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
At Sunbeam Education, we select our SEN tutors for their experience working with neurodivergent learners and for their calm, engaging teaching. Safeguarding expertise is also essential for an SEN tutor. 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 before the first tutoring session to establish a baseline and set 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 and tailored to each student's individual requirements.
3) Progress tracking you can see
SEN tutors track other progress, in addition to grades: fluency, stamina, homework completion, and confidence. Reviews are made every 5 weeks, with progress summaries available for parents to read. Mainstream tutors may report on topic coverage and scores. If you want to see stress reduced and marks improve, ask how progress will be measured and whether 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 student's attention. Information is repeated as many times as the student needs. Mainstream tutoring sessions tend to be faster-paced and content-led. The right pace prevents overwhelm and builds confidence and momentum.
8) Exam arrangements and readiness
SEN tutors can prepare students for using their exam access arrangements to best effect. For example, planning practice with readers, prompts, or approved technology, and building timing strategies that match those arrangements. For anxiety management around exams, see our blog post Exam Anxiety Explained: 6 Proven Ways to Beat GCSE Stress.
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 from 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, which included a 10-minute break halfway through the session, working on shorter passages, and using scaffolded planning and text-to-speech for drafting, the student completed timed responses with clear structure within six weeks. 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.
