Teaching is either in very small groups, usually with two or three students in a class, or one-to-one. In each subject, groups receive at least four hours' teaching at A-level and at least three hours at GCSE. An individual student, studying one-to-one with a tutor, will have one less hour per week.

Classes usually take place between 9am and 6pm, from Monday to Friday, and students are welcome to use the college for supervised private study at any time during these hours. Computer facilities, including access to the internet, are also available to them, and it is possible for students to borrow laptops for work within the college.

The amount of homework required will vary with the length of the course, but it will be substantial, and prospective students should expect to work hard. When necessary, students have supervised study periods added to their timetable.

We know from experience that if students are to learn effectively they must also enjoy their studies. They will find that classes are serious and hard-working but also lively, interesting, and enjoyable.  

 

We send regular reports to parents on each student's progress and achievements, and punctuality and attendance are monitored on a lesson by lesson basis.  Parents are also welcome to request feedback on their child's progress at any time in the academic year.

 

In a small college like ours, personal help and advice is always available to students. Each student is allocated a personal tutor who will discuss their progress and help them with any problems that they may have.

The Principal provides individual advice and guidance on each student's UCAS application, as well as ongoing personal support for each student throughout the university application process.

OFSTED

Westminster Tutors was inspected by Ofsted in February 2008, and both teachers and students were commended:

"Teaching and assessment are good and engage all students well.  Teachers base their teaching on set textbooks and draw on their excellent subject knowledge to promote discussion and engage students effectively.  Teachers have a very good understanding of their subjects's examination requirements.  This is used very well to ensure that students are clearly focussed on preparing for examinations they will sit...

Students are attentive and make good progress in both their understanding and their knowledge.  Students are assessed regularly and their progress is monitored to ensure that, when required, extra tuition is made available to aid their achievement.

Students' behaviour is outstanding and their attitudes to learning are excellent.  Both in and out of lessons, students are expected to take responsibility for their learning, recognising when they need to seek extra help and do further study.  The students respond well to this approach.  As a result, the college promotes a mature student atmosphere that prepares them well for adult life."