What to Look for When Choosing an English Tutor in Singapore?

Lil but Mighty
24 hours ago
4 min read

Looking for a good English tutor in Singapore can feel like scrolling through Netflix — too many options, and nobody tells you what’s actually worth your time. Every profile sounds perfect. Every tutor claims to fix grammar, boost vocabulary, and turn your child into the next Shakespeare.

But let’s be honest. Not every tutor is the right fit for every student. So how do you pick one who’s actually worth your money and time?

Let’s break it down. Real simple. Real practical. Real honest.

7 Things to Look for When Choosing an English Tutor in Singapore

Start by Asking: What Is the Goal?

Before you search for English tutors Singapore, ask yourself why you even need one.

Is it for:

Improving school essay scores?
Preparing for PSLE or O levels?
Fixing grammar and writing issues?
Boosting confidence in speaking?
A child who doesn’t hate English, just bored of it?

Different goals = different tutors. A primary school student who needs help with composition writing doesn’t need a tutor who specialises in literary analysis for JC students.

Know the goal. Then look for the tutor who does that well.

Check Their Experience Level

Experience matters — but not in the way most people think.

Years of tutoring is great, but what you really need to know is: have they worked with students like yours?

A tutor who has helped 8-year-olds excel in reading and writing is not the same as someone who helps teenagers with argumentative essays.

So when you browse English tutors Singapore, check:

Do they teach the right level?
Do they understand school requirements?
Have they helped students improve in similar areas?

A tutor can be a genius, but if they don’t connect with the student, it doesn’t matter.

Look at Teaching Style

Here’s a big question: does the tutor explain in a way your child understands?

If your child struggles with writing, they don’t need someone who throws big words and complex grammar rules at them. They need someone patient. Someone who explains clearly. Someone who doesn’t judge mistakes.

Ask tutors questions like:

How do you keep lessons engaging?
How do you handle a student who keeps making the same mistake?
How do you teach composition planning or oral fluency?

If their answers sound like a robot reading from a manual? That’s a red flag.

Ask for Real Examples

A good English tutor should show real results. Not fake promises.

Ask for:

Sample materials or worksheets
Before-and-after examples of student work
Testimonials from parents
Real improvement stories

If they can’t show any proof — or avoid the question — run.

Trial Lessons Are Your Best Friend

Never commit without a trial lesson. Just like you test food before buying in bulk.

A trial lets you see:

How they teach
How your child responds
Whether there's a natural connection
Whether the lesson is helpful or just “talking”

Some tutors offer free trials. Others charge for one session. Either way, it’s cheaper than wasting months on the wrong fit.

Trust Your Instincts Too

You can look at resumes. Reviews. Test scores. Lesson plans. But at the end of the day, trust your gut. If something feels off — even if the tutor looks “perfect” on paper — don’t ignore it. Not every top-scoring tutor knows how to teach. Not every friendly tutor has the right skills. You know your child best. If your instinct says, “This is not the one,” listen to it.

Group or One-to-One?

This matters more than you think.

One-to-one tutoring is great for focused help. All attention is on your child, and lessons move at their pace. Best for weaker students or specific issues.

Group classes can be good too. They’re cheaper. More energy. Good peer learning. But less personal attention.

Decide based on your child:

Independent learner? A group is fine.
Needs extra help? One-to-one is better.
Easily distracted? Avoid large groups.

Look for English tutors Singapore who offer both, and choose what suits your child best.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Here’s what to avoid:

Tutors who blame students — “He’s just lazy.”
Tutors who memorise model essays but don’t teach how to write.
Tutors who never give feedback.
Tutors who say “Just follow my notes and you’ll score.”
Tutors who use the same content for every student.

A real tutor guides, adapts, and helps your child grow. Not just teach to pass the exam.

Is the Tuition Worth the Price?

Tutoring in Singapore isn’t cheap. But don’t pick purely based on price either.

High price doesn’t always mean high quality. And super cheap options may waste more time than they help.

Ask yourself:

Is the tutor helping my child progress?
Does my child enjoy learning more?
Are the lessons clear and practical?
Is there visible improvement in schoolwork or confidence?

If yes — it’s worth it. If no — time to move on.

Ask Your Child How They Feel

One last thing. Your child’s opinion matters too.

After a few sessions, ask simple questions:

Do you like the tutor?
Does the tutor explain in a way you understand?
Do you feel more confident now?
Do you want to continue with them?

A child who feels seen and understood learns better.

Final Thoughts

Finding a good English tutor isn’t about big promises or “top school” labels. It’s about balance. A tutor who listens. Guides. Understands your goals. And helps your child make real, steady progress.

Whether it’s for exams, comprehension, or simply writing better sentences, the right English tutor can make all the difference. Try. Test. Ask. Compare.

And don’t forget — your child doesn’t need a perfect tutor. They need the right fit.

FAQs

How many times a week should my child attend English tuition?

Most students do one or two sessions a week. It depends on their needs.

Should I pick a tutor with teaching experience in MOE schools?

It helps. But it’s not the only thing that matters. Teaching style is more important.

Can online English tutoring work?

Yes. If the tutor keeps lessons interactive and engaging.

How fast will I see improvement?

Usually within 2–3 months. But every student learns at a different pace.