Does Dyslexia Affect GL Assessment Scores? A Guide for Parents

Parent supporting a dyslexic child preparing for GL Assessments using engaging reading and reasoning activities in a calm learning environment.

If your child has dyslexia and is preparing for GL Assessments, it’s completely natural to wonder whether their diagnosis will affect their results.

Over the years, this is one of the questions I’ve been asked most often by parents whose children attend international schools. Many worry that a lower score might mean their child isn’t capable academically.

The reassuring news is this: dyslexia can affect GL Assessment scores, but it does not measure intelligence or potential.

Why can dyslexia affect GL Assessments?

Many GL Assessments include tasks involving reading, comprehension, spelling, grammar and written language. Whilst these assessments are designed to measure attainment, children with dyslexia often have to work much harder to access the questions in the first place.

Imagine two children who understand exactly the same concept.

One child reads the question quickly and begins answering almost immediately.

The other child has to spend extra time decoding unfamiliar words before they can even begin thinking about the answer.

Although both children may have the same understanding, the second child has already used valuable time and mental energy.

This is why dyslexia can sometimes affect assessment performance.

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Which areas are most affected?

Depending on the assessment, dyslexic learners may find some sections more challenging than others.

These can include:

  • Reading comprehension
  • Grammar and punctuation
  • Spelling
  • Vocabulary
  • Timed written tasks

Children may know the answers but struggle to work at the same speed as their peers.

Many dyslexic learners also experience slower processing speed or reduced working memory, making timed assessments particularly demanding.

What about reasoning tests?

One thing I always enjoy telling parents is that dyslexia does not affect every area equally.

Many children with dyslexia perform extremely well in:

  • Non-verbal reasoning
  • Pattern recognition
  • Visual thinking
  • Logical reasoning
  • Creative problem-solving

In fact, many dyslexic learners have exceptional strengths in these areas.

Every child has a unique profile of strengths and challenges, which is why one assessment score should never define their ability.

A young girl enjoys a colourful pattern-building activity at a cosy learning table beside an illustrated list of dyslexia strengths, including non-verbal reasoning, pattern recognition, visual thinking, logical reasoning and creative problem-solving.

Can children receive extra support?

If a child has a formal diagnosis of dyslexia, schools may be able to apply for access arrangements, depending on the type of GL Assessment being used and the school’s policies.

These might include:

  • Extra time
  • Supervised rest breaks
  • A reader for certain assessments
  • Other reasonable adjustments where appropriate

If your child has recently been diagnosed, it’s always worth speaking with their school well before the assessment date to discuss what support may be available.

Preparation is about confidence, not cramming

One of the biggest misconceptions about GL Assessments is that children need endless practice papers.

In my experience, this rarely produces the best results.

Children tend to perform much better when they understand the question styles, feel confident in their own abilities and approach assessments calmly.

For dyslexic learners, preparation often works best when it is engaging and multi-sensory.

Rather than completing worksheet after worksheet, I like to use games, discussion, visual resources and practical activities to develop reading, vocabulary and reasoning skills in an enjoyable way.

When children enjoy learning, they usually remember much more.

Remember: A score is only one snapshot

Perhaps the most important thing for parents to remember is that a GL Assessment score is simply one piece of information.

It is not a measure of intelligence.

It does not predict future success.

It certainly doesn’t define your child’s potential.

Some of the most creative, innovative and successful people in the world are dyslexic. They simply learn differently.

Every child deserves the opportunity to demonstrate what they know in a way that allows them to succeed.

Final Thoughts

If your child has dyslexia, it’s understandable to feel anxious about GL Assessments. However, with the right preparation, appropriate support and growing confidence, many dyslexic learners perform far better than they or their parents expected.

Most importantly, remember that assessments measure performance on one particular day—not your child’s worth, intelligence or future.

Here at Bedford Tutor, I have supported many children with dyslexia preparing for GL Assessments in international schools across the UK and around the world. Through personalised, multi-sensory English tuition and confidence-building lessons, I help learners develop the reading, vocabulary, spelling and reasoning skills they need to approach assessments with greater confidence and success.

To find out more, please click on the relevant links below:

Bel 😊

Wondering How We Can Help?

Whether you’re exploring tuition options, looking for specialist support or simply have a question, we’d love to hear from you. Tell us a little about your child and what you’re looking for, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

Current Availability

✅ Super Summer Learning (August): Good availability throughout the holiday

✅ Weekday daytime tuition (from September): Good availability for international students, home-educated learners and families with flexible schedules

🗓️ After-school, Saturday & Sunday morning tuition (from September): Waiting list currently in operation

Please include Area Code if Outside UK

Related Posts

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  • What Are GL Assessments? A Parent’s Guide for International School Families

    ​If you have a child attending an international school, there is a good chance you have heard the term “GL Assessment” mentioned at some point.

