Questions & Answers

We start with a free assessment to see how your child is progressing and identify areas where we can help. You'll receive a written report outlining the results. From there, we'll find the most suitable available class for your child.

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

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, absolutely! You're welcome to come along for a free assessment, even if you're not planning to start tuition. There's no obligation to enrol.

Most children can benefit from extra support, whether they're working at, above or below expectations. Our tailored approach ensures they learn at a level that suits their needs, making tuition a worthwhile investment in their education.

Yes – we work with students who are already excelling and want to progress further. Our assessment helps us identify their current level and the next steps in their learning.

Yes – we regularly help students who are two or more years behind. The sooner tuition starts, the sooner they can make progress, though it's never too late to take that first step.

Many students do well at school but don't always receive the individual attention they need. Tuition can help build their skills and confidence, enabling them to reach their full potential.

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

Each lesson is 60 minutes.

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

Our classes are grouped by ability, so children learn alongside others at a similar level – much like sports or music lessons. This means classes run at set days and times. We offer several classes at 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, followed by a warm-up or maintenance activity. The main part of the lesson focuses on introducing new concepts or building on previously learned ones.

We use computers for some writing and research tasks, but most learning is done on paper. All teaching is delivered by our qualified teachers – not by computers. This gives students the best of both worlds: the benefits of digital tools when they're useful, and focused, hands-on learning when technology isn't necessary.

It varies because every child learns differently. Often parents notice changes after a few lessons, but for lasting results, we recommend at least two school terms of tuition (about 20 lessons).

Yes – homework is a key part of our system. Completing it helps students revisit concepts outside lessons and strengthens 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 changes, like new students joining or a different teacher, but the programme will continue as usual.

Marley Perkins homework is carefully designed to support learning and build skills while remaining manageable and engaging. It's usually around 20 minutes a week, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Literacy students may occasionally have longer writing tasks, such as stories or essays.

For best results, aim to complete homework midway between lessons. For example, if your child's lesson is on Monday, Thursday is a good choice.

• If remembering new concepts is a challenge, try spreading the homework over several shorter sessions throughout the week.
• Practise spelling and basic facts on at least three separate days – just a few minutes each time is enough.
• Avoid doing homework immediately after a lesson or just before the next one.

Your support can make a real difference to your child's learning. Here are a few ways to help.

• Encourage your child to attempt the work independently first.
• If they get stuck, prompt them to check their class notes or offer gentle guidance – rather than doing the work for them.
• Avoid introducing alternative methods – stick with the approach they're practising.
• For writing tasks, feel free to help with typing and design – working together can be fun and encouraging.

Children in Years 1–2 may need a little more support. For reading tasks:

• Encourage them to try reading unfamiliar words independently first.
• If they get stuck, prompt them to use the strategies they've learned, such as sounding out.
• Read words, passages or instructions aloud for them when needed, so they can stay focused on the main task.
• Model fluent reading by taking turns or reading together, while ensuring your child still does most of the reading.

Our prices are:

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

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.