DD is in Y5 and we're aiming at Alleyn's and St Dunstan's for 2028 entry. She's at a state primary and we don't know anyone else going down this road, so I'm working out the process from scratch — but I do know what I want from a tutor, and I'd rather wait and pay properly for the right person than settle for whoever's free.
My bar is: a qualified teacher (although if someone's really talented it doesn't matter who they are). Ideally someone who's actually taken kids through these two specific processes in the last couple of years: Alleyn's creative writing and interview, St Dunstan's GL stage then the written paper and taught lesson. And I want someone honest enough to tell me if DD isn't on track rather than take my money for a year. And someone who's a genuinely inspiring teacher who's fun to be with who will keep her engaged.. so however it goes at least she will have spent a year getting more excited about learning.
Where should I look?
And how can I spot a good tutor from the outside? What did you ask at the trial lesson? What separated the tutor who transformed things from the one who was nice but achieved nothing? Any red flags I should be looking out for?
Happy to receive PMs if you've someone in SE London you'd genuinely recommend. Thank you!