Priya S.
IB Student, Mumbai
I was dreading IB Math. After 2 weeks with my tutor, I realised I wasn't bad at maths — I just had gaps from last year. Fixing those gaps changed everything.
4 Simple StepsFree ConsultationNo Commitment
How Online Tutoring Works: 4 Steps to Better Grades
Online tutoring with Combo Tutors works in four steps: a free 15-20 minute consultation, a diagnostic first session that identifies your exact knowledge gaps, ongoing personalised lessons targeted at those gaps, and progress reviews every 4-6 sessions to confirm it is working. There's no long-term contract, and you can start with a single session to see if it is a fit.
Here's what each step actually involves.
Free consultation | No credit card required | Cancel anytime
Since 2020
Supporting students
1,000+
Tutors in our network
1,200+
Families supported
From $15
Per hour
measurement process and is not a grade guarantee.
Step 1
Free Consultation
15-20 minutes
Before any lesson happens, you talk to a real person, not a script. We ask which curriculum you are studying, where things are going wrong and what timeline you are working toward. Then we recommend a tutor based on those needs, not a generic profile match.
- Get to know you and your academic goals
- Learn which curriculum you're studying (IB, A-Levels, GCSE, AP)
- Understand which subjects or topics are causing challenges
- Discuss your timeline — upcoming exam, semester goal, or long-term improvement
- Recommend a tutor profile based on your specific needs
- Discuss scheduling, time zones, and logistics
Cost
Free — no credit card, no obligation
Why this matters
Not every student is a fit for Combo Tutors, and that's okay. A free consultation helps us be honest about whether we can deliver value — and gives you a chance to ask questions without pressure.
Step 2
Diagnostic Assessment
First Session, 60 minutes
Most tutoring starts by re-teaching the syllabus from the top. We do not. Your first session identifies exactly where your understanding breaks down, so lesson one already saves time compared with generic tutoring.
- Initial assessment — your tutor reviews recent exam papers or homework to gauge your current level
- Concept mapping — identify which concepts you understand deeply vs. memorised or skipped
- Question analysis — spot patterns in past mistakes that reveal underlying gaps
- Gap identification — pinpoint specific foundation concepts you're missing
- Learning style check — assess how you learn best and adjust accordingly
- Goal setting — together, set a realistic improvement timeline
You'll walk away with
A personalised learning plan & clear timeline
Why this matters
Struggling students often have one thing in common: they've been taught incorrectly or missed a prerequisite concept years ago. Generic tutoring reviews the material again — and students still don't get it. Diagnostic tutoring finds the root cause.
Step 3
Ongoing Personalised Lessons
Recurring Schedule
Once your foundation gaps are identified, learning begins. Your tutor builds every lesson around your specific needs — not a one-size-fits-all curriculum review.
- Opening review (5–10 min) — check homework, clarify lingering questions
- Targeted teaching (25–35 min) — focus on identified gaps with worked examples and Socratic questioning
- Active practice (15–25 min) — work through problems with your tutor's guidance
- Closing & homework (5–10 min) — targeted practice assigned for between sessions
Session frequency
1–3 sessions per week, flexible to your needs
Why this matters
Rather than 'covering the curriculum,' we target your identified gaps. Your tutor uses worked examples, screen sharing, and Socratic questioning to build genuine understanding — not just memorisation.
Step 4
Progress Tracking & Continuous Improvement
Every 4–6 Sessions
We don't just hope you improve — we track it rigorously. After every 4–6 sessions, we formally assess your progress and adjust the plan as needed.
- Grade improvement on recent assessments or practice exams
- Concept mastery — can you explain it, not just solve it?
- Confidence levels — how do you feel about upcoming tests?
- Homework completion and quality
- Exam technique development
- Time management improvements
No lock-in
No long-term contracts — stay as long as tutoring is valuable
Why this matters
If after 4–6 sessions you're not seeing improvement, we pause and adjust. Maybe the tutor style isn't right (we can swap — free, no questions asked). We communicate openly and fix it quickly.
