Online tutoring has made it possible to work with a specialist teacher from anywhere. It has also made it harder to tell a good tutor from an average one. Use this checklist before you commit.
1. Do they know the exact syllabus?
Ask which exam board and syllabus code they teach, for example Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 or Edexcel International GCSE 4PH1. A tutor who knows the code knows the paper structure, the mark scheme style and the topics that changed recently.
2. Can you book a trial class?
A trial lesson shows you how the tutor explains, whether your child engages, and whether the tutor assesses their level before teaching. Good tutors use the trial to find gaps, not just to deliver a lesson.
3. How do they measure progress?
- Topic quizzes and past paper scores tracked over time.
- Regular mock exams marked against official mark schemes.
- A written progress report for parents, at least monthly.
- Openness to parent–teacher meetings.
4. What does a lesson actually look like?
Look for a digital whiteboard, shared notes, homework that is actually checked, and lesson recordings for revision. The student should be answering questions for a good part of every class, not just listening.
5. One-to-one or group?
| One-to-one | Small group | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Specific gaps, exam pressure, high targets | Steady progress, motivation, budget |
| Pace | Set by the student | Set by the group |
| Cost | Per hour | Flat monthly fee |
See our fees page for a side-by-side comparison of both options.
Red flags
- No clear answer about which syllabus or board they teach.
- No trial, or large fees paid months in advance with no refund terms.
- No past paper practice until just before the exam.
- No feedback to parents unless you ask.
- Grade guarantees. Good tutors improve results; nobody can honestly guarantee a grade.
How PakTutorOnline works
Every student starts with a discounted 45-minute trial, is matched with a subject specialist for their exact board, and gets a monthly progress report for parents. Read more about our teachers or check the FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
01Is online tutoring as effective as in-person tutoring?
For most secondary students, yes. Live online classes with a good teacher, a digital whiteboard and shared notes work as well as face-to-face lessons, and save travel time.
02How much should an online IGCSE tutor cost?
Prices vary widely by country and experience. At PakTutorOnline, one-to-one IGCSE and O Level classes cost $12 per hour and A Level classes $18 per hour, with group classes from $25 per month.
03How soon should we see improvement?
Most students show clearer understanding within a few weeks, and measurable improvement in past paper scores within two to three months of regular classes.