    Perhaps your child’s school uses GL tests to monitor progress. Maybe your child is preparing for entrance assessments at an international school. Or perhaps you’ve simply heard other parents talking about GL assessments and wondered what all the fuss is about.

    Over the years, I have worked with many children attending international schools and, more recently, I have been supporting a number of students who are preparing for their GL assessments. One thing I have quickly discovered is that the words “assessment” and “test” often cause far more anxiety in parents than they do in children!

    The reality is that GL assessments are simply designed to measure a child’s current attainment and identify areas of strength alongside areas that may require further development.
    ​
    What Exactly Are GL Assessments?

    GL Assessment is an organisation which produces a range of standardised tests used by schools throughout the UK and across the world.

    Many international schools use GL assessments because they provide useful information about a child’s progress in areas such as:

    • Reading
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Verbal Reasoning
    • Non-Verbal Reasoning
    • Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation

    Schools can then use this information to identify strengths, monitor progress and ensure students are receiving the support they need.

    Although the assessments themselves vary depending on the school and age group, they are generally designed to assess skills children have developed over time rather than knowledge they have memorised the night before.

    Should Parents Be Worried About GL Assessments?

    In a word: no.

    As someone who has worked with many children preparing for these assessments, I have found that confidence is often far more important than cramming.

    Children tend to perform best when they feel relaxed, prepared and familiar with the types of questions they may encounter.

    Unfortunately, some children hear the word “test” and immediately imagine something frightening. Before they have even opened the paper, they are already worrying about whether they will get questions wrong.

    I completely understand this.

    When I was at school, I often worried about assessments despite genuinely enjoying learning. Looking back, I realise that confidence can have a surprisingly large impact on performance.

    How Can Parents Help?

    One of the best ways parents can help is by keeping learning positive.

    Children learn far more effectively when they are engaged and interested in what they are doing. This is particularly true for many neurodivergent learners, including children with ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences.

    Currently, I am tutoring several students who are studying for their GL assessments and one thing I always try to do is make the learning process enjoyable.

    Rather than spending entire lessons completing practice papers, we often learn through games, challenges and interactive activities.

    For example, grammar and punctuation can sometimes feel dry and repetitive when taught through worksheets alone. However, when these same skills are practised through games, quizzes and creative challenges, children often become far more motivated to learn.

    Not only does this help them master new topics, but it also provides valuable opportunities to revisit and consolidate previously-learnt material.

    Learning should never feel like a punishment.

    In my experience, children make the greatest progress when they are having fun.

    What Skills Are Assessed?

    Although every assessment is slightly different, many GL tests focus on the core skills children use every day in school.

    Reading assessments may explore comprehension, vocabulary and inference skills.

    English assessments often include grammar, punctuation and spelling.

    Mathematics assessments typically focus on reasoning, problem-solving and mathematical understanding.

    Some schools also use verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessments, which look at how children identify patterns, solve problems and think logically.

    The good news is that these are all skills which develop gradually over time.

    Preparing Without Pressure

    One of the biggest misconceptions about GL assessments is that preparation needs to be intense.

    In reality, steady and consistent practice is often far more effective.

    Reading regularly, discussing new vocabulary, developing mathematical fluency and building confidence with grammar and punctuation can all make a significant difference.

    Most importantly, children need to understand that an assessment is simply a snapshot of where they are at a particular moment in time.

    It does not define their intelligence, their potential or their future success.

    Final Thoughts

    Having worked with children from a variety of international schools, I have seen first-hand how common GL assessments have become across the international education sector.

    Whilst the assessments themselves are important, I believe confidence, curiosity and a positive attitude towards learning remain far more valuable in the long term.

    When children feel supported, engaged and motivated, they are much more likely to achieve their potential both inside and outside the assessment room.

    After all, the goal is not simply to achieve a high score on a test.

    The goal is to help children become confident, capable learners who enjoy the process of learning itself.

    Here at Bedford Tutor, I have supported many children preparing for GL Assessments in international schools overseas. Through helping students develop their reading, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and reasoning skills, I have created engaging lessons that build confidence whilst ensuring children feel fully prepared for the challenges these assessments can bring.

    To find out more, please click on the link below:

    Bel 😊

    WORLDWIDE ONLINE EDUCATION

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  • Supporting ADHD Learners in International Schools

    What is ADHD?

