Complete the application form: submit your details, academic background, and subject preferences via our application form, at gravitastutors.com/careers.

Introductory call with Arthur: we’ll schedule a short call to discuss how we work, what we look for in tutors, and what you can expect from us.

Submit contract and payment details: after the call, you’ll be asked to provide some further onboarding (which will be provided to you after the phone call).

Past this stage, you are a Gravitas tutor!

Await your first client: once everything is received, we’ll begin matching you with a student and share access to the tutor resource hub.

We’ll send you a briefing. You’ll receive a summary with the relevant details: the student’s name, age, year group, subject(s), parent contact info, and any background we’ve gathered about their goals or challenges.

You’ll prepare for the first session. You’ll have a few days to review the information and prepare material tailored to the student’s exam board, subject, and year group. Based on this, you’ll draft a simple lesson plan for the first session. (Guidance on how to do this below.)

We’ll arrange the first session. Once a time is confirmed with both you and the client, we’ll send a formal introduction email with you CC’d. (Guidance on how to do this below.)

You’ll send an email CCing a member of the team (Arthur) in with the MS Teams link. You should reply to the introduction promptly and professionally, briefly introducing yourself, expressing that you’re looking forward to the lesson, and sharing a Microsoft Teams link. (Basic template below:)

Dear PARENT,

Lovely to be introduced — and I’m really looking forward to working with STUDENT.

Below is the Microsoft Teams link for our first session:

INSERT MS TEAMS LINK

From what Arthur has shared, STUDENT sounds like a [BRIEF POSITIVE IMPRESSION, e.g., "BRIGHT & CURIOUS] student, and I’ve prepared some material to help us get started. The plan is to spend around 50 minutes working together so I can get a sense of their current level and learning style, followed by a brief 10-minute chat with you afterwards to share feedback and outline a possible plan going forward.

Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to be aware of before we begin.

Looking forward to meeting you both!

Best wishes,

YOUR NAME Gravitas Tutors

The first session This consists of 50 minutes of tutoring with the student 10 minutes of discussion with the parent afterwards (guidance on how to do this below.)

Post-trial follow-up We’ll check in with both you and the family. If all goes well, you’ll take the lead from there — scheduling lessons directly with the parent going forward.

The trial lesson is the family’s first impression of you as a tutor — and of Gravitas Tutors. It should be structured, engaging, and clearly tailored to the student’s level and goals. Here’s how to prepare:

Review the briefing. Carefully read through the information we’ve sent about the student: their age, year group, subject(s), exam board, and any specific notes or goals. Note what they’re struggling with, and any relevant timelines (e.g. upcoming exams, mocks).

Pick a suitable topic. Choose a topic that is relevant, challenging but accessible (you want to push them a little, not overwhelm) and can be “taught” and practiced within a 50-minute window.

Prepare materials. Have your resources ready: worksheets, slides, diagrams, or past paper questions. Make sure your internet connection, video/audio, and screen sharing tools are working.

Plan a Clear Structure. Here’s a sample breakdown: 0–5 minutes: Introductions, warm-up and ice-breaking; 5–20 minutes: Teaching or explanation; 20–40 minutes: Practice together; 40–45 minutes: Independent questions or discussion; 45–50 minutes: Recap, takeaway and rapport-building before next session..

Finally, in anticipation of the 10-minute chat with the parents afterwards, be prepared to make notes about how the student responds, so you can inform the parents and tailor future lessons.

The 10-minute conversation with the parent after the trial lesson is absolutely crucial; it’s your chance to demonstrate your insight, professionalism, and confidence. There are five key things to get right:

Share your honest insights. Give a clear, accurate picture of the student’s performance in the lesson — where they’re strong, where they’re struggling, and how they responded to your teaching style.

Make a clear recommendation. Tell the parent how often you think you should meet. If one hour a week is enough, say so. If they need 2–3 sessions a week to meet their goals, say that. It’s not your role to assess their budget — it’s your role to say what’s best for the student.

Take charge of the subject. Many parents are busy, overwhelmed, or not fully familiar with their child’s curriculum. They’re relying on you to take ownership. Reassure them that their child’s progress is now under your care — that things are handled.

Be prepared to talk about yourself. Parents may ask about your academic background, your tutoring experience, or your approach. Be open, warm, and professional.

Identify the core challenge. Based on your trial lesson, explain the likely reason behind the student’s difficulties. You can use the following list as a guide for your observations: — Needs help creating revision notes — Held back by poor teaching at school — Struggles with focus or motivation — Lacks confidence — Makes careless errors — Did poorly in recent school exams — Is capable but coasting — Needs better strategies or exam technique — Needs pushing before a school move — Has gaps in foundational learning — Avoids or rushes homework — Struggles with comprehension — Suspected dyslexia / dyscalculia / ADHD