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Product tests

Here's where users test and review products and give their feedback. If you'd like to run a product test please email [email protected].

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MNHQ

Mumsnet users review the Tutorful service

91 replies

EllieMumsnet · 20/07/2018 10:43

This activity is now closed

This is the feedback thread for the MNers who tested the Tutorful service with their DC. This service test was open to all UK MNers with a child, or children, who required tuition from primary school to A-level age. This was as much a test of the Tutorful service (using the site to find a tutor, messaging, arranging lessons, etc.) as it was of the lesson itself. Each tester received one free face-to-face session in a subject of their choosing.

If you don't fancy reading the full thread, you can take a look at the highlights here: Tutorful review

Non-testers, in order to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher of their choice (from a list), please answer the following question: 'Have you or your child used a private tutor before and if so, how did you find your tutor and what was the learning experience like?’

Here’s what Tutorful have to say: “We all know the benefit of checking online reviews before buying a new product, so of course you’d want to do the same for someone spending time with your child. Tutorful is revolutionising tutoring, and we’re revolving it around you. Our tutor search and comparison platform has been created based around your needs as a parent, plus every tutor on Tutorful has been referenced and personally approved by our Education Advisors.”

Testers please answer the following questions:

What were you primarily looking to achieve by booking a private tutor?
How did you find the process of searching for, messaging and booking your tutor?
Share any feedback about your tutor and the lesson
Does your child have any feedback to share about their tutor and the lesson?
Have you or your child used a private tutor before and if so, how does this compare to that experience?
Could anything have made your experience with Tutorful better?

All testers who leave the required feedback will be entered into a prize draw, where one tester will receive a £100 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

Mumsnet users review the Tutorful service

OP posts:

Pattygonia · 14/08/2018 21:39

Non-testers, in order to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher of their choice (from a list), please answer the following question: 'Have you or your child used a private tutor before and if so, how did you find your tutor and what was the learning experience like?’

I found a French tutor for my child by word of mouth. She was excellent - the key point being she understood the requirement of the exam board, so it wasn’t just French conversation but work towards a gcse

del2929 · 15/08/2018 00:11

non tester- no we havent used a private tutor before but it is something i would look into in the future

TellMeItsNotTrue · 15/08/2018 00:13

I've not needed to use a tutor yet but it's something I would consider if I felt it necessary. With the DC homework getting harder for Me to understand I think it's only a matter of time until I am in need of help

I wouldn't really know where to start when it comes to tutors, where to look, what type of tutoring is best etc

Belmo · 15/08/2018 09:35

Non tester - my dd is six, so too young for all that. I would hope I would never need to, and that school would teach her everything she needs. Realistically I realise that might not be the case though!

clairedunphy · 15/08/2018 13:39

Non tester.

We haven't used a tutor but I'm considering it for my 10 year old to improve confidence and give us an idea of whether she's suited to grammar. I'm very ignorant of the industry so would definitely appreciate being able to go through a trusted source.

Butteredparsn1ps · 15/08/2018 14:17

Non-Tester. We have used a tutor online service in the past for DS when he was struggling with Maths - I think it was around year 9.

DH found an online agency who matched DS with a regular tutor for online sessions. The Tutor was pretty good I think (and patient) and certainly appeared to know his stuff. I think he was quite young and was able to engage with DS during a particularly Kevinish period, when if truth be told, his school teachers were becoming frustrated with him. The tutor helped DS with areas he was finding difficult and gave him some handy tips which helped him to find school work less challenging.

DS certainly preferred the flexibility of the online option and as we live rurally, it was easier for us as a family not to have to take him to a dedicated venue.

It turned out to be a successful strategy as DS re-engaged with maths at school and went on to achieve an A at GCSE. I would certainly use a Tutor again and have logged Tutorful's details as we also have a 9-year-old DD learning sponge who might benefit from some input in future!

Teaspoon74 · 15/08/2018 18:46

Have you or your child used a private tutor before and if so, how did you find your tutor and what was the learning experience like?

I had some private tutoring many years ago and it was a mixed bag. I found one tutor quite unlikeable and odd though it sounds, that impacted on the way that I learned with her. Her attitude and manner (she was clearly only there for the money and behaved differently with me and with my parents) meant I had little respect for her, as she clearly had little respect for me.

Compare that to my second tutor who went above and beyond. I was admittedly a little older (13 compared to 11) but their approach was far more sympathetic and aimed at what I would learn and understand rather than what they wanted to focus on/ what they knew.

defineme · 15/08/2018 21:45

Non tester
Never used a tutor with 3 teenage children, but wouldn't rule it out. So far we have got by with revision guides and parental knowledge. I would definitely consider it if my child had asked me.

