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Kip McGrath has been tutoring children since it was founded in Australia in 1976, and its website lists more than 140 locations across the country.[1] If you are weighing it up for your child, you probably want three things answered: what it costs, what a session actually looks like, and how to check whether it suits your family. This review answers them from Kip McGrath's own published information, then compares it with the main alternatives, with Tutero (our own service) first.
Tutero is an online tutoring provider.[2] This guide reflects publicly available information as at October 2026. Fees and programs vary by centre, so check with your local centre.[3]
Quick answer: is Kip McGrath good?
In our view, Kip McGrath can suit students who need steady, structured help with English or maths. Kip McGrath lists an RRP of $78 per session (prices may vary by location), most children go once a week, and each session covers one subject.[3] It suits children who work well with a routine in a small group. It may suit a child less well if they need a tutor's attention for the whole session, or need help in a subject beyond English and maths. For those children, one-on-one online tutoring may be the better fit.
Key takeaways
- Kip McGrath cost: an RRP of $78 per session, which may vary by location. Ten weekly sessions at the RRP would be $780.[3]
- Format: one-on-one time with the tutor inside a small group of no more than five students, followed by independent tasks the tutor monitors.[4][5] Online sessions are also offered.[1]
- Subjects: English, reading, spelling, comprehension and maths. Kip McGrath says it tutors children aged 6 to 16+, from Kindergarten to Year 12.[1][6]
- Local fit: Kip McGrath describes itself as a franchise[5], so ask your local centre about its tutors and group sizes, and read reviews for that centre.
How much does Kip McGrath cost?
Kip McGrath's Australian pricing page lists a recommended retail price of $78 per session, with a note that prices may vary by location, so the fees at your nearest centre can be higher or lower. Payment is by direct debit or credit card. The initial assessment is free, and Kip McGrath says most children attend one session per week.[3] We couldn't find a session length on Kip McGrath's national website (October 2026)[3][1][4], so ask your centre how long a session runs before you compare it with an hourly rate.
| Kip McGrath cost item | Amount | Source and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tutoring session | $78 per session (RRP) | Kip McGrath pricing page; prices may vary by location[3] |
| Initial assessment | No charge | 40 to 60 minutes with a qualified teacher[4] |
| Typical frequency | One session a week | One subject per session[3] |
| Ten weekly sessions | $780 at the RRP | Your centre's price may differ; two subjects means two sessions[3] |
| Stopping | Two weeks' written notice | Kip McGrath FAQ ("in general")[4] |
Tutero's private tutoring starts from A$65 an hour, paid after each lesson, with no contracts and no sign-up fee.[7][8] Because a Tutero lesson is one tutor and one student for the full hour[2], the comparison is per hour of a tutor's attention, not just per session. You can see every rate on Tutero's pricing page.
How does a Kip McGrath session work?
Kip McGrath describes its model as "one to one tuition in a small group environment". Kip McGrath says its tutors spend one-on-one time with each student and then set independent tasks, monitoring the student at all times, with no more than five students per session.[4][5] Sessions mix computer activities with written work. Each session focuses on either English or maths, never both.[3]
- Start: a free assessment of English, maths or both, using computer-based and written tasks, followed by a talk with the teacher about the results.[4]
- Program: an individual learning program built from the assessment, starting at a foundational level and working up to an agreed goal.[6][3]
- Staff: Kip McGrath says its qualified teachers are trained in its methods.[6]
- Reporting: regular progress reports and updates; makeup lessons if your child misses one.[3]
- Homework: set each week to consolidate the lesson.[3]
What are the pros and cons of Kip McGrath?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long track record: founded in Australia in 1976[1] | The tutor's time is shared within a small group of up to five students[5] |
| A published recommended price[3] | Prices may vary by location, and we couldn't find a session length on the national website[3] |
| Structured program from a free assessment[6] | Focused on English and maths, one subject per session[1][3] |
| More than 140 locations, plus online sessions[1] | Kip McGrath says weekly attendance and homework are key to results[3] |
| Regular progress reports and makeup lessons[3] | As a franchise[5], the experience may differ between centres |
Because Kip McGrath is a franchise[5], it is worth checking your local centre: visit it, ask who would teach your child, and ask how many students are in the room at once.
