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Your Questions... Answered. Do you provide a pre-set program to follow? No. Our tutors work with the student alongside the National Curriculum guidelines and exam boards. All session content is specifically planned and resourced around your child's needs lesson by lesson. Much like schools, tutors may use aspects of programs of study such as GCP or Scholastic in line with your child's individual requirements and learning style but we do not have a programmed learning path which every child can follow the same way. Private Tuition vs. Online Educational Platforms Making a decision between private tuition and online educational platforms can be quite a challenge. Each has its own unique strengths, and understanding these can help you choose the right path for your child. Here, we provide an honest comparison to help you make an informed decision. Personalisatio n One of the biggest advantages of private tuition is the ability to tailor lessons to your child's specific needs. Tutors can focus on your child's strengths and weaknesses, customizing the pace and focus of each session. While educational platforms offer a variety of resources for a multitude of topics, they may not provide the same level of personalisation as private tuition. Lessons are typically pre-recorded or by slides, and therefore not specifically tailored to your child's individual needs. Interactivity & Feedback Private tutors can give instant feedback, allowing students to correct mistakes and grasp new concepts more quickly. Tutors can also adapt their teaching style to match the learning style of your child, facilitating better understanding. M any platforms have interactive components and offer automated feedback on quizzes and exercises. However, this is often not as immediate or personalised as the feedback from a private tutor and doesn't evoke the same motivation, reward or sense of achivement and celebration in their efforts. Flexibility With private tuition, you can typically arrange sessions at a time that suits your child. This flexibility can be very helpful in managing your child's schedule as well as that of family members. Online platforms offer the advantage of learning anytime, anywhere without the live element or the need to comply with any safeguarding policies. As long as you have an internet connection, your child can access their lessons, making it highly flexible for the motivated student Cost Private tuition will be more expensive than online platforms due to the personalised attention and tailored lessons. However, the investment could be worth it for the bespoke service provided. Generally, online platforms can offer lower costs because their resources are spread across many users. Many even offer free access to a wide array of courses, though premium features may come with a cost. Choosing between private tuition and online educational platforms often comes down to your child's unique needs. If your child thrives with personalised, interactive learning, private tuition could be the best choice. If flexibility and cost are your primary concerns, an online educational platform could be more suitable. Below is a helpful comparison table to assist you in weighing up what provision is best for your child, along with a brief explanation of column headings. Remember, it doesn't have to be an 'either-or' decision. Many families find that a blended approach, using both private tuition and online platforms, works best to provide a rich, diverse learning experience. We're always here to discuss the options and find the best educational strategy for your child. Explanation of Ratings: Accountability: This indicates the level of external oversight and encouragement a student will receive, which can help them stay on track. Live tuition methods score higher, as they involve real-time interaction and direct accountability. Personalisation: This is the ability to tailor the learning experience to a student's individual needs, interests, and learning style. One-on-one tuition and self study have the most personalisation, as they can adapt to the pace and level of each individual student. Availability: This is about the flexibility and access students have to learning materials and resources. Online educational platforms and pre-recorded courses score high, as they can be accessed at any time. Structure of Learning: This rates the method's ability to provide an organized, sequential learning path. Live tuition and pre-recorded courses score high because they tend to have a clear, structured curriculum. Affordability: This measures the cost-effectiveness of each method. Online platforms, pre-recorded courses, and self-study score high, being more affordable than live 1:1 tuition. Speed of Progression: This evaluates the potential for a student to progress quickly. One-on-one tuition scores high because it allows for focused, intensive learning. Motivation Required: This measures the level of self-discipline and motivation needed from a student. Online platforms, pre-recorded courses, and self-study require more motivation, as the learner must be proactive and self-driven.

