Goals and current level
English foundations, exam preparation, mathematics or international school subjects: we check what the student wants to improve.
How Petra tutor matching works
Finding a tutor who suits the student.
We do not choose a tutor by subject alone. We consider the student's goals and current level, how they learn best, the support they need, and practical points such as language, lesson format, location and available days and times. We then suggest suitable tutors.
Suggesting a tutor is not a promise of availability or of a confirmed assignment. The tutor and the regular schedule are confirmed once both the tutor and your family have agreed.
Start with the student
First, we understand what the student 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.
Learning style and pace
Patient and gradual, conversation-led, or structured and fast-moving: we look for the approach the student learns from most easily.
School and materials
School content, the materials in use, exams and homework: we work out what experience the tutor needs from the student's actual situation.
Format, location and times
Online or in person, the area for in-person lessons, and preferred days and times: we check that the arrangement is practical to keep up.
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.
- Experience that fits the subject, exam or curriculum
- Teaching experience that fits the student's age and stage
- Teaching style and communication
- Your preferred language of instruction (mainly English, or with some Japanese support)
- Whether they can teach in your preferred format, online or in person
- Whether their schedule allows regular lessons
Practical fit
A good fit still has to work in practice.
For in-person lessons we also check how realistic the location and travel are. In-person lessons are mainly offered in Amstelveen and Amsterdam and depend on tutor availability and location. If they are not possible, we will suggest online lessons.
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 is not working, tell us. We will first adjust the content and approach where needed. If another tutor would suit better, you can ask to change tutor. Changing tutor is included in the price.
FAQ
Questions about tutor matching
Can we choose the tutor?
We ask about your priorities and preferences. We may be able to suggest more than one candidate, depending on the subject and availability. The tutor is confirmed once your family and the tutor have both agreed.
Do you consider learning style?
Yes. Learning style, pace, communication and the approach that helps the student learn are all part of judging the fit.
Can you find an in-person tutor?
In-person lessons are mainly offered in Amstelveen and Amsterdam. We check the actual location, days and times and tutor availability before considering candidates. For other areas, please ask, as it depends on travel distance.
Can I ask for a tutor who explains in Japanese?
Yes, you can tell us your preference. We will do our best but cannot promise it for every request. Parent communication can be in English or Japanese.
Is a suggested tutor automatically assigned?
No. Suggesting a tutor and confirming the assignment are separate. The tutor and your family both confirm the days, times and lesson format before the arrangement begins.
Can I change tutor if it is not a good fit?
Yes. We first review the approach and adjust where needed. If another tutor would suit better, you can ask to change tutor.
Free trial
Start by telling us what would suit the student.
Share the goal, current level, preferred schedule and format, and anything important about how the student learns. We can discuss a suitable approach and possible tutors.