MyTutor vs SHLC: Which Suits Your Child Better for GCSE Maths?
If your child is heading into Year 10 or 11 and needs GCSE maths support, you've probably come across both MyTutor and School House Learning Centre. Both operate online, both offer one to one lessons, and both have decent reputations. But the experience you get is quite different.
This page breaks down what each service actually offers so you can make an informed choice. I've taught GCSE maths for over five years at SHLC, so I'll be honest about where we differ and when MyTutor might suit your child better.
Why This Comparison Exists
When GCSEs are approaching, choosing tutoring support feels like a big decision. You want to know you're picking something that will work for your child's learning style, fit your budget, and actually deliver results.
This comparison focuses specifically on GCSE maths. I've included tutor qualifications, lesson structure, how homework works, pricing, and what support you can expect as a parent.
Full transparency: This page is written by SHLC. MyTutor is referenced for comparison purposes only. All information about MyTutor comes from their website, safeguarding policies, and publicly available reviews. I haven't tested their service myself.
Why Parents Look for GCSE Maths Tutoring
Before comparing the two services, here's what typically brings parents to look for extra support:
- Your child is stuck between foundation and higher tier and you need clear guidance on which route to take
- Mock results have dropped and you need a proper plan to pull them back up
- Confidence has taken a knock after lockdown gaps or a teacher change
- School sets are too large for individual help with topics they don't understand
- The exam is approaching fast and panic is setting in
- You want someone who can explain methods clearly and check your child actually understands, not just memorises
If any of these sound familiar, you're not alone. Many parents reach a point where school alone isn't enough.
SHLC vs MyTutor: Side by Side Comparison
Here's how the two services compare across the factors parents care about most:
| Factor | SHLC | MyTutor |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited for | Parents who want an experienced educator (5+ years minimum) with a structured approach, expert tutor matching, and proven GCSE results | Parents who want flexibility, relatability from tutors closer to their child's age, and the ability to browse and choose tutors themselves |
| Who tutors are | Experienced subject specialists with minimum 5 years teaching or tutoring experience. Selective hiring based on subject expertise, teaching clarity, and proven track record. Quality checked ongoing | Current university students or recent graduates (within 3 years) from top UK universities. Must have A grades in their GCSE/A Level subjects. 1 in 8 applicants accepted. Personally interviewed. No teaching qualification required |
| Lesson format | 1:1 online only. Structured 60 minute lessons: homework review (5 mins), refresher on multiple topics, topic introduction with clear methods and visualisations, live practice with immediate feedback, recap and homework setting (last 5 mins). No recordings (students take notes, get homework, and additional resources if needed) | 1:1 online. Interactive whiteboard and video chat. Student often sets the agenda. All lessons recorded for students to review later. Lesson structure varies by tutor |
| Online or in person | Online only | Online only |
| Initial assessment and plan | Free 15 minute consultation with an experienced educator (not admin staff). Covers current level, gaps, exam board, target grade, fears, and hopes. Plan discussed verbally. SHLC expertly matches the right tutor from the team based on years of feedback about which tutors suit which students | Free 15 minute introductory meeting with potential tutor. Parents browse tutor profiles (qualifications, experience, availability, hourly rate, reviews) and choose themselves. Can message multiple tutors before deciding |
| Homework and feedback | Homework set after every lesson (within 24 hours). Student or parent marks at home first, then reviewed together in next lesson. Verbal feedback given, plus additional practice set based on performance. Repetition built in for long term retention | Homework not standard (depends on tutor). Lessons recorded so students can rewatch for revision. Some tutors set homework, others don't |
| Exam board coverage | AQA, Edexcel, OCR, IGCSE. Also covers SATs and 11+ (CEM, GL, Independent). Does not cover WJEC or CCEA | All UK exam boards covered. 30+ subjects available |
| Parent updates | Flexible based on parent needs (typically weekly or monthly). Can be written updates or brief chat after lesson, or both. Parents can request specific help or updates anytime | Messaging platform available (instant messaging, push notifications, read receipts). Communication and updates vary by tutor. No standardised parent update process. Personal contact details remain private |
| Scheduling flexibility | Weekly commitment or block booking preferred. Same time slot or alternating pattern recommended for consistency. Can pause for holidays (work set during breaks to maintain momentum). After school and weekend slots available | Book lessons when it suits you through tutor's calendar. Pay as you go. Cancel or reschedule anytime. No fixed commitment. Can skip weeks. No hidden costs |
| Typical pricing | From £40 per hour. Payment weekly in advance | £26 to £73 per hour for GCSE (most tutors charge £26 to £40). Tutors set their own rates based on experience and qualifications. Pay as you go. Platform takes up to 49% as service fee |
| Safeguarding | All tutors hold enhanced DBS checks. All tutors complete safeguarding training with yearly updates | All tutors have enhanced DBS checks (renewed every 3 years). All tutors complete safeguarding training. DBS status displayed on tutor profiles but parents verify during free meeting |
