Frequently Asked Questions
Clumber Academy Online Tutoring: FAQs
What subjects and levels do you tutor?
We provide dedicated one-to-one tutoring for KS3 and GCSE Science. While we cover all three sciences – Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Our deep expertise and specialism lies in GCSE Biology, where we mentor students to build a strong foundation for future studies like A-Levels.
Who is this tutoring for?
Our tutoring is ideal for any KS3 or GCSE student who is:
- Struggling with complex scientific topics, such as genetics or respiration in Biology.
- Finding it difficult to connect scientific theory with real-world applications.
- Lacking the confidence to tackle exam questions effectively.
- Looking for focused support to improve their grades.
What makes Clumber Academy’s approach different?
Our approach is built on providing a personalised, student-led experience in a supportive and collaborative environment. We use a unique structure for our sessions, including:
- The Pomodoro Technique: Lessons are broken into 25-minute focused intervals followed by short breaks to maximise concentration and prevent burnout.
- Personalised Learning Paths: We create a tailored plan for every student, which is dynamic and can be adjusted at any time to meet their evolving needs.
- Holistic Mentoring: We go beyond just teaching the curriculum. We support the whole student by developing study skills, exam strategies, and even offering career guidance.
How much do the tutoring sessions cost?
Our Core Tutoring Session is priced at £30 for a 60-minute session. This includes personalised one-to-one online support in KS3 or GCSE Science. We also offer a Holistic Success Package as an add-on for students seeking specialised mentoring in areas like exam technique, revision planning, or mindset coaching.
What kind of support is available outside of the scheduled tutoring sessions?
Our support continues even after the session ends. We are committed to your progress, so if you have any questions or concerns between lessons, you can reach out to us and we guarantee a response within 48 hours.
Do you have experience working with students who have different learning needs?
Yes, absolutely. Our founder, Nadia May, has extensive experience working with students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs3. As a specific example of this, she has successfully tutored three non-verbal GCSE students online, adapting the sessions entirely to their communication preferences and learning styles.
Nadia also holds a TEFL qualification for teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. This background is fundamental to our adaptable, inclusive, and student-led teaching philosophy. We are committed to creating a judgement-free space where all learners feel welcome and valued, and we can accommodate different communication preferences, such as using text-based chat in our online sessions.
What materials are needed for online tutoring?
To participate in online tutoring sessions with us, you’ll need the following equipment:
Essential
- A device with a stable internet connection
Optional but recommended
- A webcam (optional but recommended)
- A microphone (optional but recommended)
- Headphones (optional but recommended)
While a webcam and microphone can enhance the learning experience, we understand that some learners may prefer alternative ways of communication. If you’d prefer to have sessions with just audio or even primarily through text-based chat, that’s perfectly fine with us. We cater to learners of all needs and preferences.
I’m nervous about starting. What do I do?
It’s normal to feel nervous, especially if it’s the first time you’ve tried online tutoring. If there are any special requests for the session, for example, you prefer to type or keep the webcam off, then please let us know prior to the session. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to voice your preferences beforehand. We take these requests very seriously and strive to suit your needs to the best of our ability.
How do I get started?
The first step is to schedule a free trial session to see how our personalised approach can make a difference for you. You can also book a full session directly.. If you have any questions, you can email us at contactus@clumberacademy.co.uk.
Are the tutors background checked (DBS)?
Yes, absolutely! All of our tutors actively work in education outside of Clumber Academy, meaning they have undergone thorough DBS checks. This ensures the safety and well-being of our learners. Our tutors are happy to provide parents with a copy of their DBS certificate if requested, for peace of mind. Just let them know if you’d like to see it.