What should families watch out for when hiring a tutor or coach?

The biggest red flag is anything that feels generic. If a program does not assess your child’s needs, does not explain how progress will be tracked, or relies on one-size-fits-all worksheets, it may not be effective for competitive boarding school admissions. Another risk is over-scheduling. Too many sessions can increase stress and lead to burnout. Tutoring should make life calmer, not more intense. Families should also watch for over-editing in writing support. Admissions teams value authenticity, and students should still sound like themselves. Fit matters a lot. If your child does not feel comfortable with the tutor, progress will be slower. A good tutor builds confidence, teaches skills, and helps your child feel capable rather than judged.