A recent online dispute between a parent and a private tutor has been making its rounds — and it reveals something important about how we choose tutors for our children.
A mother refused to pay $600 in tuition fees because she said the tutor had “promised” her daughter would score A2–B3. The tutor insisted he never guaranteed outcomes — only that her daughter was capable of those grades based on her practice papers.
Both sides ended up threatening to bring the matter to the Small Claims Tribunal.
As dramatic as it sounds, this story is a valuable reminder for all parents
Let’s break down what every parent should take away from this.
1. No Tutor Can Guarantee Results — And You Should Be Careful If They Try
As parents, we naturally want the best — especially for Math and Science, where grades heavily influence subject combinations and post-secondary pathways.
But here’s the truth:
👉 No responsible tutor will guarantee a grade.
Because grades depend on many factors:
- The student’s consistency
- Their willingness to revise
- Stress levels during exams
- School exam difficulty (which varies yearly)
- Mastery across all topics, not just the tutor’s sessions
A good tutor can provide strong guidance, clear explanations, and structured revision, but the student still needs to apply effort, practise, and internalise concepts.
If any tutor says:
“I guarantee your child will get A1 / A2”
That’s a red flag.
2. What Tutors Can Guarantee (and What They Can’t)
A professional tutor can promise:
✔ Clear, structured lessons
✔ Syllabus-aligned materials and practice
✔ Regular feedback on weaknesses
✔ A supportive learning environment
✔ Exam-focused strategies
✔ Honest progress-tracking
But they cannot promise:
✘ A fixed grade
✘ That your child will outperform 100% of peers
✘ Miracle improvements in 4–6 sessions
✘ Guaranteed Last-Minute Exam Rescues™
Learning is a partnership, not a product purchase.
3. Why Miscommunication Happens — Even With Good Tutors
Most disputes arise from well-meaning conversations like:
“I think your child can get B3–A2 with consistent practice.”
Parents hear hope.
Students hear pressure.
Some interpret it as a promise.
This is why experienced tutors always:
- Manage expectations clearly
- Put everything in writing
- Track progress openly
- Avoid overly optimistic predictions
If a tutor never clarifies limits or avoids talking about learning attitude, something is off.
4. How Parents Can Avoid Tutor–Parent Conflicts
Here’s what you can do:
✔ Ask for a Written Agreement (Even a Simple One)
It should cover:
- Session schedule
- Fees and payment terms
- Cancellation policy
- What is included (materials, homework support, etc.)
- No-guarantee clause for exam results
Good tutors won’t object — it protects them and you.
✔ Focus on Teaching Quality, Not “Grade Packages”
Instead of asking:
“Can you guarantee an A?”
Try:
- “How do you help students who struggle with algebra/chemistry kinetics/etc.?”
- “What improvements can I expect in understanding, not just grades?”
- “How do you track progress?”
- “How do you help students who freeze in exams?”
A good tutor talks about skills, not promises.
✔ Look for Consistent Improvement, Not Magic
The best signs of a strong tutor are:
⭐ Your child starts asking better questions
⭐ They become more confident
⭐ They make fewer conceptual errors
⭐ They can explain their thinking
⭐ They revise without being nagged
⭐ School test scores show steady upward progress
Even a jump from C5 → B4 → B3 is real, meaningful progress.
5. The Bigger Picture: Trust and Transparency Matter More Than Hype
The viral story of the mother refusing to pay shows how quickly misunderstandings can happen when expectations are not aligned.
Many students take Math & Science tuition to secure Sec 3 streaming, subject combinations, and O-Level pathways, the goal should be:
👉 Find a tutor who teaches your child to think — not one who sells miracle grades.
Great learning happens when:
- Parents understand the process
- Tutors set realistic goals
- Students receive consistent guidance
- Everyone communicates clearly
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