What to work out first, what to check, what to ask, and how to tell if it's working.
By George Lahoud · Reviewed 6 Nov 2026
The short answer
Start with what your child needs: catching up, keeping up or being stretched. Then verify the tutor's Working with Children Check, which in NSW parents need to do before a self-employed tutor starts. Ask what they've taught, how they'd work with your child and how they'll keep you informed. After a few lessons, judge it by whether your child understands more and wants to go back.
Finding a tutor is easy. Choosing the right one takes a little more thought, because you're trusting
someone with your child's time, your money and often your home. This guide takes you through it in
order: what your child needs, what to check, what to ask, and how to tell if it's working.
01
Work out what your child needs
The right tutor depends on the job. Before you search, be clear on three things:
The goal. Catching up on gaps, keeping up with class, preparing for an exam, or being stretched
further than school can.
The subject and course. Year level matters, and in senior years so does the exact course.
What they'd like. Your child's view counts. A tutor they don't want to see won't get far.
It's also worth talking to your child's teacher. Research on one-to-one tutoring finds it's more likely
to make a difference when it's linked with normal lessons, and the teacher can tell you where the gaps are.
02
Check they're safe to work with your child
This is the one step that isn't optional.
In NSW, parents and carers need to verify the Working with Children Check of a self-employed tutor before
they start. Each state and territory runs its own check, so the steps differ elsewhere. In NSW:
Ask the tutor for their family name, date of birth and WWC or application number.
Enter those details in the verify form on the Office of the Children's Guardian website, or use the
Service NSW app.
Check the status. You can only hire someone showing "Cleared" or "Application in progress".
Verifying has a second benefit: the office can then contact you if the tutor's Check status changes.
If lessons are in your home, choose a space with clear lines of sight, and make sure your child knows they
can talk to you about anything that makes them uncomfortable.
03
Check they know the subject
Ask what they studied and what they've taught, especially the exact course your child is doing. In maths
and other subjects with new syllabuses, ask whether they've looked at the changes. A strong result of their
own is a good sign, but explaining something clearly to a student who is stuck is a different skill.
04
Questions to ask before you book
Have you taught this year level and course before?
How would you work out where my child is up to?
What does a typical lesson look like?
Will there be work between lessons?
How will you let me know how it's going?
What's your cancellation policy, and how do I pay?
If it's online, how will you see my child's working?
A good tutor will be glad you asked. Pay attention to how they answer as well as what they say.
05
Red flags
Your child's tutor should have a valid Working with Children Check, that's an absolute non-negotiable. If a tutor starts promising you perfect grades or unrealistic marks, that's a sign of a dishonest relationship. Furthermore, a tutor should never offer to complete your child's work for them. Their tutor should be someone that they have a positive relationship with, a mentor and guide who gives feedback and puts effort into helping your son or daughter with whatever it is they may need.
George Lahoud · from experience
06
Is it working?
Give it a few lessons, then look for these signs:
Your child can explain something they couldn't before.
They're less anxious about the subject, or more willing to try.
The tutor can tell you what they're working on and why.
Lessons connect to what's happening at school.
Don't judge it on the next test alone. If it isn't working, say so. A change of approach or a change of tutor is a normal part of finding the right fit.
07
Choosing on Tutor Marketplace
Find a tutor lets you filter by subject, year level, online or in person, and suburb. Every tutor's
price is on their profile, and families pay no booking fee.
WWCC verified: we checked the tutor's check on the state's register. A check can be withdrawn before it
expires without us being told, so the tag means it was current when we checked. You can still verify it
yourself.
School and university tags: we saw a document consistent with the tutor having studied there.
Lessons and rating: counted from real lessons and reviews on the site.
You can message a tutor with your questions before you book. For what lessons usually cost, try the
tutoring cost estimator.
Find a tutor
Every tutor's price is on their profile. Families pay no booking fee.