A more focused approach
What Makes This Different From Traditional Tutoring
Most tutoring services work through the textbook chapter by chapter. Combo Tutors starts by identifying the gaps that are actually holding the student back.
| Comparison | Traditional Tutoring | Combo Tutors |
|---|---|---|
| First session | Reviews the syllabus from the start | Diagnoses your specific gaps |
| Lesson plan | Fixed curriculum for every student | Built around your identified gaps |
| Progress checks | Informal, if at all | Formal review every 4-6 sessions |
| Tutor fit | Assigned and rarely revisited | Free switch if the match is not working |
| Commitment | Often a term-long package | No long-term contract; start with one session |
This is not about working harder. It is about spending time on the part of the syllabus that is actually causing the grade to stall.
Curriculum-Specific Teaching Methods
Every curriculum has unique demands. Our tutors adapt their teaching approach to match the specific requirements of your exam board and qualification.
IB Diploma
- Deep focus on command terms and what examiners expect
- Essay structure coaching for Paper 1, 2, and 3 formats
- Extended Essay support — topic development, research skills, academic integrity
- IA guidance for Maths, Sciences, and more
A-Levels
- Mark scheme alignment — what examiners actually award marks for
- Synoptic question preparation — linking concepts across units
- Problem-solving strategies for complex multi-step questions
GCSE & IGCSE
- Exam technique practice with realistic time pressure
- Tier reasoning — understanding which tier is right for you
- Foundation vs. higher tier strategy
AP Examinations
- Free Response practice under timed conditions
- Multiple choice strategy — elimination and pacing
- College credit implications explained
A Real Student's Progress Journey
Here's what a typical improvement timeline looks like for one of our students.
Alex
IB Mathematics
Grade 5Grade 7
WK 04
MasteredAlgebra fundamentals
25% through programme
WK 08
70% completeTrigonometry
50% through programme
WK 12
In progressCalculus proofs
75% through programme
WK 16
UpcomingFull past paper attempt
100% through programme
Total timeline: 16 weeks
What Students Say About the Process
Real experiences from students who followed our 4-step tutoring process.
James L.
IB Diploma Student, London
My tutor broke down Extended Essay into manageable steps. I went from feeling overwhelmed to actually excited about my research. Highly recommend.
Sofia M.
GCSE Student, Barcelona
Unlike traditional tutoring, this was diagnostic. My tutor found exactly where I was struggling (algebra, not calculus) and fixed it. Grade improved from 5 to 7.
Sarah M.
Parent of IB Student · London
Grade 4 → 6
My daughter was struggling with IB Mathematics HL and had almost given up hope of getting a 7. After just two months of weekly sessions with her Combo Tutors tutor, her confidence soared and she went from a predicted 4 to a final grade of 6. The personalised approach made all the difference—her tutor identified exactly where the gaps were and worked through them systematically.
James P.
Parent of A-Level Student · Manchester
B → A*
My son started tutoring for A-Level Physics about three months before his exams. His tutor was incredibly patient and broke down complex topics like electromagnetic induction into simple, intuitive steps. He ended up getting an A* which we genuinely didn't think was possible. I'd recommend Combo Tutors to any parent who wants a tutor that actually cares about your child's progress.
Priya K.
Parent of GCSE Student · Birmingham
+2 Grades
We needed help with GCSE Science for my son who found chemistry particularly challenging. His tutor made the sessions engaging and relatable—using real-world examples that finally made reactions and bonding click for him. He improved by two grades and, more importantly, actually enjoys science now.
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How It Works FAQ
Common Questions.
Yes. We can accelerate learning by increasing session frequency temporarily and focusing intensely on gaps. Most students see measurable improvement within 4 weeks, even if they're significantly behind.
Our tutors span all major time zones. Whether you're in Tokyo, Toronto, or Lagos, we'll find a match. Evening and weekend sessions are available.
We'll switch you — free, no questions asked. Finding the right tutor match matters, and a personality mismatch isn't your fault or ours.
Currently online-only. Our online format is proven, flexible, and actually beneficial — students study in their own space with minimal commute friction.
Perfect. Start with one session, make sure the process works for you, and decide whether to continue. No minimum commitment.
Plans start from $15 per hour, with pricing depending on curriculum level and session frequency. There are no hidden fees, and you can start with a single trial session before choosing a regular schedule.
It varies by student and subject, but most families see measurable progress within 4-6 sessions. That is why this is our formal review checkpoint. Students catching up before an exam may see initial improvement sooner.
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