What Makes a Great English Tutor? 7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an English Tutor in Sydney
- Daniel Brocklehurst
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Finding the right English tutor in Sydney can dramatically improve a student’s academic performance, confidence, and love of learning. But with so many tutoring services and private tutors available, how can you tell which one is the right fit?
Whether your child is preparing for HSC English, IB English, or simply needs help developing their writing and analysis skills, it’s crucial to make an informed decision. At Brocklehurst Academy, we know what makes an English tutor truly outstanding—and we’re here to help you spot the signs.
Here are 7 key questions to ask before hiring an English tutor:
1. Is the Tutor Reliable, Professional, and Committed?
A great English tutor isn’t just someone with knowledge—they show up on time, are well-prepared, and are fully invested in their students’ success.
A reliable tutor will:
Turn up on time, every time.
Plan structured, purposeful lessons.
Commit to your child’s long-term growth.
Even the most brilliant tutor can hinder progress if they cancel frequently or arrive unprepared. Professionalism and consistency should never be underestimated.
2. Do They Have Subject-Specific Knowledge—Not Just a High ATAR?
While academic results matter, a 99+ ATAR alone doesn't guarantee a great tutoring experience. What’s more important is deep knowledge of your child’s exact texts and syllabus requirements.
Before hiring an English tutor, ask:
Have you studied or taught my child’s set texts?
Do you know the marking criteria and syllabus for this course?
How do you teach essay writing and textual analysis for this specific text?
This becomes especially important in Years 11 and 12, where students need precise support tailored to their school’s reading list—whether it's The Tempest, 1984, King Lear, or Texts and Human Experiences.
3. What Are You Really Paying For?
If you're comparing tutoring fees, remember that you’re not just paying for the hour. Exceptional English tutors in Sydney often spend hours behind the scenes:
Rereading set texts and preparing resources.
Tailoring lessons to suit your child’s learning style.
Staying updated on new academic interpretations.
When you hire a premium tutor, you’re investing in expertise, preparation, and personalised support—not just contact time.
4. Are You After Results, Deep Learning, or Both?
If your goal is a Band 6 in HSC English or top marks in IB English, choose a tutor who understands exactly how to achieve that.
Great tutors will:
Break down what high-scoring essays actually look like.
Teach proven exam strategies.
Share tips from past top-performing students.
However, real learning goes deeper than exam prep. Look for tutors who also nurture analytical thinking, strong writing habits, and a love of literature.
5. Do They Understand Your School’s English Department?
Every school has different expectations—some want bold interpretations, others reward formulaic structure. A tutor who has worked with students from your child’s school will already understand the unwritten rules.
At Brocklehurst Academy, we’ve worked with students from top schools across Sydney—public, Catholic, and private—and we tailor our tutoring to suit each school’s specific demands.
6. Will You Click with Your Tutor? (Why Trial Lessons Matter)
The best learning happens when students feel comfortable and challenged. A trial lesson is essential to test the dynamic between student and tutor.
Ask yourself:
Does the tutor’s teaching style engage the student?
Are they encouraging and constructive?
Do they push for clarity and independent thinking?
The best tutors don’t just praise—they provoke critical thought:
“This sentence is waffling—how can we make it sharper?”
“What do you really mean here?”
“This section needs reworking—let’s rethink it together.”
Genuine rapport makes a huge difference. A trial lesson—even a paid one—is a worthwhile investment.
7. What’s Their Track Record?
Experience counts—but so does relevance. A fresh graduate who studied your child’s exact text may offer incredible insight, while a seasoned tutor brings years of exam knowledge and marking experience.
At Brocklehurst Academy, we balance both:
Senior tutors with extensive experience and teaching qualifications.
Younger tutors who recently aced HSC/IB English and know exactly what markers want.
We carefully match each student with the right tutor—based on their texts, goals, and personality.
Why Choose Brocklehurst Academy for English Tutoring in Sydney?
Brocklehurst Academy was built on a love of teaching and a commitment to excellence. Unlike large tutoring companies that match students with a random “99+ ATAR” tutor, we take the time to match each student with the right tutor.
What sets us apart:
✅ Deep knowledge of English texts and syllabuses
✅ Professional, reliable tutors who prepare thoroughly
✅ A personalised approach to every student
✅ Quality over quantity—our team is small and highly skilled
✅ Experience working with students from Sydney’s top schools
Yes, some of our tutors have state ranks and 99.95 ATARs—but more importantly, they understand how to teach your child the right way.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right English Tutor in Sydney
Choosing the best English tutor isn’t just about qualifications—it’s about finding someone with the right mix of knowledge, experience, passion, and compatibility.
Ask the right questions, look beyond the ATAR, and prioritise long-term learning—not just quick fixes.
If you’re looking for high-quality English tutoring in Sydney, reach out to us at Brocklehurst Academy. We’d love to help you find the perfect tutor to support your child’s success.
0416769688
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