"When it comes to exams, one-to-one tuition can really make that extra bit of difference. With a tutor, a pupil can learn in depth those areas which he or she finds difficult and crucially, understand the best exam techniques and revision skills. The setting out-with the classroom gives the pupil the opportunity to ask questions and together, the tutor, pupils and parents can make a personalised plan for achieving academic goals. Of course, no tutor can guarantee that a pupil will gain a certain grade but can ensure that the pupil will find confidence and enthusiasm for the subject.

However, parents may also wish to consider a tutor at other stages of their child’s education. For example, when a pupils has moved to Scotland from a different educational system; when a pupil has English as an additional language or for those pupils with special learning needs. Tutors are sensitive to all these issues and can help pupils accordingly, whatever their level. Tutors are also beneficial to those children who are particularly gifted and would benefit from that extra “push” they may not be getting at school.

Results do not happen overnight and the earlier parents think about tuition, the better. Parents should keep themselves regularly informed of their child’s progress at school. Some children may ask for extra help or others may simply lose motivation and become withdrawn. Slipping marks in class tests are one of the first indicators that additional assistance may be required from a tutor. If certain grades are necessary for entry to university, parents must be thinking ahead. Most tutors are fully booked after prelim exams so leaving it late is risky. The best advice is to spend time with your child talking about how things at school are going so that any issues can be picked up early and dealt with appropriately."