Questions & Answers

We start with an assessment to give us an idea of how your child is tracking and how we can help. The assessment is free, and you receive a written report. Click here to book.

Yes! Our assessment shows how your child is performing compared with their year group – highlighting strengths and areas to improve.

Absolutely. We provide honest feedback – whether your child is ahead, behind, or on track. If tuition isn’t needed right now, we'll let you know that too.

Yes. Many families use assessments just to see progress – there’s no obligation to start tuition.

Most children benefit from extra support. Our tailored approach ensures they learn at the right level – making tuition a worthwhile investment in their progress.

Yes – we work with students who are excelling and want to progress faster. Our assessment shows their level and the next steps for their learning.

Yes – we help students who are two or more years behind. The sooner tuition starts, the sooner they can catch up, though it’s never too late to begin.

Many students do well but don’t get extra attention in class. Tuition can build skills and confidence – helping them reach their potential.

Students attend once a week – at the same time each week.

Each lesson takes about 60 minutes.

Up to 4 students. We also offer an individual (one-to-one) option.

Our classes are grouped by ability so children can learn alongside others at the same level – similar to sports or music lessons. That means the classes run at set days and times. We have several classes operating for most levels, so we'll always do our best to accommodate your preferred times.

Each week, the lesson follows a regular structure – we start by marking previous homework, then a warm-up or maintenance activity, and finally the main lesson where new concepts are introduced and new work is completed.

We use computers for some writing and research tasks, but most other learning is done on paper. All teaching is delivered by our qualified teachers – not by computers. This way, students get the best of both worlds: the benefits of digital tools when they’re helpful, and focused, hands-on learning without extra screen time.

It varies – every child learns differently. Some parents notice changes after two or three lessons, but for lasting results, we recommend at least two school terms.

Yes – homework is a key part of our system. Completing it helps students revisit concepts outside lessons and reinforces their learning. For more on this, see below.

Consistency really helps children learn, so our students have the same teacher, room, classmates, and lesson structure each week. Occasionally, there may be minor changes, like new students joining or a different teacher, but the programme will continue as usual.

Marley Perkins homework is short and fits around your schedule – usually about 20 minutes a week. Literacy students may occasionally have longer writing tasks, such as stories or essays.

For best results – aim to do homework midway between lessons. For example, if the lesson is on Monday, try Thursday.

• If recall is tricky, break tasks into smaller chunks throughout the week.
• Practise spelling and basic facts on at least three separate days – a few minutes each time is enough.
• Avoid doing homework immediately after or just before the next lesson.

Yes – parental support can make a big difference. Tips:

• Let your child attempt work independently first.
• If stuck, prompt them to check class notes or give gentle guidance – don’t do the work for them.
• Avoid teaching alternative methods – focus on the one being practised.
• For writing tasks, you can help with typing and design – teamwork can be fun and encouraging.

Children in Year 1–2 may need more supervision. For reading tasks:

• Let them try words themselves first.
• Prompt them to use strategies if stuck.
• Read words or passages for them if needed so they can continue focusing on the main task.
• Model reading together – take turns or read in unison, but ensure the child is actively doing most of the reading.

Our prices are:

• Initial Assessment: FREE
• Group lessons: $52 per lesson
• Private lessons: $78 per lesson

All lessons are 60 minutes and take place at the same time each week during term time. Groups include up to 4 students.

Fees are payable in advance at the start of each term – most families use online banking, but cash is also welcome.

Yes – we follow the official state primary school dates set by the New Zealand Ministry of Education. Our start and end dates may differ slightly. You can find this year’s tuition dates here.

Yes – we are closed on public holidays, including ANZAC Day and the Easter period (Good Friday to Easter Tuesday).

We follow state primary school terms. If a private school starts later or finishes earlier, students still attend their Marley Perkins lesson at the usual time in the relevant week of their holidays.

If you’re going to be away, just let us know and we'll get back to you with catch-up options.

Missing a lesson can interrupt learning so it's best to attend every session. We know life happens, though, so if your child can't make it we have catch-up options available. We'll give you more information about this when you sign up for tuition.

When you book a timeslot, it’s reserved for the full term, so please check your child has no conflicting commitments before booking. Depending on availability, it may be possible to change times for the following term.

We have a no-refund policy for missed lessons, but we do have catch-up options available. We'll give you more information about this when you sign up for lessons.