Frequently Asked Questions
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Who do you teach and where?
We offer friendly, one-to-one tuition for children from primary through to GCSE. Most of our lessons take place face-to-face in homes across South-West London and Surrey, though some tutors also teach from their own homes. Online sessions are available too, giving families more choice and flexibility.
How are lessons organised?
All lessons are one to one and usually last an hour. Longer sessions can be arranged for older students or home education. Lessons run weekly at a fixed time and can continue during school holidays if you wish. We ask for the weekly lessons for consistency for all parties.
How do I arrange tuition and how soon can it start?
Complete the enquiry form on our website. We will then match your child with a suitable tutor based on subject, experience, and availability. Once safeguarding checks are complete, lessons can usually begin within a week.
Who are the tutors?
Our tutors are qualified teachers or experienced tutors with enhanced DBS checks. They bring classroom experience and consistency, reserving the same slot each week. Where possible, you can choose between suggested tutors. While we don’t have specialist SEN tutors, we can advise or refer and are always honest and realistic about the support we provide.
What do lessons cover?
Lessons follow the curriculum used at your child’s current or previous school and are fully adapted to their individual needs. We do not reuse generic content. Each lesson is planned to be personal and relevant, whether your child is in state school, independent school, or home education.
We prepare students for SATs, 11+, GCSEs, A levels, and other qualifications, balancing subject knowledge with exam technique. For SATs, we emphasise that the tests are for the school, not the child, and place the focus on building confidence and exam strategies rather than results. The child remains at the centre of every decision we make.
How is progress tracked and feedback given?
We ask parents to share school reports, which provide valuable data alongside tutor observations. Tutors give around five minutes of feedback at the end of each lesson. Homework can be set and is usually marked in the following session. If your child doesn’t connect with their tutor, we will arrange an alternative. We ensure this is considered within the two week ‘cooling off’ period.
How do payments work?
We use a split payment model to keep costs clear and fair. You pay your tutor directly for lessons, and a separate agency fee is paid to us. The agency fee covers tutor placement, safeguarding checks, and ongoing support throughout your tuition. This approach keeps pricing transparent and avoids VAT being added to your bill. Invoices are issued monthly in advance and include all the details you need to make payment.
What are your policies on cancellations and safeguarding?
We ask for 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel; otherwise, the session is still charged. If a tutor cancels, you can choose a refund or carry the payment forward. Parents must be at home during in-person lessons, though not necessarily in the same room. All tutors have enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training, and lessons take place in open-door rooms.
What outcomes should we expect?
Every child progresses at a different pace, but most families see improvements within a term. While we don’t guarantee results, consistent lessons and support at home lead to strong progress. Where helpful, we can also liaise directly with your child’s school to make sure tuition complements their classroom learning.
Do you offer one-to-one consultations for families?
Yes. Families can request a paid consultation with Phoebe. This time is used for in-depth progress discussions, curriculum advice, or exam preparation planning. I offer one telephone consultation free of charge as part of the service we provide.
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Who are we looking for?
Enthusiastic qualified primary teachers in the TW region, available for face-to-face tuition in the evenings and during the day. Please only apply if you are available for at least one whole academic year as consistency is vital for our clients.
How does the process work?
Tutors are matched to students by subject, level, needs, and location. You receive student details and suggested materials for an initial assessment. After the first lesson, you provide short feedback, then manage ongoing lessons independently, with Phoebe available for support. You are never charged for this service, commission is taken at source from the client.
What are tutor expectations?
Lessons run weekly at a fixed time. Any changes require at least 24 hours’ notice. If a tutor cancels, the session is unpaid. If a parent cancels within 24 hours, the session may also be unpaid. Tutors are expected to be punctual, professional, and keep parent feedback concise, ideally under ten minutes.
What about safeguarding and professionalism?
Tutors must hold a DBS certificate on the Update Service. Safeguarding guidance is provided, and CPD in Keeping Children Safe in Education and Prevent Duty should be completed. Professional conduct is required at all times.
How are payments made?
Tutors are paid by the client directly, either monthly or weekly, before the session takes place.
What is my employment status?
Tutors are self-employed and handle their own tax, National Insurance, and self-assessment. Tutors may not take on private work with TW students for six months after leaving. If the client attempts to work directly with the tutor, the tutor is obliged to inform TW Teach and Tutor of this. One month’s notice is required if you choose to stop tutoring.
How much am I paid?
As a self-employed tutor, you inform me of your rates and I present this to the client and add an additional fee to cover my commission.
What support do tutors receive?
Tutors have access to ongoing professional guidance, including lesson resources, planning advice, safeguarding updates, and help with parent communication. One-to-one consultations are also available for more detailed support.
What is included in a one-to-one consultation?
Consultations are optional and chargeable. They last around 30 minutes and can cover detailed planning, curriculum advice, complex student issues, or business queries.
Why join TW Teach and Tutor?
You don’t need to find clients or manage admin. Payments and scheduling are handled for you, while you gain access to professional support, resources, and a trusted network.
How do I apply?
Please apply via the website, leaving a copy of your most recent CV.