“The Happy Scholar have been incredibly helpful. From the outset they offered deeply insightful schools’ advice, and a plan for our son. From day one we have felt in safe hands”
Caroline. B, Clapham
About us
Our Wonderful Team.
At The Happy Scholar, we speak as insiders. Our founder comes from a long line of teachers and has grown up understanding what great education really looks like. Not just strong results, but trust, connection and the ability to bring out the best in each child.
Based in Clapham and working with families across London, we have spent years guiding children through some of the most competitive school admissions processes in the country. Our team includes experienced specialists across 7+, 11+, GCSE and A Level, each chosen for their ability to connect with children as well as deliver academic excellence.
We believe success is about more than exam technique. We help children build confidence, independence and a calm belief in their own ability, so they can shine not only on paper, but in interviews, group tasks and the classroom.
Every child is different. We take the time to understand how each one thinks and what motivates them, while supporting parents with clarity and reassurance, from choosing the right school to navigating the final stages of admissions.
“Tutor Harry’s maxim is – let’s argue like a lawyer, write like a journalist and express oneself like an artist. His stretch level English teaching goes way beyond the curriculum.”
Exam ready when the time is right.
Our 2026 cohort of 7 plus, 11 plus, 13 plus and 16 plus students gained places at the following schools:
Alleyn’s
Brighton College
Charterhouse
City of London
Dulwich College
Emanuel
Francis Holland
Graveney
Highgate
JAGS
KCS
Kingston Grammar
Latymer
St Pauls
Tiffin
Tonbridge
Wellington
Westminster
Wilsons
Woldingham
The best local tutors on your doorstep.
At The Happy Scholar, we know the right tutor can make all the difference. That’s why we work only with exceptional educators—highly qualified, engaging, and skilled at bringing out the best in every child.
Our tutors include some of London’s leading specialists for 7+, 11+, GCSE, and A Level exams. Many currently teach, or have taught, at top independent schools, giving them an insider understanding of what schools expect. Beyond their expertise, they are trusted mentors who motivate students, spark curiosity, and often work with families over several years.
They travel across most areas of London, including Battersea, Clapham, Chelsea, Dulwich, Kensington, and Wimbledon, with many also providing online support for students across the UK and overseas.
What Parents Say…
“My daughter received an 11+ scholarship to Brighton College and we were so thankful to Laura for her expertise and experience. She has an extremely intuitive approach to teaching and facilitating children to get to where they need be”
Helen F, Clapham
“Our son performed exceptionally well in the 11+ tests, receiving offers and scholarship from many schools including the prestigious Sadlers Scholarship at Alleyn’s. We attribute this success to Nicholas’s enthusiasm, dedication and expertise as a tutor”
Diana O, Wandsworth
“After we received 7 + offers we found your observations very helpful in deciding where are son would most likely thrive. At a time when we had to make big decisions, it was reassuring for us to know that we could count on your insight.”
Raj M, Wimbledon
“Natalie is an outstanding tutor. She has a calming presence, she is patient, considered, thorough and willing to go the extra mile”
Charlotte D, Balham
“Our daughter received two scholarship offers from leading boarding schools and three Day School offers. We are thrilled – Thank you for all your guidance”
Sarah T, Clapham
“Jonny is fantastic. He is an excellent communicator, an inspiring A Level Physics tutor and became a role model for our son during their time together. Jasper’s confidence and progression at school rose significantly. His grades went from a B to A * in 9 months.”
Camilla S, Kensington
Our Fees
Registration fee
£60.00 + VAT
Individual tuition from
£70.00 to £120.00 per hour + VAT
Weekly Group classes
£30.00 + VAT
Academic Assessment
£495.00 + VAT
11 plus Mock Exam
£195.00 + VAT
Mock Interview
£135.00 + VAT
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We hope this FAQ answers your questions. If not, feel free to contact us.
Q: How does it work?
We gather the necessary details through an email or call to match you with the right tutor. We then send you the tutor’s background, experience, availability, and fees. Once confirmed, the tutor will contact you to arrange the first lesson.
Q: Is there a minimum lesson length?
The minimum lesson length is typically 1 hour. For GCSE and A-level students, lessons often last 1.5 to 2 hours, particularly during holidays.
Q: How often do lessons occur?
Lessons are usually once a week. Over the holidays, some students have intensive lessons (3-5 times a week).
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A 48-hour notice is required to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations within 48 hours will be charged.
Q: Am I tied to a contract?
No, you can stop lessons anytime with 48 hours’ notice.
Q: Is there a minimum number of lessons?
No, you can have as many or as few lessons as you like.
Q: How much does it cost?
Fees for face-to-face tuition range from £80 to £120 per hour, depending on the tutor’s experience. Online tuition ranges from £70 to £100 per hour. Higher fees may apply for specialist subjects or homeschooling.
Q: Is there a registration fee?
Yes, there is a £60 registration fee for new families, covering all tutor requests.
Q: Do you offer discounts for block bookings?
No, we do not offer block booking discounts, as our rates are already set to provide great value.
Q: Do you offer residential/home schooling?
Yes, we offer residential and homeschooling services.
Q: Can tutors mark homework or exams?
Tutors may charge for marking homework or setting and marking exams, which will be agreed upon before the work is done.
Q: Where do lessons take place?
Lessons can take place at your home, online, or at a location suitable for both the tutor and student (e.g., a library or café).
Q: Do you provide books?
Tutors can recommend books, but they are not provided. If tutors purchase books for you, the cost will be added to the invoice.
Q: How do I make payment?
Payments are processed through our online system, Tutorcruncher. You will be invoiced after the lesson and can pay via your preferred method.
Q: What subjects and levels do tutors teach?
We offer tutoring in a wide range of subjects, from primary school to university levels.
Q: Do tutors follow the National Curriculum?
Yes, tutors are up to date with the latest syllabus and exam boards.
Q: Do tutors work in schools?
Many of our tutors are current or former teachers who tutor part-time or full-time. Others may have careers outside of teaching.
Q: What is your recruitment process?
We carefully select tutors through an interview and induction. We require two references and an enhanced DBS check.
Q: What qualifications do tutors need?
Most tutors have a degree from Russell Group universities and teaching experience.
Q: What safeguarding measures are in place?
All tutors have been DBS checked.
Q: What ages do you cater for?
We offer tutoring for all ages, from primary school to A Level.
Q: Can my 5-year-old have a tutor?
Yes, we have specialists for younger students, although online tuition may not be suitable for very young children.
Q: Can I request a male or female tutor?
Yes, we will try to match you with your preferred tutor gender based on availability.
Q: Do you cater to students with learning differences or mental health needs?
Yes, we have advisors for mental health and learning differences, and many tutors have relevant training, such as Mental Health First Aid or dyslexia qualifications.
If you have further questions, please Contact Us.