the subject? The more specialised, the more online widens your options.
- What fits your week? Count travel and waiting time honestly.
- Do you have a suitable quiet space with a stable connection and a device with a camera?
If you are unsure, try a few lessons online first. Many families who were sceptical stay with it.
A side-by-side comparison
| Online | Face to face | |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of tutor | Wide, because location does not matter | Limited to people who can travel to you |
| Travel time | None | Travel for the tutor, and sometimes for you |
| Flexibility | Easy to fit into a busy week and to reschedule | Depends on both diaries and travel |
| Younger children | Some find it harder to stay engaged | Often easier to keep attention |
| Resources | Shared screens, digital papers, recordings | Paper, objects and physical materials |
| Setup | Needs a device, internet and a quiet space | Needs a suitable space at home |
| Continuity if someone moves | Lessons can carry on | Usually ends the arrangement |
A rough age guide
Every child is different, but as a starting point:
- Reception to Year 2: often better in person or in very short, interactive online sessions with a parent nearby.
- Years 3 to 6: many children do well online, particularly with an engaging tutor and a clear routine.
- Secondary and sixth form: online tutoring suits most students, and widens access to specialists.
If you are unsure, try a trial lesson in one format and talk to your child about how it felt.
What to ask for in a trial lesson
- Did my child understand the explanation, and did the tutor check?
- Was the pace right, and did the tutor adapt?
- Did my child feel comfortable asking questions?
- Was the technology smooth, with a good connection and shared tools?
- Did the tutor explain a plan and send a short summary afterwards?
Safeguarding for online lessons
Online lessons need the same care as in-person ones. Make sure the tutor has been properly vetted, use the agreed platform, keep lessons in a shared family space where practical and know who to contact with concerns. Ask the provider how it checks its tutors and handles safeguarding.
Making online tutoring work
- Pick a quiet spot away from distractions, with the camera showing the tutor and the work.
- Agree a routine: the same time each week helps.
- Have materials ready: pen, paper, books and any past papers.
- Ask for notes after each lesson so you can see progress and homework.
- Review regularly with the tutor or your consultant.
What we offer
Most Britannia Crown tutoring takes place online, which lets us match your child with the right UK-trained tutor wherever you live. Face-to-face tutoring is available on request, depending on your location, and is quoted after a short conversation. For regular online tutoring with the same tutor every week, see the Partner plan, or read more about private tutoring.