How should you read Kip McGrath reviews?
Reviews for an individual centre, such as the Google reviews for that location, are the most relevant to your family, because experiences at one centre may not reflect another. We haven't summarised individual reviews in this guide. Read the reviews for your nearest centre, and ask the centre your own questions at the free assessment.
Kip McGrath vs Kumon: what is the difference?
Both are long-running brands in Australia[1][9], but they work differently. Kumon is a worksheet programme that, Kumon says, follows its own curricula, with a published fee of A$160 a month per subject and daily work at home.[9][10][11] Kip McGrath is weekly tutoring, charged per session, where a tutor gives each child one-on-one time within a small group and builds a program from an assessment.[3][4][6] In our view, Kumon suits children who need daily practice of the basics; Kip McGrath suits children who need a teacher to work through gaps with them each week.
What are the best alternatives to Kip McGrath?
If Kip McGrath isn't the right fit, these are the main alternatives Australian families consider. Tutero is our own service, so it is listed first: it gives a child one-on-one attention for the whole lesson, across all core subjects from Prep to Year 12.[2][7]
| Alternative | Format | Price | Who teaches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutero | Live one-on-one online, Prep to Year 12, all core subjects[2][7] | From A$65 an hour, paid after each lesson[7][2] | Tutors from the top 2% of applicants, matched to your child[2] |
| Kumon | Worksheet programme in a centre or online, plus daily homework[12][11] | A$160 a month per subject, plus A$100 enrolment[10] | An Instructor sets an individualised study plan[13] |
| Independent local tutor | One-on-one, in your home or online | Set by each tutor | Varies; you check qualifications yourself |
| Group class or centre program | Small classes on a set syllabus | Usually charged by term | Varies by provider |
1. Tutero: best for one-on-one attention in any subject
Tutero gives your child live, one-on-one online lessons with a matched tutor, from Prep to Year 12.[2][7] Pricing starts from A$65 an hour and is paid after each lesson, with no contracts, no sign-up fee, and the option to cancel any time.[7][8][14] Tutors come from the top 2% of applicants, and Tutero is rated 4.9 from 250 Google reviews.[2][15] It suits a child who needs the tutor's full attention, help beyond English and maths, or senior exam support. See how Tutero's online tutoring works.
2. Kumon: best for daily practice of the basics
In our view, Kumon suits children who need regular practice in number facts and reading and who will do worksheets every day. At A$160 a month per subject on its published fee, it costs less per month than weekly sessions at Kip McGrath's RRP or Tutero's starting rate[10][3][7], but Kumon says its programmes follow their own curricula rather than your child's class topics.[9]
3. An independent local tutor: best for a specific need nearby
A local tutor can be a good fit for one subject or a short goal. The trade-off is that you check qualifications, a Working with Children Check, and reliability yourself, and there is no one to call if it doesn't work out.
4. A group class: best for confident students who like a cohort
Small group classes suit students who are on track and want structure and practice with peers. They are less suited to a child with a specific gap, because the class moves at the group's pace.
How do you know if a tutor is good?
Whichever option you choose, the same checks apply:
- Who will teach my child, and are they qualified? Ask for the tutor's background and a current Working with Children Check.
- How much of the session is one-on-one? In a group model, ask how many students share the tutor.
- Does it follow my child's school work? A program should connect to what is happening in class.
- How will I hear about progress? Look for a report you can read after lessons, not just at the end of term.
- What does it cost to stop? Check notice periods and any contract before you sign up.
Related tutoring guides
- The best maths tutoring in Australia
- The best English tutoring in Australia
- The best tutoring websites in Australia
- The best tutoring services in Melbourne
- Is Kumon worth it? Fees, pros and cons
References
- "Quality English and Maths Tutoring", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Personalised Online Tutoring", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Pricing", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Frequently Asked Questions", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/frequently-asked-questions, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "About Us", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/about-us, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Educational Program", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/educational-programme, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Tutoring Cost in Australia: A$65 an Hour, No Contracts", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Frequently Asked Questions", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/faq, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Is Kumon different from tutoring?", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/is-kumon-different-from-tutoring/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Monthly Fee", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/monthly-fee/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Enrolment FAQs", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/enrolment-faq/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/faqs/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "The Kumon Method", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/the-kumon-method/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Terms of Service", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/terms-of-service, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Reviews of Our Tutoring", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/reviews, accessed 2 October 2026.