    When most people think of ADHD, they picture a child who can’t sit still, constantly interrupts and bounces from one activity to the next. Whilst that can certainly be part of the picture, ADHD is far more complex than many people realise.

    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition which affects attention, organisation, impulse control and executive functioning. However, no two people experience it in exactly the same way.

    I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until I was 31. Looking back, the signs were there in bright neon lights. I was energetic, excitable, impulsive and intensely curious about almost everything. I struggled with multi-step instructions, often forgot things that had been said to me moments earlier and found repetitive tasks about as appealing as watching paint dry. Yet I also did well in school, loved learning and was often described as organised and conscientious. For years, those apparent contradictions stopped me from recognising my own ADHD.

    That experience taught me something important: ADHD doesn’t look the same in every child.

    In international schools, where learners arrive with different languages, cultures, educational experiences and life stories, it is especially important to look beyond stereotypes. The child who constantly calls out answers may have ADHD. Equally, the child quietly staring out of the window, lost in a world of their own, may be experiencing exactly the same condition.

    How Does ADHD Affect Learners?

    One of the greatest misconceptions about ADHD is that it is simply a problem with paying attention. In reality, it is often a difficulty with regulating attention.
    ​
    Many ADHD learners can focus brilliantly when something captures their imagination. As a child, I could happily spend hours immersed in a topic which fascinated me. If a lesson sparked my curiosity, I was fully engaged and often had more questions than anyone else in the room. However, if a task felt repetitive, disconnected from my interests or required sustained concentration, keeping my attention on it could feel like trying to hold onto a handful of sand.

    ADHD can affect working memory, organisation, emotional regulation, time management and task initiation. A child may know exactly what they need to do but struggle to get started. They may understand the instructions but forget half of them by the time they reach their desk. They may desperately want to succeed whilst appearing disengaged on the surface.

    Sadly, these difficulties are often misunderstood. Many ADHD learners spend years being told they are careless, lazy or not trying hard enough. I remember making mistakes which seemed obvious in hindsight and feeling frustrated because I genuinely was trying. The gap between what I knew I could do and what I actually managed to produce was often a source of anxiety.

    Creating ADHD-Friendly Learning Environments

    The good news is that many of the strategies which help ADHD learners also benefit other students.

    Clear routines can be incredibly powerful. Predictability reduces cognitive load and frees up mental energy for learning. Visual timetables, checklists and step-by-step instructions provide useful anchors throughout the day. Breaking larger tasks into smaller chunks can transform an overwhelming mountain into a series of manageable hills.

    The classroom environment also matters. ADHD learners often notice everything. A flickering light, a conversation in the corridor or a bird landing outside the window can suddenly become the most interesting thing in the universe. Simple adjustments such as thoughtful seating plans, reduced visual clutter and access to quieter workspaces can make a remarkable difference.

    Movement is equally important. Throughout my own education, opportunities to move helped me concentrate far more effectively. Some of my clearest memories involve lessons where activity was built into the learning process. Children were never designed to sit perfectly still for hours on end and many ADHD learners think best when their bodies are allowed to move.

    The Power of Understanding

    Perhaps the most important support schools can provide is understanding.
    Many ADHD learners experience frequent setbacks and begin to view themselves through the lens of their difficulties rather than their strengths. A child who hears constant corrections can eventually start believing they are the problem.

    The teachers I remember most fondly were not necessarily the strictest or the most knowledgeable. They were the ones who noticed what I did well. They recognised my enthusiasm, creativity and determination. They celebrated small successes and helped me see strengths which I couldn’t always recognise in myself.

    In international schools, this understanding becomes even more important. When children are learning in a language that is not their first language, attention difficulties can sometimes be confused with language barriers and vice versa. Close collaboration between teachers, families and specialists helps ensure that support is both accurate and effective.
    ​
    Ultimately, supporting ADHD learners is not about fixing children. It is about understanding them.

    When schools embrace neurodiversity and recognise that every brain works differently, they create environments where all learners can flourish. Sometimes the most powerful support is not a complex intervention or expensive resource. Sometimes it is simply helping a child understand that there is nothing wrong with the way their brain works and giving them the tools they need to shine.

    Here at Bedford Tutor, we have been working with children who have ADHD for over fourteen years; being neurodivergent myself has helped me create a style of tuition that works to the strengths of the ADHD brain.

    ​To find out more, please click on the link below:

    Bel 😊

    WORLDWIDE ONLINE TUITION

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  • How to Choose an Online Tutor for a Child Living Overseas

    How Do I Choose an Online Tutor for a Child Living Overseas?

