What Is Private Tutoring? A Clear Guide for Parents and Students

Private tutoring isn’t just extra homework help. It’s a targeted, personal way to fill learning gaps, build confidence, or get ahead - and it’s becoming more common than you think. In Dublin alone, over 40% of secondary students have used a private tutor at least once, according to the Irish Educational Trust’s 2025 survey. But what does it actually look like? And is it right for your situation?

What private tutoring really means

Private tutoring means one-on-one instruction between a student and a tutor. It’s not a group class, not an online video course, and not a structured program with fixed lessons. It’s customized. The tutor adjusts speed, style, and content based on how the student learns - not the other way around.

Think of it like a personal trainer for your brain. If you struggle with fractions, your tutor doesn’t skip ahead to algebra. They go back, find where things broke down, and rebuild from there. If you’re already good at chemistry but need to ace the exam, they drill you on past papers and tricky question types you’ve never seen before.

This level of focus is impossible in a classroom of 30. Teachers have to move at the pace of the average student. Private tutors move at your pace.

Who uses private tutoring - and why

It’s not just for kids falling behind. People use private tutoring for all sorts of reasons:

• GCSE and A Level students who need help with specific subjects like Maths, Physics, or Essay Writing.
• Students with learning differences - dyslexia, ADHD, or anxiety - who need quieter, slower, more patient support.
• International students adjusting to the Irish education system and language.
• Adult learners going back to school, studying for professional exams, or retraining.
• High achievers who want to push beyond the curriculum - like preparing for Oxbridge interviews or science Olympiads.

One parent in Clontarf told me her son went from a C to an A* in Biology after six months of weekly tutoring. Not because he was lazy - he just needed someone to explain cellular respiration in a way that clicked. That’s the power of personalization.

How it works in practice

Most private tutoring starts with a short assessment. The tutor might ask you to solve a few problems, answer some questions, or even just talk about what you find hard. From there, they build a plan.

Sessions usually last 60 to 90 minutes and happen once or twice a week. They can be:

• In-person - at home, in a library, or at a tutoring center.
• Online - using Zoom, Google Meet, or shared whiteboards.
• Hybrid - some weeks in person, others online, depending on schedules.

The tutor often gives you short tasks between sessions - maybe 10 practice questions, a short reading, or a concept summary. It’s not busywork. It’s designed to reinforce what was covered.

Progress is tracked. Good tutors don’t just say “you’re doing better.” They show you: “Last month you got 3/10 on past papers. This month, you got 8/10. You’ve improved in graph interpretation but still need work on data analysis.” That kind of feedback is rare elsewhere.

Who becomes a private tutor?

Not all tutors are the same. Some are:

• Qualified teachers - often retired or working part-time - with years of classroom experience.
• University students - especially those studying education, science, or humanities. They’re cheaper and often great at relating to younger students.
• Professionals - engineers, lawyers, or doctors who tutor part-time in their field.

Check their background. A good tutor will have:

• Proof of qualifications (degrees, teaching certs).
• References or reviews from past students.
• Clear policies on cancellations, payment, and progress reporting.

In Ireland, many tutors register with Teachta or Irish Tutors Association. These groups vet tutors and offer insurance. It’s not mandatory, but it’s a good sign.

Costs - what you’re actually paying for

Prices vary a lot. In Dublin, you’re looking at:

Don’t just pick the cheapest. A €20/hour tutor might not know how to teach exam technique. A €100/hour tutor might overcomplicate things. Look for balance.

Some tutors offer discounts for:

• Block bookings (e.g., 10 sessions upfront).
• Sibling discounts.
• Group sessions (2-3 students, still personalized).

And yes - it adds up. But many families find it worth it. One mother in Rathfarnham told me she cut her son’s tutoring from twice a week to once after three months. His grades improved so much he didn’t need it anymore. That’s the goal: make yourself unnecessary.

When private tutoring doesn’t work

It’s not magic. It won’t fix everything. Here’s when it falls short:

• If the student isn’t motivated. No tutor can force someone to care.
• If the tutor and student don’t connect. Personality matters. If the student feels judged or bored, switch tutors.
• If it’s used as a Band-Aid. Tutoring can’t replace good sleep, nutrition, or emotional support.
• If parents micromanage. Constant texting the tutor, demanding daily reports - it creates pressure, not progress.

The best results happen when the student owns the process. The tutor guides. The student does the work.

How to find the right tutor

Start with your school. Many have lists of approved tutors. Ask teachers - they often know who’s good.

Online platforms like Tutorful or Superprof let you filter by subject, price, location, and reviews. Read the feedback carefully. Look for mentions like “patient,” “clear explanations,” or “helped with exam stress.”

Always do a trial session. Pay for one hour. See how they explain things. Does the student feel heard? Do they leave with a clear next step? If not, move on.

And don’t be afraid to ask: “What’s your approach for students who get anxious during tests?” or “How do you track progress?” A good tutor will have a ready answer.

What to expect after 6-8 weeks

Real change doesn’t happen overnight. But after a couple of months, you should notice:

• Less frustration during homework.
• Better confidence when speaking up in class.
• Improved test scores - not just higher marks, but faster, more accurate work.
• More independence. The student starts asking better questions on their own.

If you don’t see any of this, talk to the tutor. Maybe the plan needs adjusting. Or maybe it’s not the right fit.

Private tutoring isn’t about cramming. It’s about unlocking potential. When done right, it doesn’t just improve grades - it changes how a student sees themselves.