Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about lessons, scheduling, and learning approaches. If you need more information, feel free to reach out directly.

Lessons are available for students from Year 5 through A-Level, typically ages 10 to 18. Each age group requires different teaching methods and pacing. Younger students benefit from visual aids and interactive exercises, while older students preparing for GCSEs or A-Levels focus on exam techniques and problem-solving strategies.

Adult learners returning to education or seeking to improve specific skills are also welcome. The approach adapts to individual starting points and goals, whether that's catching up on fundamentals or mastering advanced topics.

Standard sessions last 60 minutes, which provides enough time to review previous material, introduce new concepts, and practice problems. For younger students or those with shorter attention spans, 45-minute sessions can be arranged.

Extended 90-minute sessions work well for intensive exam preparation or tackling complex topics that require deeper exploration. The duration can be adjusted based on student needs and learning objectives.

Both formats are available depending on your preference and location. In-person sessions take place at the address in Tooting, South London, providing a dedicated learning environment with physical materials and direct interaction.

Online lessons use video conferencing with a digital whiteboard, allowing for real-time problem-solving and screen sharing. This format offers flexibility for students across London and beyond, with the same quality of instruction as face-to-face sessions.

A degree in Mathematics from a Russell Group university provides the academic foundation, while 7 years of tutoring experience covers various curricula including GCSE, A-Level, and International Baccalaureate. This background includes working with students of different abilities, from those struggling with basics to high achievers aiming for top grades.

Enhanced DBS certification ensures safeguarding compliance. Regular participation in educational workshops keeps teaching methods current with exam board changes and pedagogical developments.

The first session includes an assessment to identify strengths, gaps, and learning style preferences. Some students grasp concepts through visual diagrams, others through worked examples, and some need verbal explanations with real-world applications.

Lesson plans develop based on these findings, school curriculum requirements, and upcoming exams. Progress is tracked through regular mini-assessments, and the approach adjusts if certain methods prove more effective. Materials range from textbook exercises to past papers, selected to match current needs.

Yes, experience covers all major exam boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC for GCSEs and A-Levels. Each board has different question styles and mark schemes, which are incorporated into practice sessions. Past papers from the relevant board form a key part of exam preparation.

For International Baccalaureate students, both Standard and Higher Level Mathematics are covered. The focus includes understanding the specific requirements and assessment criteria that examiners use when marking.

Building confidence starts with identifying where difficulties actually lie, which is often earlier in the curriculum than current schoolwork. Lessons revisit these foundations without judgment, using exercises that gradually increase in difficulty to create a sense of progress.

Positive reinforcement focuses on effort and improvement rather than just correct answers. Many students develop anxiety from classroom pressure or past negative experiences. A patient, supportive environment where mistakes are treated as learning opportunities helps rebuild self-assurance over several weeks.

Homework reinforces concepts covered during lessons and typically takes 20-40 minutes to complete. The amount adjusts based on the student's schedule, school workload, and learning pace. Some students benefit from daily short exercises, while others prefer one longer set per week.

Assignments are reviewed at the start of each session to address any difficulties and ensure understanding. If homework consistently proves too challenging or too easy, the level adjusts accordingly. The goal is productive practice, not overwhelming students.

All necessary worksheets, practice problems, and past papers are provided during lessons at no extra cost. Digital resources are shared via email or cloud storage for online students. Physical materials include printed exercises and reference sheets for in-person sessions.

Recommendations for textbooks or revision guides can be made if parents wish to purchase additional resources, but these are optional. Access to online platforms with interactive exercises may be suggested for students who benefit from self-paced practice between sessions.

Progress varies depending on starting point, frequency of lessons, and effort between sessions. Students attending weekly often notice improved understanding within 4-6 weeks, reflected in school assessments or homework confidence. Those with significant gaps may need 2-3 months before seeing substantial grade improvements.

Short-term intensive preparation for upcoming exams can yield noticeable results in exam technique and problem-solving speed within a few weeks. Long-term development of mathematical thinking and deeper comprehension naturally takes longer but provides more lasting benefits.

Cancellations require at least 24 hours notice to avoid charges. This allows time to offer the slot to other students or adjust the schedule. Rescheduling is straightforward when notice is provided, with alternative times usually available within the same week.

Emergency situations like illness are handled with flexibility. Repeated last-minute cancellations may require a deposit for future bookings. The goal is to maintain a reliable schedule while accommodating genuine unexpected circumstances.

Small group sessions for 2-3 students at similar levels can be arranged, particularly for exam revision. This format works well for friends from the same school year who want to study together while sharing costs. The dynamic allows for peer learning and collaborative problem-solving.

