Questions To Ask an IGCSE Maths Tutor Before You Hire One
Choosing the right IGCSE Maths tutor can be the difference between your child dreading the subject and walking into their exam with genuine confidence. But with hundreds of tutors advertising online, it's hard to know who's actually going to deliver results.
Before you book a trial lesson or commit to regular sessions, here are 10 questions worth asking any prospective IGCSE Maths tutor.
1. What are your qualifications and teaching experience?
A strong IGCSE Maths tutor should have solid academic credentials in mathematics and, ideally, a recognised teaching qualification such as QTS or a PGCE. Years of classroom or tutoring experience specifically with IGCSE students matters more than a generic maths degree alone. Ask how long they've been teaching IGCSE Maths and whether they've worked in schools or purely as a private tutor.
2. Which IGCSE exam boards do you cover?
Cambridge (CIE) and Edexcel are the two main IGCSE Maths exam boards, and their syllabuses differ in content, structure, and exam style. A tutor who knows your child's specific board inside out will be far more effective than one offering a general approach. Ask whether they're familiar with the latest syllabus updates and mark schemes for your board.
3. Do you understand the difference between IGCSE Core and Extended?
This is a question many parents overlook. The Core and Extended tiers have different content, different papers, and different grade boundaries. A tutor who doesn't know which tier your child is sitting, or how to adjust their teaching accordingly, is a red flag. The right tutor will tailor lessons to the exact papers your child will face.
4. How do you structure your lessons?
Effective IGCSE Maths tutoring isn't just working through random textbook questions. Ask whether the tutor follows a clear plan that covers syllabus topics systematically, builds in regular review of weaker areas, and includes past paper practice as the exam approaches. A structured approach leads to consistent progress rather than last-minute panic.
5. How do you explain difficult topics?
Every IGCSE student has topics they find tough, whether that's circle theorems, algebraic fractions, or vectors. A good tutor will have multiple ways of explaining the same concept until it clicks. Ask how they handle it when a student doesn't understand something the first time. Do they use visual methods, worked examples, or real-world connections to make abstract ideas concrete?
6. Can you help with exam technique, not just content?
Knowing the maths is only half the battle. Many IGCSE students lose marks not because they can't do the work, but because they don't show their working clearly, misread questions, or run out of time. Ask whether the tutor specifically works on exam technique, including how to interpret command words, manage time across papers, and present answers the way examiners expect.
7. Do you have testimonials or reviews from past students?
Any tutor worth hiring should be able to point you towards genuine feedback from previous students or parents. Look for specific mentions of grade improvements, increased confidence, or how the tutor handled particular challenges. If a tutor can't provide any references or reviews, that should give you pause.
8. What results have your students achieved?
While no honest tutor will guarantee a specific grade, they should be able to share examples of student progress. Have they helped students move from a grade 4 to a 7? Do their students regularly achieve A* and A grades? A track record of results tells you far more than a polished website.
9. How do you track progress between lessons?
Regular progress tracking keeps both the student and the parent informed. Ask whether the tutor uses topic checklists, diagnostic tests, or mock exams to identify weak spots and measure improvement over time. Without some form of tracking, it's hard to know whether lessons are actually making a difference.
10. Do you offer a trial lesson?
A trial lesson lets both the student and the tutor see whether it's a good fit before committing long-term. Most good tutors offer a paid trial session so the student can experience their teaching style, and so the tutor can assess where the student currently stands. If a tutor insists on a long-term commitment upfront with no trial, think twice.
Choosing the Right IGCSE Maths Tutor
Finding the right tutor takes a bit of effort, but asking these questions upfront saves you time, money, and frustration down the line. The best IGCSE Maths tutors combine strong subject knowledge with real exam board expertise and a genuine ability to connect with students.
If you're looking for an experienced, UK-qualified IGCSE Maths tutor who ticks all of these boxes, I'd love to help. I'm a QTS-qualified teacher with over 8 years of experience helping international school students achieve top grades in Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE Maths.