Frequently Asked Questions
Everything South African parents ask about online tutoring with Smarty Pants — pricing, tutors, technology, cancellation and matric exam prep.
How does online tutoring work at Smarty Pants?
All lessons happen 1-on-1 over our online classroom with a shared whiteboard. Your child joins from any laptop or tablet at their scheduled time and works through the material live with their tutor — just like a face-to-face lesson.
What grades and subjects do you offer?
We tutor Grade 1–12 learners in Maths, English, Afrikaans (Home Language and FAL), and Sciences (Life Sciences and Physical Sciences). All lessons are aligned to CAPS, IEB, or Cambridge.
Do you have any current specials?
Yes — our Springbok Learning Boost gives you 30% off selected tutoring packages on weekends throughout July. Hourly rates stay the same, but bundles of 12+ hours also unlock an automatic saving.
How much does online tutoring cost?
Hourly rates start at R200 per hour for Grade 1–7 English and Afrikaans, R210 per hour for Maths and Sciences (all grades), and R220 per hour for Grade 8–12 English and Afrikaans. Monthly packages start at R800 for 4 lessons and include a discount versus the hourly rate.
What technology or app do you use?
Lessons run in a browser-based online classroom — no software to install. All your child needs is a laptop or tablet with a working camera, microphone, and a reliable internet connection.
How are your tutors vetted?
Every tutor is interviewed, has their qualifications verified, and is trained on our teaching approach before they're allowed to take on students. We prioritise tutors with actual classroom or private-tutoring experience in South African curricula.
Can I sit in on a lesson or watch my child's progress?
Yes. Parents are welcome to sit in on any lesson. Between lessons we also send short progress notes so you always know what your child is working on and how they're doing.
What if my child doesn't get along with their tutor?
Just let us know and we'll re-match your child with a different tutor, no questions asked. Fit matters, and we'd rather change tutors early than have your child dread lessons.
Can I cancel my monthly package?
Yes. Monthly packages roll month-to-month with no long-term contract. To cancel or pause, contact us via WhatsApp or email before the next month begins and we'll sort it out.
Do you offer once-off or exam-only tutoring?
Yes — you can book single hourly lessons for once-off help, past-paper walkthroughs, or crash-course exam prep without committing to a monthly package.
How do I pay for lessons?
We accept EFT and card payment. Once you've booked, we'll send you an invoice with our banking details or a secure payment link.
Do you follow CAPS, IEB, or Cambridge curricula?
All three. When you sign up you tell us which curriculum your child follows, and we match them with a tutor who works from that syllabus, your child's own textbook, and their school's scheme of work.
Where are you based?
Smarty Pants Tutoring is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, but because we're fully online we tutor learners anywhere in the country.
Do you tutor matric NSC exam preparation?
Yes — matric prep is one of our most-requested services. Tutors work through the last 5 years of NSC past papers, mark-scheme analysis, and targeted revision of the highest-yield topics.