When online tutoring became widespread during 2020, many families and tutors were sceptical about whether it could match the effectiveness of in-person sessions. Five years on, the picture is clearer: for most children and most exam types, online tutoring works — and in some respects works better.
What the evidence says
Research from the Education Endowment Foundation and several university studies has found that one-to-one tutoring — whether in-person or online — consistently produces strong learning gains. The format (in-person vs online) matters less than the quality of the tutor and the consistency of sessions.
For exam preparation specifically, the structured, measurable nature of the work lends itself well to online delivery: a tutor can share a screen, annotate a past paper, and give detailed feedback on written work all within the same session.
Why online often suits exam preparation particularly well
- Flexibility. Sessions can happen without travel time on either side, making it easier to schedule around school commitments — and to maintain frequency during busy periods like school exams or holidays.
- Access to specialists. A family in a rural area — or outside the UK entirely — can access tutors who specialise in their specific target school's papers, rather than being limited to whoever is available locally.
- Fewer distractions. Many parents and tutors report that children are actually more focused in online sessions than in-person ones, particularly older children who are accustomed to screen-based study.
- Continuity. Sessions can continue during travel, illness (minor) and school holidays — meaning preparation is not disrupted by the unavoidable events of family life.
Where online tutoring is less well-suited
Online tutoring works less well for very young children (particularly at 7+ or 8+ level) who need physical engagement and shorter, more varied sessions to stay focused. It also requires a reasonably reliable internet connection and, ideally, a quiet, distraction-free space on both sides.
For writing-heavy subjects, some children prefer the tactile experience of writing on paper with a tutor present. A good online tutor will have strategies to work around this — including asking children to write on paper and hold it up to the camera, or reviewing typed responses in shared documents.
What to look for in an online tutor
Not all in-person tutors adapt equally well to online delivery. When assessing an online tutor, ask:
- How do you structure sessions to maintain engagement and check understanding?
- What tools do you use for marking and annotating work?
- Do you use a shared whiteboard? How do you handle written exercises?
- How do you manage sessions when a child is distracted or loses focus?
An online tutor who has been working online for two or more years — rather than one who moved reluctantly from in-person — will typically have better answers to these questions.