Questions parents ask us — answered honestly.

All sessions are taught by qualified teachers with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). At launch, sessions are taught by Jack Powell, our Head Tutor — a fully qualified English teacher with 7+ years of classroom experience across mainstream, SEMH, and international settings. Read Jack's full bio.

Yes. Every Clearmark tutor holds QTS and a relevant degree. We don't use undergraduates, teaching assistants, or unqualified tutors. This is a non-negotiable standard.

At GCSE, we cover AQA, Pearson (Edexcel/iGCSE) and Eduqas. At A-Level, we cover AQA, OCR and Edexcel. Our Head Tutor currently teaches Pearson iGCSE and AQA specifications at RGSGQ Qatar.

Both. Most of our GCSE students study both English Language and English Literature, and we cover both within their sessions. If your child only needs support with one, that's fine too — the personalised learning plan will reflect their specific needs.

Start by booking a free 20-minute consultation. On the call, we'll discuss your child's needs and recommend next steps. If you'd like to proceed, we'll schedule the first paid session from there.

It's an informal 20-minute conversation. We'll ask about your child's current level, their target grade, what's been tried before, and what you're hoping for. We'll share our initial thoughts on how we'd approach things. No payment is taken, and there's no obligation to proceed.

All sessions are currently online via Zoom. This means your child can learn from home with no travel time. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person — and often more focused because there are fewer distractions.

That's entirely up to you. Some families continue through holidays (especially approaching exams), others take a break. Block sessions don't expire within a term, so there's no pressure either way.

Yes. The 20-minute consultation is completely free with no obligation. No payment details are taken. It's a conversation to understand your child's needs and whether we're the right fit.

You pay for a block of 5 or 10 sessions upfront at a discounted rate. Sessions are then scheduled weekly (or as agreed). Block sessions don't expire within a term, so if you miss a week due to holidays or illness, you don't lose it. See our full pricing.

Yes — single sessions are paid one at a time in advance. The block pricing simply offers a discount for committing to 5 or 10 sessions. There's no long-term contract either way.

Cancel or reschedule with 24 hours' notice and there's no charge. Under 24 hours, the session is charged in full but can be rescheduled within the block period. We understand life happens — we just ask for reasonable notice.

We use Zoom or Google Meet — whichever you prefer. We send the link before every session, so there's no software to install beyond the platform itself.

A laptop or tablet with a camera, a stable internet connection, and a quiet space to work. A phone works at a push but a larger screen is better for sharing documents and working through texts together.

Sessions are not recorded by default. If you'd like sessions recorded (for your child to review later), we can arrange this with your consent. Recordings are shared only with you and deleted after the term ends.

Yes. Our Head Tutor has extensive experience working with students with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other additional needs through specialist SEMH provision and pupil referral units. Sessions are adapted to your child's needs — not the other way around. The personalised learning plan takes everything into account.

Absolutely. Our Head Tutor was Head of English at Impact North West Schools, a school he helped build from alternative provision into a fully established school — working alongside OFSTED inspectors and local authority representatives. A previously permanently excluded student achieved a Grade 7 in English Literature under his teaching. If your child has been excluded or is in alternative provision, this is exactly the kind of situation we're built for.

That's more common than you'd think — and it's completely fine. Building rapport takes time, especially for students who've had difficult experiences with education. Our first session is diagnostic and low-pressure. If engagement is slow, we adapt. And if after the first session you feel we're not the right fit, our money-back guarantee means you pay nothing.

Yes — especially for the first session or two. Some students work better with a parent nearby; others prefer independence. We'll find what works best for your child. You'll always receive a written summary after every session regardless.