Frequently Asked Questions.

The Diagnostic Session is free, and the recommended first step. It's a relaxed 1-on-1 session designed to understand where your child is academically and emotionally with maths. There's no test, no pressure, just a conversation and some gentle exploration. After this session, you'll receive a written roadmap of recommended next steps. There's no obligation to continue beyond the diagnostic.

Not at all. Many of our students have never had tuition before. The Diagnostic Session is specifically designed for this. It eases students in gently and helps Mr Brown understand how they learn before any formal support begins. Many students tell us afterwards that it was more relaxed than they expected.

BrownTuition specialises in KS2 transition (Years 5–6), KS3 (Years 7–9) and GCSE (Years 10–11) maths. This covers all major exam boards: Edexcel, AQA and OCR. If you're unsure whether your child's year group is suitable, just get in touch and we'll advise.

Yes, SEND students are more than welcome. Mr Brown has extensive classroom experience supporting students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADHD and ASC, and adapts pace, presentation and session structure accordingly. You’re welcome to tell us about your child’s needs at the diagnostic, and we’ll build the plan around them. Please only share what you’re comfortable with. You don’t need to send any reports or diagnoses.

If your child really needs support but cost is a barrier, please still get in touch. Mr Brown will always do his best to offer some level of help.

In most cases, the first session can be booked within 1–2 weeks. During busy periods (before mock exams or GCSEs), availability may be slightly more limited. The best approach is to use the booking page to find a slot, or send an enquiry and Mr Brown will respond within 48–72 hours.

Sessions are 60 minutes. The Diagnostic Session is always 30 minutes. Bootcamp sessions run for 2–3 hours.

Once a week is standard and works well for most students. For some students approaching exams, twice-weekly sessions can provide more time for focused practice and consolidation. Mr Brown will make a recommendation after the Diagnostic Session based on your child's situation.

Sessions typically begin with a brief check-in: how your child's feeling, what happened at school, any areas they've found confusing since the last session. Then targeted work on the agreed focus areas, with plenty of space to work through problems rather than just watch Mr Brown do them. Sessions close with a summary and a light task to consolidate before the next meeting. Parents receive a written update from Mr Brown every month.

Yes, all session materials are prepared by Mr Brown and included in the session price. Students don't need to bring anything except a pen, their school maths book, and any recent tests or marked work (useful for online sessions to be photographed and shared beforehand).

Payment is by bank transfer, and it's taken after sessions have been delivered. You're never asked to pay for tuition you haven't had yet. If you'd prefer to pay ahead, either per session or for a block, that's completely fine: just let Mr Brown know and he'll arrange it. Invoices are sent by email. We don't accept card payments at present, though this may change.

Yes, a discount is available when booking 6 or more sessions upfront. Please mention this when making your enquiry or at the Diagnostic Session and Mr Brown will discuss the options with you.

Wherever possible, yes. When Mr Brown's diary is full, sessions can be taken by one of the associate tutors he has trained: qualified teachers, and university mathematicians and graduates, all DBS-checked. Their rates are lower than Mr Brown's own (one-to-one from £30/hour), and he'll talk you through who is available and what it would cost when you enquire. Mr Brown still oversees the plan for every student either way.

Sessions cancelled with more than 48 hours’ notice are free of charge (or fully refunded if you’ve paid in advance), or can be rescheduled. Cancellations within 48 hours are charged at 50% of the session fee. No-shows incur the full session fee, unless the missed session was due to a genuine emergency. We understand that family life is unpredictable. We simply ask for as much notice as possible.

No contracts, no lock-in. You can pause or stop at any time with 48 hours’ notice. We believe in earning your trust week by week. If the sessions aren't working for your child, we'd rather know and adjust than have you continue out of obligation.

Many parents tell us they notice a shift in attitude and confidence within the first few sessions, often before grades change. How quickly academic progress shows varies from student to student, depending on their starting point, year group and how regularly they attend. We can't promise a timescale, but you'll receive regular updates on progress.

You'll receive a monthly written update from Mr Brown summarising what's been covered, how your child has engaged, what to look out for, and what's planned next. Quick check-ins happen in between if anything significant comes up, and WhatsApp support is available between sessions for short questions.

It can be possible, depending on your child's starting point, the time available and consistent effort, but no tutor can honestly guarantee a particular grade. The Diagnostic Session will help clarify what's realistic for your child and give you an honest view of the next steps.

Yes. Mr Brown holds a current Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate, suitable for working with children and young people. Every BrownTuition associate tutor must also hold an Enhanced DBS certificate, which Mr Brown reviews before they work with any student. DBS details are available to parents on request.

Yes, always. A parent or guardian is welcome to sit in on any session, online or in person. Just let us know. We will never work with a child in a setting that parents aren't comfortable with.

BrownTuition complies with UK GDPR. Student information is held securely, used only to deliver tuition services, and never sold. It is shared only with your child’s tutor and the service providers we need to run tuition. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.

Sessions run via Google Meet or Zoom, using a digital whiteboard so Mr Brown can write and explain in real time. Your child needs a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet space. Mr Brown shares all materials digitally before each session. Students should also have paper and a pen for working out.

Just a device (laptop, tablet or desktop), a stable internet connection, a working camera and microphone, and a quiet space. Mr Brown uses a digital whiteboard so sessions feel interactive and visual. Students should also have paper and a pen for working out. Online sessions work well for most students.

Sessions are online unless stated otherwise or you request in person. Group Tuition is online. One-to-one tuition is usually online, and in-person one-to-one lessons are also available for an additional fee (details on request), depending on tutor availability. We’ll do our best to match your child with a tutor nearby. Weekend Bootcamps and Holiday Workshops run in person in Tooting, South West London. To protect families’ privacy and the venue, the exact address is shared with you once you sign up. If you have a specific in-person requirement, get in touch and Mr Brown will advise what’s possible.