Frequently asked questions

GradeHarbour is a UK tutor matching platform for students preparing for the 11+ and GCSEs. We offer one-to-one tutoring and group classes of 4 to 6 students, online or in person in London, Manchester and Birmingham. Every match is made by our team, not by an algorithm.

You do not have to search through hundreds of profiles. Our team looks at your child’s year group, exam board, goals and availability, then recommends up to three tutors and explains why. Every tutor passes identity, DBS and qualification checks, and any examiner experience is verified with exam board documents. We can talk with you in English or Chinese.

Children in Years 4 to 6 preparing for 11+ grammar school entrance exams, and students in Years 9 to 11 studying for GCSEs. Families new to the UK who need help with the English curriculum and exam formats are welcome too.

1. Send a request with year group, subjects, exam board, goals, lesson format, availability and budget. 2. Our team shortlists tutors and recommends up to three, with reasons. 3. You choose a tutor and we arrange the first lesson. 4. If the first lesson is not the right fit, we recommend someone else.

We aim to reply within two working days with a shortlist or a clear update. Specialist requests can take longer, and we will tell you if we cannot find a suitable tutor.

Each tutor sets their own hourly rate, shown on their profile. Rates vary with subject, level, experience and examiner background. Tell us your budget when you send a request and we will recommend within it. We confirm any platform fee in writing before the first lesson.

No. Sending a request and receiving recommendations is free and you are not committed to anything. We only arrange the first lesson once you have confirmed the tutor and the fee.

Yes. The first lesson works as a trial. If it is not the right fit, tell us why and we will recommend someone else. You do not need to send a new request.

Yes. Press “Request this tutor” on their profile. We check the tutor has a suitable slot; if not, we recommend someone with a similar background.

Yes. If a tutor is not working out, tell us at any time and we will rematch, keeping disruption to your child’s learning to a minimum.

Tutors can give an informed view of current performance. No tutor can give official marks or predict grade boundaries, and GradeHarbour has no official partnership with any exam board.

Online lessons use a common video platform such as Zoom or Google Meet. The tutor sends the link in advance, and lessons are only recorded with a parent’s consent.

At your home with an adult present, or in a public study space. We do not arrange lessons at a tutor’s home.

Usually one hour. Longer lessons, for example timed practice before an exam, can be arranged with us.

Let us know as early as possible through the chat button or WhatsApp and we will arrange it with the tutor. We confirm the rescheduling and cancellation terms in writing before the first lesson.

Identity and right to work, a DBS certificate (at least a basic DBS), and checks on qualifications and teaching experience. Tutors with an enhanced DBS carry a badge on their profile. Examiner experience is checked separately with documents from the exam board.

DBS is the UK criminal record check. Every tutor holds at least a basic DBS certificate. Tutors with an enhanced DBS on the Update Service carry a badge on their profile, and you can ask for one of them for in-person lessons.

We only use your details to match and contact you, and we never publish or sell them. For your child we only ask for what matching needs: first name, year group and learning needs. See our privacy policy.

Contact us through the contact page or WhatsApp. Safeguarding concerns are handled by our designated safeguarding lead, as set out in the safeguarding policy.

Yes. We match families preparing for the 11+ grammar school test with tutors for English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, and plan practice around the format of the target schools. See our 11+ guide.

In most areas children sit the test in September of Year 6, and registration usually closes in the summer of Year 5. Many families build English and maths foundations in Year 4, then move to structured reasoning practice and mock tests in Year 5. Arrangements vary by area, so check with the school and your local authority.

Each group has 4 to 6 children and is led by a tutor checked by our team. Classes run by term, online or in person in London, Manchester and Birmingham. We are taking registrations of interest now; a group opens once at least 4 children have registered, and we email the timetable, venue and fees beforehand.

No. Registering interest is not a booking. We email you the details before a group opens, and you only book and pay once you confirm. Register on the group classes page.

Photo ID, proof of right to work, a DBS certificate (at least a basic DBS, which you can apply for online yourself) and proof of qualifications. We review documents only; there is no interview.

With all your documents ready, most applications are done within a week. If anything is missing, we email you to say what we need.

No. We also approve subject graduates, postgraduates and professionals with strong subject knowledge and tutoring experience.

You do, and it is shown on your profile. We confirm any platform fee in writing before the first lesson.

We ask for documents from the exam board, such as an appointment letter or contract, showing the subject, qualification and years. We record what we have seen and when.

Arrangements go through the platform. We do not publish tutors’ personal phone numbers.

Yes. Approved tutors can propose a group class of 4 to 6 students. Send us the course name, year group, timetable and fee, plus a poster image if you have one. Once we approve it, it goes live for enrolment.