Online or in-person tutoring: which is better for my child?

One of the first questions parents ask us is whether their child should come to the centre or learn online. We teach both ways, on the same plans and at the same prices. So we have no reason to push you one way. This guide sets out the honest pros and cons of each, so you can choose what suits your child.

Is online tutoring as good as in-person tutoring?

It can be, if the lessons are live and the tutor is good. A live online lesson, where the tutor and students can see and talk to each other, is very different from watching recorded videos alone. The biggest factors in progress are the quality of the teaching, how well it matches your child's exam board, and whether your child turns up every week.

What changes between online and in person is mostly practical: travel, focus, and how easily the tutor can see what your child is doing.

What are the pros and cons of each?

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the main differences.

The case for in person

In-person lessons give children a clear routine: a place to go, a time to be there, and a room where the only job is learning. The tutor can glance at a student's working and spot a mistake straight away, which matters a lot in maths and science.

Many children also work harder when they are sitting next to other students. The small social pressure of a group helps them stay on task.

The case for online

Online tutoring saves time. For families with several children, long working hours or no car, removing a journey can be the difference between keeping up lessons and giving up. It also makes it easier to keep going during exam season, holidays or a short illness.

Some older students actually prefer online lessons. They feel less shy about asking questions and like being able to work at their own desk.

Which children suit in-person tutoring?

In-person tutoring usually suits children who need structure. That often includes:

• Younger children, such as 11+ students in Years 4 to 6 and many Year 7s
• Children who lose focus on screens, or who are tempted to switch to games or messages
• Children without a quiet space at home, for example sharing a room with siblings
• Children who need a lot of help with written working, especially in maths
• Children who are low in confidence and benefit from a tutor sitting beside them

Which children suit online tutoring?

Online tutoring usually suits students who can manage themselves. That often includes:

• Older, motivated students, such as many in Years 10 to 13
• Families who live further away or find travel difficult
• Students with busy timetables, such as sport, mosque or madrasah classes, or part-time work
• Students who are shy in person but comfortable typing or speaking online

Age is only a rough guide. Some younger children do very well online, and some older students prefer to come in.

What should I check before choosing online tutoring?

Check safety and set-up as carefully as you would for a tutor in person. The government's guidance for parents on after-school clubs and tuition suggests asking what checks providers do on staff, including DBS checks, and asking to see their online safety policy if they use the internet with your child.

Practical questions to ask any online tutor:

• Are lessons live, or recorded?
• How will the tutor see my child's written working?
• Is the lesson in a group, and how many students are in it?
• Will my child have the same tutor every week?
• How will I hear about progress?

At home, set your child up in a shared space, such as the living room or kitchen table, rather than a closed bedroom. Keep the phone in another room, and test the camera, microphone and internet before the first lesson. Our guide on how to choose a safe tutor covers safety checks in more detail.

Can we switch between online and in person?

With some providers, yes, and this can give you the best of both. For example, a child might learn in person most weeks but join online when they are ill or away. Ask about this before you sign up, because not every tutor or centre allows it.

Is online tutoring cheaper?

Not always. Some online tutors charge less because they have no premises. Others charge the same, because the tutor's time and preparation are the same. Compare the price per lesson, the group size and what is included, such as progress reports. Our guide to tutoring costs in East London explains what to look for.

How LCB can help

At LCB Tutors, every plan works both in person at our Barking centre (Roding House, Cambridge Road, IG11 8NL) and live online. The groups are small (3 to 5 students), the tutor is the same every week, and lessons are taught to your child's exam board. You get a monthly progress report either way.

Our centre has a front desk and cameras, all tutors are DBS checked, and female tutors are available on request. GCSE and KS3 plans start at £52 a month for one lesson a week, and the price is the same online or in person.

Read more about our online tutoring or tutoring in Barking. If you are unsure which format suits your child, book a free assessment, which can also be done in person or online. We will give you an honest recommendation.