Build Strong English Skills Before VCE. Not During It.
Most parents wait until Year 11 to get English help. By then, the gaps are harder to close. We start from Year 6 so your child builds real reading and writing skills while there's still time.
Our English students come from Melbourne's top schools
Gevin Started With Bob in Year 7. He Left With a 99.85 ATAR.
Gevin Kankanamalage joined Artin's English program in Year 7 at Scotch College. Seven years later, he walked into his VCE English exam confident and prepared.
The students who start early don't just survive VCE English. They dominate it.
Apply for the Waitlist
Fill out the form and attach some of your child's past English work. We review every application personally to make sure we can actually help. We'll be in touch within 2 business days.
Here's What We Hear from Parents Every Week.
Most parents aren't sure whether their child's English is "good enough." School reports say "satisfactory" or "developing well," but that doesn't tell you much. These are the things parents tell us when they first reach out:
- They seem to read fine, but their writing doesn't match what you'd expect
- School feedback is vague and comes back weeks later
- They've been told to "use TEEL" for years, but their essays still don't improve
- You're not sure if they're behind, average, or ahead because there's no clear benchmark
- Their teacher says they're "fine" but you have a feeling fine isn't enough
- You don't want to wait until Year 11 and find out they're not ready
Year 6: For Students With Strong Potential
Year 6 places are limited and by assessment only. We look for students who show real ability and want to build serious English skills early. If your child is reading ahead of their age and you want to give them a head start, this is where it begins.
Years 7-8: Building the Foundation
This is when writing habits form. We teach structured analytical thinking and clear expression before bad patterns set in. Students who start here arrive at VCE with a real advantage over their peers.
Years 9-10: Closing the Gap Before VCE
The jump from Year 10 to VCE English catches most students off guard. We make sure it doesn't. Your child will learn how to structure arguments, integrate evidence, and write with clarity, so they walk into Year 11 ready.
How We Teach English Differently
Your child won't sit through another year of vague feedback and once-a-term essays. This is structured, deliberate, and built to develop real skills over time.
Structured Reading and Writing
We teach your child how to read critically and write clearly. Not with vague advice, but with a concrete framework they can apply to any text or topic.
Weekly Feedback Loop
Write, submit, get detailed written feedback, rewrite. Every single week. Writing improves through repetition and clear correction, not waiting until the end of term.
Long-Term Skill Building
We're not cramming for next week's test. We're building the analytical and writing skills that will carry your child through VCE and beyond.
Not All English Tutoring Is the Same
Meet Your Tutor: Bob Zhu
Lead English Tutor · Executive Director
Raw 50 English · 99.90 ATAR · Commerce (Actuarial Studies), University of Melbourne
Bob has personally taught English to over 220 students from Years 6 to 12 across a range of public and private schools in Victoria. He designed the program that has produced 14 perfect English scores since 2021, including 3 Premier's Award recipients.
Many of his highest-scoring students started in Years 7 or 8. Gevin Kankanamalage (99.85 ATAR, Scotch) started in Year 7 and stayed for 7 years. That's the kind of long-term relationship that produces real results.
- 11+ years of tutoring experience in English across all year levels
- Familiar with a wide range of schools, including public, independent, and selective entry schools across Melbourne
- Personally involved in every student's progress. Bob teaches every class and reviews every piece of writing himself.
Your child won't be taught by a uni student or a rotating roster. Bob teaches every class and marks every essay.
- ✓ Weekly classes with Bob Small group at Glen Waverley or live on Google Meet. Your choice each week. Every class recorded.
- ✓ Detailed written feedback every week Specific, clear feedback on every piece of writing. Returned fast so your child can learn from it while it's still fresh.
- ✓ Age-appropriate curriculum Structured reading and writing exercises designed for each year level. Not watered-down VCE content, but real skill-building work.
- ✓ Direct tutor access outside of class Question about a school assignment? Message Bob directly. No extra charge.
- ✓ Class recordings and catch-up Miss a week? Every session is recorded. Watch it back on your own time.
School English Class
- 25-30 students per class
- Feedback once a term, if that
- Vague comments on writing
- No structured writing framework
- Teacher has 150 other students
Small Groups. Expert Tutor. Real Feedback.
- Small-group classes with individual attention
- Same expert tutor (Bob) every single week
- Detailed written feedback on every piece of writing
- Direct tutor access outside of class
- 14 perfect English scores. We know what works.
- Structured framework that builds skills year over year
- 1-on-1 tutoring available for high-potential students*
Generic English Tutors
- $80-$150+ per hour
- No structured program or curriculum
- Quality varies session to session
- No long-term development plan
- No track record of 50s or Premier's Awards
*1-on-1 availability is subject to assessment and tutor capacity.
Where Early Starters End Up.
These students built their English skills with Bob over multiple years.
“It's been a great 7 years Bob, we've done so much since Coraline in year 7 to Sunset right now. I've been going to you longer than I have been at Scotch. I'm feeling pretty confident for tomorrow, and honestly excited to finish my English.”
“Just wanted to let you know that I also managed to get the Premier's Award and I want to say again I really could not have done it without your guidance and advice throughout the 3 years you tutored me.”
“Having been taught by Ming and Bob, I confidently say they are two of the most dedicated and passionate people I have ever met. Their principles-based teaching ensures clear understanding, and their genuine investment in student success is unmatched.”
“Thank you so much for everything, Bob, I have improved soosoosoo much under your guidance and without your help I would've walked out of that exam shellshocked. I'm sure I actually did fine and I am just overthinking everything (I hope that is the case). Thanks again and take a long well-deserved break!”
“Thanks so much for all your help this year, this DEFINITELY could not have been done without your help!!”
“I GOT A 50????”
Results that speak for themselves.
Glen Waverley Campus
Level 1, 24–26 Kingsway, Glen Waverley VIC 3150
Right next to Glen Waverley station & The Glen Shopping Centre
Can't make it in person? All classes available live on Google Meet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'application-only' mean?
We review every application before offering a spot. You'll fill out a short form and attach some of your child's past English work. We look at this to understand where they're at and whether the program is a good fit. If it is, we'll be in touch to discuss next steps.
How long is the waitlist?
Our current waitlist runs until approximately September 2026. We recommend applying early. The sooner you're on the list, the sooner a spot opens up.
Is my child too young to start?
If they're in Year 6 or above, no. Many of our highest-scoring VCE students started with us in Years 7 or 8. The earlier they build strong reading and writing habits, the less catching up they'll need later. Year 6 places are limited and reserved for students who show strong potential.
How is this different from school English?
Most schools move from text to text without building a real writing framework. We focus on structured analytical thinking, clear expression, and regular written feedback every week. Not once a term.
Where and when are classes?
Weekly at our Glen Waverley campus (Level 1, 24-26 Kingsway) or live on Google Meet. Every class is recorded. Your choice each week.
Who teaches the classes?
Bob Zhu, our Lead English Tutor and Executive Director. Raw 50 English, 99.90 ATAR, 11+ years tutoring, 220+ English students personally taught. Bob designed the program and teaches every class.
What if my child doesn't like English?
Most students who say they don't like English actually just don't like being confused by it. When the expectations are clear and the feedback is specific, students tend to enjoy writing a lot more. We hear this from parents regularly.
Can my child try a class before committing?
Yes. Once you're off the waitlist, we'll arrange a trial class before any commitment. No obligation.
Still have questions? Apply above or call 0490 004 231.
The Best Time to Start Is Before They Need To.
Our waitlist runs until September 2026. The earlier you apply, the sooner a spot opens up. Fill out the form, attach some past work, and we'll review it personally.
Apply for the Waitlist