The right A Level Maths tutor rebuilds the algebra that every topic depends on, teaches your child’s specific pure and applied papers, and trains the clear, complete working that earns method marks. A Level Maths is where many strong IGCSE students first feel lost, usually because the algebra suddenly matters far more. This guide shows you how to choose a tutor who fixes that.

Written by Tutopiya, an online tutoring company. The checklist applies to any tutor.

Key takeaways

• Confirm the specification and applied options: Cambridge 9709, AQA 7357, OCR A H240, Edexcel, or Edexcel International A Level.
• Algebra is the root cause of most A Level Maths difficulties.
• Pure maths carries the most marks; statistics and mechanics depend on which options your school takes.
• Choose by trial lesson on a topic your child finds hard, such as integration or trigonometric identities.

---

Which A Level Maths specification does your child take?

Different boards package A Level Maths differently, especially the applied content.

Specification	Pure maths	Applied maths	Exam pattern
Cambridge International 9709	Pure papers at AS and A Level	Mechanics and/or Probability and Statistics papers, depending on route	Can be staged across AS and A Level
AQA 7357	Across all three papers	Statistics and mechanics, both compulsory	Three papers at the end of Year 13
OCR A H240	Across all three papers	Statistics and mechanics, both compulsory	Three papers at the end of Year 13
Edexcel International A Level	Pure units	Choice of statistics, mechanics and decision units	Modular, several exam windows

Cambridge publishes the AS and A Level Mathematics 9709 syllabus; AQA publishes its A Level Mathematics 7357 specification.

What should an A Level Maths tutor focus on?

An A Level Maths tutor should secure algebra first, then work through the topics with the lowest scores, using exam-style questions throughout.

• Algebra: indices, surds, rearranging, factorising and partial fractions.
• Functions and graphs: transformations, inverses and modulus.
• Calculus: differentiation and integration techniques and their applications.
• Trigonometry: identities, equations and radians.
• Statistics: distributions and hypothesis testing.
• Mechanics: forces, kinematics and moments.
• Proof and communication: clear logical steps.

Browse our A Level Maths tutors, or see our subjects and curricula page.

How to choose an A Level Maths tutor

1. Confirm the specification and which applied papers your child sits.
2. Check algebra early: ask the tutor to assess it in the first lesson.
3. Share a recent test with the weakest topics marked.
4. Book a trial lesson on one of them.
5. Ask about past papers: topic questions in Year 12, full papers in Year 13.
6. Review after six lessons with a mixed set of questions.

One-to-one tutoring vs revision courses

Revision courses help students who are broadly secure; one-to-one tutoring helps students with specific gaps.

Option	Best for	Limitation
One-to-one tutor	Specific gaps, top-grade targets, weak algebra	Higher cost per hour
Holiday revision course	Broad review before exams	Fixed pace, little individual feedback
Online video courses	Explanations on demand	No marking of working
Self-study with past papers	Confident students	No help when stuck

Is your child also taking Further Maths?

If so, choose a tutor who teaches both, or at least knows how Further Maths builds on A Level Maths. Our guide to choosing an A Level Further Maths tutor explains what changes.

How many hours a week?

One hour a week suits most students. Two hours helps in Year 13 when content gaps and past-paper practice overlap, or for students taking Further Maths alongside.

Is online tutoring effective for A Level Maths?

Yes. On a shared whiteboard the tutor sees every line of your child’s working, so errors in algebra or notation are caught immediately rather than at the end of a question.

When should A Level Maths tutoring start?

Start in the first term of Year 12 if algebra feels shaky, because every later topic depends on it. Students who do well in Year 12 can often wait and use tutoring for exam preparation in Year 13.

Getting started with a Tutopiya A Level Maths tutor

Tutopiya offers one-to-one online A Level Maths tutoring across Cambridge, AQA, OCR and Edexcel.

• A tutor matched to your child’s specification and options.
• A free first lesson, booked without payment details, so you can judge the tutor before deciding.
• Flexible monthly hours, from 4 a month per subject. Each tutor sets their own rate, and you see it before you book.
• Nothing lost between sessions: AI lesson analysis creates notes, flashcards and quiz questions from every lesson.

See our A Level subjects page.

Common mistakes

• Skipping algebra → fix it first.
• Watching worked examples without practising → do questions in every lesson.
• Untidy working → write every step; method marks depend on it.
• Neglecting applied papers → plan time for statistics or mechanics.
• Starting past papers late → use topic questions from Year 12.

Talk to us

For more help, read A Level Maths tutoring online for the May/June exams and do you need tuition for A Levels?. For a recommendation, contact our team.

Summary: confirm the specification and applied options, fix algebra first, and choose the A Level Maths tutor whose trial lesson makes a hard topic feel manageable.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in an A Level Maths tutor? +

Look for experience with your child's specification and options, such as Cambridge 9709 Pure, Mechanics and Statistics papers, strong algebraic teaching, clear written working, and regular past-paper practice. A trial lesson on a weak topic shows whether the explanations work for your child.

Why do students struggle with A Level Maths after IGCSE? +

The algebra becomes much heavier, and topics such as calculus, trigonometric identities and proof require fluency that many IGCSE students haven't yet built. Most struggles trace back to algebra, so a tutor should check it first.

Does my child need help with pure maths, statistics or mechanics? +

Usually pure maths, because it underpins everything else and carries the most marks. Statistics and mechanics have their own challenges, and a tutor should cover the applied options your child's school has chosen.

Is online tutoring good for A Level Maths? +

Yes. Maths works well on a shared whiteboard, where the tutor can see every line of working and correct errors immediately. Online lessons also let you choose an A Level maths specialist anywhere.

How much does A Level Maths tutoring cost on Tutopiya? +

Tutors set their own rates, which you see before booking. Plans start from 4 hours a month per subject, and the first trial lesson is free with no card required.

Ready to Excel in Your Studies?

Get personalised help from Tutopiya's expert tutors. Whether it's IGCSE, IB, A-Levels, or any other curriculum — we match you with the perfect tutor and your first session is free.

Book Your Free Trial