MagiKats Tuition Centre is one of the most well-known tutoring services in Edinburgh for maths. Being the first MagiKats centre in Scotland, the Edinburgh Leith Centre holds a special place in their history.

Principal Iftikhar Hussain recognises the importance of incorporating fun into the learning process – which is great, because you don’t normally think of maths as a subject you can enjoy. 

Thus, they challenge students by using a multi-sensory approach to their teaching. This includes discussion, hands-on activities, and written work that can help enhance their understanding of maths and English. 

We also like the fact that they’re open seven days a week. This flexibility provides students the support they need at a time that suits them best. 

Additionally, their tuition programmes align with Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, making them a great choice for students from primary school to National 5. 

Their mentors had extensive training on the MagiKats programme and were selected with care for their expertise and friendly demeanour. They provide hands-on support during small group workshops, which makes learning easier.

What sets MagiKats apart is their holistic approach, which prioritises reasoning, study skills, critical thinking, and social skills, giving students a well-rounded education. This allows students to apply principles learned to life outside the classroom.

New students at the tutoring centre go through a placement session before joining. This helps the tutors understand their current level in maths, allowing them to tailor their teaching to meet you where you are.

While they offer a strong foundation in maths, students who wish to focus on specific branches of applied maths such as statistics or algebra might need to go elsewhere.

It’s worth also noting that MagiKats does not currently offer online tutoring unlike other maths tutoring services.

Caledonia Tutors is another popular choice for maths tutoring. Within three years, they’ve expanded from a single tutor and three subjects to a team of 50+ tutors and an offering of 25 subjects.

We like that they know that student-teacher rapport is important. They offer a complimentary 15-minute meeting, allowing students and tutors to get acquainted. 

They offer both online or in-person tutorials unlike other tutoring services. They even have a 24/7 help service, which is great for students burning the midnight oil while brushing up on their maths.

Each tutor undergoes a two-stage application and interview process, possesses PVG certificates, and provides proof of qualifications and certificates. This boosts our confidence in their teaching and coaching skills.

They also offer Headstart courses for National 4 and Advanced Higher Maths. By covering 30-40% of the course material over the summer, students will be given a head start (hence, the name!) on their upcoming year of learning.

Recognising the importance of inclusivity, Caledonia Tutors accommodates students with learning difficulties such as ADHD, dyscalculia, and dyslexia, which we love.

Sadly, booking during high-demand academic periods can be challenging due to increased demand for tutoring services. Some parents were forced to go elsewhere when they failed to book a slot.

Also, the majority of their tutors are undergraduates or recent graduates, which some parents might not prefer. 

Kanika Paterson, lead instructor at Kumon, has a wealth of experience from training in different countries like London, Japan, and Singapore, which we find impressive and reassuring.

Before students sign up , they undergo a free assessment. We find this quite helpful because they can identify your current level and create a personalised learning plan for you, instead of just putting you in a class without knowing where you stand.

One cool thing about them is that they give you options for how you want to learn. You can choose to attend the session virtually or in-person at your convenience. They even have homework marking and multiple classes per week.

Also, with the KUMON CONNECT app, parents can easily track their child’s progress while instructors can send comments and study tips in real time. Students, especially those addicted to gadgets, would be more engaged in their lessons. 

Unfortunately, Kumon centres are closed on Sundays, which may be a drawback for those looking for weekend study options. 

When it comes to cost, Kumon is pretty affordable, starting at £70 per subject per month. With this deal, you’re getting that personal touch and individual progress, which totally makes it worth considering.

They also offer free trials, free registration, and deals where if you refer a friend for free registratio, you can receive a £20 gift voucher.

Just a heads up, Kumon doesn’t stick to the regular school curriculum. They’re all about building strong maths skills independently, so it might be a bit different from what students are used to in the classroom. They do have a twice-a -year award ceremony, though, which is beneficial for all their students.

With over 15 years of experience, First Class Learning has built a fine reputation of having helped tens of thousands of students across the UK. 

This company takes pride in its individualised programs that align with the National curriculum. This helps students with their schoolwork, builds confidence, and encourages independent learning skills.  

First Class Learning believes in regular testing to see how well you’re doing and help you learn better. They use a “little and often” approach, which means practising and repeating things to make sure you remember them well.

Maths is incredibly important at First Class Learning, covering Reception to Year 11. They’ve got different materials for all skill levels, so whether you’re doing basic maths or tackling algebra, they’ll give you the support you need.

The focus goes beyond mere calculations; they also work on important skills like pencil control, memory, concentration, and understanding concepts. It’s not just about getting the answers right, but about becoming a well-rounded maths whiz!

However, unlike other tutoring services, they only operate four days a week. 

Kip McGrath Education Centre has been a trusted name since its founding in Australia in 1976. With over 47 years of experience and a global presence, they’ve helped millions of students worldwide.

We like that they have an online tutoring platform. Aside from offering flexibility in terms of schedule, children learning at home are free from external pressures and would feel more at ease – definitely a great mindset for learning!

They also offer a free assessment to identify a child’s strengths and pinpoint any learning gaps. This valuable information allows their tutors to tailor the learning experience to meet each child’s specific needs.

At Kip McGrath Education Centre, they make sure to keep parents in the loop with regular progress reports. This way, parents can stay involved in their child’s learning journey and see how they’re doing along the way. 

Kip McGrath’s maths program covers essential curriculum topics and, depending on the assessment outcome, will mix and match various activities to help students catch up at school. These include maths core, maths problems, and algebra to name a few.

They also offer extra maths modules for students who are ready for more challenges. These extension modules allow naturally gifted maths students to enhance their knowledge even further.

We did notice that their sessions typically start in the afternoon on weekdays. This may be inconvenient for some families.

In terms of cost, Kip McGrath’s services may be comparatively pricey, with rates starting at £33 per session.