1. Who are your tutors?
Students will be assigned a TEFL-certified, university-educated teacher experienced in teaching learners aged 7–16, including Cambridge exam preparation. All tutors hold Enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training and are carefully selected for their qualifications, teaching experience, and ability to adapt lessons to each learner’s needs.
2. What subjects do you teach?
We focus on English across all core skills - speaking, listening, reading, and writing - and also teach academic subjects such as science, geography, and history, all delivered in English to strengthen both subject knowledge and language skills. Our lessons are designed to build fluency and confidence for international school settings and exam preparation; we do not provide in-depth tuition in subjects like maths or physics outside an English-medium context.
3. What is the teaching format?
All lessons are delivered one-to-one through CoursePod, an award-winning online teaching platform that works on most computers, tablets, and smartphones with a stable internet connection. The app includes interactive tools such as whiteboards, screen-sharing, and homework uploads to keep lessons engaging and personalised. Lessons can also be taught via Zoom as a backup platform, and in the rare case of technical issues, lessons will be rescheduled or supported so learning is not disrupted.
4. How long is each lesson?
Each lesson lasts 50 minutes, allowing plenty of time for focused learning and steady progress. For younger learners, we can offer shorter sessions, while older students preparing for exams may benefit from extended or double lessons. Lesson length is always flexible to match the learner’s age, goals, and concentration.
5. What materials do you use?
We use internationally recognised resources such as Cambridge, Oxford, and National Geographic, together with a wide range of curriculum presentations, digital practice, and bespoke worksheets tailored to each learner. These are just examples of popular courses - at the request of parents, we can also work with other resources or textbooks you already use. All core materials are provided by us, so families do not need to purchase anything extra unless they prefer to.
6. Do you offer trial lessons?
Yes, we offer a free 15-minute trial lesson so you can experience our teaching style and discuss your learning goals. The trial includes a short assessment and demonstration of how lessons work, and there is no obligation to continue afterwards. It is separate from lesson packages, so you can decide to book a single class or a discounted package only after trying us out.
7. How do you schedule lessons?
We’re flexible with communication and can arrange lessons through email, WhatsApp, WeChat, and in-platform. All bookings are confirmed, and lessons can be rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice. If a tutor is unavailable, we’ll offer a makeup lesson at the earliest convenient time.
8. How much do lessons cost?
Lesson costs vary depending on the type of class. Please see our Book Lessons page for full details. Packages are cost-effective and save you from rebooking frequently, while still giving full flexibility to schedule lessons when convenient.
9. Can you help with Cambridge exam preparation?
Yes, we specialise in Cambridge English exams. Lessons include practice papers, speaking and writing tasks, vocabulary building, and exam strategies, with personalised feedback to target each learner’s weak areas. Our tutors are experienced in preparing students for a wide range of assessments, and we can also provide support for other international exams or school entrance tests on request.
10. What if my child needs help with school homework?
We can support your child with homework in English and English-medium subjects such as science, geography, and history. After each lesson, we also provide bespoke practice tasks and regular feedback so parents can see progress clearly. While we do not teach subjects in a student’s native language, our focus is on strengthening English skills while ensuring homework is completed with understanding and confidence.
11. How do I contact you to book lessons?
The easiest way to book is directly through our website at www.brightstepslearning.co.uk using the secure ‘Book Lessons’ page. You can also reach us by email (hello@brightstepslearning.co.uk), or if preferred, via WhatsApp, WeChat, or Google Chat. Every booking or rescheduling is followed up with a confirmation by email or message so you always have a clear record.
12. Can parents contact BrightSteps about their child’s progress?
Yes. We provide dedicated support for both parents and students, with quick responses via email, WhatsApp, WeChat, or Google Chat. Parents receive regular feedback after lessons and can contact us at any time with questions about progress, scheduling, or resources. We make sure every message is answered promptly so you always feel informed and supported throughout your child’s learning journey.
13. Is my child’s information and lesson data kept private?
Personal information, lesson records, and communications are handled securely and confidentially in accordance with our privacy and safeguarding policies.
14. How can I pay for lessons?
We accept payments securely via Stripe, Wise, bank transfer, or Revolut. All prices are listed in GBP, though international payments in other currencies can be arranged through Wise or Revolut. Payment is made upfront for single lessons or packages, and a confirmation receipt is always sent by email after purchase.
15. What is your refund and cancellation policy?
If you are not satisfied after your first paid lesson, we will refund it in full. Prepaid packages are refundable within 14 days if unused. Lessons may be rescheduled or credited if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance; cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are non-refundable except in genuine emergencies (such as illness). In the rare case that a tutor needs to cancel, we will reschedule the lesson at no extra cost.
16. What happens if my child is late or does not attend a lesson?
Tutors will remain available for 10 minutes after the scheduled lesson start time. If the student has not joined or contacted us within this time, the lesson will be treated as a missed lesson and is non-refundable. If a student joins late, the lesson will still finish at the originally scheduled time