FAQs
Requesting for a Tutor
Requesting for a tutor is simple and takes less than 5 minutes.
There are multiple methods you can request for a tutor:
- Fill out our online form
- Drop our friendly coordinators a call at 8875 1100
- Email us your name and number and we will call you back soon
Our dedicated coordinators will inform the tutors about the tuition assignment. Rest assured that no personal details will not be revealed. Tutors that are interested will apply for the assignment, and we will filter through the applications, considering your budget, preferences, learning style, and any other concerns you have.
We aim to get back to you within 3 hours with a choice of the most suitable tutors. You can speak to the tutor, ask any questions, and chose to confirm or decline the tutor. If the tutor is unsuitable, we will provide you with a new list of recommended tutors based on your feedback.
If you have confirmed the tutor, Distinction Tutors will help you liaise for the arrangements of the first tuition lesson.
There are three main types of tutors, part-time tutors, full-time tutors, and current/ex-MOE teachers.
Part-time tutors are usually students themselves, either studying in University of waiting for University to start. All part-time tutors under Distinction Tutors have done extremely well for their exams and are flexible, friendly, and can relate to students well. They are the most affordable option available in the tuition market.
Full-time tutors teach tuition as their permanent job. Many are highly experienced and able to provide notes as well as a wide variety of lesson timings. Full-time tutors represents a tried and tested option that can leverage on their years of experience to help students.
Current/ ex-MOE are perhaps the most coveted group of tutors. They know the syllabus exceptionally well as they are tasked by schools to come up with lesson plans and exam papers. However, MOE teachers are not always available due to the high demand for current MOE teachers and the limited time they have to teach.
Distinction Tutors takes credibility and integrity very seriously. All of the tutors that register with Distinction Tutors will have to undergo a background check and have their qualifications verified. Any fabrication of qualifications or suspicious applications will be immediately blacklisted from our databases. If you would like additional peace of mind, you can request the tutor to bring along their proof of qualification during the first lesson.
Rates and Payment
Distinction Tutors provides the average market rate for different types of tuition here (hyperlink). This serves as a reference for tutors to set their hourly rates. We do not control the hourly rates set by tutors, as each tutor is free to decide on their own tuition rates based on their experience and qualifications.
During our match making process, we will consider your budget and will only recommend tutors that have an hourly rate within 5 dollars from your budget. We can also conduct necessary negotiations on your behalf.
Not at all! The services provided by Distinction Tutors are free of charge for all parents and students. Our company generates revenue by charging tutors a small commission (equal to the first two weeks of lessons) in return for helping them find students. Our business model keeps costs low for parents and students.
Payment for the first two weeks of lessons will be paid directly to Distinction Tutors by PayNow, online bank transfer or cheque. There will not be any fees paid to the tutor for the first two weeks of lessons. Payment for subsequent lessons will be paid directly to the tutor, and can be arranged with the tutor in any preferred mode of payment. Our team of coordinators will provide you with the payment details once you have confirmed the tutor.
Example: Mr Tan hires a tutor, John, to help his son at a rate of $30/h, 2 hours per week. Therefore, Mr Tan should pay the first two weeks of payment (amounting to $30x2x2=$120) directly to Distinction Tutors instead of to John. He does not need to pay John again for the first two week’s worth of lessons. Payments for subsequent lessons will be paid directly to John.
Please note that parents and students are not paying any commission fees to Distinction Tutors. Instead of having parents pay the tutor for the first two weeks of lessons and having the tutor transfer this commission to Distinction Tutors, we found that it is much more simplified and secure if parents pay Distinction Tutors the commission directly on behalf of the tutors.
No, all payment to Distinction Tutors will be made after the lessons have been conducted. After the first two weeks, payment details can be arranged with the tutor directly. However, we advise parent’s to only pay after each lesson or after each month.
You will only need to pay for any lessons conducted directly to Distinction Tutors. Distinction Tutors will also provide you a new list of recommended tutors based on your feedback.
Lessons
The beauty of home tuition is that all lessons are conducted 1 to 1. Hence, the pace and content of the lesson can be adjusted to suit the student’s needs. Do note that each of our tutor’s have a unique teaching style and personality, and hence there is no one size fits all approach in how lessons are conducted. Parents that would like to be more involved can also give their suggestions on how lessons should be conducted, or what topics the tutor should focus on.
Lessons are usually conducted at the student’s home to save the student travelling time. However, if you prefer to have tuition at a public location (such as a library or a café), this can also be arranged. Online lessons can also be arranged for if both parties agree. The lesson location should be agreed upon before confirmation of lessons.
Distinction Tutors constantly filters our database of tutors to ensure that only the qualified and capable tutors remain. As a result, 99.2 percent of our clients have been satisfied with the tutor we have recommended. However, we understand and apologise if you find that your tutor is unsuitable. In such cases, you can reach out to us and we will terminate the lessons immediately. You will only need to pay for the lessons that you have conducted. Distinction tutors will also provide you with a new list of recommended tutors to choose from.
No, all payment to Distinction Tutors will be made after the lessons have been conducted. After the first two weeks, payment details can be arranged with the tutor directly. However, we advise parent’s to only pay after each lesson or after each month.
Feedback
We would love to hear your feedback or suggestions. You can reach out to us using our contact us form or email us at contact@distinctiontutors.sg . For urgent matters, you can reach out to our coordinators at 8875 1100.