Host (101.8 WCR FM):
In today’s episode, we explore the importance of personalised education and one-to-one tutoring amid growing academic pressures on students. I’m joined by Kevin Ramchurn, Head of Department and Managing Director at Suited Tutor, and Sidra Mansoor, a student who has experienced the benefits of online tutoring for A-levels first-hand. Together, we discuss how tailored tutoring services can boost student performance, support mental health in education, and provide flexible and affordable online learning options — no matter your location.

Kevin Ramchurn (Suited Tutor):
I share insights into how Suited Tutor’s online one-to-one tutoring platform delivers quality personalised education that is both accessible and cost-effective. We focus on supporting students with special educational needs such as ADHD and mental health challenges, and discuss how our expert tutors help learners in disadvantaged or rural areas. Plus, discover how our flexible tutoring schedules empower parents and students alike.

Sidra Mansoor (Student at Suited Tutor ):
I talk about my experience preparing for medicine with A-levels in biology, chemistry, and psychology, and explain how personalised online tutoring helped me stay motivated and deepen my understanding. I also share how the convenience of online tutoring fits around my busy schedule, making learning both enjoyable and effective.

[00:00] Podcast Host (101.8 WCR FM):
Now with the pressures on pupils these days, from everything from class sizes through to some of the mental health concerns that we have when they're at school, it's obviously something which can be helped when it comes to their education.

If you look at one-to-one tutoring, studies have shown that receiving one-to-one tutoring can see significant improvements in performance, including a 67% boost in attainment compared to traditional classroom settings.

To tell us more, I'm joined now by Kevin Ramchurn, maths tutor and managing director at Suited Tutor, alongside Sidra Mansoor, who's a student who's had personal tutoring for some of her subjects. Good afternoon to you both.

[00:45] Sidra Mansoor (Student):
Good afternoon.

Podcast Host (101.8 WCR FM):

So first of all, Sidra, tell us a bit about your education journey and why you first turned to extra one-to-one tutoring.

[01:00] Sidra Mansoor (Student):
Yes, sure. I initially put my heart to study medicine at a very young age, so I wanted to study A-levels in biology and chemistry, alongside psychology.

I decided that I needed the extra push outside my lessons. I did some research and found that Suited Tutors was the best option for me. I began my journey with Suited Tutors about two years ago, and since then it’s been amazing. I couldn't recommend them enough. That’s how it all started.

[01:40] Podcast Host (101.8 WCR FM):
That's a great recommendation there. Kevin, people sometimes get scared of the concept and cost of one-to-one tutoring. But this is something you’re able to hold the price down on, especially since much of this is done online now, rather than physically going to homes.

[02:00] Kevin Ramchurn (Suited Tutor):
Exactly. Instead of going to homes, it has become more cost effective.

Before, we had to charge for tutors’ travel time, but now with online tutoring, lessons can be quicker and tutors can deliver more lessons.

Also, tutors and students can do lessons from the comfort of their own home without worrying about being late or early, as long as the lesson starts on time and is well planned, it’s more effective.

[02:40] Podcast Host (101.8 WCR FM):
Sidra, it’s usually subjects you struggle with that you want extra help on, but sometimes you want a boost even in subjects you’re good at.

[02:50] Sidra Mansoor (Student):
Definitely. Biology and chemistry have been my strong subjects. Psychology has also been strong, though I didn’t need much help there.

But the excitement of the psychology content made me want to express myself more, and tutors add to that excitement.

Studying becomes more fun and enjoyable with someone to talk to and share your interest with. One-to-one tutoring really helps enhance motivation and desire to study — it’s a great addition.

[03:30] Podcast Host (101.8 WCR FM):
Kevin, it’s not just gifted students like Sidra who take extra help. Some might have ADHD or autism, and though that may not qualify them for state support, extra help at home can make a big difference.

[03:50] Kevin Ramchurn (Suited Tutor):
I agree. Our tutors receive training to handle students with learning difficulties.

For ADHD students, who have short attention spans, we use short activities and allow reflection time. The engagement level is different but more interactive, making it easier to deliver key points.

Some students need more time due to special needs or mental health problems — about 80% of parents report their child has mental health issues, and a quarter of these children don’t attend school.

Having tutors means they don’t fall behind, and lessons are tailored to their needs.

For example, one student was a school refuser; after a year and a half of one-to-one tutoring, they became comfortable and rejoined mainstream school.

So tutoring can be an alternative for students struggling with mental health or learning difficulties.

[04:50] Podcast Host (101.8 WCR FM):
Sidra, this also fit around your schedule well?

[05:00] Sidra Mansoor (Student):
Yes, definitely. The convenience of tutoring at home is a great addition.

You can come back from college, relax, and then start your tuition for an hour or two — it’s totally flexible.

Timing-wise, you choose what works for you. Not having to travel is perfect and a great addition alongside mainstream school.

[05:30] Podcast Host (101.8 WCR FM):
Kevin, what about students in rural or disadvantaged areas where teachers may be stretched thin and class sizes large? How does this help them?

[05:45] Kevin Ramchurn (Suited Tutor):
It’s an investment in a child’s future.

We participated in the National Tutoring Program, supporting disadvantaged areas. The program showed students in those areas improved results by about 2.5 times compared to traditional classrooms.

Having tutoring available in disadvantaged areas boosts both confidence and attainment significantly.

[06:15] Podcast Host (101.8 WCR FM):
Where can listeners find out more about Suited Tutors?

[06:20] Kevin Ramchurn (Suited Tutor):
You can visit our website at suitedtutor.com where you’ll find lots of information to help your child.

You can also book lessons or trial lessons. We provide our phone number and email on the site, and you can message us—we respond as soon as possible.

[06:40] Podcast Host (101.8 WCR FM):
So that’s suitedtutor.com.

Well, for now, thank you to Kevin Ramchurn, Managing Director at Suited Tutor and Maths Tutor, and Sidra Mansoor, a student thriving with one-to-one tuition.

Thanks to you both for joining us.

[06:55] Kevin Ramchurn (Suited Tutor):
Thanks so much.

[07:00] Sidra Mansoor (Student):
Thank you.

[07:05] Podcast Host (101.8 WCR FM):
Thank you.