    Living abroad can be an incredible adventure for children. New cultures, new experiences and opportunities to see the world can help young people develop confidence, resilience and a broader understanding of life.

    However, moving overseas can also create educational challenges.

    Whether your child attends an international school, follows the British Curriculum, studies the American Curriculum or learns at home, there may come a point when they need some additional support. When that happens, finding the right tutor can make a remarkable difference.

    The problem is that choosing a tutor isn’t always straightforward.

    A quick online search produces hundreds of options, all promising excellent results, personalised lessons and experienced teaching. Faced with so many choices, many parents find themselves wondering where to start.

    Having worked with children from a wide range of countries, backgrounds and educational systems, I’ve learnt that finding the right tutor is about far more than qualifications alone.

    Qualifications Matter… But They Aren’t Everything

    Of course, qualifications are important. Parents want reassurance that a tutor understands the subjects they teach and has the knowledge needed to support their child.

    However, qualifications only tell part of the story.

    When I think back to my own education, the teachers who made the biggest difference were not always the most academically impressive. They were the people who understood me, encouraged me and helped me believe I could succeed.

    The same is true in tutoring.

    A child who feels comfortable with their tutor is far more likely to ask questions, admit when they are confused and persevere through challenges. Learning flourishes when children feel safe enough to make mistakes.

    For this reason, I would always encourage parents to look beyond certificates and consider whether a tutor has experience working with children of a similar age, personality and learning profile to their own child.

    Understanding How Your Child Learns

    Every child learns differently.

    Some need support with reading, writing or mathematics. Others need help developing confidence, organisation, study skills or motivation.

    As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 31, I know first-hand that learning differences can have a huge impact on the educational experience. Looking back, I wasn’t lacking intelligence or enthusiasm. In fact, I loved learning. What I struggled with was working memory, multi-step instructions and maintaining focus on tasks that didn’t capture my imagination.

    Because of this, I strongly believe that understanding how a child learns is just as important as understanding what they are learning.

    If your child has ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia or another learning difference, it can be incredibly helpful to find a tutor who genuinely understands those experiences. Sometimes the strongest learning relationships develop when a tutor recognises the challenges a child faces because they have walked a similar path themselves.

    Finding the Right Fit

    Curriculum knowledge, communication skills and lesson structure are all important considerations. However, the best tutor is rarely the one who promises the fastest results.

    Meaningful progress usually develops through trust, consistency and a supportive relationship built over time.

    Children need someone who celebrates their successes, helps them navigate difficulties and reminds them of their strengths when confidence begins to wobble.

    Particularly for families living overseas, strong communication between tutor and parents is essential. When everyone works together, children receive consistent support and are far more likely to thrive.

    More Than Academic Support

    When parents begin searching for a tutor, they are often looking for help with English or maths.

    What many discover is that the right tutor provides much more than that.

    Good tutoring develops skills. Great tutoring develops confidence.

    Over time, confidence becomes the foundation on which future learning is built. A child who believes they can succeed is far more likely to take risks, ask questions and persevere when learning becomes challenging.

    Ultimately, choosing an online tutor for a child living overseas is not about finding the most impressive profile or the longest list of qualifications. It is about finding someone who understands your child, values their individuality and helps them grow both academically and personally.

    With the right support, children can flourish wherever in the world they happen to be learning.

    If you’re considering online tuition, our international sessions offer personalised support for children aged 5 to 16 in a fun, engaging, and encouraging learning environment. Each lesson is tailored to your child’s individual needs, helping them build confidence, develop key skills, and achieve their full potential from the comfort of home. 

    ​To find out more, please click on the link below:

    Bel 😊

    WORLDWIDE ONLINE TUITION

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  • British Curriculum: Reasons It’s Trusted Worldwide

    For families living overseas, choosing the right school is one of the biggest educational decisions they will make. Whether relocating for work, joining an international community or planning for university, many parents spend time exploring the different international curricula available, with the British Curriculum often being one of the most widely recognised.

    Having worked with children following the British Curriculum for many years, I can certainly understand why. From supporting students attending international schools in Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to working with learners in Dubai and Bangkok, I have seen first-hand how this curriculum provides children with a consistent, well-structured and highly respected education, regardless of where in the world they happen to live.

    So, what makes the British Curriculum such a popular choice for families across the globe?

    An Internationally Respected Education

    One of the biggest reasons families choose the British Curriculum is its outstanding international reputation.

    British international schools can now be found throughout the world, particularly in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. For expatriate families, this offers something incredibly valuable: continuity.

    When parents relocate between countries, children often experience enough change already. Moving home, making new friends and adapting to a different culture can all feel overwhelming. Remaining within the same educational framework helps make that transition much smoother.

