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For parents · 6 min read

Online vs in-person maths tutoring: which suits your child?

The format matters less than the teaching, but it does matter — and the right answer depends on the student rather than on the general argument.

By Joseph Eno ·

Online maths tutoring has become normal rather than a substitute. With a shared whiteboard and a graphics tablet, written working is visible to both people in real time, which is the part that matters in a maths lesson.

How they compare

OnlineIn person
TravelNone; easier to schedule around school and clubsTravel time for one party, usually reflected in cost or availability
ResourcesWhiteboard saved and shared after the lessonPaper working the student keeps
FocusDepends on a quiet space and a stable connectionPhysical presence helps some students concentrate
FlexibilityEasier to rearrange or run shorter sessionsFixed slot, harder to move

Questions worth asking either way

  1. How is the starting point diagnosed, and when is it reviewed?
  2. What does the student receive after each lesson?
  3. How is progress reported to parents?
  4. What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?

A tutor who can answer those clearly is likely to teach clearly too, whichever format you choose.

Tell me what your child is finding difficult.

No pressure and no sales call — just an honest conversation about whether I can help, and how.