Courses In today's rapidly changing world, it is more important for children to recognise a range of skills as well as academic success. We work with schools and communities as well as individual students to help children recognise and hone skills applicable to their personal growth their studies and the workplace. Click on any of the images below to learn more. Get in Touch

Making the Grade provide friendly, professional, tuition, courses and assessments. We work with private clients online and in-home, we also work with schools. Helping students boost grades, reach their potential and achieve their goals. Whether just for exam prep or your full educational journey. What are people saying about us? "5 Stars. From the onset Matt put both Blue and I at ease. He’s been a bit of a miracle worker through Covid and has helped Blue enormously to engage and see that learning can be fun. I highly recommend, the tutor has been a huge asset to us as a family through this experience" Give us a call What's our story? Since 2020, our elite team of tutors have been helping students maximize their academic potential and excel. From a small company providing face to face tuition in Cardiff, I am thrilled to now be working with students and families across England and Wales. Through our personal approach to tuition, we have helped children and young adults to not just pass exams but to become more independent learners, emotionally prepared and confident in their abilities. I have worked in education for over 20 years and I know there is no 'one size fits all' curriculum or course. My experience and knowledge of working with children in a variety of settings was the force that inspired me to launch Making the Grade, allowing me to personalise provision to suit the child, not the establishment. During my career I have specialised in alternative provision for those experiencing barriers to learning which has helped me develop the expertise to recognise and provide the right support to enable every child to fulfil their potential My qualifications in Teaching, Counselling, Coaching, Leadership and Management, and Speech and Language, along with years of training and experience across all Key Stages allowed me to explore and develop different strategies and techniques to engage students. I want every child to have the opportunities to access support that is tailored to them. I have been blessed with building a fantastic team of tutors who share my vision, values and ethics as we continue to grow and develop the business into new and exciting areas. Helping every young person reach their full potential. Give us a call and be part of our story

Your Questions... Answered. What distinguishes your tuition service from others? We work with families not just students. We stand out because of our commitment to personalised, one-on-one learning. We take the time to understand each student's individual needs and learning style, and we carefully match students with the right tutors. Our flexible, student-focused approach means we can adapt to any changes in a student's needs or circumstances, ensuring a consistent, high-quality learning experience. Once you are matched with a tutor we don't abandon you! We are invested in your child's learning journey and want to witness their progress and success. We are always here in the background, liaising with tutors and monitoring your lesson reports and your assigned education consultant is with you for the duration of your child's learning journey with us. We don't simply provide tuition, we provide support for families and learners and have a designated parent support hub. We can provide additional support and guidance with college or university applications or advice on how you can support your child's learning and development at home.

Making the Grade provide friendly, professional, tuition, courses and assessments from Primary to A Level. Working with private clients online and in-home, schools, businesses and communities; helping students boost grades, reach their potential and achieve their goals. Whether just for exam prep or your full educational journey. Lessons from £20ph Worried your child is not reaching their full potential? Start here on the path to success. Video Run Time: 1 min 30s STEP 1 Complete your FREE Personal Assessment by clicking here STEP 2 You will be assigned a personal Education Consultant who you can call or meet with to answer any questions, provide more information, and get your child matched with the right tutor . STEP 3 Confirm lesson days and times with your tutor, log into your Personal Portal and you are up and running! You will also continue to have the support of your Education Consultant throughout your child's learning journey. Get in Touch 1:1 Online Tuition Face to Face In Home Tuition Small Group Online Tuition Estelle is a superlative tutor. Cannot rate her highly enough. She’s helped coached my child from someone who was struggling with schooling / expressing feelings and emotions into a confident young boy who has been recognised by his school for good behaviour. He has also progressed to top set maths! One grateful mum!! Book Your Free Discovery Call Still can't decide? Imagine if your child could jump a grade in as little as 6 weeks! Think of what that would do to their confidence! We know that l earning is so much more than just remembering content delivered at school. Study skills, time management, revision techniques and organisational skills all play a vital, cross curricular role in making studying easi er and more enjoyable. Our experienced team of UK based tutors provid e tuition and courses in a range of subjects, from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5. We share the same core values and passion to give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential. Alongside understanding curriculum content, encouraging independent learning is extremely important at every stage. Stimulating the desire to learn, question, experiment and delve deeper into ideas and concepts. A tutor can help you maintain enthusiasm and develop a love of learning in o rder for you to gain the most from your studies. Let's have a chat! Great ongoing customer service (Peace of Mind) Personally matched with students following an initial assessment meeting. Tutors are fully vetted and hold enhanced DBS certificates. With your unique access to our online system, you will be able to see lesson reports, your full calendar, resources, recordings and make secure payments. We are always here to help, advise or just have a chat if you have any concerns, worries or additional requirements. Improve communication skills. A critical skill needed throughout life, a tutor can help improve these skills through one to one encouragement to discuss, debate, ask questions and explain things, all in a safe, non-judgemental environment for the student without feeling embarrassed or worrying about what their peers think. This often has a positive impact on behaviour in school too. Improve social and emotional skills. We also provide small group tuition which helps to improve social skills and peer interaction in a safe and nurturing environment. As well as making new friends it boosts confidence and academic ability.