    Many students can move from one British international school to another with relatively little disruption, allowing them to continue developing their knowledge and skills without having to adapt to an entirely different curriculum.

    A Clear Structure That Builds Confidence

    One of the strengths of the British Curriculum is its logical progression.

    Each year builds upon the previous one, helping children gradually develop their understanding rather than rushing through concepts before they are fully secure.

    This structured approach allows teachers to identify any gaps in learning early whilst giving students the confidence that each new topic builds naturally on what they already know.

    As a tutor, I find this particularly helpful. Whether I am supporting a Year 4 pupil with reading comprehension or an older student preparing for iGCSE English Language, it is usually very clear where they are within the curriculum and which skills need further development.

    Infographic showing the progression of the British Curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage to A Levels.

    Strong Foundations in English and Mathematics

    The British Curriculum places considerable importance on literacy and numeracy.

    Children are encouraged not only to read fluently and write accurately but also to think critically, explain their ideas and communicate with confidence.

    Similarly, mathematics focuses on developing genuine understanding rather than simply memorising procedures. Children learn to solve problems, explain their reasoning and apply mathematical concepts in unfamiliar situations.

    These skills form the foundation for success across every other subject and remain valuable long after children leave school.

    Preparing Students for Recognised Qualifications

    Another reason the British Curriculum remains so popular is its internationally recognised qualifications.

    Many students progress towards GCSEs and iGCSEs before continuing to A Levels, qualifications that are respected by schools, colleges and universities across the world.

    Several of my older students are currently preparing for Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel iGCSE English Language, whilst many younger learners are developing the reading, grammar, vocabulary and mathematical skills that will support them throughout their educational journey.

    I also work with children preparing for GL Assessments, which are widely used by British international schools to monitor progress and, in some cases, support admissions. Helping students prepare for these assessments has given me a valuable insight into the expectations of many international schools.

    Supporting Families Across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Thailand

    One of the aspects of my work that I enjoy most is supporting families living overseas.

    I currently teach students attending British international schools in Riyadh and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Dubai (UAE) and Bangkok (Thailand). Although these children live in different countries, speak different first languages and experience different cultures, they are all following the same British Curriculum.

    It is fascinating to see how the curriculum provides a common educational framework whilst allowing schools to embrace the culture of the country in which they are based.

    One lesson might involve helping a student in Riyadh strengthen their grammar before a school assessment. Later that day I may be supporting a child in Dubai with reading comprehension or helping a learner in Bangkok build confidence with mathematics.

    Despite the different time zones, the learning objectives are often remarkably similar.

    This consistency is one of the reasons online tuition works so well for international families. Wherever a child happens to live, they can receive personalised support that complements what they are learning in school.

    A Curriculum That Encourages Independent Thinking

    One of my favourite aspects of the British Curriculum is its emphasis on developing independent learners.

    Children are encouraged to ask questions, explain their thinking, evaluate evidence and solve problems for themselves rather than simply memorising information.

    These habits help develop curiosity and resilience—qualities that become increasingly important as children move through secondary school and eventually into higher education.

    Confidence grows when children realise that learning is about understanding, not simply remembering facts.

    Supporting Every Learner

    Although the British Curriculum provides an excellent educational framework, no two children learn in exactly the same way.

    Over the years, I have supported many learners with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism and other additional learning needs. My experience has taught me that successful learning depends far more on adapting lessons to suit the individual child than following any curriculum rigidly.

    Some children benefit from visual resources. Others learn best through discussion, games or practical activities. Some need additional time to process information, whilst others thrive when challenged with extension work.

    The curriculum provides the destination, but every child deserves a learning journey that suits them.

    Why Parents Continue to Choose the British Curriculum

    There is no single reason why the British Curriculum has become one of the world’s most popular educational systems.

    Its success comes from combining clear academic progression with internationally recognised qualifications, strong foundations in English and mathematics, and an approach that encourages children to become thoughtful, confident and independent learners.

    Having supported students studying the British Curriculum in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Thailand, I have seen how effectively it prepares children for future learning whilst providing consistency for families living internationally.

    Wherever children are learning—whether in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Bangkok or here in the UK—the ultimate goal remains the same: helping them develop the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

    Here at Bedford Tutor, I have supported children following the British Curriculum across the UK and around the world for many years. I currently work with students attending international schools in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai and Bangkok, helping them build confidence in English and mathematics, prepare for GL Assessments and succeed in iGCSE English Language. Every lesson is tailored to the individual child, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment that helps students thrive wherever they are in the world.

