The Top 5 Tutoring Services in Auckland—Parent Approved!
Ah, tutoring. The word alone is enough to bring back those slightly traumatic but undeniably funny memories of academic mishaps.
From tutors who had more interest in their hair than my grades to one who memorably brought her parrot to the lessons (I wish I were kidding), my experiences with tutoring have been, let’s say, varied. However, not all tutoring encounters are doomed to humorous failure.
Auckland is home to some exceptional tutoring companies that make learning enjoyable and—most importantly—parrot-free.
So if you’re a parent searching for a tutoring service for your child, the Top Reviews team and I have sifted through numerous recommendations to bring you the best. Check them all out here!
How much does it cost to hire a tutor in Auckland, NZ?
If you want to hire a tutor in Auckland, expect to spend at least 30 NZD an hour for tutors with beginning-level experience. This price is just an estimate and will vary depending on the tutor’s experience, the subject, test prep, and more.
How We Chose
1. Inspiration Education Tutoring – Auckland
Inspiration Education (IE) is known for its warm, engaging, and genuinely supportive atmosphere. We spoke with a couple of parents, and they couldn’t stop singing praises about the personalised care and attention their kids receive here.
IE focuses on nurturing confident learners who aren’t afraid to make mistakes. This approach resonates deeply with several families with children who developed an aversion to subjects they struggled with.
So, for many, IE’s risk-free trial lesson is a great start. From what we’ve gleaned, the tutors create a personalised action plan during the trial lesson to tackle your child’s problem areas.
We’ve been told the tutors are nothing but patient and explain complex concepts in a way that is easier to digest. And parents love getting progress reports after every lesson.
So far, all the parents we spoke to have seen improvement in their children. We’ve been told their grades have improved significantly, and they are more engaged in their schoolwork.
However, if your main concern is convenience, it’s worth noting that the tutors typically meet students in libraries, which means no online sessions.
Pros
- A risk-free trial lesson with a personalised action plan
- Patient tutors who explain complex concepts
- Regular progress reports for parents
- Proven track record of improving grades & engagement
Cons
- No online sessions
Customer Reviews
Maddie has been invaluable in helping our son get through L3 NCEA Calculus
“Maddie has been invaluable in helping our son get through L3 NCEA Calculus. She has been excellent at keeping him engaged and on track with doing weekly online lessons and has gone over and above before his exam, doing extra sessions and focussing on areas that he was feeling less confident. We will definitely use Inspiration again.”
Both the tutor and admin/accounts were extremely helpful
“I am so pleased with my daughter’s online tutoring with Inspiration. I initially had reservations about not having face to face sessions but these were unnecessary. Her tutor is wonderful. He has a very kind and pleasant manner and she always understands his teaching sessions. Both the tutor and admin/accounts were extremely helpful when my daughter’s sessions had to be interrupted unexpectedly last year and have provided ongoing support since then. Very highly recommended.”
2. The Expert Maths Tuition Centre LTD
Expert Maths Tuition Centre is a haven for students who need help rescuing themselves from complex mathematical challenges.
We’ve heard the tutors here have almost Einstein-like intellect and the charisma of your most memorable teacher all rolled into one.
Their personalised 1-on-1 sessions are ideal for students who need undivided attention and customised teaching. There are also semi-private shared sessions for pairs and group sessions (up to six students) for those who enjoy learning with other people.
Furthermore, many parents like the convenience of their mobile and online sessions. Students can log in from anywhere for their interactive, digital sessions—yes, PJs are definitely an option.
Praise from clients who discovered a newfound grasp of mathematics highlights the effectiveness of EMT’s methods. Several parents have witnessed their child’s improvement from nearly failing grades to passing.
However, some parents of high-level students mentioned that they wish the centre would add more advanced curriculum sections aimed at qualifying for top-tier Cambridge courses.
Pros
- Highly knowledgeable and engaging tutors
- Personalised 1-on-1 sessions available
- Offers mobile and online sessions
- Proven track record of improving grades
Cons
- Lacks advanced curriculum options
Customer Reviews
The environment at EMT is great, and my teacher at EMT (Sonia) is very kind
“I have been going to EMT for around a year now and it’s helped me A LOT in maths, I would usually just get Not Achieved and Achieved in maths at most but after I joined EMT my grades in maths skyrocketed, I’d get Excellences and Merits, the environment at EMT is great and my teacher at EMT (Sonia) is very kind and supportive towards me and all the other students. I HIGHLY recommend EMT to anyone who needs helps in maths this tution is amazing”
- Saumya Google Review
I’ve been going to EMT for around a year now, and they have helped me raise my confidence
“Math is a very difficult subject for me, i have ADHD and find it hard to focus at things that I’m not good at or don’t enjoy. Ive been going to EMT for around a year now, they have helped me raise my confidence at math and now i find it easier to solve questions at school. I still find maths difficult but ive made alot of progress.”
3. THINKING2MORROW by learning today (T2M)
Thinking2morrow has flipped the script on traditional teaching and infused learning with delight.
