The past few years have highlighted the importance of catch-up learning more than ever. Disruption to education—whether due to the pandemic, absence, special needs or wider personal challenges—can leave pupils with significant gaps in their understanding. Catch-up learning provides a structured way to address those gaps and help pupils get back on track, particularly in core subjects like maths, English and science.
At TLC Live, we specialise in delivering targeted online tuition that supports catch-up learning across Key Stages 1 to 4. But what exactly is catch-up learning, and why is it essential for both short-term progress and long-term outcomes?
Understanding Catch-Up Learning
Catch-up learning is a targeted educational approach designed to help pupils recover lost learning or address gaps in knowledge and skills. It is not just about going over missed content—it’s about identifying the specific areas where a pupil is struggling and providing focused, personalised support to help them progress.
This approach is especially important when pupils are preparing for exams, transitioning between year groups, or have experienced extended absence from school. It can be delivered one-to-one, in small groups, or as part of a broader intervention strategy.
Why Catch-Up Learning Matters
Learning builds over time, especially in subjects like maths and English. If pupils miss key concepts early on, it can affect their ability to grasp more advanced material later. Without support, these gaps can widen and impact confidence, motivation and overall attainment.
Catch-up learning ensures that pupils can re-engage with the curriculum, rebuild their confidence and access future learning more successfully. For schools, it’s also a way to raise attainment levels and ensure no pupil is left behind—particularly those who are disadvantaged or at risk of falling through the cracks.
How Online Tutoring Supports Effective Catch-Up
Online tutoring offers a flexible, scalable and high-impact way to deliver catch-up learning. At TLC Live, our sessions are delivered by qualified UK teachers and tailored to each pupil’s ability level and curriculum requirements. Pupils complete an initial assessment, and tutors use this to create a learning plan that focuses on their most pressing needs.
Because sessions are live and interactive, tutors can respond in real time to questions and adapt their approach to suit different learning styles. This ensures that pupils remain engaged and that every session delivers meaningful progress.
Designed to Fit Around School Life
Catch-up support must be accessible and sustainable for schools. That’s why online tuition works so well—it can be delivered during or after school, and even during school holidays. Pupils simply log in from a quiet room or from home, and sessions can be scheduled to suit your timetable.
TLC Live’s online learning platform has been used successfully by over 1,000 schools and local authorities to support a wide range of learners, including those eligible for Pupil Premium, EAL pupils, and those in Alternative Provision.
Demonstrating Impact
One of the key benefits of structured catch-up learning is the ability to track progress over time. At TLC Live, we provide regular progress updates and detailed reports so teachers and school leaders can monitor the effectiveness of each programme. This data also helps demonstrate impact to Ofsted and ensures that support is targeted where it’s needed most.
Catch-Up Learning That Makes a Lasting Difference
Catch-up learning is not just about filling gaps—it’s about giving pupils the confidence and skills to move forward successfully. With tailored tuition, flexible scheduling and qualified UK teachers, TLC Live helps schools provide meaningful support that boosts both confidence and attainment.
Personalised, curriculum-aligned sessions
Qualified UK teachers with classroom experience
Suitable for pupils from KS1 to KS4
Focused support for English, maths and science
Flexible delivery and full progress reporting
Get in touch with TLC Live to find out how we can support your school’s catch-up learning strategy and help every pupil reach their potential.
Learn more about our tutoring for schools.
Find out about our Online School.