FAQ for Parents
Detailed answers about tutor requests, applications, shortlisting, tutor choice, first lessons, cancellations, vouchers, safety, privacy and support.
Getting Started
Is Grade Improve free for parents?
Yes. Parents can submit a 1-to-1 tuition request and review tutor applications without paying Grade Improve a matching fee. Grade Improve's commission is paid by the tutor only when the tuition arrangement proceeds beyond the first lesson under the applicable commission rule.
How do I submit a tutor request?
Use the Find a Tutor form and provide your child's level, subject, lesson frequency, lesson duration, tutor preference, location, lesson mode, budget if you wish to state one, preferred timing and any useful learning notes.
Do I need to create a parent account?
The current parent flow is designed to be simple. You can submit and manage your request through secure verification and request-specific links without maintaining a traditional parent account.
Why does Grade Improve verify my mobile number?
Mobile verification helps reduce fake or duplicate requests and protects tutors from spending time on invalid assignments.
Can I submit requests for more than one subject?
You may submit the subjects you need through the request flow. If the requirements are very different, separate requests may make matching clearer.
How quickly will I receive tutor applications?
There is no guaranteed number of applications or fixed response time because tutor interest depends on the subject, level, location, timing, lesson mode, rate and current tutor availability. Grade Improve will continue to surface the request to suitable tutors while it remains open.
Can I submit another request for a sibling or a different child?
Yes. Submit a separate tutor request when the child, subject, level or lesson requirements are different. Separate requests keep tutor applications and confirmations clear.
Can I change my request after submitting it?
If an important detail changes, such as timing, location, subject, lesson mode or budget, contact Grade Improve as soon as possible. Depending on the request stage, the details may be updated or the request may need to be reopened or handled by admin.
Tutor Applications & Shortlisting
How are tutors matched to my request?
Grade Improve considers information such as level, subject, lesson mode, location, tutor type preference, expected rate and tutor availability. Tutors may also apply after seeing a suitable assignment.
Can I choose the tutor myself?
Yes. The parent makes the final choice. You can review tutor information and application details before deciding whom to shortlist.
How many tutors can I shortlist?
You can shortlist up to 3 tutors per round. Shortlisting lets you explore the strongest options without revealing contact details to every applicant.
What information can I see before shortlisting?
You may see relevant tutor profile information, experience, qualifications, proposed rate, availability and application message. Exact information displayed may depend on the tutor's submitted profile.
When can I see the tutor's contact details?
Tutor contact details are revealed only after you shortlist that tutor.
What if none of the tutors is suitable?
You can continue waiting for suitable applicants or contact Grade Improve for help with reopening or continuing the search, depending on the request stage.
Does Grade Improve choose the tutor for me?
No. Grade Improve helps suitable tutors discover and apply for your request, but the parent remains in control of the final choice. You decide whom to shortlist and whether to proceed after speaking with the tutor.
Can I speak with more than one shortlisted tutor?
Yes. You may shortlist up to 3 tutors and speak with the shortlisted tutors before deciding. Please be considerate and update tutors promptly once you have made your decision.
Does Grade Improve verify every tutor's qualifications or background?
Grade Improve may review tutor profiles and supporting documents, and tutors must complete a Safety Declaration. However, the Safety Declaration is a tutor self-declaration and does not mean Grade Improve has independently conducted a background check unless expressly stated.
Can I ask a tutor to show supporting documents before lessons begin?
You may discuss qualifications and experience directly with a shortlisted tutor. If you need clarification about information shown on the platform, contact Grade Improve before confirming the arrangement.
Contact, First Lesson & Confirmation
What happens after I shortlist a tutor?
You and the shortlisted tutor can communicate directly to discuss schedule, final rate, location, learning needs and the first lesson.
Is the tutor's proposed rate final?
Not necessarily. The parent and tutor may agree on a different final rate or lesson duration. The final agreed terms should be reflected when the first lesson outcome is confirmed.
