
August 2025 | Claire Meadows-Smith
Solo vs Group vs Live: Finding Your Child's Perfect Learning Match
The Format Dilemma: Getting It Right Matters
You know your child needs support, but here’s the tricky bit: choosing the wrong learning format can actually hold them back.
Will your quiet, thoughtful child get lost in a group? Would your social butterfly struggle without peer interaction in one-to-one sessions? Could your easily-distracted teenager benefit from the accountability of in-person learning?
At The Community Schools, we’ve spent years perfecting three distinct formats because we know that when the format fits the child, everything else falls into place beautifully.
The Challenge: Why Format Choice Is Crucial
The Challenge: Why Format Choice Is Crucial
Solo sessions (1:1 online) offer incredible personalisation but might lack the motivational spark that comes from friendly competition.
Group sessions (online, maximum 6) build confidence through peer support but could dilute the individual attention some children desperately need.
Live sessions (in-person, maximum 3) provide hands-on personalised guidance and instant feedback but require travel that busy families might struggle with.
Get the format wrong, and even the most dedicated student can feel frustrated and stuck
Your Format Finder: Which Works Best for Your Child?
SOLO Sessions: For the Deep Thinkers
Perfect for: Shy learners, children with specific learning gaps, or those who need time to process without pressure.
The magic happens when: Every single lesson is crafted around your child’s exact needs. No waiting for others to catch up, no moving on before concepts click. Pure, focused learning that adapts in real-time.
GROUP Sessions: For the Social Learners
Perfect for: Children who light up around others, families seeking cost-effective consistency, or students who benefit from collaborative problem-solving.
The magic happens when: Healthy peer competition emerges naturally. Students explain concepts to each other (which deepens their own understanding), celebrate wins together, and support each other through challenges.
LIVE Sessions: For the Hands-On Learners
Perfect for: Students who need 1:1 support and feedback, who learn best in a social setting.
The magic happens when: Complex concepts become crystal clear through hands-on demonstrations. Body language and engagement levels are instantly visible, allowing for immediate adjustments.
Finding Your Perfect Match: A Parent's Guide
Start with learning style: Does your child process information best when they can discuss it with others, or do they prefer quiet reflection? Are they motivated by friendly competition or do they shut down under pressure?
Consider your logistics: Be realistic about your family’s schedule. There’s no point choosing in-person sessions if the travel stress outweighs the benefits.
Try before you commit: Our “trial” sessions in different formats can reveal surprising preferences. Sometimes the format you least expect turns out to be the perfect fit.
Align with your goals: If confidence-building is the priority, group dynamics might work wonders. If you’re targeting specific grade improvements, solo intensity could be the answer.
Lock in your FREE Grade Booster™ GROUP session when you enrol at the start of the term!
Real Parents, Real Insights
“The small group dynamics gave my daughter the push she needed—she’s more confident speaking up in class now.” – Year 10 Parent
Across all three formats, 90% of families report clearer understanding and renewed confidence by Week 4. The format matters less than finding the right match for your child.
Discover Your Child's Perfect Format
Don’t leave this crucial decision to chance. Lock in your FREE Grade Booster™ GROUP session when you sign up at the start of each term