How to check a tutor's qualifications and track record

You've shortlisted a tutor whose profile looks solid and their rates seem fair, but you're not sure whether they're actually qualified to teach your child's subjects. A fancy testimonial or a smooth first conversation doesn't tell you much. What matters is being able to verify their qualifications and past results yourself — without relying on what they tell you.

Before you book or commit to a term of sessions, there are three concrete checks you can run. Most tutors won't mind; in fact, the ones worth hiring will be ready for these questions.

Verify formal qualifications and subject expertise

Start by asking for proof of their teaching qualification or subject-specific degree. This might be a TEFL certificate for English tutors, a BSc for maths and sciences, or a relevant NQF-level qualification. Don't accept "I studied this at university" — ask them to show you the certificate or diploma. If they teach a curriculum subject (maths, science, languages, humanities), check whether they hold a teaching diploma or bachelor's degree in that subject, not just a general education qualification.

For school-subject tutoring, ask them directly: are they registered with any professional body? Some tutors hold membership with education associations or have undergone additional training through recognised programmes. While you're checking, verify their ID number and full name match what's on their qualification documents.

If they tutor a highly regulated subject — such as coding with safety implications or test prep with specific methodologies — ask whether they have any specialist accreditation. This isn't always required, but it signals they've invested in staying current.

Don't assume an old qualification is still enough. Teaching methods and curricula evolve. A tutor who last studied their subject fifteen years ago might be out of step with how it's taught now. Ask when they last completed professional development or updated their knowledge. Tutors who mark exam papers, attend refresher courses, or stay involved with their subject community are usually more reliable.

Check their track record and ask references specific questions

Request a list of at least three references — ideally recent clients (within the past year or two). Get their contact details and actually phone or message them. Don't rely on written testimonials; you want to hear how the tutor actually performed.

When you speak to a reference, ask concrete questions. What subject did the tutor teach? How long did the client work with them? Did the child's marks improve, and if so, by how much? Was the tutor organised and reliable? Did they give homework and check it? How did they handle it if the child wasn't progressing? References who can tell you specifics — "my son went from a 45% to a 62% in six months" or "she was patient but pushed him to think, not just memorise" — are more useful than vague praise.

Also ask whether the tutor stuck to a plan or adapted when something wasn't working. A tutor who only teaches the same way to every child is a red flag. Ask whether they communicated regularly with the parent about progress. You want someone who'll flag problems early, not someone who takes your money and never gives feedback.

If the tutor is new or has few references, ask how they've performed in their own qualifications or in any tutoring roles they've held. Have they worked in a school, a tutoring centre, or online platform? Those settings provide a track record too.

What you're looking for in the answers

A qualified, reliable tutor will have clear, verifiable proof of their credentials and several genuine recent references who can speak to real outcomes. They won't be cagey about their qualifications or reluctant to provide contact details. They'll be honest about what they can and can't help with, and they won't promise guaranteed marks — results depend on the child's effort too.

If a tutor dodges these requests, seems defensive, or can't produce straightforward evidence of their background, that's your signal to keep looking. On Strove, you can compare tutor profiles side by side and read verified reviews from parents who've already done this homework — a shortcut to finding someone you can trust from the start.