Targeted tuition for entrance exams. From Year 4 to year 6 we can plan your preparation pathway to help you pass the 11+ or individual entrance exams. Is your child preparing for the 11+? We provide online, 1:1 tuition for children in years 4, 5 and 6 to fully prepare them for the entrance exams. Find Out More What is 11+ ? Unlike the standard SAT’s which every Primary aged child will sit, the 11+ is an optional examination taken by students in the UK at the age of 11, typically in their final year of primary school. It is used as a tool for selecting students for entry into private or grammar schools, which are state-funded schools that place a strong emphasis on academic achievement. The test typically includes a mix of English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Mathematics. Parents should be aware that the 11+ is not mandatory and not all schools use it as a selection criteria. Some schools and private establishments have their own entrance exams, sometimes with the requirement of an additional interview as part of the process. It is important to check with your local schools and find out the requirements for admission and what exam board they are using. There are 2 main exam boards; GL Assessments and CEM; it's recommended that parents should be familiar with the format of the test and the types of questions that will be asked, so that they can help their child prepare. It is also important for parents to understand that the 11+ is a high-stakes exam and the results can have a significant impact on a child's educational future. Therefore, it is recommended that parents provide their child with support and help them prepare appropriately. The preparation required for the 11+ is not generally something that a state primary school will provide your child with as part of the normal curriculum. Finally, it is important for parents to remember that the 11+ is just one factor in determining a child's academic success, and that a child's potential can be developed in many different ways, regardless of the outcome of the exam. If I pass the 11+ will I be guaranteed a place at my chosen school? Competition for grammar schools is high because there are always more students applying than there are openings, often up to 10 students per available place. When a school solely accepts applicants based on their 11+ scores, the applicants with the best scores are given admissio n. Should my child sit the 11+ Exam? It is entirely up to you to choose whether or not you want your child to apply to a grammar or private school. The 11+ test is not a requirement for all students unlike the SAT’s for students in England or the Personalised Assessments for reading and numeracy in Wales. If this is something you are considering, check with the local council and schools for the most applicable and up to date information for your particular choices What Sets CEM and GL Examinations A part? Although the English, Math, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning are all covered in the CEM and GL Assessment exams, there are a few significant differences. Parents should be aware of the exam your child will be taking so that their study strategy can be adjusted. G L Exams GL Assessments are divided into 4 areas. (English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning). Questions are selected from the GL question pools, so consistent practise helps kids become accustomed to the kinds of questions they will encounter. There are 21 different verbal reasoning skills that can be tested on GL tests, significantly more than on CEM exams. However, the vocabulary requirements for CEM exams are far more extensive. CEM Tests U nlike the GL Assessments, the exam papers for CEM do not divide subjects into different papers. Typically, one paper evaluates verbal thinking and English proficiency, and the other evaluates math and non-verbal reasoning. Standard or multiple choice questions are used and the answers are recorded in a separate answer book. KS2 National Curriculum content is also much more closely aligned with CEM exams than it is with GL Assessment tests. When should I start preparing my child for the 11+? Some students begin preparation as early as Year 3, ideally, your child's preparation in subject knowledge and skills should be starting in at least Year 4. The 11+ is an exam targeted at finding the top achieving students, so children who are more academically prepared will typically perform better on 11+ tests. How can I help my child prepare for the 11+ examination? Building core skills for 11+ exams can help a child improve their performance and increase their chances of success. Here are a few ways to help build core skills for 11+ exams. 1. Hire a tutor: A private tutor can provide one-on-one instruction and personalized attention to help your child improve in areas where they may be struggling. Tutors can aid pupils in becoming accustomed to working under pressure. Knowing that your child is receiving the necessary knowledge and additional assistance thanks to this additional support gives you peace of mind. 2. Practice, practice, practice. The more a child practices, the more comfortable they will become with the format and types of questions on the 11+ exam. There are lot's of 11+ practice materials available, to help your child become familiar with the format of the test and the types of questions that will be asked (ensure you have contacted the school and confirmed which test they will be taking). 3. Encourage regular study and practice time management: Encourage your child to set aside dedicated time each day to study and practice. 4. Enhance verbal reasoning skills: The 11+ exam includes verbal reasoning questions, so students should practice their critical thinking, logic, and problem-solving skills. 5. Improve non-verbal reasoning skills: The 11+ exam includes non-verbal reasoning questions, so students should practice their visual and spatial reasoning skills. 6. Provide a positive environment: Create a positive and supportive environment for your child by limiting distractions and providing a quiet, comfortable space for them to study. 7. Set realistic goals: It's important to set realistic goals for your child and not to put too much pressure on them. 8. Practice tests: You can use practice tests to help your child become familiar with the format of the test, the types of questions that will be asked, and the time constraints. 9. A wide and varied vocabulary is very important so reading a range of different texts will not only improve vocabulary but also comprehension. Using varied vocabulary in day to day life will also impact greatly on their ability to recognise and use more challenging and complex words in context. 10. Keep in mind that other factors are important as well: Remember that the 11+ is just one factor in determining a child's academic success, and that a child's potential can be developed in many different ways, regardless of the outcome of the exam. What happens after the Exam? Your child will typically be given with a "standardised score" of their 11+ results in October. Given that it takes into account the fact that some students are almost a year younger than others when they take the test, this is seen as the most equitable way to show the results. You typically have until the end of October to submit your secondary school applications once you receive the results. Places in secondary schools are typically assigned on March 1 or the first working day that follows. We advise getting in touch with the schools you're applying to or your local council to ensure you have the most up to date information regarding their 11+ procedures. Can my child retake the 11+ if they fail? No, i n the course of an academic year, there are no "retakes." F or many institutions the 11+ is the only possibility. Although some schools offer 12+ and 13+ exams, similar to the 11+, but administered in Years 7 and 8. They are perfect for middle school students, mid-year transfer students, or students who are wishing to enter a selective school in year 7. How much homework should my child be doing preparing for the 11+? The amount of homework a child should be doing for 11+ preparation can vary depending on the child's individual needs and abilities. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended that children spend between 1-2 hours per day on 11+ preparation. This time can be split between studying and practicing, with the majority of the time being spent on practice. It's important to note that the key is consistency, preparing for the 11+ is not a sprint but a marathon, so it's better to have a regular schedule than to try and cram everything in at the last moment. Additionally, it's important to consider the child's overall schedule a nd make sure they are getting enough sleep and have time for other activities such as sports, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family. It's also important to keep in mind that the 11+ is just one factor in determining a child's academic success and potential, and that there are many other paths to success. It's better to find a balance that works for your child and their needs, rather than pushing them too hard. One Final Point: Remind your child (and yourself) to stay calm, the 11+ is just one factor in determining your child's academic success and potential, and that there are many other paths to success. Learn More

