How to Choose a Tutor in South Africa

A good tutor can make a real difference, but only if they are the right fit for your child and for the help they need. Here is what is worth checking before you book.

Check that a tutor is the right next step

A tutor helps most when there is a specific topic that isn't improving with practice. If you're not sure which topics those are, start there: our guide on how to know what your child is struggling with shows how. Knowing the topics also makes the first session more useful.

Check who they are

Anyone can call themselves a tutor online. Look for a platform that checks identity and qualifications before a tutor is shown as verified. On ReClass, verified tutors have passed an ID and qualification review by the ReClass admin team, and carry a verified badge on their profile.

Match the subject, grade and curriculum

A strong Maths tutor isn't automatically the right one for your child. Check that they teach the subject at your child's grade, and that they know the curriculum your child follows, such as CAPS or IEB. On ReClass, tutors list the subjects they teach, and can show the grades they teach for each.

See how they explain

How a tutor explains matters as much as what they know. Some tutors add an intro video to their profile, which gives you a sense of their style. A first session tells you more: afterwards, ask your child whether the explanations made sense.

Read reviews, not just the rating

A few detailed reviews from other parents and learners tell you more than a star rating on its own. Look for comments on how sessions are run and whether the explanations were clear.

Check availability

The best tutor is no help if their times never match yours. Look for times you can actually book, rather than "message me to arrange". On ReClass, a tutor's profile shows the time slots you can book.

Online or in person

Online sessions let your child work with a tutor anywhere in the country, and fit around school and sport. In-person sessions can suit younger children, or learners who find it hard to focus on a screen. For online sessions, check that your child has a quiet place, a working device and a stable connection.

Understand the full price

Tutor rates vary with the subject, grade, experience and format, so compare a few before deciding. Check what you will actually pay, and ask what happens if you need to reschedule or cancel. On ReClass, tutors set their own rates, and your cart shows the full amount, including any service fee, before you pay.

Tell the tutor where to start

Share what your child is working on: recent tests, the topics they find hard, and what has already been tried. On ReClass, a tutor you book can see your child's Learning Passport, so the first session can start with the topics that need it.

Start with one session

Book a single session before committing to more. It is the quickest way to see whether the tutor's style works for your child. On ReClass, you can book one session to start and decide afterwards whether to continue.