Should You Hire a Student Tutor Or Is There Something More Important?

And why tutoring might not work… unless you do this first.

Let me tell you about a conversation I had last week.
A parent messaged me and asked a very common question:

“Do you think student tutors are good? Or should we stick to more experienced ones?”

A simple question. But it sparked a much bigger reflection — one that’s close to my heart and probably overdue.

Because the truth is, it’s not just about the tutor.
It’s about you. The parent.

Yes, the type of tutor matters. You want someone who is professional, kind, consistent, knowledgeable, and preferably doesn’t ghost after 3 weeks. But once you’ve done the due diligence — watched a demo, spoken to a few others, checked reviews or referrals — the real work starts.

Not for the tutor.
For you.

Why Tutoring Doesn’t Work for Some Families (Even With the “Best” Tutors)

I’ve written an entire article on Why Tutoring Isn’t Working (the link is at the very beginning of this article)— and it’s not because the tutors are bad.

But here’s the short version:

Tutoring doesn’t work if it’s outsourced completely.

You can’t drop your child off at the metaphorical tutoring door and expect them to walk out a genius. The 11+ isn’t a magic show. It’s a partnership.

A good tutor is a guide, not a magician.

They should empower, not spoon-feed.
They should coach confidence, not fuel dependence.
They should work with you, not in a vacuum.

But What About Student Tutors? Are They Any Good?

Now, back to the question.

Student tutors — sixth formers, uni students, older siblings of friends — can be fantastic.

They’re often relatable, enthusiastic, and affordable. Many genuinely care and go the extra mile. But like with everything, fit matters more than format.

If your child clicks with someone, feels safe asking questions, and is actually making progress, that’s your tutor. It doesn’t matter whether they’ve got a PhD or GCSE.

What matters is the triangle: Child → Tutor → Parent.

If any side is missing? The structure wobbles.

Let’s Talk About Parent Involvement (The Secret Sauce)

Here’s where it gets real. And slightly uncomfortable.

Some parents outsource tutoring…
…and then disappear.

They are not aware of the syllabus which means…
They do not know what to check.

They are not completely aware of the various things…
They don’t know how to review a test
They are clueless about mock tests and the review process.

They don’t check homework.

They don’t ask how it went.

They don’t support the emotional rollercoaster that inevitably comes with the 11+ prep season.

You wouldn’t expect a coach to train an athlete without support from home, right?

So why treat academics any differently?

You are the constant.
You’re the cheerleader, the organiser, the motivator, the calm voice when scores drop and confidence wobbles.

And I know. It’s exhausting. Especially if you work full-time or have younger children.
I haven’t scrateched the surface of the various things parents need to be aware of.

But you don’t have to do it all. You have to show up. Even 10% more involvement can make a 90% difference.

Ask questions. Get informed. Start implementing. Get involved. Be enagaged.

Don’t Be Ashamed to Get Help

Here’s something that still surprises me.

Some parents don’t even tell their friends they’ve hired a tutor.
Why? Because there’s a lingering shame. A whisper of “If I were a better parent, I could do it all myself.”

Please. Let’s drop that nonsense.

The best athletes have coaches. So do the best musicians, public speakers, CEOs… and yes, parents too.

Tutoring isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of support.
And support is a strength.

So… Who Should You Hire?

Honestly?

Hire someone your child connects with.
Hire someone who communicates well with you.
Hire someone who doesn’t just teach but uplifts.
Hire someone who empowers — so that when tutoring ends, your child can fly on their own.

And after that?

Stay involved.
Check in. Stay curious. Show up.
It’s the most underrated secret of 11+ success.

📘 Want Help With This?

If you’re wondering how to show up more consistently, I’ve made something just for you.
It’s called

🎁 Home Prep for the 11+ – A Parent’s Blueprint

And it’s completely free.
This guide will walk you through:

What the 11+ syllabus actually includes
How to build a prep routine (without burning out)
How to support vocabulary, comprehension and mindset
A weekly planner and action steps to make real progress

🎯 Download the free guide by clicking here.

And once you’ve got the guide, come join me for a live Tuesday night Zoom demo to see how we help families build success foundations without stress. It is at 7pm on Zoom.

You don’t have to do this alone.
But you do have to start.

And no matter who your tutor is, the most important educator in your child’s life is still you.