Is Newbury Study Hall a school, a tutoring service, or something else?
It is a tutorial school. Pupils mostly attend alongside their ordinary state or independent schooling, for extra tuition in specific subjects. Pupils aged sixteen and over may also attend full-time as an alternative to a large sixth form or college.
Is this a replacement for private school?
Not exactly. Pupils continue at their state or independent school full-time and attend Newbury Study Hall for extra tuition around their school day. The arrangement is described more fully on the Alternative to Independent School page.
Programme details
What subjects are available?
- Maths & science are most popular
- Other subjects by request – please ask
How many students per group?
- Maximum 8, typically 3-4
Are lessons in person?
- Yes – all sessions are at school
Which schools do students come from?
- We welcome students from all Newbury-area schools including Park House School, Trinity School, St Bartholomew’s School, The Downs School, Kennet School, and independent schools including Cheam, Downe House, St Gabriel’s, and others
Which exam boards?
- Tuition focuses on content, which is almost identical across all boards
- Tutors use specific exam board materials for exam practice only
Can I meet the tutor before starting?
- We can usually arrange a call or visit
- The first lesson will be a better gauge
My child has dyslexia / ADHD, etc
- We cannot cater directly, especially for pronounced cases
- Milder cases are managed within normal lessons
Private Tutors
Is a one-to-one private maths tutor in Newbury better than a small-group tutorial?
Many parents search for a private maths tutor first, and one-to-one tutoring suits some students well. The difference with a masterclass is the group dynamic – never more than eight students – which raises the intellectual standard in a way a single-student session cannot. Sessions also run to a structured term-length programme with preparation tasks between lessons, rather than being arranged week to week.
How does the cost compare to a private maths tutor in Newbury?
Private maths tutors in Newbury typically charge £40–£60 per hour for one-to-one sessions. Tuition at Newbury Study Hall is £40 per hour, in small groups, in a structured environment.
Why not other methods?
- 1.1 tuition is generally expensive and does not provide peer learning, (good) peer pressure or a community of encouraging learners
- Large extra-tuition providers can be impersonal and face the same prescriptive curriculum problems as large classes and schools
- Online tutoring can lack accountability, live feedback and emotional engagement. In many cases it is simply a way to make teenagers sit down and study
- Self-study guides and videos do not diagnose specific needs, and reading or watching them does not translate into progress unless the student practices properly with live, effective feedback
Costs & terms
What are the fees?
- £40 per hour
- See Fees page for programme details
Payment terms?
- Fees are to be paid per half term
- Payment is due before second session
What if a session is missed?
- No refunds for missed sessions
Are discounts available?
- OISE does not offer discounts
When can students start?
- At the beginning of any half term, or any time space is available
Academic
Which year groups?
- Years 10-13
- Year 9 students pre-empting GCSEs
How much homework?
- Approximately 1 hour preparation per 1 hour of tuition
My child already has a lot of homework
- This may be a time-management issue that can be dealt with in various ways
- Masterclasses teach students to learn more efficiently, which can reduce time spent on homework in all subjects
How is progress reported?
- Half-termly summaries via email
- By phone, email or in person anytime
- Student’s own feedback encouraged
Practical
Where is Newbury Study Hall?
- Enborne Road, Newbury, RG14 6AD
- On the corner with Rockingham Road
- Free on-site parking
What materials are needed?
- Student’s own school course book
- Notebook/paper, stationery, etc
- Scientific calculator if needed
Tutor qualifications?
- Strong academic background
- Detailed knowledge of exam specifications
- Expertise with individual teenagers
- Enhanced DBS & full safer recruitment clearance