What actually happens in the trial lesson
The trial lesson is not a sales pitch. It is a real working session — structured, focused, and built entirely around your child. Most parents tell us they learned more about their child's academic situation in this one session than in months of report cards.
- 1
The diagnostic (15–20 minutes)
Your tutor works through a short, structured assessment with your child. This is not a test with a pass or fail — it is a diagnostic tool that reveals exactly which topics, question types, and thinking patterns are costing marks. The tutor probes for understanding, not just correct answers.
- 2
Targeted teaching (25–30 minutes)
Based on what the diagnostic reveals, the tutor immediately moves into a focused teaching segment. We do not revisit things your child already knows — we go straight to the biggest identified gap and start closing it. Your child leaves the session having genuinely learned something.
- 3
Feedback and next-steps debrief (5–10 minutes)
At the end, the tutor gives you and your child a clear summary: what was found, what was taught, what the recommended plan is, and what the likely exam impact will be if you continue. There is no pressure. You take the information and decide.
The diagnostic assessment — how it works
Our diagnostics are designed specifically for the Cambridge IGCSE and ZIMSEC O & A Level syllabi. They are not generic aptitude tests — they are subject-specific assessments mapped directly to the exam board marking scheme.
Topic-by-topic coverage
The diagnostic works through the key topic areas of the subject, identifying which are strong, which need reinforcement, and which are critical exam risks.
Aligned to exam board style
Cambridge and ZIMSEC questions have very specific styles and mark-scheme requirements. The diagnostic tests understanding in the same format your child will face in the actual exam.
Process, not just answers
A correct answer can still reveal a fragile understanding. Our tutors are trained to ask "why" and "show me how you got there" — exposing gaps that a right answer can hide.
Written summary provided
After the session, you receive a brief written summary of the diagnostic findings — the identified gaps, the recommended focus areas, and the suggested session plan.
What does the trial cost?
Online trial lesson — completely free.
No payment required. No credit card. No obligation to continue. The diagnostic, the teaching session, and the written summary are all included at zero cost.Home visit trial — $10.
A flat $10 travel contribution covers the tutor's transport to your home. The diagnostic, teaching session, and written summary are all included in this fee. Nothing more is charged unless you choose to continue.We offer the free online trial because we are confident in our approach. We would rather show you the quality of our teaching than describe it. If the session does not convince you, you walk away having learned something useful — and that is fine.
What happens after the trial?
There is no automatic enrolment. After the trial lesson, you will receive the diagnostic summary and a recommended session plan. You then decide whether to continue — at your own pace, in your own time.
If you decide to continue, your tutor is already matched to your child. The next session can be booked immediately — there is no re-matching process, no waiting list, and no additional onboarding. You simply confirm the schedule and begin.
If you decide not to continue, the diagnostic results and written summary are yours to keep. Some families use them to guide their child's independent study even without booking further sessions.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to prepare anything for the trial?
No preparation is needed. Just show up ready to work. If your child has a recent test paper, past exam, or exercise book, it can be useful to bring along — but it is not required. The tutor will bring everything needed for the diagnostic.
Can I sit in during the trial lesson?
Yes. Parents are welcome to observe, especially for younger students. For older students (Form 4, Form 5, Lower/Upper Sixth), we often find they perform better without a parent in the room — but we leave that choice entirely to you and your child.
What if the trial tutor is not a good fit for my child?
We take tutor matching seriously before the trial. If, despite that, you feel the fit is not right, tell us. We will rematch without question. Finding the right tutor is more important to us than defending a first match.
How long does the trial lesson take in total?
Plan for 60 minutes. The diagnostic and teaching take 45–50 minutes, and the debrief takes 5–10 minutes. If things are going particularly well, some sessions run slightly longer — but never without your consent.
Is the home visit trial really only $10?
Yes. The $10 is a flat travel contribution to cover the tutor's fuel and transport to your home. There are no hidden fees beyond this. The diagnostic assessment, the teaching session, and the written summary are all included in that $10. You only pay more if you decide to continue with regular sessions.