However, one-to-one instruction remains more effective for addressing specific weaknesses or working at an individual pace. Group lessons require all participants to have comparable abilities and learning speeds to be productive for everyone involved.

Brief updates are provided after each lesson via email or messaging, summarizing topics covered and any areas needing attention. More detailed progress reports are sent monthly, outlining strengths, improvements, and goals for upcoming weeks.

Parents can request phone or video calls to discuss progress in more detail, particularly before school parents' evenings or when making decisions about exam entries. Open communication ensures everyone understands the student's development and any adjustments to the learning plan.

Contact via phone on +44 20 7345 9812 or email at [email protected] to discuss your needs and arrange a suitable time. The initial conversation covers the student's current level, goals, and any specific concerns. Available time slots are typically during weekday afternoons and evenings, with limited Saturday morning availability.

The first session serves as an assessment and introduction, allowing both student and tutor to determine if the working relationship feels right. There's no obligation to continue beyond this initial meeting if it doesn't seem like a good fit.

About Hopusu

Building Mathematical Confidence Since 2015

Mathematics tutoring session

Hopusu started in a small classroom in Clapham when Rachel Thompson, a secondary school mathematics teacher with 12 years of classroom experience, noticed a pattern. Students who struggled weren't lacking ability—they needed individualised attention that traditional classroom settings couldn't provide. What began with five students meeting twice weekly has grown into a dedicated tutoring service supporting over 200 students annually across South London.

Our Foundation

The service was established with a straightforward principle: mathematics becomes accessible when teaching adapts to each student's learning style. Rachel assembled a team of qualified educators, each holding at least a Bachelor's degree in mathematics or related fields, with a combined 85 years of teaching experience. The team includes former exam board markers and university lecturers who understand curriculum requirements from GCSE through A-Level and beyond.

From our office at 83 Elmfield Road in Wandsworth, we coordinate both in-person sessions at students' homes and online lessons. This dual approach emerged from practical necessity during 2020 but proved so effective that we maintained both options. Students in Wimbledon, Balham, Tooting, and surrounding areas benefit from face-to-face interaction, while our digital platform serves families across Greater London and beyond.

Our Mission

We provide structured mathematics instruction that addresses specific learning gaps. Each student receives a diagnostic assessment within the first session, followed by a customised learning plan that targets areas needing reinforcement while building on existing strengths. Our aim is measurable progress in exam performance and problem-solving capability.

Our Vision

We work towards a situation where students approach mathematical challenges with competence rather than anxiety. This means developing not just computational skills but analytical thinking that applies beyond the classroom. We measure success through improved grades, certainly, but also through students who choose mathematics-heavy subjects at university.

Student working on mathematics problems

Core Values

Our practice rests on three operational principles. First, transparency: parents receive detailed progress reports every four weeks, including topics covered, assessment results, and recommended focus areas. Second, qualification standards: every tutor holds QTS or equivalent certification and undergoes annual DBS checks. Third, curriculum alignment: our materials follow exam board specifications precisely, using past papers and mark schemes from AQA, Edexcel, and OCR.

Structured Learning

Lessons follow a consistent format: review of previous material, introduction of new concepts with worked examples, guided practice, and independent problem-solving. This structure, refined over eight years, helps students build knowledge systematically rather than cramming before exams.

Evidence-Based Methods

We use spaced repetition for formula retention, interleaving of topics to strengthen connections, and retrieval practice through regular low-stakes quizzes. These techniques come from cognitive science research rather than educational trends, and our data shows they improve long-term retention by approximately 40%.

Responsive Support

Students can submit questions between sessions via our online platform, receiving responses within 24 hours during term time. Before major exams, we offer additional revision sessions at no extra charge. This availability addresses the reality that mathematical difficulties don't respect scheduled lesson times.

Experience and Expertise

Our team consists of seven core tutors and three associate tutors who join during peak exam periods. Collectively, we've prepared students for over 1,500 GCSE examinations and 600 A-Level papers. Three team members have marking experience with major exam boards, providing insight into how examiners assess responses—knowledge that directly benefits students in understanding mark scheme requirements.

92% We track outcomes systematically. Since 2018, 92% of our GCSE students achieved grades 7-9, compared to a national average of 22% for these top grades. At A-Level, 78% secured A or A* grades. These figures reflect our focus on students targeting high grades rather than representing all ability levels.

Our experience spans the full secondary curriculum: algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and mechanics. We support students following standard, additional, and further mathematics courses, as well as those preparing for admissions tests like STEP, MAT, and TMUA for Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College.

Operating from London since 2015, we maintain availability Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 18:00, with Saturday morning slots from 10:00 to 14:00. Contact us at [email protected] or +44 20 7345 9812 to discuss how we can support your mathematical education goals.