Starting with TSS
How fast can I get a home tutor in Singapore?
Reviewed by Theon Teo, Founder · Last checked · How we check facts
Short answer
With The Singapore Syllabus you receive 3 to 12 tutor profiles within 16 hours of sending a request, each with the tutor's credentials, hourly rate and a note. The first lesson usually happens within 5 to 10 days, depending mainly on how quickly you choose and on the tutor's open slots.
From request to first lesson
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Send a request (level, subjects, area or online, exam timeline) | Day 0, two minutes |
| Receive 3 to 12 tutor profiles | Within 16 hours |
| Choose a tutor and agree a time | When you are ready |
| First lesson, a paid trial | Usually within 5 to 10 days |
How to make it faster
- Give the full picture in the request: level, subjects, school, area, exam dates and the times that suit you.
- Say if you are open to online lessons. It widens the choice of tutors with open slots.
- Choose from the shortlist promptly. Good tutors fill their slots, especially from January and before exams.
- Have the latest school paper ready to send to the tutor.
What can take longer
Rare subjects and narrow time windows take longer to match. Examples include H2 Further Mathematics, Higher Tamil, IB Higher Level sciences, or a weekday afternoon slot in a far-off area. In those cases we may send fewer profiles, or suggest online lessons.
The weeks just before major exams and the start of the school year are the busiest, because many families look for tutors at the same time.
Timing around the 2027 school year
The 2027 school year starts on 4 January. Families who want lessons from the first week of term often request in November or December, after the year-end exams and the PSLE results.
Source: MOE, School terms and holidays for 2027 (14 July 2026).
What is in each tutor profile
Comparing three or four profiles side by side usually makes the choice clear. Pick on fit and experience with your child's level first, then on rate. If you are unsure between two tutors, ask each how they would plan the first four lessons.
- The tutor's background: part-time, full-time or ex-MOE teacher, with qualifications and the levels they teach.
- The hourly rate, which is the rate you pay, including for the first lesson.
- A short note from the tutor about how they would help your child.
What happens at the first lesson
The first lesson is a paid trial at the tutor's hourly rate. Send the latest school paper beforehand, so the tutor can spend the lesson on the topics losing the most marks rather than on finding them. After it, you carry on weekly or ask us for another shortlist at no charge.
Common questions
Is the shortlist free?
Yes. Requesting and receiving a shortlist costs nothing and commits you to nothing. You pay only for lessons, at the tutor's hourly rate.
Can I meet the tutor before the first lesson?
The first lesson is a paid trial, which works as the meeting. You see the tutor teach your child before deciding to continue.
What if none of the tutors suit us?
Tell us why and we send another shortlist at no charge.
Want a tutor shortlist?
Tell us the level and subject. We send 3 to 12 tutor profiles with their rates within 16 hours, and you choose. No contract and no minimum number of lessons.