Everything about English Matters is designed to be simple for families and focused for children. Here is a clear picture of how the journey works — from getting in touch to sitting the exam with confidence.
The first step is a simple WhatsApp message. There are no long forms to fill in and no obligation to commit. Just ask about current group availability, upcoming term dates and pricing — and any other questions you have before deciding.
Every enquiry is answered directly and personally. You will always know exactly what is available before you make any decision.
Once you are ready to go ahead, a place is confirmed in the next available group for your child's year group and target schools. Groups are capped strictly at five students — places are allocated on a first-come basis and are not held without confirmation.
If a group is full, you can express interest for the next intake. Places for new groups are sometimes reserved before they are formally announced, so it is always worth getting in touch early.
Sessions run for one hour, live on Zoom. Your child joins at the agreed time using the Zoom link provided. No special software beyond Zoom is required — it is free to download and straightforward to use on any device.
With a maximum of five students, every child is seen and heard throughout. Sessions are interactive — not lectures. Children are asked questions, discuss texts, respond to prompts and write. There is no passive watching.
After each session, a homework task is set — directly related to what was covered that week. This might be a comprehension exercise, a timed writing task or a vocabulary activity. It is returned with individual written feedback.
The feedback is specific and actionable. It explains not just what to improve but how — so children return to the next session having genuinely reflected on their work, not just having submitted it.
This feedback loop is where a significant amount of the real progress happens. The session plants the seed; the homework and feedback make it take root.
Parents are always welcome to ask how their child is getting on. The written homework feedback provides a clear, ongoing record of progress — but if you have a question or concern at any point, a WhatsApp message is all it takes.
There are no formal progress reports or scheduled meetings — communication is kept simple and direct, which is how most parents prefer it.
The goal of everything at English Matters is not just exam success — it is the kind of deep, genuine preparation that means a child walks into the exam room feeling ready. Confident in their vocabulary. Comfortable with the question styles. Able to write with control and originality under timed conditions.
That confidence — built steadily over months of focused work — is what makes the difference between a child who has practised for an exam and one who is truly prepared for it.
Every session is structured but never rigid. Here is a general sense of how the hour is used — though the balance varies depending on what the group needs that week.
The session opens by revisiting the previous week's homework. Common patterns in the feedback are discussed so the whole group benefits — not just the individual. A vocabulary warm-up follows, building on words introduced in previous sessions.
The main body of the session covers that week's focus — whether comprehension, creative writing, SPAG or exam technique. Teaching is active: children respond, discuss and write. Questions are encouraged. Nothing is passive.
The session closes with the homework task being set and explained clearly. Children leave knowing exactly what is expected — and why it matters. Any individual questions are addressed before the session ends.
Sumona builds confidence first, and once that's in place, children truly soar. My daughter began as a reluctant writer and now loves writing — receiving offers from all the Grammar and Independent Schools we applied to, including scholarships from St Paul's Girls, Henrietta Barnett School and North London Collegiate.
Group places are strictly limited to five students. If you would like to find out about current availability, the best next step is a message on WhatsApp.