Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Question?
You’ll find answers to the most common queries below. If you’re unsure about anything or would prefer to talk it through, please get in touch – we’re always happy to advise before you decide.
There is no long-term contract with Caledonia Tutors, so you’re able to have 1 or 2 lessons before deciding to continue.
Email, call, or submit the contact form and we’ll come back to you with suitable tutor options and next steps.
We’ll review the subject, level and availability requested and email you with a recommended tutor. If you’re happy to proceed, you’ll be asked to complete a short sign-up form. Once submitted, your details are shared with the tutor, who will contact you directly by email to introduce themselves and arrange lessons, usually following up with a text or WhatsApp message.
Most lessons are booked in 1-hour blocks.
Yes, students looking to make significant progress may benefit from 90-120 minute sessions, particularly for timed past-paper practice.
Yes. Fortnightly lessons can work well for students who need only small, targeted improvements and are working with us over a longer period (typically six months or more). For most other students, weekly lessons are usually the more effective option for maintaining momentum and supporting progress ahead of exams.
Yes – small groups (typically 2-3 students) are available for English, Maths and the Sciences. Pricing depends on level and group size. Students must be known to each other, we do not provide matching.
Where appropriate, tutors may set practice between lessons, such as past paper questions, revision tasks, or topics to review. Clients can also request a specific amount of homework in the student onboarding form so tutors understand the level of practice expected. Homework is assigned during the lesson and reviewed during the following lesson so that questions and mistakes can be discussed together.
We support a wide range of subjects including Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and more – primarily at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher level.
Yes, any of our tutors studied through the Scottish system themselves and are familiar with SQA course structure and assessment expectations. Tutors are also thoroughly tested on SQA curriculum knowledge during their interview.
No – we can also support GCSE, A-Level, HNC/HND, University and more.
Lessons take place using Microsoft Teams alongside collaborative whiteboard software called Miro. Tutors and students can work through questions together in real time, just as they would sitting side-by-side.
Yes. Online lessons are just as effective as in-person when delivered well. Video calling alongside interactive whiteboards and shared documents allow tutors to explain concepts clearly and work through problems step-by-step with students.
Students simply need a stable internet connection, a tablet (Apple, Android, or Google) or a laptop. If using a laptop, a graphics tablet is recommended so the tutor and student can easily write and work through problems during the lesson. A quiet space to work is also important.
Yes – lessons take place online, so parents can easily remain aware of when sessions are happening. If they wish, they can briefly check in at the start or just before the end of a lesson to speak with the tutor
Lessons are invoiced monthly. An invoice is issued on the first working day of the following month, covering the lessons that took place during the previous month.
Tutors operate independently, so invoices separate the tutor’s lesson fee from Caledonia Tutors’ administrative and matching service.
Payment is made via Online Payments using our payment provider Crezco, or alternatively via BACS.
Results vary from student to student, but many see significant improvements with consistent tutoring. Based on internal tracking of student outcomes, among students who have worked with us for an average of 29 teaching weeks, the proportion achieving A or B grades increases from 36% to 80%. View a full breakdown of our results.
This varies from student to student. Some notice improvements within a few weeks, while for others progress builds more gradually as understanding develops over time. Regular lessons and practice between sessions usually lead to the strongest improvements.
No tutoring provider can guarantee specific grade outcomes. However, among students who have worked with us for an average of 29 teaching weeks, around 96% achieve a passing grade.
Our tutors are high-achieving university undergraduates and graduates with outstanding academic records. Most achieved straight A grades at school and are currently achieving 1st class degrees in their subject. Alongside strong academics, they are enthusiastic about their subject and are passionate about helping students gain confidence and improve their understanding.
Many of our tutors study at leading Scottish universities, particularly the University of Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews and Strathclyde, as well as universities in England such as Cambridge, Imperial and Oxford.
Yes. Tutors go through a rigorous review process before working with students. This includes application screening, academic transcript checks, assessment of subject knowledge, evaluation of teaching and communication skills during interview, references, and PVG checks.
In most cases we can recommend a suitable tutor within 24-48 hours of receiving an enquiry. Occasionally, particularly close to exam periods, tutors in a particular subject may be fully booked and there may be a short waiting list of around 1-2 weeks.
Yes. If at any stage you feel the tutoring is not the right fit, please contact us and we can discuss arranging an alternative tutor where appropriate.
Most of our tutoring takes place online, which allows us to match students with the most suitable tutor regardless of location. In-person lessons may occasionally be available at the student’s home in central areas of Edinburgh and Glasgow, typically within a few kilometres of the city centres, depending on tutor availability.
Caledonia Tutors is based in Scotland, and most of the students we work with are also based here. Many of our tutors study at universities in Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews, as well as other leading UK universities.
We ask for at least 2 full calendar days’ notice if a lesson needs to be rearranged. You can read the full cancellation policy here. There is no long-term contract beyond this notice period.
Invoices should be paid within 14 days of receipt to avoid late payment fees. The full payment terms can be found here.
Yes. Lessons can be paused at any time by arranging this directly with your tutor. However, if lessons are paused during term time for more than three weeks, we cannot guarantee that the tutor will still have availability when you wish to resume.