Families often ask whether lessons should be online or at home. Neither is better in general. The answer depends on the student, the subject and the practical set-up.
When online works well
- You want to choose from tutors outside your city, for example for a specialist subject or exam board.
- Travel time is a problem for the family or the tutor.
- Your child is comfortable with a screen and can focus there.
- The subject can be taught with shared documents, a digital whiteboard or a camera pointed at paper.
You need a reliable internet connection, a quiet space and a way for the tutor to see the student's written working. For subjects like mathematics and the sciences, ask how the tutor will write: a tablet, a whiteboard or paper held to the camera.
When home lessons work well
- Your child concentrates better with a person in the room.
- The subject needs practical demonstration, or young students need closer guidance.
- You prefer fewer screens.
Home tutoring is arranged only in the places we list on our where-we-teach pages. A parent or adult should be at home, and the safety checklist for parents explains why.
Mixed arrangements
Many families use both: home lessons for regular teaching and online sessions close to exams, or online lessons with a specialist. Tell us what you prefer when you request a tutor and we will say what is possible.
A simple way to decide
Try one trial lesson in the format you prefer. After it, ask your child how they found the format as well as the teaching. You can switch later.