Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

Can we meet a tutor before committing?

There is no long-term contract with Caledonia Tutors, so you’re able to have 1 or 2 lessons before deciding to continue.

How do I get started?

Email, call, or submit the contact form and we’ll come back to you with suitable tutor options and next steps.

What happens after we enquire?

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.

What is the minimum lesson length?

Most lessons are booked in 1-hour blocks.

Do you offer longer lessons (90-120 minutes)?

Yes, students looking to make significant progress may benefit from 90-120 minute sessions, particularly for timed past-paper practice.

Do you offer fortnightly lessons?

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.

Do you offer group lessons?

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.

Do tutors set homework?

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.

What subjects and levels do you cover?

We support a wide range of subjects including Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and more – primarily at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher level.

Do tutors understand the Scottish curriculum?

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.

Do you only offer SQA support?

No – we can also support GCSE, A-Level, HNC/HND, University and more.

How do online lessons work?

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.

Are online lessons effective?

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.

What do students need?

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.

Can parents check in on lessons?

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

How are lessons charged?

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.

Why are invoices split into tutor fees and Caledonia Tutors fees?

Tutors operate independently, so invoices separate the tutor’s lesson fee from Caledonia Tutors’ administrative and matching service.

How do I pay?

Payment is made via Online Payments using our payment provider Crezco, or alternatively via BACS.

What kind of results can tutoring achieve?

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.

How quickly will we see improvement?

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.

Can you guarantee grade 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.

Who are the tutors?

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.

Which universities do your tutors attend?

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.

Are tutors vetted?

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.

How quickly can you arrange a tutor?

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.

Can we change tutors if needed?

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.

Do you offer in-person lessons?

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.

Where are you based?

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.

Cancellation Policy

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.

Payment Terms

Invoices should be paid within 14 days of receipt to avoid late payment fees. The full payment terms can be found here.

Can lessons pause during holidays or exams?

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.

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How Tutors Are Selected

Applications are reviewed carefully, and only a proportion of applicants are invited to interview.

How Tutors Are Selected

📄 Application

Applicants submit a CV, cover letter, academic history, and tutoring experience.

🎤 Interview

Shortlisted applicants attend an interview assessing subject knowledge and communication skills.

🎓 Qualification Checks

Applicants provide evidence of exam results and university transcripts.

🛡 Safeguarding Checks

All tutors hold PVG certification and complete safeguarding training and assessment.

📊 Ongoing Review

Feedback from families is reviewed and tutors must maintain professional standards.

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Customer Reviews

Caledonia Tutors

Customer Reviews

Shezhad Ali 31st March 2026

TrustPilot
The course instilled confidence in my child as it covered about 30% of the curriculum and revisted important principles from National 5. My Daughter then started her Highers with confidence

A.C.S 30th March 2026

TrustPilot
I found Caledonia Tutors as my son required additional help with school. We started with the maths Headstart course last summer and it was excellent. At first I was unsure that online lessons would work but it exceeded all expectations. We chose to continue on with the tutor throughout the year as my son’s grades improved and we wanted to keep them that way. Cannot be faulted, highly recommended.

Frank 13th March 2026

TrustPilot
I arranged a a couple of maths lessons for my daughter, at very short notice, who was struggling a little with trigonometry ahead of a test. Her tutor explained things in an extremely easy to understand way and I will not hesitate to use her again down the line if needs be and would encourage anyone in the same boat to do the same.

mandmdransfieldyahoo.co.uk 14th December 2025

TrustPilot
Abbie was a super tutor and really helped my daughter build her confidence in human biology. She explained topics really well and was encouraging and positive.

Magda 3rd November 2025

TrustPilot
I am very happy with the service provided by Caledonia Tutors. Aidan is always keen to help and resolves any situation quickly and efficiently. Emily, who was my daughter's math tutor was great. Very helpful and professional. I defenitely recommend Caledonia Tutors

Lee 31st October 2025

TrustPilot
Katie has been brilliant with my neurodivergent daughter. She is so patient and understanding. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a bit of help with maths.

Karen L 24th September 2025

TrustPilot
We have used Aidan at Caledonian Tutors for over two years for Nat5, Higher and Advanced Higher Maths. He is reliable and flexible. Aidan has given my teens confidence in maths and provided tailored tuition that has helped them to achieve great exam results.

Helena Dolan 30th August 2025

TrustPilot
After failing his prelim in Nat 5 math I reached out to Caledonia Tutors for tutoring for my son and he was matched with Ubaida for weekly tutoring online. Ubaida was brilliant. In my son’s words Ubaida really helped because he was clear, thorough and provided helpful details to make difficult calculations clear. Ubaida also provided Gregor with math to practice and try between tutoring. We couldn’t be more happy with Gregor’s time working with Ubaida that helped Gregor achieve a B in his Nat 5 exam. Thank you 😊

Lorraine Burton 26th August 2025

TrustPilot
Well worth it Caledonia Tutors offer a first class service and accomodate their students. Logan Crawford was absolutely amazing with my son, in the short period he worked with him, not only did his results improve but his confidence in the subject rocketed. Logan offered a supportive environment and was always very responsive and polite. Would highly recommend Caledonia Tutors.

Shabana Amar 24th August 2025

TrustPilot
Chemistry best Tutor for getting A My daughter tutor was very supportive,professional and very helpful. I would surely recommend her and can't forget Aiden who was all the through quickest in responding for emails,questions,concerns,bill payment etc. Aiden recommended and selected best tutor for my daughter chemistry as she was struggling from preliminary C she got A.Thank you to Aiden and Aminah chemistry Tutor she is brilliant and the best.
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