Do I need a tutor?

Parents and carers often choose tutoring if a student needs help catching up in a particular subject or subject area. The personalised attention and tailored lessons help improve academic performance and help boost confidence while filling any gaps in knowledge or technique that may exist. Benefits include being adaptable to family schedules and building motivation across subjects and outside of the classroom too.

Does tuition help?

Absolutely! The Sutton Trust suggests that 30% of students receive private tuition (this rises to 46% in London) and recent research indicates the benefit of having the right support can help 3 in 4 students increase ability by up to three grades.

The biggest improvements are seen when tuition builds firm foundations by focusing on core material, problem solving, number facts and comprehension. Providing constructive feedback and focus on technique helps form mechanisms for future learning, and importantly, being consistent and adding joy to the process builds long term learning habits that students take with them after tuition has ended.

Where does tuition take place?

Tuition usually takes place in the family home at a time that suits you, usually after school or at the weekends. In cases, tuition can be organised to take place in schools or public places such as a local library. With older students, typically those taking the A levels or beyond, tuition can take place during free periods or study session ensuring efficient use of time. Online tuition opens up the possibility for tuition to take place globally.

Do you offer online tuition?

Online tuition is becoming increasingly popular but requires the right tutor to work effectively. All our tutors have years of experience providing online lessons and have a wealth of online resources to effectively teach online. All you need is a device with internet access, tutors will set up lessons over Zoom, Google Meets or Microsoft Teams, are able to share screens, video chat and work on shared documents in real time.

What to expect in our first lesson?

A first session will usually give the tutor time to understand the scope of help the student needs and importantly figure out if the tutor and tutee work well together. The tutor may ask a range of questions that are designed to assess the level of the student, or may set a task that they can work through together. Emphasis will be on making sure the student is comfortable and a plan is set for future lessons.

Who are your tutors?

All our tutors hold at least an undergraduate degree in the subject they tutor. Some senior tutors also hold QTS or PGCE qualifications. Many are from Russel Group universities and have been tutoring in person and online for at least 5 years. All have an up to date enhanced DSB (previously called a CRB certificate) that is registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service update system. In addition they have all undertaken L2 safeguarding certification and many have specialist SEND experience.

How long is a session?

Sessions usually take place once or twice a week, for a duration of one to two hours depending on the specific needs of the learner. Depending on the situation the number and duration of lessons can vary widely. For example a homeschooling student may require multiple lessons spread through the week to cover a full curriculum whereas a student catching up or receiving help with homework may only require sporadic help.

Is homework set?

Most tutors with set regular homework or educational tasks that support learning. This will vary according to the needs of the student. It may be the case that a learner requires more guided support and it takes time for them to be able to work independently outside of lessons. This is where private tuition can help teaching skills and learning techniques that a student can take with them to other subjects.

Do I get feedback as a parent?

Many tutors will endeavour to update a parent or carer at the end of weekly sessions with a brief chat. More formal reports are provided termly, or monthly according to the needs of the learner and educational programme put into place. If there is every any cause of concern, matters with be raised with parents or carers immediately and we will try to find a student focused solution.

Can you help with exam preparation?

We offer tutoring for all subjects at GCSE, A level and IB. Our tutors are familiar with the curriculum for all exam boards (including AQA, Edexcel and CIE) that they teach and are versed in helping students with exam technique, timing and confidence.

We also help with pre ISEB, ISEB, Common entrance, 11+ and 13+ entrance exams and our tutors have experience of many of the top selective schools around London and surrounding areas.

How much is a session?

Our tutors are able to set their own rates according to their experience and track records. Most lessons start at £90/hr. We find these rates are competitive for the level of experience, knowledge, and success our tutors have.