How to Know If Your Child Needs a Physics and Maths Tutor
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By Zayna Dar, Founder, Shuhari Tuition
GCSE maths and physics are two core subjects which many students find challenging. From puzzling equations to scenarios that feel worlds away from real life, it's not always easy to tell when a bit of extra support is needed. So, how do you know if your child would benefit from a private tutor to achieve academic excellence or simply to feel more confident about themselves? And what should you be looking for if you decide to get one?
Here’s our guide for parents—it covers the signs to look out for, how to assess your child’s needs, and what makes the perfect tutor.
Spot the Signs Early
Some children will tell you directly when they’re struggling, but more often, it shows in other ways. Here are some common signs that tutoring might help:
Homework becoming a headache?
If your child regularly finds maths or physics homework confusing or stressful, that’s worth paying attention to. GCSE maths, in particular, builds on itself over time. Miss one tricky topic, and the next lesson can feel impossible.
Confidence taking a hit
Does your child avoid maths lessons or freeze up during tests? Physics and maths can feel like the scariest subjects when they start to feel unmanageable. Some students even develop anxiety around problem-solving or exam technique. They may find certain mathematical concepts hard to grasp, or they may feel like they’re not good enough during class.
Low test scores (again)
We all have off days. But if your child’s test results are consistently below expectations, it could point to deeper gaps in their knowledge.
Avoiding anything maths or physics related
When kids start dodging maths or physics lessons or homework altogether, it’s often because they don’t feel confident.
Teacher feedback isn’t great
If your child’s teacher has flagged concerns or mentioned that they’re not keeping up, don’t ignore it. It’s a clear sign they could use extra support.
Mood and motivation have changed
Not wanting to go to school. Feeling snappy when revising. Refusing to talk about certain subjects. These can all point to a child who’s lost confidence.
How to Assess What They Actually Need
Talk it out
Have a low-pressure chat with your child. Ask them how they feel in their maths and physics lessons. Do they struggle with specific topics like thermodynamics theory or maths equations? Do they feel like they’re falling behind, or do they just need revision tips and a confidence boost?
Get the teacher’s perspective
Your child’s teacher can give you insight into what’s happening in the classroom. Are they participating? Falling behind in key areas? Are they avoiding common challenges like problem-solving or mastering formulae? Their feedback can help you decide if tutoring would make a real impact.
Think about your child’s learning style
Every student is different. Some thrive with lots of structure, while others need more creative approaches. The best tutors take this into account, adapting their teaching style and using techniques that work for your child.
Why a Tutor Can Make All the Difference
1:1 support means lessons that fit
Whether your child needs help with the basics or support tackling advanced lessons, a tutor can tailor the pace and content to their needs. Online sessions work particularly well for busy families, as long as you’ve got a solid internet connection.
Regular sessions build routine and resilience
Having a dedicated time each week for tuition helps students get into a good rhythm. With the right tutor, revision becomes less stressful, and difficult topics get broken down into manageable chunks.
They’ll gain confidence and better exam technique
GCSE and A-level exams can be intimidating, and if your child is in any other year, sitting tests can be daunting. A great tutor can guide your child through them with the proper guidance, plenty of practice, and proven study techniques. They’ll learn how to tackle each type of question, manage their time effectively, and stay calm under pressure.
Real-world examples bring subjects to life
Subjects for students become more engaging when they’re made relatable. Some of our tutors use sports examples to explain maths equations, others connect physics lessons to real-world scenarios like roller coasters, phone chargers, or even baking. The right tutor can show how these subjects can be applied outside the classroom.
Learn more about flexible online maths and physics tuition. Contact us today.
How to Find the Perfect Tutor
Check their subject knowledge
Look for an experienced physics and maths tutor, ideally one who knows the ins and outs of your child's curriculum, including the GCSE and A-level syllabuses. A well-informed tutor should be confident handling difficult topics and able to explain them in ways that make sense. At Shuhari Tuition, we do some of this work for you: one of our key requirements is that our tutors have received at least an A grade in the subject they tutor.
The chemistry matters
A student match is about more than just qualifications. Your child needs to feel comfortable, understood, and supported. That’s when learning really takes off.
Ask about their tutoring style
Do they use a systematic approach? Do they help students build a strong foundation before moving on to advanced material? Can they explain complex ideas using real-world scenarios? How do they convey difficult concepts to those who are struggling with the subject? Do they focus on problem-solving skills? Problem-solving skills have been proven to help in reducing test anxiety levels among students.
Make sure your setup works
If you decide to go for online tuition, test the tech. A good internet connection, working camera and microphone, and a quiet space can make or break a session.
Set up a Study-Friendly Environment
Make a space that works
A clutter-free, calm space for studying is a key part of the learning experience. Even if it's just a corner of the dining room, make sure it's got what your child needs to concentrate: this could be stationery, textbooks, or a whiteboard for working through maths equations.
Keep it consistent
Tuition works best when it’s regular. Help your child build the habit, and they’ll start to feel more confident in their abilities as they make progress each lesson.
Help with time management
Time management is one of the key reasons some students struggle, particularly if they are about to sit their GCSEs or A-levels. Without a clear plan, they can quickly fall behind. Teaching your child how to plan their time is a simple but powerful step for students who need more structure.
Celebrate the wins, big and small
Whether they’ve cracked a tricky formula or finally feel ready for their next test, take time to recognise the progress. Positive feedback from you (and their tutor) goes a long way.
Key Takeaways: How to Know If Your Child Needs a Physics and Maths Tutor
Watch for warning signs, such as low test scores, anxiety, skipping lessons, avoidance of homework, or sudden changes in attitude.
Time management is essential. Teaching your child how to organise study time helps reduce overwhelm and boost their grades.
Falling behind on a previous chapter can cause problems later. A well-informed tutor can address knowledge gaps with a systematic approach.
Look for tutors who personalise lessons and use real-world examples to explain strange topics and complex issues.
Choosing the perfect tutor involves more than qualifications. Factors like teaching style, student match, and online tuition setup matter.
A strong foundation in Maths GCSE and physics leads to better exam technique, stronger problem-solving skills, and more confidence.
Turning weaknesses into strengths is possible with regular practice, science tuition tailored to your child’s needs, and the correct guidance.
The path to success starts early. Addressing common challenges students face now leads to wonderful marks later on.
Need help finding the right tutor for your child? Get in touch. We'll help you find the right match and a mode of tutoring that works for your family.