Copies of these pages as they appeared on 2 October 2026 are kept on file.
Frequently asked questions: what do parents ask about Kip McGrath?
Short answers to what parents ask most are below. To compare hourly costs, see Tutero's pricing.
Kip McGrath is a structured, long-running option for English and maths. The question to ask is how much of each session your child gets the tutor to themselves.
Kip McGrath is a structured, long-running option for English and maths. The question to ask is how much of each session your child gets the tutor to themselves.
Kip McGrath has been tutoring children since it was founded in Australia in 1976, and its website lists more than 140 locations across the country.[1] If you are weighing it up for your child, you probably want three things answered: what it costs, what a session actually looks like, and how to check whether it suits your family. This review answers them from Kip McGrath's own published information, then compares it with the main alternatives, with Tutero (our own service) first.
Tutero is an online tutoring provider.[2] This guide reflects publicly available information as at October 2026. Fees and programs vary by centre, so check with your local centre.[3]
Quick answer: is Kip McGrath good?
In our view, Kip McGrath can suit students who need steady, structured help with English or maths. Kip McGrath lists an RRP of $78 per session (prices may vary by location), most children go once a week, and each session covers one subject.[3] It suits children who work well with a routine in a small group. It may suit a child less well if they need a tutor's attention for the whole session, or need help in a subject beyond English and maths. For those children, one-on-one online tutoring may be the better fit.
Key takeaways
- Kip McGrath cost: an RRP of $78 per session, which may vary by location. Ten weekly sessions at the RRP would be $780.[3]
- Format: one-on-one time with the tutor inside a small group of no more than five students, followed by independent tasks the tutor monitors.[4][5] Online sessions are also offered.[1]
- Subjects: English, reading, spelling, comprehension and maths. Kip McGrath says it tutors children aged 6 to 16+, from Kindergarten to Year 12.[1][6]
- Local fit: Kip McGrath describes itself as a franchise[5], so ask your local centre about its tutors and group sizes, and read reviews for that centre.
How much does Kip McGrath cost?
Kip McGrath's Australian pricing page lists a recommended retail price of $78 per session, with a note that prices may vary by location, so the fees at your nearest centre can be higher or lower. Payment is by direct debit or credit card. The initial assessment is free, and Kip McGrath says most children attend one session per week.[3] We couldn't find a session length on Kip McGrath's national website (October 2026)[3][1][4], so ask your centre how long a session runs before you compare it with an hourly rate.
| Kip McGrath cost item | Amount | Source and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tutoring session | $78 per session (RRP) | Kip McGrath pricing page; prices may vary by location[3] |
| Initial assessment | No charge | 40 to 60 minutes with a qualified teacher[4] |
| Typical frequency | One session a week | One subject per session[3] |
| Ten weekly sessions | $780 at the RRP | Your centre's price may differ; two subjects means two sessions[3] |
| Stopping | Two weeks' written notice | Kip McGrath FAQ ("in general")[4] |
Tutero's private tutoring starts from A$65 an hour, paid after each lesson, with no contracts and no sign-up fee.[7][8] Because a Tutero lesson is one tutor and one student for the full hour[2], the comparison is per hour of a tutor's attention, not just per session. You can see every rate on Tutero's pricing page.
How does a Kip McGrath session work?