    To find out more, please click on the relevant link below:

    Bel 😊

    Wondering How We Can Help?

    Whether you’re exploring tuition options, looking for specialist support or simply have a question, we’d love to hear from you. Tell us a little about your child and what you’re looking for, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

    Current Availability

    ✅ Super Summer Learning (August): Good availability throughout the holiday

    ✅ Weekday daytime tuition (from September): Good availability for international students, home-educated learners and families with flexible schedules

    🗓️ After-school, Saturday & Sunday morning tuition (from September): Waiting list currently in operation

    Please include Area Code if Outside UK

    Related Posts

  • What Should International Families Look for in an Online Tutor?

    Choosing an online tutor for your child can feel surprisingly difficult.

    Type “online tutor” into a search engine and you will find hundreds of people offering tuition, promising excellent results, personalised lessons and experienced teaching. But when your child lives overseas, the decision can be a little more complicated.

    Perhaps they attend an international school in Dubai. Maybe they are following the British Curriculum in Abu Dhabi, studying Common Core in Saudi Arabia, or moving between educational systems because your family is relocating. Perhaps your child has ADHD, dyslexia, autism, dyscalculia or simply needs a little more confidence.

    So, what should you actually look for?

    Having worked with students in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other countries around the world, I have found that the best online tutor is not necessarily the person with the longest list of qualifications.

    For me, one quality stands above the rest: flexibility.

    Look for a tutor who understands your child’s curriculum

    International families do not all follow the same educational pathway.

    Some children study the British Curriculum, whilst others follow an American curriculum or another international programme. I have worked with students in Saudi Arabia following Common Core English and Mathematics programmes, as well as learners in the UAE whose schools approach certain areas of mathematics differently. I have also supported students preparing for GL Assessments and studying iGCSE English Language.

    This experience has taught me that curriculum knowledge matters.

    A tutor should understand what your child is being asked to learn, the terminology they are encountering and the expectations of their school. However, they also need to recognise that two children studying the same subject may have very different educational experiences.

    For example, a child preparing for an assessment in Riyadh may need a different approach from a child preparing for a similar assessment in Bedford.

    The underlying skills may be similar, but the route towards developing them can be completely different.

    Look for flexibility rather than one fixed teaching method

    This is probably the biggest lesson I have learnt from working with international families.

    A tutor who rigidly follows one programme or one teaching style may struggle when a child’s circumstances change.

    A flexible tutor can adapt resources, explanations, lesson structure and activities according to the learner sitting in front of them.

    This is particularly important for children with additional learning needs.

    There is no such thing as a “typical” child with ADHD. My own ADHD looks different from another person’s ADHD, and the same is true of children. Some learners need movement and discussion. Others need visual structure and predictable routines. Some thrive when lessons are highly interactive, whilst others need quieter periods to process information.

    I have always felt that different minds sometimes need different routes to reach the same destination.

    That is why I would be wary of any tutor who insists there is only one “right” way to learn.

    Consider whether they understand neurodivergent learners

    For families of children with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia or autism, this can be particularly important.

    A child may be perfectly capable of understanding a concept but struggle to demonstrate that understanding because of working memory, attention, processing, confidence or executive functioning difficulties.

    I know this personally. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 31, and looking back at my own education, I can see that I was never lacking intelligence or enthusiasm. I loved learning. What I sometimes struggled with was working memory, multi-step instructions and maintaining focus when something failed to capture my imagination.

    That experience has influenced the way I teach.

    I believe a tutor should look beyond the difficulty and notice the child behind it.

    For an ADHD learner, that might mean breaking a large task into smaller steps. For a dyslexic learner, it might mean using visual, creative or multi-sensory approaches. For another child, it might simply mean giving them enough time to think before expecting an answer.

    The important thing is not to assume that every child needs the same support.

    Look for someone who builds confidence

    Academic progress is important, but confidence matters too.

    I have worked with children who have become so accustomed to getting things wrong that they begin to avoid trying altogether. Sometimes the biggest breakthrough is not getting an answer correct. It is seeing a child put their hand up, have a go or say, “I don’t understand that yet.”

    The right tutor should create an environment where mistakes are safe.

    Children need to know that getting something wrong does not mean they are bad at the subject. It simply gives us information about what needs more practice.

    This is particularly important for international learners who may already be adapting to a new country, school, language or curriculum.

    Good tutoring develops skills.

    Great tutoring can also help rebuild a child’s belief in their own ability.

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    Look Beyond the Lesson Itself

    Another important consideration for international families is whether the tutor can help a child make connections between learning and their wider educational journey.