QueenOfPharts · 15/08/2018 22:00

Non-tester
'Have you or your child used a private tutor before and if so, how did you find your tutor and what was the learning experience like?’
No we have never used a tutor.

boptanana · 16/08/2018 15:18

Non tester- I haven’t used a tutor but this thread makes interesting reading for the future!!

fishnships · 16/08/2018 18:38

Non-tester. I have used a tutor - she was recommended by one of the school mums and with good reason. She made a point of making the whole process enjoyable for everyone. Friendly and professional and well worth the expense. DS has come on in leaps and bounds!

Jeffingandeffing · 16/08/2018 19:56

Non tester

We used tutors for both our children in preparation for the 11+. Both were recommended by friends. My son’s tutor had a professional set up in a local school on Saturday mornings. The kids were taught in small groups and the tutor also ran week long holiday programmes. My daughter’s tutor was local and worked with small groups in her own house. My daughter now has a tutor to help her with her a-level maths. We found this tutor on a specialised website.

StickChildNumberTwo · 16/08/2018 20:36

Non-tester: Have you or your child used a private tutor before and if so, how did you find your tutor and what was the learning experience like? - no, although our kids are a bit young yet. The local secondary has a good reputation but also a reputation for lots of kids getting tutored and that being the reason for the good exam results. We'll see how close to the truth that is when we get to that stage.

purplepandas · 17/08/2018 07:14

Non tester. We have not used a tutor service but I would consider it if DC were really struggling.

GenericHamster · 17/08/2018 14:57

'Have you or your child used a private tutor before and if so, how did you find your tutor and what was the learning experience like?’

No we haven't. I might be interested when my son is older but I feel it would be hard to find the right person.

Hmumto3 · 17/08/2018 20:52

Have not used a private tutor before but have been considering and looking into private tutoring for my son in KS1.

Quietvoiceplease · 18/08/2018 07:31

Non-tester
Have you or your child used a private tutor before and if so, how did you find your tutor and what was the learning experience like?

I have used tutors on two separate occasions. For a couple of years my (SN) son had a tutor to assist with general literacy whilst in primary. We found the tutor by word of mouth. I am not sure about the learning experience, and I am not sure it was a wise match in hindsight. DS did not enjoy going (to be fair, I am not sure he'd have enjoyed any tutoring), and I am not sure it offered value for money.

My DD has had a science tutor (at her request) to help with GCSE preparations. It has worked brilliantly. A really knowledgeable and skilled teacher (found via a local online community noticeboard after I put a request out) who has supported my daughter's learning immeasurably.

The difference? I suspect in large part is that my DD wanted a tutor and therefore engaged fully in the learning process and the benefits it would bring. For my DS, I wanted him to have a tutor as I was worried about his literacy.

kateandme · 18/08/2018 11:10

with a tutir you need to all be clear on what you want from the off.they need to be someone who gets alone with your child because they are coming itno your home and its a lot more personal.they need to no how to keep them keen be strong but not make being at home and learning seem like a punishment.

Enoughnowplease · 18/08/2018 17:43

Have you or your child used a private tutor before and if so, how did you find your tutor and what was the learning experience like?

We use the same tutor for both our children. She is helping them both with (different) specific learning difficulties. She was recommended to us and we find her really good. I have recommended her to a friend who is now also using her.

I find the experience really good as she understands their specific difficulties and makes the lessons fun for them.

sealight123 · 18/08/2018 19:06

Non-tester
I have been lucky enough not to need a tutor, as my daughter is naturally academic and intelligent. However, her emotional and social side she has always found more challenging. She makes friends but she struggles to hold in her frustrations and control her energy (trying to get her to sit is a nightmare). This is a reason why I have considered tutoring as it doesn't just help with the subject you are learning, it helps with focus and structure.

Caillou · 18/08/2018 19:57

Non-tester

We have used a tutor for dd1 before to teach her Arabic, it was an online tutor

I was extremely disappointed as even though we told him that she was a complete beginner he was getting annoyed and used to sigh heavily when she didn't understand,

Maybe it was bad luck and we should have persevered, but this did knock dd1 confidence to learn Arabic.

PickAChew · 18/08/2018 23:42

Non tester. Not used a private tutor but I would if I felt it necessary. My kids tend to need more specialised help, though. Neither is on the academic treadmill.

SylvanianFrenemies · 19/08/2018 00:28

Non tester.

We haven't used a tutor yet - DD1 is still at primary with no concerns about her progress. I do expect we will use tutors when she is older.

She recently had a music lesson and didn't find the teacher there great - felt excessively praised, and frustrated.

sarat1 · 19/08/2018 09:22

Non Tester:
I haven't used one (baby is only 10 months old!) but also wouldn't use one as I am a primary school teacher so will be able to support gaps in learning etc.

WowOoo · 19/08/2018 10:02

Non tester

My children haven't reached the stage where they need a tutor yet. I had one though. The way he explained everything just clicked, whereas at school the teacher just rushed through without checking understanding. I wouldn;t have passed my exam without him.

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