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.

Where can I find recent SQA grade boundaries?

You can use our SQA Grade Boundary Lookup tool to check recent National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher grade boundaries by subject and year.
View SQA Grade Boundaries

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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Reviews

Caledonia Tutors

Customer Reviews

Jas M 18th May 2026

TrustPilot
Karan provided fantastic tutoring to help prepare our son for his Advanced Higher Maths exam. Our son really enjoyed spending time with Karan and benefitted so much from Karan's encouragement and assistance.

Peter Henry 18th May 2026

Google
I have been very satisfied with the service we have received from Caledonia tutors. Both Katie and Seth are exceptionally knowledgeable in their respective fields and have a very engaging manner. My daughter enjoys her sessions and benefits massively from them. Thanks guys!

Nicola Hall 18th May 2026

Google
We’ve been delighted with the quality of the tuition Danny Lavery has provided for our son this year. Danny initially provided Higher maths tuition but was able to split his lessons so that he could provide physics support too. We really appreciated this and were impressed by the way in which Danny was able to explain to our son how to apply the maths theory to some of the problems he was grappling with in physics, in a way which was really engaging. We felt our son was relaxed and well-prepared for both exams, and are hoping this bodes well for his results.

Linda 17th May 2026

TrustPilot
I contacted Caledonian Tutors on the recommendation of a colleague. My daughter needs certain grades in her Advanced Highers for a conditional offer at university. We had Monique for biology & Bob for chemistry. I cannot recommend them highly enough. They were both supportive, encouraging & excellent at explaining the elements that my daughter was struggling with. This did wonders for her confidence & she is fairly certain that she has the grades in her post exam reflections. I will not hesitate to use Caledonian Tutors again in the future for our younger son.

Claire 17th May 2026

TrustPilot
I would happy recommend Caledonia Tutors. Aidan is very responsive and works with a wide range of excellant tutors. The tutors my daughter had most recently, Juliet and Ellie were both very knowledgeable, great communicators and great and guiding her through some tricky topics .

M.Y. 17th May 2026

TrustPilot
Caledonian Tutors is an exceptional experience from start to finish. Prompt and professional replies, suitable questions to clearly understand child's tutoring needs and lines them up with the most suitable tutor. This year we’ve had Ubaida as a maths tutor for both my daughter at Advanced Higher maths level and my son sitting his Nat 5’s. Ubaida has truly been exceptional for both needs. He’s equally professional and friendly and tracks exactly what each student needs to fully understand and work on. He gives updates and feedback and was always available for communication. His explanations of the work has, according to my kids, been very easy to understand and entirely stress free! Both my kids truly enjoyed their sessions with Ubaida on every level. He’s organised and his lessons well planned and coordinated. He’s a fabulous asset to Caledonian Tutors and you’d be lucky to have your child placed with him!

PL 17th May 2026

TrustPilot
Grace was an amazing tutor, really supported my daughter to not only increase her Nat 5 Maths grade but develop confidence in the subject. She was so relaxed before the exam!Grace was excellent at being flexible on the odd occasion we couldn't make the agreed time. Caledonian Tutors are easy to deal with, clear concise information and reply quickly to any emails.

Hamid Abdrabbo 16th May 2026

TrustPilot
We have had a great experience with Caledonia Tutors this year, especially with Katie Heggie for Physics and Harriet Graham for Chemistry. They really helped Lara enjoy the subjects and grow in confidence. Thanks to their support and hard work, Lara achieved 100% in Physics and 85% in Chemistry. We are very grateful and would definitely recommend them.

Jane Ruuskanen 16th May 2026

TrustPilot
My daughter got biology tutoring from Ananya. The whole process was effortless and efficient. Ananya was a fantastic tutor and my daughter certainly benefited hugely from her support. She also gave me regular updates on her progress. I would highly recommend Caledonia Tutors and would not hesitate to use them again.

Vaida Voitechovic 16th May 2026

TrustPilot
My son has been receiving support from Ubaida for around a year now. He moved schools with very little interest in Maths, Physics, or studying in general. Caledonian Tuition helped a lot with his motivation and confidence. He did well with his prelims, and it looks like he felt comfortable and prepared for his Maths exam. Ubaida was excellent throughout — he regularly shared updates on my son’s progress and explained what he needed to work on more by himself. Eventually, they were both able to agree on study dates independently, and my son started taking more responsibility for his own learning. I am very happy with Caledonian Tuition and truly appreciate all the support.
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