    A student may be preparing for a GL Assessment, moving towards iGCSE, changing schools or simply trying to catch up in an area where they have lost confidence.

    In these situations, tuition should not feel like an isolated extra lesson added to an already busy week.

    The tutor should understand the bigger picture and help the child see how the skills they are developing now will support them later.

    In my experience, this can be particularly valuable for international families, where children may move between schools, curricula or even countries during their education. A flexible tutor can provide a sense of continuity when everything else around the child is changing.

    Check that they understand the realities of international education

    Online tuition has one enormous advantage for international families: geography is no longer such a barrier.

    From Bedfordshire, I have been fortunate enough to support children in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Thailand and many other parts of the world.

    But working internationally requires more than simply opening a laptop.

    Families may have different school calendars, different holidays and different daily routines. A UK summer holiday does not necessarily coincide with a child’s school holiday in the Middle East.

    I have found this particularly interesting when working with families in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. There have been occasions when children overseas were preparing to return to school whilst UK pupils were still enjoying their summer break. At other times, international students have had a quieter period when we could focus on confidence-building, revisit difficult areas or simply enjoy learning without the pressure of a busy school term.

    A good online tutor needs to understand this rather than expecting every family to fit around the UK school calendar.

    Communication with parents matters

    When you live thousands of miles away from your child’s tutor, communication becomes even more important.

    Parents should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing how their child is progressing. The tutor should be able to explain what they are working on, where difficulties are appearing and where they have noticed progress.

    This does not mean parents need a lengthy report after every lesson.

    Sometimes a simple conversation is enough.

    For international families especially, good communication helps everyone work towards the same goal. When the child, parent and tutor understand what they are trying to achieve, learning becomes much more consistent.

    Look for the right person, not the most impressive profile

    Qualifications matter. Experience matters. Subject knowledge matters.

    But I would not choose an online tutor purely because their profile looks impressive.

    I would ask:

    Will my child feel comfortable with this person?

    Will they be able to admit when they are confused? Will they feel able to make mistakes? Will the tutor notice their strengths as well as their difficulties? Will they adapt when something is not working?

    These questions are particularly important for children with dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning differences because there is no single approach that works for everyone.

    Sometimes the tutor who looks perfect on paper is not the right person for your child.

    And sometimes the tutor who takes the time to understand your child’s personality, interests and individual way of learning turns out to be exactly what they needed.

    Final thoughts

    Working with international families has taught me that children are remarkably adaptable.

    Whether a child is learning persuasive writing in Dubai, developing reading comprehension in Riyadh or strengthening mathematical reasoning somewhere else in the world, the fundamental goal remains the same: helping them become confident, capable learners.

    Curricula may change. School systems may change. Time zones may change.

    But children still need encouragement, understanding and someone who believes they can succeed.

    For me, that is what good online tuition is really about.

    At Kite Tutoring, the online division of Bedford Tutor, I have supported children in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other countries around the world, alongside families throughout the UK. My online lessons are designed to be flexible, personalised and engaging, with support tailored to each learner’s educational background, learning profile and goals.

    Whether your child follows the British Curriculum, American Curriculum or another international programme, is preparing for GL Assessments, needs support with English or maths, or simply needs someone to help rebuild their confidence, finding the right tutor can make a remarkable difference.

    Here at Bedford Tutor, I have supported home-educated learners across the UK and around the world for many years. From Functional Skills English and Maths to personalised learning programmes for children with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia and autism, I have developed a flexible and engaging approach that helps students build confidence whilst developing the essential skills they need to thrive.

    To find out more, please see below:

    Bel 😊

    Wondering How We Can Help?

    Whether you’re exploring tuition options, looking for specialist support or simply have a question, we’d love to hear from you. Tell us a little about your child and what you’re looking for, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

    Current Availability

    ✅ Super Summer Learning (August): Good availability throughout the holiday

    ✅ Weekday daytime tuition (from September): Good availability for international students, home-educated learners and families with flexible schedules

    🗓️ After-school, Saturday & Sunday morning tuition (from September): Waiting list currently in operation

    Please include Area Code if Outside UK

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  • Choosing an Online Tutor for British Curriculum Children Abroad

    When families move overseas, one of the biggest priorities is ensuring their children continue to receive a high-quality education. Whether you’re living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand or elsewhere, international schools offer wonderful opportunities, but they can also present unique academic challenges.

    Over the years, I have worked with many children following the British Curriculum whilst living abroad, and one thing has become increasingly clear: choosing the right online tutor is about far more than finding someone who knows the curriculum.

    It’s about finding someone who understands your child.

