Choosing between an SEN tutor and a mainstream tutor is about who is the best fit for you. If stress is rising, progress has stopped or is reversing, or exams are approaching, the right support educator can reduce the pressure. For context, see our articles: What Does an SEN Tutor Do? and Understanding SEN: A Key to Effective Support
1) Training and specialism
An SEN tutor is selected for experience with neurodivergent profiles and safeguarding, and for calm, engaging teaching. Mainstream tutors focus on curriculum coverage, which helps many students, but may not address the extra sensory needs, communication styles, or executive function barriers that are often associated with SEN.
2) Setting goals
SEN tutoring begins with a short information-gathering call, a baseline with clear goals. Mainstream tutoring often starts from the syllabus or past papers. Both have their place, but an SEN expert ensures the work is accessible.
3) Progress tracking you can see
SEN tutors track other progress as well as grades: fluency, stamina, homework completion, and confidence. Reviews happen every 5 weeks with parent summaries. Mainstream tutors may report on topic coverage and scores. If you want to see stress reducing as well as marks improving, ask how progress will be measured and if this can be recorded in the updates.
4) Adaptations
SEN tutoring builds in alternatives to handwriting, written instructions, visual models, and assistive technology where helpful. Mainstream tutoring may use the same resources as school. Adaptations mean the student can show what they know without the barriers they have during school.
5) Executive function support
Planning, organisation, working memory, and revision routines are critical skills. Although ADHD and autism are the most famous, almost all SENs affect executive function. SEN tutors integrate these skills into sessions. For more information, have a look at our executive function support page
6) Liaison with your SENCO
With consent, an SEN tutor can support EHCP outcomes. A mainstream tutor may focus only on private sessions. Alignment avoids mixed messages and saves time.
7) Session structure and environment
SEN sessions start with low-pressure and short tasks matched to the students attention. Mainstream sessions can be faster-paced and content-led. The right pace prevents blockading and builds confidence and momentum.
8) Exam arrangements and readiness
SEN tutors can prepare students for their access arrangements, planning practice with readers, prompts, or approved technology, and building timing strategies that match those arrangements. For anxiety management around exams, see Exam Anxiety Explained: Practical Ways to Reduce Pressure.
9) Flexibility and scheduling
SEN tutors plan around energy and sensory needs, including regular breaks, and more frequent lessons during exam terms. Mainstream tutors are typically more rigid. Flexibility helps students who might tire with long sessions.
Case study
A Year 10 student with dyslexia and worsening anxiety had tried mainstream tutoring. Initially, lessons covered English Language papers. However, the session style left them frustrated and tired, leading to incomplete answers. After switching to SEN tutoring, where we included a 10 minute break half way through the session, worked on shorter passages, used scaffolded planning and text-to-speech for drafting, within six weeks the student was completing timed responses with clear structure. Their anxiety reduced, and they started to enjoy learning English again. They continue to work with us and are now preparing for their GCSEs.
Safety and quality at Sunbeam
Every Sunbeam tutor is interviewed, safeguarding-trained, insured, and holds an Enhanced DBS certificate. You receive regular reviews to keep you informed.
