Our Online STEP Mathematics Tutors Get Results

How does The Profs select and vet STEP Mathematics tutors?

The Profs does not use a broad generalist directory for STEP Mathematics - every tutor is a subject specialist chosen through one of the most demanding selection processes in the UK tutoring market. Only around 3% of applicants are accepted and every STEP Mathematics tutor meets strict standards before they are matched with a student:

• Acceptance rate for applicants - 3%
• 98% of tutors hold a postgraduate degree and 45% hold doctorates
• All tutors have a minimum of two years' teaching experience; average experience exceeds 10 years
• Many tutors are current or former secondary school teachers, university lecturers, or examiners with direct experience of STEP-style assessment
• All tutors undergo identity verification and an enhanced DBS check plus KYC screening
• Each tutor is vetted specifically against STEP requirements - paper style, problem structures and the skills examiners look for

What subject knowledge and teaching experience do STEP Mathematics tutors bring?

STEP requires advanced problem-solving and conceptual clarity. Our tutors combine deep mathematical knowledge with specific STEP experience:

• Expertise in core STEP topics - algebra, calculus, series, inequalities, geometry and number theory - at the depth required for STEP I, II and III
• Practical familiarity with STEP question formats, mark schemes and common candidate pitfalls
• A structured, concept-first teaching approach that builds reasoning and solution strategy rather than rote procedures
• Adaptation of lessons to the candidate’s current level, pace and target university requirements
• Use of specialist online tools (BitPaper whiteboard, screen share, downloadable session recordings) to mirror exam conditions and practice timed solutions

How much progress can a STEP candidate reasonably expect?

Progress depends on starting level and commitment, but our historical data shows strong outcomes for students preparing for undergraduate mathematics admissions:

• 93% of undergraduate students report a grade improvement after working with The Profs*
• The Profs tracks improvements through structured review and regular mock practice designed to replicate STEP timing and difficulty
• Typical commitments that show meaningful change: a minimum placement of 5 hours, with many students seeing marked gains after 21 hours of focused tuition
• Tutors focus on problem selection, written communication of solutions, time management, and exam technique to improve performance under test conditions

* Based on The Profs Client Feedback Survey 2025

What is The Profs' track record for mathematics and admissions coaching?

The Profs has a strong record in admissions and mathematics support across school and undergraduate levels:

• Oxbridge acceptance rate for students using our admissions programmes - 66% (approx. 3× the national average)
• Students working with admissions-specialist tutors have secured offers from more than 40 top UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE and Imperial
• Trustpilot rating maintained at 4.9 out of 5 since 2016

What is the process to start STEP tuition with The Profs?

Getting started is designed to be quick and tailored to your goals:

• Complete the contact form on the site or call our team on +44 208 004 7639 with details of your STEP target, current level and timeline
• Attend a free consultation with an education expert to confirm goals, preferred universities and study schedule
• Our smart-match algorithm creates a shortlist; the Client Success team selects the best-fit STEP tutor
• A half-hour introductory call between student and proposed tutor is arranged (no charge, but not a free lesson)
• A one-off placement fee of £70 is invoiced only when you approve the match; most students begin lessons within one to two working days of confirmation
• Minimum initial placement is five hours; typical first sessions last two hours to allow diagnostic assessment and planning

Are STEP Mathematics lessons delivered online or in person?

All lessons are delivered online to provide maximum flexibility around school timetables and to access the UK’s leading STEP specialists. Online STEP tuition includes:

• Live video calls accessible on desktop and mobile
• An interactive shared whiteboard (BitPaper) for working through STEP problems in real time
• Screen sharing for past papers, typed solutions and model answers
• 100% of sessions recorded and downloadable so candidates can review worked solutions and examiner-style feedback

In 2024-25, 96% of our online learners reported that their tutor improved both their confidence and their grades.

What are the hourly rates for STEP Mathematics tuition?

Pricing is transparent and tailored to the level of expertise required for STEP preparation:

• Online STEP tutoring starts from £75 per hour
• A one-off placement fee of £70 applies when a tutor is approved
• Tutor rates vary according to experience, specialist admissions expertise and demand
• Students pay only for the hours they book; payments are handled securely via our platform
• Typical minimum commitment is five hours; session lengths and frequency are agreed with the tutor

Are there discounts or flexible payment options for STEP tutoring?

Yes. We offer several options to make STEP tuition more cost-effective:

• Prepaid lesson packages attract discounts - 5% for 10 hours prepaid, 10% for 20 hours prepaid
• Block bookings provide further savings for candidates committing to a term of STEP preparation
• We can advise on the most cost-effective package based on your target university and timeline

How does STEP tutoring prepare candidates for university study?

STEP tuition is designed to do more than help you pass a test - it builds the mathematical thinking and independent problem-solving required for degree-level study:

• Lessons develop rigorous proof techniques, written solution clarity and conceptual depth needed for university mathematics
• Tutors integrate STEP practice with broader admissions preparation, including interview readiness where relevant
• Many students remain with the same tutors into the first year of university to maintain continuity and accelerate progress

Why do students remain with The Profs beyond STEP preparation?

Families and candidates continue with The Profs because tutors adapt as objectives change and provide continuity across stages:

• Over 90% of students rebook the following term for ongoing support
• Consistency means tutors already understand the candidate’s strengths, weaknesses and working methods
• We support students from pre-A-Level through to undergraduate and postgraduate study, enabling long-term academic planning

Which universities and organisations commonly use STEP, and who administers the test?

STEP is a specialist admissions assessment used primarily for mathematics-related undergraduate entry. The paper is administered by Cambridge Assessment and is an established part of the selection process for many competitive mathematics programmes. Candidates often prepare for STEP when applying to University of Cambridge and other highly ranked mathematics departments across the UK. Our admissions-specialist tutors also advise on UCAS strategy and complementary assessments where relevant.

Can The Profs help with STEP past papers, timed mocks and examiner-style feedback?

Yes. Our STEP Maths tutors structure preparation around authentic practice:

• Regular timed past-paper practice and examiner-style marking
• Custom mock exams that replicate STEP timing and question mix
• Detailed worked solutions, written feedback and step-by-step improvement plans
• Guidance on how to present clear, rigorous solutions that match examiner expectations