How to Choose a Tutor in Australia: 10 Questions to Ask

Choosing a tutor is a big decision. You're trusting someone with your child's time, confidence and learning, and in a crowded market it can be hard to tell good options from glossy ones. Whether you're in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth, these ten questions will help you compare tutors and learning centres with confidence.

1. Are your tutors safety-checked?

This is non-negotiable. Tutors should hold a current Working with Children Check (or their state's equivalent, such as the Blue Card in Queensland). You can usually verify a check online with the state register.

A reputable centre will be happy to explain its screening process.

2. Will you assess my child before we start?

Good tutoring starts with diagnosis. Without an assessment, a tutor is guessing. Look for an initial assessment that identifies strengths and specific gaps, followed by a conversation about what it means. At MeritVy, every student starts with a FREE academic assessment for exactly this reason.

3. What will the learning plan focus on?

Ask what your child will work on over the first term, and why. A clear answer sounds like: "We'll consolidate multiplication facts and fractions, then move onto multi-step worded problems." A vague answer, like "We'll help with homework", is a warning sign.

4. Is the program aligned with the curriculum?

Programs should align with the Australian Curriculum (and your state's version of it, such as the Victorian Curriculum). Alignment means tutoring reinforces classroom learning instead of confusing it. Our English and Maths programs are mapped year by year from Year 1 to Year 10.

5. One-on-one or small group?

Both can work well. Consider:

	One-on-one	Small group (up to ~10)
Attention	Undivided	Individual attention plus peer learning
Cost	Higher	Usually more affordable
Builds independence	Less	More: students learn to work things out
Best for	Very specific needs	Most students, most of the time

Small groups grouped by ability, with a maximum class size, give many students the best of both worlds.

6. Who are the tutors, and how are they trained?

Ask about subject expertise, teaching experience and ongoing training. Specialists matter more as students get older. Teaching selective-entry writing or Year 9 algebra is very different from teaching early reading.

7. How will you report progress?

You should never have to wonder whether tutoring is working. Look for regular, specific progress reports and a way to contact the tutor or centre. Our support for parents explains how we keep families informed.

8. Can you help with exams as well as everyday learning?

If your child is heading towards NAPLAN, ICAS, scholarship or selective school exams, it helps when one provider can support both everyday learning and exam preparation. See our exam preparation programs and our guide to preparing for NAPLAN calmly.

9. What are the costs and commitments?

Ask about fees, term commitments, make-up classes and refund policies up front. Reputable providers publish clear terms. Ours are in our refund policy and terms of use.

10. Can we try a class first?

A trial class shows you the teaching style, the classroom atmosphere and, most importantly, how your child responds. If your child walks out of a trial class smiling, that tells you a lot.

Red flags to watch for

• Guaranteed results or scores
• No assessment before enrolment
• Pressure to sign up for long contracts on the spot
• No clear answer about safety checks
• Homework help only, with no plan for building skills

The bottom line

The right tutor builds both skills and confidence. Ask these ten questions, trust what you observe in a trial class, and choose the option that gives your child a clear plan and regular feedback.

Want to see how we answer these questions? Read how MeritVy works, browse our FAQs, or find a centre near you.