Kip McGrath describes its model as "one to one tuition in a small group environment". Kip McGrath says its tutors spend one-on-one time with each student and then set independent tasks, monitoring the student at all times, with no more than five students per session.[4][5] Sessions mix computer activities with written work. Each session focuses on either English or maths, never both.[3]
- Start: a free assessment of English, maths or both, using computer-based and written tasks, followed by a talk with the teacher about the results.[4]
- Program: an individual learning program built from the assessment, starting at a foundational level and working up to an agreed goal.[6][3]
- Staff: Kip McGrath says its qualified teachers are trained in its methods.[6]
- Reporting: regular progress reports and updates; makeup lessons if your child misses one.[3]
- Homework: set each week to consolidate the lesson.[3]
What are the pros and cons of Kip McGrath?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long track record: founded in Australia in 1976[1] | The tutor's time is shared within a small group of up to five students[5] |
| A published recommended price[3] | Prices may vary by location, and we couldn't find a session length on the national website[3] |
| Structured program from a free assessment[6] | Focused on English and maths, one subject per session[1][3] |
| More than 140 locations, plus online sessions[1] | Kip McGrath says weekly attendance and homework are key to results[3] |
| Regular progress reports and makeup lessons[3] | As a franchise[5], the experience may differ between centres |
Because Kip McGrath is a franchise[5], it is worth checking your local centre: visit it, ask who would teach your child, and ask how many students are in the room at once.
How should you read Kip McGrath reviews?
Reviews for an individual centre, such as the Google reviews for that location, are the most relevant to your family, because experiences at one centre may not reflect another. We haven't summarised individual reviews in this guide. Read the reviews for your nearest centre, and ask the centre your own questions at the free assessment.
Kip McGrath vs Kumon: what is the difference?
Both are long-running brands in Australia[1][9], but they work differently. Kumon is a worksheet programme that, Kumon says, follows its own curricula, with a published fee of A$160 a month per subject and daily work at home.[9][10][11] Kip McGrath is weekly tutoring, charged per session, where a tutor gives each child one-on-one time within a small group and builds a program from an assessment.[3][4][6] In our view, Kumon suits children who need daily practice of the basics; Kip McGrath suits children who need a teacher to work through gaps with them each week.
What are the best alternatives to Kip McGrath?
If Kip McGrath isn't the right fit, these are the main alternatives Australian families consider. Tutero is our own service, so it is listed first: it gives a child one-on-one attention for the whole lesson, across all core subjects from Prep to Year 12.[2][7]
| Alternative | Format | Price | Who teaches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutero | Live one-on-one online, Prep to Year 12, all core subjects[2][7] | From A$65 an hour, paid after each lesson[7][2] | Tutors from the top 2% of applicants, matched to your child[2] |
| Kumon | Worksheet programme in a centre or online, plus daily homework[12][11] | A$160 a month per subject, plus A$100 enrolment[10] | An Instructor sets an individualised study plan[13] |
| Independent local tutor | One-on-one, in your home or online | Set by each tutor | Varies; you check qualifications yourself |
| Group class or centre program | Small classes on a set syllabus | Usually charged by term | Varies by provider |
1. Tutero: best for one-on-one attention in any subject
Tutero gives your child live, one-on-one online lessons with a matched tutor, from Prep to Year 12.[2][7] Pricing starts from A$65 an hour and is paid after each lesson, with no contracts, no sign-up fee, and the option to cancel any time.[7][8][14] Tutors come from the top 2% of applicants, and Tutero is rated 4.9 from 250 Google reviews.[2][15] It suits a child who needs the tutor's full attention, help beyond English and maths, or senior exam support. See how Tutero's online tutoring works.
2. Kumon: best for daily practice of the basics
In our view, Kumon suits children who need regular practice in number facts and reading and who will do worksheets every day. At A$160 a month per subject on its published fee, it costs less per month than weekly sessions at Kip McGrath's RRP or Tutero's starting rate[10][3][7], but Kumon says its programmes follow their own curricula rather than your child's class topics.[9]
3. An independent local tutor: best for a specific need nearby
A local tutor can be a good fit for one subject or a short goal. The trade-off is that you check qualifications, a Working with Children Check, and reliability yourself, and there is no one to call if it doesn't work out.
4. A group class: best for confident students who like a cohort
Small group classes suit students who are on track and want structure and practice with peers. They are less suited to a child with a specific gap, because the class moves at the group's pace.
How do you know if a tutor is good?
Whichever option you choose, the same checks apply:
- Who will teach my child, and are they qualified? Ask for the tutor's background and a current Working with Children Check.
- How much of the session is one-on-one? In a group model, ask how many students share the tutor.
- Does it follow my child's school work? A program should connect to what is happening in class.
- How will I hear about progress? Look for a report you can read after lessons, not just at the end of term.
- What does it cost to stop? Check notice periods and any contract before you sign up.
