Price is the least important part of the decision. Here's why — and five questions to ask any tutor before you book.
By Jenny New, founder of BrightBerry, former school leader and teacher in UK schools · 1 October 2026
"I got a 9 in GCSE Maths, so I can teach it."
I see this line everywhere: on tutoring sites, local Facebook groups and community noticeboards. GCSE, A-level and university students offering tuition at a fraction of the price of a qualified teacher.
And I completely understand why parents are tempted. Tuition is an investment, and if someone can help for less, why not?
But when you're choosing between a student tutor or a qualified teacher, price is the least important part of the decision. Here's why.
Being good at a subject and being able to teach it are two completely different skills.
A student who found Maths easy often can't remember what it felt like NOT to understand. They know HOW to get the answer, but they've never had to break it down for someone who is stuck, anxious or has a gap from three years ago.
Qualified teachers have been trained in exactly that. We learn how children learn, how to spot misconceptions, how to explain one idea in five different ways, and how to check a child has truly understood (not just nodded along).
Imagine a student tutor who struggled with algebra at school. They had to work really hard at it, so they might be brilliant at explaining algebra. They know the stumbling blocks because they've been there.
But now imagine your child finds vectors really hard, and the tutor never did. Often, the only explanation they have is: "This is just how you do it." They show the method again, a bit slower. Then again.
Your child still doesn't get it, and now they're starting to believe the problem is them.
A qualified teacher has taught vectors to dozens (often hundreds) of students, including the ones who found it hardest. They know where the confusion usually comes from, and they have a toolkit of explanations, diagrams and examples ready to go.
This is the part that worries me most, as a teacher and as a parent.
If a student tutor isn't working, you don't just lose the money. You lose weeks or months of your child's time. And by Years 10 and 11, time is the most precious resource your child has.
Often a qualified teacher then has to undo misunderstandings and rebuild confidence before real progress can start. That reset costs time your child may not have before their exams.
So the real question isn't "Can I pay less?" It's this: would you rather pay less and hope it works, or invest a little more and KNOW your child's time is in expert hands?
If your child is really struggling, I would be very hesitant to hand that over to someone who has never been trained to teach.
To be fair, yes, sometimes. A student can be a great study buddy for a confident child who just wants extra practice, or a bit of motivation from someone closer in age.
But if your child is falling behind, anxious, has gaps in their learning or is heading towards GCSEs, they need someone who knows how to teach. Not just someone who knows the answers.
A qualified teacher will answer these easily and confidently. Pay attention to how each tutor responds.
At Bright Berry Education, every tutor is a qualified UK teacher. No students, no guesswork. Our teachers support secondary students one-to-one online in Maths, English and Science, and we start where it matters most: Confidence Comes First.
We get to know your child, find the real gaps and build understanding step by step, so you can see the progress for yourself.
Book a free 15-minute call and let's talk about what your child needs.
Being good at a subject and being able to teach it are different skills. Qualified teachers are trained to spot misconceptions, explain one idea several ways and check real understanding; student tutors usually haven't had that training, exam-board knowledge, SEND experience or safeguarding training.
Ask whether they hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), how many years they've taught the subject and to which year groups, how they'll find your child's gaps, what they'll do if your child doesn't understand the first explanation, and how they'll keep you updated on progress.
For a confident child who just wants extra practice or motivation from someone closer in age, a student can be a good study buddy. If your child is falling behind, anxious, has gaps or is heading towards GCSEs, they need someone trained to teach.
Jenny
Founder, BrightBerry Education
Every Bright Berry tutor is a qualified UK teacher. Book a free 15-minute call.
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