    Why Families Living Abroad Often Seek Additional Support

    Moving overseas is exciting, but it also brings change.

    Children may be adapting to a new country, making new friends, learning alongside classmates from many different cultures and settling into an unfamiliar school environment. Even confident learners can take time to adjust.

    Some children need support because they’ve missed parts of the curriculum during an international move. Others simply benefit from having one consistent adult outside school who understands both the British education system and the realities of international life.

    I’ve often found that parents contact me not because their child is struggling, but because they want to build confidence before small gaps become larger ones.

    Experience with the British Curriculum Matters

    A tutor who understands the British Curriculum can provide reassurance for both parents and children.

    From Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 4, English and maths develop in carefully planned stages. Understanding those expectations allows lessons to focus on exactly what a child needs, whether that’s strengthening phonics, improving reading comprehension, building mathematical reasoning or preparing for iGCSE English Language.

    Many international schools also use GL Assessments to monitor progress, meaning tutors who understand these assessments can provide targeted support without turning learning into endless test preparation.

    Every Child Learns Differently

    One lesson I’ve learnt after many years of tutoring is that no two children learn in quite the same way.

    Some thrive with structured explanations and routine.

    Others learn best through discussion, creativity and practical activities.

    Children with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia or autism often need lessons adapted to suit the way their brains naturally process information rather than being expected to fit one teaching method.

    As someone diagnosed with ADHD myself, I understand how misleading educational stereotypes can be. ADHD looks different in every individual, and the same is true of every learner. The most effective tuition starts with understanding the child before the curriculum.

    Look Beyond Qualifications

    Qualifications certainly matter.

    Parents deserve to know their tutor has strong subject knowledge and appropriate experience.

    However, when I think back to my own education, the teachers who had the greatest impact weren’t necessarily those with the longest list of qualifications.

    They were the ones who listened.

    They noticed when confidence was slipping.

    They explained things differently when the first explanation didn’t quite make sense.

    Those qualities are just as important in online tuition.

    A tutor who builds trust will often achieve far more than one who simply delivers information.

    Flexibility Makes a Huge Difference

    One of the greatest strengths of online tuition is flexibility.

    Families living abroad often follow different school calendars from the UK. Whilst British schools may be enjoying their summer holidays, many international schools are preparing for a new academic year.

    Having a tutor who can adapt lessons around these schedules makes learning far less stressful.

    Flexibility also extends to teaching methods.

    Some children benefit from visual resources.

    Others enjoy games and interactive challenges.

    Some need additional time to process new concepts before moving on.

    The best tutors recognise that adapting to the learner is often the key to long-term success.

    Communication with Parents is Essential

    One aspect of tutoring that parents often overlook is communication.

    When families are living overseas, parents may not always have daily contact with teachers in the same way they would in the UK.

    Regular updates from a tutor can therefore become incredibly valuable.

    Knowing which areas are improving, where confidence is growing and what to continue practising at home helps everyone work together towards the same goals.

    Confidence Comes Before Progress

    One of my favourite moments as a tutor isn’t when a child achieves a high score.

    It’s when they say, “I think I can do this.”

    Confidence changes everything.

    Children begin asking more questions.

    They become willing to tackle more challenging work.

    Mistakes stop feeling frightening and become part of learning instead.

    I’ve seen this happen countless times with students across the UK and around the world. Often, academic progress follows naturally once confidence has been rebuilt.

    Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Online Tutor

    Before making your decision, consider asking:

    • Do they have experience teaching the British Curriculum?
    • Have they worked with international school students?
    • Can they support children with different learning styles or SEND?
    • How do they personalise lessons?
    • Do they communicate regularly with parents?
    • Do they focus on confidence as well as academic achievement?

    The answers will often tell you far more than a long list of qualifications.

    Final Thoughts

    Choosing an online tutor for your child whilst living abroad is an important decision.

    The right tutor should provide more than curriculum knowledge. They should understand children as individuals, adapt their teaching to suit different learning styles and help learners feel confident, supported and motivated.

    Whether your family is based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok or elsewhere, personalised online tuition can provide valuable continuity alongside an excellent international education.

    After all, children don’t simply need someone to teach them English or maths.

    They need someone who helps them believe they can succeed.

    Here at Bedford Tutor, I have supported children following the British Curriculum across the UK and around the world for many years. Whether your child attends an international school, is preparing for GL Assessments or simply needs personalised support in English or maths, I provide engaging one-to-one lessons that build confidence whilst developing the essential skills children need to thrive.

    To find out more, please click on the relevant link below:

    Bel 😊

    WORLDWIDE ONLINE TUITION

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