Personal tutors can play an important role in helping students build both confidence and motivation. One-to-one tuition provides a supportive space where students can ask questions, say when they are unsure and work through difficulties without fear of embarrassment. Over time, this can change how students feel about a subject, helping them move from “I can’t do this” towards “I can improve with the right support.”

Tutors help to build confidence by filling gaps in understanding and revisiting topics that may have caused confusion in the past. When students finally grasp ideas they have struggled with, it can be a real turning point. Seeing steady improvements in classwork, homework and test results reinforces the message that their effort makes a difference.

Positive, specific feedback is another key factor in boosting confidence. Rather than focusing only on mistakes, tutors highlight what the student has done well and recognise progress, however small. This helps students notice their own strengths and develop a more balanced view of their abilities, instead of dwelling on what they find difficult.

Motivation often improves when work feels achievable and relevant. Tutors can break tasks into manageable steps, set short-term goals and choose examples that connect with the student’s interests. This makes learning feel more meaningful and less overwhelming, which in turn makes it easier for students to get started, keep going and experience a sense of achievement.

Personal tutors can also help students develop a more positive mindset towards learning. By normalising mistakes as part of the learning process, encouraging students to persevere and showing how to approach problems calmly, tutors show that it is okay not to understand everything straight away. This can be especially helpful for students who are anxious, perfectionist or afraid of “getting it wrong.”

Goal-setting is an important part of increasing motivation. Tutors can work with students to set realistic, achievable goals for homework, tests and exams, and then review progress together. As students see themselves meeting these goals, their sense of control and motivation tends to grow, and they become more willing to take on new challenges.

For some learners, confidence is also linked to feeling listened to and understood. A good tutor will take time to ask how the student is feeling about their work, acknowledge any worries and adapt their approach accordingly. Knowing that someone is consistently supporting them and believes they can improve can be a powerful motivator in itself.

By combining clear explanations, targeted practice, positive feedback and encouragement, personal tutors can help students feel more confident in their abilities and more motivated to engage with their learning. This often leads to greater participation in school lessons, more independent study and a more positive outlook on education as a whole.

If you’d like your child to receive one-to-one support to build their confidence and motivation, you can enter your postcode in the search box to request a free list of local and online tutors.