Subjects Biology Languages I'd like to speak with someone Physics Law History Chemistry Business Math Aside from the main core subjects, our tutors cover many subjects, across many curriculums and exam boards. Each student is personally matched to the right tutor for them, so contact us to discuss your personal requirements. English Geography

Specifically tailored tuition to prepare students in England with SAT's Preparation, help students in Wales increase their Personal Assessment Scores and help all children plug gaps in learning to transition to High School with confidence. Delivered by qualified tutors, using a range of methods and resources adapted to meet your child's individual learning style, ability and pace at which they study. The perfect option to help your child reach their full potential. Are they working towards SAT's? (English Curriculum) Do they need to improve their Personalised Assessment Scores? (Welsh Curriculum) Are they needing to plug gaps in learning to be able to transition to Secondary School with confidence? Let's chat! "Absolutely amazing. The tutor was very accommodating for the pupil's educational, emotional and psychological needs. She dealt with every situation, with extreme professionalism, yet with a lot of casuality. I felt she is my friend, not just a tutor." Is your child in Key Stage 2? Face to Face In Home Tuition Specifically tailored content and delivery to suit your child's needs in the comfort of your own home. 1:1 Online Tuition A flexible and convenient way to tailor your child's unique support from wherever they are. Online Group Tuition Small groups of no more than 4 students, matched to their ability and learning style. A great way to develop confidence and learning skills in a safe space. Feel like your child missing out and not sure if a tutor is the way to go? Take the free 5 minute assessment now to see how your child can excel. There are many ways to support a child through their educational jou r ney. Our tutors are with you for the journey. supporting academic achievement along with lifelong learning and study skills . You are not alone.

