Question 1

What year levels does Dean tutor?

Accepted Answer

Dean tutors students from Year 7 through to Year 12. He takes primary school students on a case by case basis.

Question 2

Do you offer a trial session?

Accepted Answer

The first phone call is always free — 15 minutes to discuss your child and see whether Dean is the right tutor for your family. The first tutoring session itself is a regular paid session, but there's no ongoing commitment required. If it's not the right fit after the first session, that's the end of it — no pressure, no hard feelings.

Question 3

Where are sessions held?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are held in person at Dean's home tutoring space in Doveton, or online via video call for students outside the local catchment. Most local families choose in-person; online works well for senior students who prefer the flexibility.

Question 4

How do I schedule sessions?

Accepted Answer

Once we've had the initial call and your child has had a trial session, we agree on a weekly recurring time slot. You can manage bookings through the online system, and Dean is always reachable by email or phone if something needs to shift.

Question 5

How are sessions adjusted during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are adjusted around iftar and the changed rhythms of family life during Ramadan. Many families prefer to pause tutoring for the month, or shift to lighter early-morning sessions. We discuss this with each family every year.

Question 6

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We ask for 24 hours' notice for a free reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice are charged. For term packages, sessions can be moved within the term to any available slot.

Question 7

How is payment handled?

Accepted Answer

Payment is via direct bank transfer or card payment. Casual sessions are paid before each lesson; term packages are paid up front. Invoices are issued through Xero for your records.

Question 8

Do you offer hardship or zakat-supported places?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A small number of subsidised places are available each term for families in genuine financial hardship, including zakat-supported spots. There's no application form — just a confidential conversation. These conversations stay entirely between us, and they're treated with the dignity they deserve.

Question 9

How will I know if my child is making progress?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive a short email after every session covering what we worked on. At the end of each term, a written progress summary outlines what your child has mastered, what we're still building, and what to focus on next. If anything concerning comes up, you'll hear about it the same week.

Question 10

What if my child is anxious about maths?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common reasons families reach out, and Dean has worked with hundreds of anxious students over the years. Anxiety usually has a specific cause — a topic that broke their confidence, a teacher they didn't click with, a test that went badly. The work is to find that point, rebuild the foundation gently, and let small wins accumulate. There's no rushing it, and no shaming.

Question 11

Do you tutor for specific exams (NAPLAN, scholarships, VCE)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dean helps with all exam preparations up to VCE level. He also helps with scholarship exam preparation for entry into selective and independent schools. NAPLAN preparation can be incorporated into regular tutoring but isn't offered as a standalone service.

Question 12

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Click "Book a free first call" or send an email via the Contact page. Dean will reply within one business day to arrange a short conversation. From there, if it feels right, we'll book a first session.

Questions parents ask, before they ask.