| Results and track record | Students typically make 2 to 3 grade improvements in 3 to 7 months (2 to 3 times faster than typical UK benchmark of one grade per year). Documented case studies showing specific student progressions (e.g., Level 3 to 5 in 3 months, Level 6 to 9 in 7 months). 50+ Google reviews (5 stars). 120+ families since 2020 | MyTutor reports high satisfaction rates. Individual results depend on tutor match and student effort. Reviews available for each tutor on platform |
When SHLC May Not Be the Right Fit
I believe in being honest about when we're not the best choice. Here are situations where SHLC might not suit your needs:
SHLC may not be right if:
- You prefer face to face tutoring rather than online lessons
- Your child thrives in group settings and benefits from learning alongside peers
- You want total flexibility to book lessons ad hoc with no weekly commitment
- You want to browse tutor profiles yourself and make the selection (rather than expert matching)
- Your child responds better to tutors closer to their own age (university students)
- You're looking for the lowest possible hourly rate and budget is the primary factor
- You need support for WJEC or CCEA exam boards (Wales or Northern Ireland)
- You want lessons recorded so your child can rewatch them
SHLC works well if:
- You want a highly experienced educator (5+ years minimum, not a university student) teaching your child
- You value expert tutor matching rather than browsing profiles yourself
- You want structure, consistency, and a clear plan from week one
- Your child needs someone who will set homework every week and check it's actually understood
- You want regular parent updates tailored to what you need to know
- Scheduling flexibility matters, but you're happy with a consistent weekly slot
- You're looking for proven results with documented case studies (not just platform claims)
- You prefer knowing your tutor has enhanced DBS and safeguarding training that's updated yearly
- You believe lessons should be taught properly the first time (notes, homework, resources) rather than relying on recordings
What Parents Say About SHLC
Here's what families who've worked with us have shared:
Sharon S.
"When our daughter passed but did not get a place for her 2nd choice high school, we knew there must be either gaps in her learning or not enough practice in test environments. With just 10 weeks before her exam for her 1st choice we engaged Aadam to provide 2 hours per week for her in Maths. She enjoyed her time with Aadam and was increasingly feeling more confident regarding the exams. Upon sitting the exam, our daughter came in the top 20% and received a Charter Scholar. I do not believe this would have been possible without Aadam's tutorage and can highly recommend him, both for his style of teaching and his professionalism."
Roxana M.
"I can't thank Aadam enough for giving R confidence and teaching him to the highest possible standards. The lessons were straightforward and focused on R's needs. Aadam's expertise in teaching has put our minds at ease especially when you said R doesn't need anymore tutoring lessons. I've never heard a tutor saying that is enough, most tutors would have carried on just to get some more money of us! 💯% I would recommend you and I can't wait for the GCSE results to be able to share R's achievements with you."
Henna S.
"Aadam is an excellent online maths tutor. He made complex topics simple and enjoyable. My son's grades have improved from a grade 3 to a grade 7, and he actually looks forward to maths now. He is now in the top set in school."
Ahmed A.
"Aadam is an outstanding maths tutor who has made a huge difference to my son's progress. His online maths tutoring sessions are well structured, engaging, and tailored to my son's needs. Since starting online lessons with Aadam, my son has gained confidence and improved by two grades in maths. I highly recommend Aadam as an online tutor for anyone looking for professional and effective maths support."
Parent (switched from MyTutor)
"We started with MyTutor because my daughter liked the idea of having a tutor who was a university student. The lessons were friendly and relaxed, but after six weeks we weren't seeing much progress. Homework wasn't always set, and when it was, it wasn't always checked properly. We switched to SHLC three months before her mocks. Every lesson had structure, homework was given within 24 hours, and we got regular updates on exactly where she was and what needed work. She went from a grade 4 to a grade 6 in those three months. The experience level makes a difference."
You can read more reviews on our Google Reviews page.
How SHLC Works for GCSE Maths
When you book with SHLC, here's what you can expect:
Free initial assessment: You start with a free 15 minute consultation with an experienced educator (not an admin assistant). We discuss your child's current level, gaps, exam board, target grade, any fears they have, and what you're hoping to get out of tutoring. The plan is discussed with you verbally so you know exactly what to expect. We then expertly match your child with the right tutor from our team based on years of feedback about which tutors suit which students.
Personalised learning plan: From the first lesson, we build a clear picture of where your child is and what will help them make the biggest progress. We agree a goal for the term (whether that's moving from foundation to higher, hitting a grade 5, or pushing from grade 7 to 9) and set a clear plan for lessons and practice.
Weekly one to one lessons with an experienced teacher: Every lesson follows a structure. We review homework in the first 5 minutes, do a quick refresher on multiple topics, introduce the new topic with clear methods and visual explanations, practise together until the last 5 minutes, then recap and explain what homework will be set. You're working with someone who has a minimum of 5 years teaching or tutoring experience. Lessons are live only (no recordings). Students take notes, get homework to reinforce learning, and we send additional resources if they need to recap.
Regular parent updates: We track performance against targets and keep notes on strengths, gaps, and priorities. Parents receive short, clear updates (weekly or monthly depending on what suits you) showing what improved, what's next, and how the plan links to GCSE requirements. You can request additional updates or specific help anytime.