Related tutoring guides
- The best maths tutoring in Australia
- The best English tutoring in Australia
- The best tutoring websites in Australia
- The best tutoring services in Melbourne
- Is Kumon worth it? Fees, pros and cons
References
- "Quality English and Maths Tutoring", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Personalised Online Tutoring", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Pricing", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Frequently Asked Questions", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/frequently-asked-questions, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "About Us", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/about-us, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Educational Program", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/educational-programme, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Tutoring Cost in Australia: A$65 an Hour, No Contracts", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Frequently Asked Questions", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/faq, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Is Kumon different from tutoring?", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/is-kumon-different-from-tutoring/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Monthly Fee", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/monthly-fee/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Enrolment FAQs", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/enrolment-faq/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/faqs/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "The Kumon Method", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/the-kumon-method/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Terms of Service", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/terms-of-service, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Reviews of Our Tutoring", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/reviews, accessed 2 October 2026.
Copies of these pages as they appeared on 2 October 2026 are kept on file.
Frequently asked questions: what do parents ask about Kip McGrath?
Short answers to what parents ask most are below. To compare hourly costs, see Tutero's pricing.
Kip McGrath is a structured, long-running option for English and maths. The question to ask is how much of each session your child gets the tutor to themselves.
Kip McGrath is a structured, long-running option for English and maths. The question to ask is how much of each session your child gets the tutor to themselves.
Kip McGrath is a structured, long-running option for English and maths. The question to ask is how much of each session your child gets the tutor to themselves.
Kip McGrath describes itself as a franchise, so look at your nearest centre and its reviews, not just the brand as a whole.
Kip McGrath has been tutoring children since it was founded in Australia in 1976, and its website lists more than 140 locations across the country.[1] If you are weighing it up for your child, you probably want three things answered: what it costs, what a session actually looks like, and how to check whether it suits your family. This review answers them from Kip McGrath's own published information, then compares it with the main alternatives, with Tutero (our own service) first.
Tutero is an online tutoring provider.[2] This guide reflects publicly available information as at October 2026. Fees and programs vary by centre, so check with your local centre.[3]
Quick answer: is Kip McGrath good?
In our view, Kip McGrath can suit students who need steady, structured help with English or maths. Kip McGrath lists an RRP of $78 per session (prices may vary by location), most children go once a week, and each session covers one subject.[3] It suits children who work well with a routine in a small group. It may suit a child less well if they need a tutor's attention for the whole session, or need help in a subject beyond English and maths. For those children, one-on-one online tutoring may be the better fit.
Key takeaways
- Kip McGrath cost: an RRP of $78 per session, which may vary by location. Ten weekly sessions at the RRP would be $780.[3]
- Format: one-on-one time with the tutor inside a small group of no more than five students, followed by independent tasks the tutor monitors.[4][5] Online sessions are also offered.[1]
- Subjects: English, reading, spelling, comprehension and maths. Kip McGrath says it tutors children aged 6 to 16+, from Kindergarten to Year 12.[1][6]
- Local fit: Kip McGrath describes itself as a franchise[5], so ask your local centre about its tutors and group sizes, and read reviews for that centre.
How much does Kip McGrath cost?
Kip McGrath's Australian pricing page lists a recommended retail price of $78 per session, with a note that prices may vary by location, so the fees at your nearest centre can be higher or lower. Payment is by direct debit or credit card. The initial assessment is free, and Kip McGrath says most children attend one session per week.[3] We couldn't find a session length on Kip McGrath's national website (October 2026)[3][1][4], so ask your centre how long a session runs before you compare it with an hourly rate.
| Kip McGrath cost item | Amount | Source and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tutoring session | $78 per session (RRP) | Kip McGrath pricing page; prices may vary by location[3] |
| Initial assessment | No charge | 40 to 60 minutes with a qualified teacher[4] |
| Typical frequency | One session a week | One subject per session[3] |
| Ten weekly sessions | $780 at the RRP | Your centre's price may differ; two subjects means two sessions[3] |
| Stopping | Two weeks' written notice | Kip McGrath FAQ ("in general")[4] |
Tutero's private tutoring starts from A$65 an hour, paid after each lesson, with no contracts and no sign-up fee.[7][8] Because a Tutero lesson is one tutor and one student for the full hour[2], the comparison is per hour of a tutor's attention, not just per session. You can see every rate on Tutero's pricing page.
