“In an era where education has become a race, we’re not just running faster, we’re changing the course,” says Simran Nandan, founder of Concept Education. This Sydney-based tutoring startup is making waves, not just by navigating the rapid currents of educational trends, but by changing their direction entirely. With a radical approach to tutoring, Concept Education is challenging the status quo, showing students, parents, and educators alike that there’s more to learning than just keeping pace.

Harnessing the expertise of those who’ve already crossed the finish line with flying colours, Nandan’s innovative initiative is setting a new pace in the world of tutoring. Concept Education has built its tutoring model around a unique proposition: have lessons designed and delivered by the best performers in NSW Advanced English and Maths, thus offering students the chance to learn from those who’ve excelled at their HSCs. It’s a fresh take on tutoring, one that’s earned both applause and raised eyebrows in the education sector.

A Team of Champions

Concept Education’s tutors are not just any tutors. They are state rankers, top achievers, and distinguished scholars, with several of them having achieved state rankings in their respective subjects. The team boasts an impressive lineup, including the likes of Christian from Reddam House who excelled in Advanced Maths and Joshua from The Scots College who won the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence in 2022. The team’s collective success is not just a testament to their individual abilities, but it also gives weight to the value proposition of Concept Education.

This method is paying off. Concept Education’s students have consistently state ranked in NSW English Advanced, and the organisation has a remarkable track record of achieving Band 6’s. In a global tutoring market that is estimated to reach a value of US$ 7.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to increase to US$ 29.4 billion by the end of 2033, Concept Education is making its mark.

“We’re Not Just Tutors, We’re Mentors”

“Tutoring is more than just teaching content,” Simran Nandan explains, “It’s about mentoring students, showing them what success looks like, and giving them a roadmap to achieve it.” This philosophy is at the core of Concept Education’s approach, and it’s what sets it apart from many other tutoring services.

The tutoring industry is highly competitive and fragmented, with numerous players operating in the field. Companies are continuously striving to offer innovative solutions to enhance their market position and expand their customer base. Concept Education’s strategy to stand out in this crowded landscape is to offer lessons that are more than just remedial or additional teaching. By leveraging the experience and success of their tutors, they aim to deliver a more holistic educational experience that goes beyond the standard curriculum and equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel.

A Changing Landscape

However, not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that a tutor’s academic achievement does not necessarily equate to teaching ability. “A high ATAR score doesn’t automatically make you a good teacher,” says Dr. Richard Stanton, a professor of Education at the University of Sydney. “Teaching requires a different set of skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts clearly, patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of pedagogy.”

But Simran Nandan believes that their model of tutoring bridges this gap. “Our tutors are not just chosen for their academic success,” she argues, “They are chosen because they have demonstrated the ability to pass on their knowledge effectively. They’ve been through the same process, faced the same challenges, and they know how to navigate the system successfully. They bring a unique perspective that conventional teachers may lack.”

The Evolution of Tutoring

The tutoring industry’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. Driven by an increasing emphasis on STEM education and the rising popularity of long-term online courses, the market is ripe for continued expansion. With its innovative approach, Concept Education is at the forefront of this evolution, shifting the focus of tutoring from remediation to inspiration.

Despite the promising outlook, Nandan maintains a grounded perspective: “Our ultimate goal is to help students realise their potential. The numbers and rankings are secondary. The true measure of our success is the positive impact we can make on our students’ lives.”