When should I confirm the tutor?
After the first lesson, confirm the outcome in the Grade Improve flow. If you and the tutor decide to continue the tuition arrangement, the final agreed rate and lesson duration are used for the commission calculation.
What if the parent and tutor enter different first-lesson details?
Grade Improve may pause the request for admin review. The mismatch can be resolved using the parent version, tutor version or corrected values before the workflow continues.
What if the tuition assignment is cancelled after the first lesson?
No commission is payable and no parent voucher is issued if the tuition assignment is cancelled after the first lesson instead of continuing. The first lesson itself does not automatically create an entitlement to a voucher. The tuition arrangement must proceed under Grade Improve's confirmation workflow.
What if we decide not to continue after the first lesson?
Inform the tutor clearly and update or notify Grade Improve so the assignment can be recorded as cancelled. Under this rule, the tutor does not pay Grade Improve commission and the parent does not receive the S$20 voucher.
What should I agree with the tutor before the first lesson?
Confirm the lesson date and time, location or online arrangement, final hourly rate, lesson duration, subject focus and any important learning needs. Clear agreement helps both sides confirm the same details after the first lesson.
What if a shortlisted tutor becomes unavailable before the first lesson?
If the tutor can no longer take the assignment, do not proceed with that tutor. You may consider another shortlisted tutor or contact Grade Improve so the request can continue, depending on its current stage.
Can lesson timing be changed after tuition has started?
Parents and tutors may agree directly on future lesson timing. If a change affects the confirmed rate, duration or other details relevant to Grade Improve's commission workflow, make sure the final agreed terms are recorded accurately when required.
Fees, Commission & Parent Voucher
Do parents pay the tutor directly?
The tuition fee arrangement is between the parent and tutor. Grade Improve's platform commission is separate and is paid by the tutor when it becomes due.
How is the tutor's commission calculated?
Where commission becomes payable, it is equal to one lesson tuition fee: final agreed hourly rate multiplied by the final agreed lesson duration.
Does the commission increase the parent's tuition fee?
Grade Improve does not add the tutor commission to the parent's tuition fee. The tutor agrees to the commission terms when applying.
When will I receive the S$20 voucher?
The voucher is available only when the tuition arrangement proceeds, the required confirmation is completed and Grade Improve has received the applicable tutor commission. If the assignment is cancelled after the first lesson, no voucher is issued.
Why is my voucher still pending?
A voucher may remain pending while the tutor commission is unpaid or while the tuition confirmation workflow has not been completed.
What happens when the voucher is issued?
Once the voucher is marked issued, it is treated as the final fulfilment stage and the related tuition request is completed.
Privacy, Safety & Support
Will my phone number be posted publicly?
No. Public assignment posts are designed not to reveal the parent's name, phone number, email, exact home address, child's name or other sensitive personal details.
Can tutors see my contact details before I shortlist them?
No. Contact details are revealed only after shortlisting.
Why might my request be paused for admin review?
Grade Improve may pause a request when there is a risk flag, unusual activity, a first-lesson mismatch or another issue that needs manual review before automation continues.
Can I cancel a request before finding a tutor?
Yes. If you no longer require tuition, the request can be cancelled. Please do so promptly so tutors are not invited to an assignment that is no longer available.
How can I contact Grade Improve?
Use the Contact page if you need help with a request, tutor communication, first-lesson mismatch, voucher or other platform matter.
What should I do if I have a safety or conduct concern about a tutor?
Stop or postpone further lessons if necessary and contact Grade Improve promptly with the relevant details. For urgent danger or suspected criminal conduct, contact the appropriate authorities as well.
What if I lose my request tracking link?
Contact Grade Improve for assistance. For privacy and security, Grade Improve may need to verify information connected with the request before helping you regain access.
Looking for a tutor?
Submit your tuition request and review suitable tutor applications before deciding.