How do I become a tutor?

Categorised in: Insights | Posted on: 10 November 2021

We’re often asked ‘How do I become a tutor?’ The answer is, we look for spark, confidence and passion in your subject and an ability to inspire. However, there are some specific subjects and levels which require further experience.

What experience do I need to become a tutor?

1. Primary school level tutor:

We look for primary level tutors who are inventive and creative above all else. Young children get easily distracted, so thinking up games and other ways to engage and teach students of this age is vitally important.

2. 7 Plus, 8 Plus, 11 Plus and 13 Plus Common Entrance tutor:

We ask that you have had prior experience in helping prepare students in Maths, English (and Non-Verbal and Verbal Reasoning where applicable). Some tutors only teach the Maths or English elements of the entrance exams and that is fine too.

We always look for tutors who specifically help with exam preparation and have good knowledge of entrance level requirements to top London day schools. Common Entrance examination experience is a much for helping students’ applying to the UK’s most sought after boarding schools

3. GCSE tutor:

We ask that you have an A level or above in the subject you’d like to tutor at GCSE level. This is so that both you and your student feel confident in the sessions.

We look for tutors who are passionate as well as knowledgeable about the material they tutor. An understanding of the main examination boards and mark schemes is also important.

4. A level / IB / Pre-U tutor:

At this level we require tutors to have a degree in the subject they tutor. This ensures you understand the material to a high level and are confident in explaining concepts to a struggling student.

Topics and requirements become both more complicated and targeted. (The Cambridge Pre-U syllabus is actually much closer to a first year undergraduate degree than an A level). So a tutor with an in depth knowledge of a particular subject is better placed to help students with specific concerns.

Increasingly, we provide tuition for adult learners who are preparing for specific qualifications such as SATs, GMAT, GRE and LNAT. For these subjects, tutors need direct experience.

How do I become a tutor

How can I gain more tutoring experience with Osborne Cawkwell?

We frequently run tutor inductions, tutor chats and training sessions. Some of the training we provide includes:

Helping students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), youth mental health awareness and successfully preparing students for the 11 Plus and 13 Plus exams. The team is always at the end of the phone if you need any advice or help finding teaching materials.

How do I become a tutor through Osborne Cawkwell?

If you think you’d be a great tutor, then please do take a look at our website. Send us a copy of your CV and we may then ask you to then fill out our application form.

The main recruitment period is during the summer holidays in time for the next academic year. However, we do still take tutors at other times of the year on a needs basis. Should we wish to take your application further we will invite you for an interview and ask you to apply for an Enhanced DBS check if you don’t already have a valid certificate.