Starting with TSS
Do I need to sign a contract for home tuition?
Reviewed by Theon Teo, Founder · Last checked · How we check facts
Short answer
No. With The Singapore Syllabus there is no contract and no minimum number of lessons, so you can stop after any lesson. Three terms apply: the first lesson is a paid trial at the tutor's rate, you pay the tutor's hourly rate for lessons that take place, and cancelling or rescheduling needs 24 hours' notice, or that lesson is charged.
The terms that do apply
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| No contract, no minimum | Stop or pause after any lesson |
| Paid trial | The first lesson is charged at the tutor's normal rate |
| 24 hours' notice | Cancel or reschedule a day ahead, or that lesson is charged |
| Free re-match | If the fit is wrong, we send another shortlist at no charge |
Sources: The Singapore Syllabus, rates by level and tutor type, The Singapore Syllabus, how matching works.
Why the 24-hour rule exists
A tutor keeps your slot free each week and often travels to you. A late cancellation leaves them with an unpaid gap they cannot fill. The 24-hour rule is the fair line between flexibility for families and a reliable income for tutors.
If your child is unwell on the day, talk to the tutor. Some tutors can offer an online lesson or a make-up slot instead.
What to check with any tutor or agency
Get the answers in writing, even in a WhatsApp message, before the first lesson.
- Is there a minimum number of lessons or a notice period to stop?
- Is there a deposit, registration fee or material fee on top of the hourly rate?
- Is the first lesson charged, and at what rate?
- What happens if the tutor cancels, or leaves partway through the year?
- Who do you talk to if the fit is wrong?
Pausing for holidays or exams
Because there is no minimum, you can pause lessons for school holidays, overseas trips or the weeks after an exam, and restart when you are ready. Agree the dates with the tutor and give notice before any booked lesson. If you want to keep the same weekly slot, say so early, as popular slots fill up.
What no contract means in practice
- You agree the lesson day, time and length with the tutor, and can change them by agreement.
- You can stop after any lesson. Give the tutor 24 hours' notice before the next booked lesson.
- If the fit is wrong, tell us and we send another shortlist at no charge, so stopping with one tutor does not mean starting from zero.
- You pay for lessons that take place, at the hourly rate on the tutor's profile.
Common questions
Is there an agency fee for parents?
Parents pay only the tutor's hourly rate shown on the shortlist. There is no separate fee for the shortlist or a re-match.
Can I stop after one lesson?
Yes. The first lesson is a paid trial, and you decide after it whether to continue.
What if the tutor cancels?
Agree a make-up lesson with the tutor. If a tutor cancels often or stops teaching, tell us and we send another shortlist at no charge.
Want a tutor shortlist?
Tell us the level and subject. We send 3 to 12 tutor profiles with their rates within 16 hours, and you choose. No contract and no minimum number of lessons.