What’s the difference between the preferential rate and the standard rate?
The preferential rate is our more favourable hourly rate. It applies to:
- Your first lesson with any new tutor.
- All summer lessons — whatever frequency or number of lessons you book.
- Regular weekly term-time lessons — from 1 September, the preferential rate is reserved for lessons on the same day and time each week, with the same tutor. Maintaining a regular weekly plan during term-time requires regular attendance.
The standard rate applies to ad-hoc lessons booked during term-time (from 1 September onwards) where there’s no regular weekly plan with that tutor.
How are rates set, and when do they change?
For families on a regular weekly plan, the preferential rate agreed at the start of the academic year is secured for the full academic year for all classes with that tutor, including any additional lessons. The rate remains in place while the regular weekly plan is active. If the plan is stopped and later restarted, the rates in effect at that time will apply.
Preferential rates are reviewed before the start of each academic year. For some families who joined at a late stage of the previous academic year, this review may result in a small adjustment downward. For most families, it means a modest annual adjustment to reflect inflation and help us continue attracting and retaining outstanding tutors year after year.
Why are the earliest rates always the most favourable?
We believe that consistent, year-long learning delivers the strongest progress, so we offer our most favourable rates to families who commit before the end of September. By then, most of our tutors are typically fully booked, and rates for students starting later in the year may differ. This way, all families get the same opportunity to lock in the lowest rate by enrolling early.
Questions? Browse our FAQs or get in touch.