Online Maths tutor vs in-person: which is better?

For most Maths students, online tutoring is equally effective as in-person — and often more convenient. Research from the Education Endowment Foundation confirms that online tutoring produces equivalent learning gains to face-to-face sessions when the tutor is experienced and the technology is reliable.

Why online Maths tutoring works well:

• Shared digital whiteboards (Bramble, BitPaper, Google Jamboard) allow real-time worked examples and annotation — the same as sitting at a table
• Access to a nationwide pool of Maths specialists rather than tutors within driving distance
• Typically 10–20% cheaper than in-person due to no travel costs
• More flexible scheduling — sessions can start promptly without travel time

When in-person Maths tutoring may be preferable:

• Younger children (KS2 primary) who benefit from physical proximity and struggle with video call focus
• Students with attention or concentration difficulties where being in the same room helps maintain engagement
• Families without reliable broadband at home

Many families who start with in-person sessions switch to online once their child adapts to the format — and typically find the quality unchanged. For GCSE and A-Level Maths specifically, the shared whiteboard format is so well-established that online tutoring is now the default for many specialist tutors.