Finding a good English tutor takes more thought than it might seem. Unlike maths, where a tutor either knows how to solve a problem or doesn’t, English teaching involves a complex blend of subject knowledge, communication skill, pedagogical judgment, and the ability to read individual students. Here are seven things that separate excellent English tutors from average ones.
1. They Give Specific Feedback
Vague feedback (“this is good, but try to develop your ideas more”) is almost useless. A good English tutor gives feedback that is precise, actionable, and explained: “This sentence is doing two things at once — the analysis of the imagery and the point about character development are separate ideas and both deserve their own sentence. Here’s how you could separate them…” That’s feedback a student can act on.
2. They Understand the Exam They’re Preparing Students For
IGCSE, GCSE, A-Level, 11+ — these are different qualifications with different assessment criteria, mark schemes, and question types. A tutor who has read the mark scheme, knows the assessment objectives, and understands what specifically earns marks will prepare students far more effectively than one who teaches “English” generically.
3. They Ask More Than They Tell
The best tutors spend more time asking questions than giving answers. “What do you think this word suggests?” “Why might the writer have chosen this structure?” “What’s the difference between what the character says and what they mean?” A student who is prompted to think and articulate will develop skills; a student who is talked at will develop dependence.
4. They Read — and Love — Literature
A tutor who reads widely and genuinely loves language brings something to English teaching that no amount of technique can replicate. Students notice when a teacher is authentically excited by a poem or novel, and that enthusiasm is contagious. Passion for the subject is not sufficient for good teaching, but its absence is a genuine limitation.
5. They Adapt to the Individual Student
No two students have the same weaknesses. A good tutor diagnoses what a specific student needs rather than delivering a fixed programme to every student regardless of where they are. In a small group, this means being attentive to each student’s individual development even while working collectively.
6. They Are Qualified to Teach
A degree in English is valuable but not sufficient. Teaching — especially at IGCSE and A-Level — requires pedagogical knowledge alongside subject knowledge. A tutor who has trained as a teacher, worked in schools, and been assessed on their teaching practice brings a level of professional preparation that is worth looking for.
7. They Communicate Clearly with Parents
A good tutor keeps parents informed — not just “the session went well” but what was covered, what the student found difficult, what progress has been made, and what to practise before next time. This keeps the whole team (tutor, parent, student) aligned and makes the tutoring far more effective.
Jacqueline at Thorogood English is a qualified teacher with examiner experience — she knows the mark scheme, teaches to each student’s individual needs, and communicates clearly with families throughout. Join the waiting list for January 2027.
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