How often should my child have tutoring sessions?

The right tutoring frequency depends on what you are trying to achieve and how much time there is before a key exam or deadline.

For general subject confidence: Once a week is the standard. Weekly sessions build a consistent rhythm, give the student time to practise independently between sessions and keep the cost manageable. Most parents who start with weekly tutoring continue at this frequency throughout the school year.

For GCSE preparation (6–12 months out): Once a week in the subject being targeted is typical. For students targeting multiple subjects, many families prioritise one or two subjects for tutoring and manage others independently. Fortnightly sessions are a cost-effective alternative if the student is disciplined about independent practice.

For A-Level preparation: Weekly sessions in each subject being tutored. Many A-Level students are tutored in just one subject — the one they need most for their university course or where they are furthest from their target grade.

In the final 6–8 weeks before a major exam: Many families increase frequency to twice a week. Some go to three times a week in the final fortnight. This intensive approach works well when the tutor shifts to past-paper practice and mark-scheme analysis rather than teaching new content.

For 11 Plus preparation: Most families start with once a week 12–18 months before the exam, increasing to twice a week in the final term. Alongside tutoring, daily 20–30 minute independent practice is expected by most families in competitive areas.