Choosing the Right Support for an International-School Child

When choosing a tutor or learning centre for an international-school student, being able to teach in English is not enough. The support should fit the school’s assessment, address a specific need and help the student become more independent.

What should families look for in an international-school tutor?

• Curriculum: Does the tutor have relevant experience with the student’s subject and level, whether IB, IGCSE, AP or A Levels?
• Diagnosis: Can they review actual work and teacher feedback and explain the specific difficulty?
• Approach: Can they work around school deadlines and show what the student should do between sessions?
• Transparency: Are fees, communication and the timing of progress reviews clear in advance?

What if both English and the subject are difficult?

A student may understand mathematics or science but lose marks interpreting English questions; another may speak fluently while missing foundational knowledge. Use an actual assignment in an initial session to discuss where time should be spent.

How can you judge whether support is working?

After several sessions, check whether the student can start work more readily, explain mistakes and plan the next steps. Grades also depend on assessment timing and difficulty, so avoid judging solely by short-term scores. Avoid ghostwriting or support that breaches the school’s academic-integrity rules.