How does a Kip McGrath session work?
Kip McGrath describes its model as "one to one tuition in a small group environment". Kip McGrath says its tutors spend one-on-one time with each student and then set independent tasks, monitoring the student at all times, with no more than five students per session.[4][5] Sessions mix computer activities with written work. Each session focuses on either English or maths, never both.[3]
- Start: a free assessment of English, maths or both, using computer-based and written tasks, followed by a talk with the teacher about the results.[4]
- Program: an individual learning program built from the assessment, starting at a foundational level and working up to an agreed goal.[6][3]
- Staff: Kip McGrath says its qualified teachers are trained in its methods.[6]
- Reporting: regular progress reports and updates; makeup lessons if your child misses one.[3]
- Homework: set each week to consolidate the lesson.[3]
What are the pros and cons of Kip McGrath?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long track record: founded in Australia in 1976[1] | The tutor's time is shared within a small group of up to five students[5] |
| A published recommended price[3] | Prices may vary by location, and we couldn't find a session length on the national website[3] |
| Structured program from a free assessment[6] | Focused on English and maths, one subject per session[1][3] |
| More than 140 locations, plus online sessions[1] | Kip McGrath says weekly attendance and homework are key to results[3] |
| Regular progress reports and makeup lessons[3] | As a franchise[5], the experience may differ between centres |
Because Kip McGrath is a franchise[5], it is worth checking your local centre: visit it, ask who would teach your child, and ask how many students are in the room at once.
How should you read Kip McGrath reviews?
Reviews for an individual centre, such as the Google reviews for that location, are the most relevant to your family, because experiences at one centre may not reflect another. We haven't summarised individual reviews in this guide. Read the reviews for your nearest centre, and ask the centre your own questions at the free assessment.
Kip McGrath vs Kumon: what is the difference?
Both are long-running brands in Australia[1][9], but they work differently. Kumon is a worksheet programme that, Kumon says, follows its own curricula, with a published fee of A$160 a month per subject and daily work at home.[9][10][11] Kip McGrath is weekly tutoring, charged per session, where a tutor gives each child one-on-one time within a small group and builds a program from an assessment.[3][4][6] In our view, Kumon suits children who need daily practice of the basics; Kip McGrath suits children who need a teacher to work through gaps with them each week.
What are the best alternatives to Kip McGrath?
If Kip McGrath isn't the right fit, these are the main alternatives Australian families consider. Tutero is our own service, so it is listed first: it gives a child one-on-one attention for the whole lesson, across all core subjects from Prep to Year 12.[2][7]
| Alternative | Format | Price | Who teaches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutero | Live one-on-one online, Prep to Year 12, all core subjects[2][7] | From A$65 an hour, paid after each lesson[7][2] | Tutors from the top 2% of applicants, matched to your child[2] |
| Kumon | Worksheet programme in a centre or online, plus daily homework[12][11] | A$160 a month per subject, plus A$100 enrolment[10] | An Instructor sets an individualised study plan[13] |
| Independent local tutor | One-on-one, in your home or online | Set by each tutor | Varies; you check qualifications yourself |
| Group class or centre program | Small classes on a set syllabus | Usually charged by term | Varies by provider |
1. Tutero: best for one-on-one attention in any subject
Tutero gives your child live, one-on-one online lessons with a matched tutor, from Prep to Year 12.[2][7] Pricing starts from A$65 an hour and is paid after each lesson, with no contracts, no sign-up fee, and the option to cancel any time.[7][8][14] Tutors come from the top 2% of applicants, and Tutero is rated 4.9 from 250 Google reviews.[2][15] It suits a child who needs the tutor's full attention, help beyond English and maths, or senior exam support. See how Tutero's online tutoring works.
2. Kumon: best for daily practice of the basics
In our view, Kumon suits children who need regular practice in number facts and reading and who will do worksheets every day. At A$160 a month per subject on its published fee, it costs less per month than weekly sessions at Kip McGrath's RRP or Tutero's starting rate[10][3][7], but Kumon says its programmes follow their own curricula rather than your child's class topics.[9]
3. An independent local tutor: best for a specific need nearby
A local tutor can be a good fit for one subject or a short goal. The trade-off is that you check qualifications, a Working with Children Check, and reliability yourself, and there is no one to call if it doesn't work out.
