When children fall behind in maths, it can feel like an uphill battle for the whole family.

Many parents in Kingston and Surbiton worry about their child's progress but are unsure whether extra support will make a difference.

Celia, the Director of NumberWorks'nWords Surbiton, recently shared an inspiring story that proves the right help can transform a pupil's confidence and grades.

A phone call filled with doubt and hope

Celia received a call from a mother whose 11-year-old son was at least two years behind in maths.

His teachers were worried, and his mum admitted she wasn't sure tutoring would help, but felt she had nothing to lose by trying.

The boy, though struggling at school, was bright, curious and full of enthusiasm.

He loved football and spending time with his dad. When he first came to the centre, he was bubbly and chatty, proudly wearing his football shirt and talking about his favourite teams, but once lessons began, his confidence disappeared.

He became quiet and hesitant, weighed down by feeling "behind" his classmates.

Tailoring support to build confidence

Celia quickly realised this student needed more than standard lessons.

She focused on building trust and making maths relevant to his interests, using football scores, team statistics and match strategies to explain concepts like percentages, averages and ratios.

Each topic was broken down into manageable steps, with the goal of understanding before moving on.

Progress, not perfection, was the focus and slowly the boy's confidence began to return.

Book your free assessment with NumberWorks'nWords Surbiton today (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

From small wins to big goals

By the time he reached Year 9, he was not only keeping up in class but starting to enjoy maths.

His teachers noticed a difference too, he was putting his hand up more often, asking for help when he needed it and beginning to believe he could succeed.

A few years later, when it came to preparing for his GCSEs, something clicked.

He realised he wanted a good career and was interested in becoming an electrician, but he needed a solid pass in GCSE maths to get onto the course.

Now motivated by a clear goal, he worked harder than ever.

With continued support from Celia and NumberWorks'nWords Surbiton, he strengthened his foundations and passed his maths exam, opening the door to his next step.

That same student went on to enrol in an electrical installation course, a moment of huge pride for his family and tutors alike.

What parents can take from this

This story is a reminder that every child learns differently. Falling behind doesn't mean failure, it means they need a different approach and time to rebuild confidence.

Tutoring is about showing children that learning can be relevant, achievable, and even enjoyable, not just about catching up on school work.

Supporting young learners in Surbiton

NumberWorks'nWords Surbiton offers personalised tutoring in maths and English for children aged 5–16.

Each child's learning plan is tailored to their goals, interests, and ability.

The centre helps them progress at their own pace, build lifelong confidence, and make clear links between their ambitions for A-Level and beyond.

For more information, visit NumberWorks'nWords Surbiton or contact the centre directly to book an assessment.

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