Enhanced DBS and safeguarding: All SHLC tutors hold enhanced DBS checks and complete safeguarding training with yearly updates. You can have complete peace of mind about who's teaching your child.
Ready to see if SHLC is right for your child?
Book your free assessment at https://shlc-tutor.co.uk/pages/make-an-appointment
No commitment. Just a conversation about where your child is now and where they need to be.
Common Questions Parents Ask
Can my child switch from MyTutor to SHLC mid year?
Yes, absolutely. Many parents switch tutoring providers when they're not seeing the progress they hoped for, when lesson structure feels inconsistent, or when they realise they'd prefer an experienced educator over a university student. We recommend starting at the beginning of Year 11 for GCSE, but we've helped students who joined us later in the year as well. The free consultation will help us assess where your child is and whether we can help in the time available.
How quickly will we see improvement?
Most SHLC students make 2 to 3 grade improvements in 3 to 7 months. For example, we've had students go from Level 3 to Level 5 in 3 months, Level 5 to Level 7 in 3 months, and Level 6 to Level 9 in 7 months. This is 2 to 3 times faster than the typical UK benchmark of one grade per year. Results depend on your child's starting point, how much time they have before exams, and their commitment to homework between sessions.
Does SHLC cover all exam boards?
We cover AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and IGCSE for GCSE maths. We also support SATs and 11+ exams (CEM, GL, and Independent school exams). We do not currently cover WJEC or CCEA (Wales and Northern Ireland exam boards). You can access free past papers for AQA and Edexcel on our website.
What happens in the first lesson?
The first lesson confirms your child's current level and highlights the quickest wins. We agree a goal for the term (foundation readiness, grade 5 confidence, grade 7 to 9 push) and set a clear plan for lessons and practice. Your child will leave the first session knowing exactly what they're working towards and how we'll get there.
Is homework set after each session?
Yes, always. Homework is set within 24 hours of every lesson and typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. We ask students or parents to mark it at home first, then we review it together in the next lesson. This repetition is important for long term memory. If homework shows gaps, we set additional practice based on what your child needs.
How do online lessons compare to in person?
Online lessons are just as effective when delivered properly. At SHLC, we use screen sharing, digital whiteboards, and live practice so your child is actively working through problems with immediate feedback. Many parents find online lessons more convenient (no travel time, flexible scheduling) and students often feel more comfortable asking questions from home. Our results speak for themselves: students make the same 2 to 3 grade improvements online as they would in person.
Why doesn't SHLC record lessons like MyTutor does?
Our philosophy is simple: lessons don't need recording if they're taught properly the first time. Students take notes during lessons, get homework to reinforce what was taught, and we send additional resources if they need to recap. This active learning approach (note taking, practising, reviewing) builds stronger long term retention than passively rewatching recordings. That said, if your child learns better with recordings to review, MyTutor's approach might suit them better.
What's the difference between a university student tutor and an experienced educator?
University student tutors (like those on MyTutor) are often relatable, enthusiastic, and just a few years older than your child. They remember sitting GCSEs recently and can connect on that level. However, they typically have limited teaching experience beyond their own school success.
Experienced educators (like those at SHLC) have spent years teaching the same topics to hundreds of students. We've seen every misconception, every stumbling block, and every variation of how students get stuck. We know which explanations work, which don't, and how to adapt on the spot. That experience matters when you're trying to move your child up two or three grades in a few months.
Are your tutors DBS checked?
Yes. All SHLC tutors hold enhanced DBS checks and complete safeguarding training with yearly updates. This is non negotiable for us.
Can you help with foundation and higher tier?
Yes. We work with students at all levels, from those working towards a foundation grade 4 or 5, to higher tier students pushing for grade 8 or 9. The personalised plan we create in the first session will be tailored to your child's tier and target grade.
What if my child needs English or Science too?
SHLC offers tuition in maths, English, and science for GCSE. If your child needs support in multiple subjects, we can discuss this during the free consultation and arrange a plan that covers what they need.
How much does it cost?
One to one online lessons start from £40 per hour. Pricing is based on level and exam focus (11+, SATs, GCSE). Payment is made weekly in advance, and you can book a weekly commitment or block of lessons. We'll recommend the right frequency based on your timeline and goals during the free consultation.
Recommended Next Steps
If you're still weighing up MyTutor and SHLC, here's what I suggest:
Read more about SHLC's approach:
See what other parents say:
Free resources to try before committing:
Book a free consultation:
Contact us directly:
Disclaimer
MyTutor is a trademark of its owner. Used here for identification and comparison purposes only. All information about MyTutor is based on publicly available details from their website, safeguarding policies, and reviews as of January 2025. I have not tested their service myself.
This comparison is written and published by School House Learning Centre (SHLC). I've aimed to present MyTutor's offering fairly and accurately based on the information available. If you notice anything that needs correcting, please contact me via https://shlc-tutor.co.uk/pages/contact
— Aadam, SHLC Tutors