4. A group class: best for confident students who like a cohort
Small group classes suit students who are on track and want structure and practice with peers. They are less suited to a child with a specific gap, because the class moves at the group's pace.
How do you know if a tutor is good?
Whichever option you choose, the same checks apply:
- Who will teach my child, and are they qualified? Ask for the tutor's background and a current Working with Children Check.
- How much of the session is one-on-one? In a group model, ask how many students share the tutor.
- Does it follow my child's school work? A program should connect to what is happening in class.
- How will I hear about progress? Look for a report you can read after lessons, not just at the end of term.
- What does it cost to stop? Check notice periods and any contract before you sign up.
Related tutoring guides
- The best maths tutoring in Australia
- The best English tutoring in Australia
- The best tutoring websites in Australia
- The best tutoring services in Melbourne
- Is Kumon worth it? Fees, pros and cons
References
- "Quality English and Maths Tutoring", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Personalised Online Tutoring", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Pricing", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Frequently Asked Questions", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/frequently-asked-questions, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "About Us", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/about-us, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Educational Program", Kip McGrath Education Centres. https://www.kipmcgrath.com.au/educational-programme, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Tutoring Cost in Australia: A$65 an Hour, No Contracts", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/online-tutoring/pricing, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Frequently Asked Questions", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/faq, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Is Kumon different from tutoring?", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/is-kumon-different-from-tutoring/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Monthly Fee", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/monthly-fee/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Kumon Enrolment FAQs", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/enrolment-faq/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/faqs/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "The Kumon Method", Kumon Australia. https://au.kumonglobal.com/the-kumon-method/, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Terms of Service", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/terms-of-service, accessed 2 October 2026.
- "Reviews of Our Tutoring", Tutero. https://www.tutero.com/au/info/reviews, accessed 2 October 2026.
Copies of these pages as they appeared on 2 October 2026 are kept on file.
Frequently asked questions: what do parents ask about Kip McGrath?
Short answers to what parents ask most are below. To compare hourly costs, see Tutero's pricing.
Kip McGrath is a structured, long-running option for English and maths. The question to ask is how much of each session your child gets the tutor to themselves.
Kip McGrath describes itself as a franchise, so look at your nearest centre and its reviews, not just the brand as a whole.
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Kip McGrath lists a recommended retail price of $78 per session in Australia, and says prices may vary by location, so check with your local centre. Kip McGrath says most children attend one session a week, so ten weekly sessions at the RRP would be $780 for one subject. The initial assessment is free.[3]
Kip McGrath has tutored children since 1976 and offers English and maths tutoring from Kindergarten to Year 12, in centre and online.[1][6] In our view, it can suit students who want structured weekly help in a small group. Kip McGrath describes itself as a franchise[5], so the experience may differ by centre. Children who need a tutor's attention for the whole session may prefer one-on-one tutoring.
Not entirely. Kip McGrath describes its model as one to one tuition in a small group environment. Kip McGrath says the tutor spends one-on-one time with each child and then sets independent tasks, while monitoring the student, with no more than five students per session.[4][5] Each session covers either English or maths, and sessions mix computer activities with written work.[3]
Private tutoring rates in Australia vary widely with the tutor's experience, the subject and the year level, so compare the full hourly price and any fees. Tutero's one-on-one online tutoring starts from A$65 an hour, paid after each lesson, with no contracts and no sign-up fee.[7][8]
Kumon is a worksheet programme that, Kumon says, follows its own curricula, with a published fee of A$160 a month per subject and daily study at home.[9][10][11] Kip McGrath is weekly tutoring charged per session, where a tutor gives each child one-on-one time within a small group and builds a program from an assessment.[3][4][6]
If your child needs a tutor's full attention or help beyond English and maths, one-on-one online tutoring is the main alternative. Tutero matches your child with a tutor from Prep to Year 12, from A$65 an hour, with no contracts.[2][7] Kumon is another option for daily practice of the basics.
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