Your Questions... Answered. What is the process if we are not satisfied with a tutor or if the student-tutor dynamic isn't working? Thankfully, due to the processes in place throughout your enrolment this is rare, but we are all human and occasionally things are not perfect. If for any reason you're not satisfied with the tutor, we encourage you to bring it to our attention immediately. Sometimes it may take a few sessions to 'settle in' but we will do our best to resolve the issue, whether that involves working with the tutor to adjust their approach or finding a new tutor who might be a better fit.

Your Questions... Answered. What resources do you provide to supplement tutoring sessions? We offer a variety of resources in addition to personalised lesson plans depending on your child's individual needs. These can include practice exercises, past exam papers, homework tasks, suggested links for additional practice and research and supplemental materials like videos and readings. All these resources aim to reinforce what is covered in the tutoring sessions and provide further learning opportunities outside the sessions. With online tuition these resources will be digital and you may be required to print resources from time to time. With face to face tuition your tutor will provide resources as needed for the lesson planned.

Face-to-Face Tuition We understand that parents and students have various preferences when it comes to choosing the mode of tuition and that for some students, in person tuition is the preferred option for a number of reasons, which is why we offer traditional face to face tuition across Cardiff and Newport. This is of course dependent on your exact location and distance from the right tutor, and naturally, face-to-face tuition incurs higher costs compared to online alternatives. All our tuition services include: A 1 hour live session with the child. Use of our systems to access lessons, recordings and resources where applicable. All additional time before and after the sessions spent planning, preparation of personalised session content/resources and homework material. All associated administration costs including payment processing, support and regular progress reviews to ensure consistency of provision. Your individual Parent Portal, allowing access to your account details and lessons reports for each lesson, full use of our online systems for bookings, payments and resources including lesson recordings if applicable. Unlike online tuition, factors such as tutor travel time and expenses and additional resources required for in-person sessions can contribute to increased overall expenses. Why would you choose in person tuition? Personal Connection and Rapport: One of the significant advantages of face-to-face tuition is the opportunity for students to develop a personal connection and rapport with their tutor. In-person interactions allow for non-verbal cues and a sense of presence that can enhance the learning experience for some. This personal connection can foster a strong tutor-student-family relationship, leading to increased engagement and motivation. Physical Clarification and Demonstration: Face-to-face tuition provides students with the advantage of real-time clarification and demonstration. Tutors can address questions, provide immediate explanations, and demonstrate complex concepts using visual aids, manipulatives, or practical examples. This hands-on approach can be particularly beneficial for subjects that require physical manipulation or experimentation. Reduced Screen Time: Face-to-face tuition offers a break from screen time, which can be beneficial for students who already spend a significant amount of time engaging in online activities. It provides an opportunity for students to engage in learning without relying solely on digital devices, allowing for a more balanced approach to education. Face-to-face tuition offers several benefits, largely related to the age of the student and their individual learning style and needs. However, it also comes with drawbacks such as limited flexibility, geographic constraints, higher costs, and limited tutor options. We understand the importance of choice and flexibility in education and cater to diverse learning needs and preferences. To discuss your child’s options, book your free consultation today! Book a FREE Consultation

Your Questions... Answered. What subjects and ages do you tutor? We offer tuition for a wide range of subjects, from the core Mathematics, Science, English and Welsh, to more specialised subjects like Computer Science and History. Our services cater to all age levels, from EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) to Key Stage 5. We also have tutors supporting Apprenticeships in the workplace, adult learners, ALN (Additional Learning Needs) students and students requiring focused support with aspects of their Degree studies. If you have any specific requirements we will be happy to discuss them with you and will endeavour to search for, or put you in touch with the right support. We offer online tuition to students across the UK and internationally but also face to face tuition in and around areas of Cardiff and Newport in South Wales. We also offer tuition delivered in the Welsh language although demand for this is high and so waiting lists may be in place.