Goal and current level
We clarify whether the focus is conversation, school English, EIKEN, IELTS, international school support or another learning goal.
How Petra tutor matching works
Finding a tutor who suits your child.
Petra does not choose a tutor from the subject alone. We consider your child's goals and current level, personality and learning pace, the support they need, relevant tutor experience, lesson format, location and schedule before suggesting a tutor.
A tutor suggestion is not a guarantee of availability or assignment. The actual tutor and recurring arrangement are confirmed with the tutor and family before they become active.
Start with the student
First, we understand what your child needs.
Two students studying the same subject may need very different tutors. We start by clarifying the current situation and what matters to your family.
Personality, pace and how they learn
Some children need a gentle pace, more conversation, clearer structure or more challenge. We consider the approach that may help them engage.
School, materials and support needed
Where relevant, we look at schoolwork, materials, exams and homework so the tutor's experience fits the actual work.
Format, location and schedule
We also check online or in-person preference, the area for in-person lessons, and the days and times that could work regularly.
Then look at the tutor
We consider experience and fit together.
University background or English ability alone is not enough. We also look for experience and a teaching approach that suit the student.
- Relevant subject, exam or curriculum experience
- Experience with the student's age or learning stage
- Teaching and communication style
- Japanese or bilingual support when it is needed
- Ability to teach in the requested online or in-person format
- A practical arrangement that can be sustained around current commitments
Practical fit
A good fit still has to work in practice.
For in-person lessons, we consider the area and realistic travel conditions. We also check the requested days and times, lesson format and the tutor's current commitments before suggesting a practical route.
Being free once is not the same as being available every week. For recurring lessons, the specific day and time are confirmed separately.
After matching
Petra stays involved after a tutor is suggested.
Matching is not the end of the process. Once lessons begin, the content, pace and tutor fit can still be reviewed as the student progresses.
If the tutor or approach does not feel right, tell us what is happening. We can review the lesson approach first and, when another tutor may be a better fit, discuss a tutor change.
FAQ
Questions about tutor matching
Can we choose the tutor?
Tell us what matters to your family. In some cases we may be able to discuss more than one suitable option, but the number of realistic options depends on tutor specialisms and current availability. A recurring assignment is confirmed with both the family and tutor.
Do you consider personality and how my child learns?
Yes. Personality, learning pace, communication fit and the kind of teaching approach your child responds to can all be considered as fit factors alongside academic and practical needs.
Can Petra find an in-person tutor in Tokyo?
In-person lessons in Tokyo can be discussed depending on the area and tutor availability. We check the actual location, realistic tutor travel range and the requested day and time.
Can Japanese-language support be part of the match?
Yes. If Japanese support is needed or preferred, we can take that into account when considering tutors.
Is a suggested tutor already confirmed?
No. A tutor suggestion and a confirmed assignment are separate. The recurring day, time, lesson format and other practical details are confirmed with the tutor and family before the arrangement becomes active.
Can we change tutor if it is not the right fit?
Yes. We first look at what is not working and whether the lesson approach should change. If another tutor may be a better fit, we can discuss a tutor change.
Free trial
Start by telling us what would suit your child.
Share the goal, current level, preferred schedule and format, and anything important about how your child learns. We can discuss a suitable approach and possible tutors.