Frequently asked questions

Are all your tutors qualified teachers?

Yes. Every tutor working with Top Class Learning is a qualified teacher with substantial classroom experience.

Our team also includes experienced GCSE, IGCSE and A-Level examiners, subject leaders, assessment specialists and published authors.

 

Does every tutor work as an examiner?

Our team includes tutors with extensive examining experience across different qualifications and exam boards.

We match students according to the tutor’s subject, specification and assessment expertise. We will explain the recommended tutor’s relevant experience before lessons begin.

 

Which subjects do you teach?

We specialise in English.

Depending on tutor availability, we support:

• GCSE English Language;

• GCSE English Literature;

• International GCSE English Language;

• International GCSE English Literature;

• A-Level English Literature;

• A-Level English Language;

• A-Level English Language and Literature.

 

Which exam boards do you support?

Our tutors have experience across AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International qualifications.

Availability depends on the individual subject, specification and texts being studied. We confirm the exact course before recommending a tutor.

 

Do you offer one-to-one tuition?

Yes. We provide personalised one-to-one tuition for GCSE, IGCSE and A-Level students.

Small-group programmes may also be available for particular qualifications or examination periods.

 

Is one-to-one tuition better than group tuition?

Neither format is automatically better for every student.

One-to-one tuition allows teaching to be closely personalised. Small groups can provide valuable discussion, shared ideas and a lower-cost route to expert teaching.

During the consultation, we will recommend the option we believe best suits the student’s needs.

 

How are lessons delivered?

Most tuition is delivered live online through Zoom.

Online lessons allow students to work with the most appropriate specialist regardless of location. Students can speak with the tutor, share written work, view live modelling and access relevant resources.

In-person tuition may be available in limited locations. Please ask when enquiring.

 

Do you work with international students?

Yes. We provide online IGCSE and A-Level English tuition for students living outside the UK.

We offer a range of UK teaching times to accommodate international time zones. Exact availability is confirmed during the consultation.

 

Can you support students with SEND?

Yes. Our tutors have experience of teaching students with dyslexia, ADHD, EAL and a range of additional learning needs.

We will ask about any relevant needs during the consultation so that we can recommend an appropriate tutor and teaching approach.

 

How often should my child have tuition?

Most students attend one lesson each week. Some attend more frequently before mock or final examinations.

The appropriate frequency depends on the student’s goals, timescale, current performance and availability.

 

Will tuition follow my child’s school course?

Yes. We establish the student’s exam board, specification, set texts and assessment route before tuition begins.

Tuition is designed to complement the school or college course while addressing the student’s individual gaps and priorities.

 

Can you help with homework?

Our tutors can teach the knowledge and skills a student needs to complete homework successfully.

The purpose is to help students become increasingly independent, rather than completing work for them.

 

Can you support coursework or NEA?

Yes. We can teach planning, research, analysis, academic writing and referencing.

Support is always provided within the rules of the relevant qualification. Tutors will not write, rewrite or improperly edit assessed work for a student.

 

How will I know whether my child is progressing?

Parents receive information about the learning covered and may also receive recommended practice, identified priorities and agreed progress updates.

The exact communication arrangements will be confirmed at the start of tuition.

 

How much does tuition cost?

One-to-one tuition starts from £50, with GCSE one-to-one tuition starting from £55. Small-group tuition starts from £22.

International fees are confirmed before booking, including the payment currency and method.

There are no hidden registration fees.

 

Do you offer a trial lesson?

We begin with a free consultation so that we can understand the student’s needs and recommend the right tutor.

Following the consultation, we will arrange a paid-for trial lesson for you to meet your tutor and begin an initial assessment of your child's needs. 

 

Are your tutors DBS checked?

Yes. All Top Class Learning tutors hold an Enhanced DBS check and are expected to follow our safeguarding procedures.

 

What happens if we need to cancel a lesson?

Lessons are subject to our cancellation policy.

Lesson cancellations within one week (seven days) will be offered an alternative date where possible; cancellations withing 24 hours can, unfortunately, not be rearranged or refunded.

The full arrangements will be explained before tuition begins.

 

How do I get started?

Complete our short consultation form.

Lyndsay or Jade will contact you within two working days to discuss your child’s needs, recommend a tutor and confirm availability and fees.

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