Math, a subject most dread, becomes a thrilling quest here, and tutors are less like stern taskmasters and more like enthusiastic sidekicks on your child’s educational journey.
Many like the free initial lesson, which helps them get a feel for the tutors here before signing up officially. Feedback from the assessment lesson also helps parents understand their child’s academic weak points.
Since signing up their child, several parents have credited Thinking2morrow with helping their children power through their academics and equipping them with valuable problem-solving skills.
However, math is not the only subject that gets the fun treatment; some students discover their inner wordsmith after struggling with essays. Now, they argue points with the finesse of a skilled debater.
Of course, we’ve also heard about the occasional online class blunders. Technology seems to be Thinking2morrow’s only weak spot.
Pros
- Tutors are supportive and enthusiastic
- Free trial lesson and helpful feedback
- Improves academic performance and problem-solving skills
- Boosts confidence in various subjects
Cons
- Occasional online class issues
Customer Reviews
Working one-on-one or in twos was a big help
“My son needed someone who understands dyslexia and would not full for any forms of distraction to get out of writing or math. Working one on one or in twos was a big help and focused. But we did find face to face worked better for our child . He has made progress and with students teaching student he felt they had cool ways to think about how to answer a question.
Well done team”
Sarah-Louise is actively invested in the children’s academic progress
“Thinking2morrow has been excellent for our kids. Most importantly the kids are happy going there, as they are friendly and approachable. They’re very supportive and keep tracking the children learning and moving focus when required. They were amazing during lockdown maintaining the kids’ educational routine. Sarah-Louise is actively invested in the children’s academic progress and communicates regularly, listening and acting upon any concerns we might have.”
4. Brilliance Educare Centre
From what we’ve observed, Brilliance Educare Centre has the magic touch to propel your child from the ABCs of Year 0 to the complexities of Year 13.
For many students, math, once a dreadful enigma, is now tolerable thanks to the centre’s inspirational one-on-one tutoring. Parents share similar enthusiasm when they notice their child’s grades skyrocketing.
Many parents told us their lively small group sessions have been a double win for helping their child improve and make friends at the same time.
Brilliance Educare also bridges the distance in distance learning. Several praised the online sessions’ smooth delivery and interactive flair, offering a fresh take on learning without the tech hassles.
However, a few parents pointed out that the homework load can be a tad excessive and feared the tutors were shaping their children into mini-workaholics.
Pros
- Students from Year 0 to Year 13
- Noticeable improvement in grades
- Smooth and interactive online sessions
- Tech support is readily available
Cons
- Homework load can be excessive
Customer Reviews
This centre has helped me build my knowledge of mathematics
“Definetly recommend this centre! Having attended Brilliance from years 9-13, I can say how much this centre has helped me build my knowledge towards mathematics . Raji was very welcoming and supportive whenever I found any concepts a challenge. Brilliance has allowed me to succeed to my potential in mathematics.Thank you for your help!”
The teachers at Brilliance always go above and beyond
“I highly recommend the Brilliance Educare Centre. I have attended Brilliance for the last 5 years and it has helped me significantly as my teachers at school weren’t exactly the best. The teachers at Brilliance always go above and beyond to make sure you learn effectively. Will definitely miss going here.”
- Samuel Doss Google Review
5. Extraordinary Kids
Extraordinary Kids is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and creative teaching methods. It’s the talk of the town for families seeking an environment where their children are inspired to learn and grow.
At the core of its success is the celebrated phonics programme, which is tailor-made to tackle challenges like dyslexia head-on. It has transformed reluctant readers into book lovers, much to the delight of several parents.
Math at Extraordinary Kids is also no less extraordinary. This centre injects joy into numbers, using hands-on tools like beads and abacuses to make learning math easier.
Many parents we spoke to noticed a remarkable difference in their children, saying their kids are now confident in their math abilities.
However, some parents have expressed their desire for an online learning option to fit their digital lifestyles better.
Additionally, the entry assessment has been likened to college entrance exams, which can be a tad intimidating for some prospective students.
Pros
- Fun and creative learning environment
- Effective phonics program for struggling readers
- Engaging math instruction with hands-on tools
- Noticeable boost in children’s confidence
Cons
- Lacks online learning options
- Entry assessment can be a bit intense
Customer Reviews
The set-up and environment are very relaxing as well as engaging
“We used Extraordinary kids after lockdown for my son in year 8 to get ready for high school. We went for Math and for exam prep. The set up and environment is very relaxing as-well as engaging. The staff is very helpful. They do all ages and I found anything I asked them to work on they would accommodate. I highly recommend them and hope to have my 8 year old start to keep her engaged and motivated.”
- Zenics Google Review
Seen real improvement in my son’s confidence and grades
“Absolutely fantastic! My son had been struggling with math for a while, but thanks to Extraordinary Kids, he’s made remarkable progress. He said his tutor is “really nice and helps me understand a lot”. Plus, he seems to be having fun, which keeps him excited to learn. I’ve seen real improvement in his confidence and grades since moving to them.”