Keep Tuition Students Over the Year-End Break
· 6 min read · By the TuitionCRM team
Every year, tutors lose students in November: PSLE and O-Levels are over, parents go on holiday, and some decide to "take a break" from tuition. It's also when new parents look for a tutor for next year. Here's how to keep the students you have and fill 2027.
Key dates for the season
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| 30 Sep | PSLE written papers end |
| 10 Nov | O-Level written papers end |
| 27 Nov | A-Level written papers end |
| ~24–25 Nov | PSLE results (tentative) |
| ~13–15 Jan 2027 | O-Level results (tentative) |
Timetables: PSLE, O-Level, A-Level — and Singapore public holidays on our exam dates page.
1. Offer a head start, not just "more tuition"
- P6 → Sec 1 bridging: algebra basics, science skills, study habits for secondary school.
- Sec 4 → JC1 / poly: H2 Maths foundations, or a head start on the first poly modules.
- Sec 2 → Sec 3: A Maths and the sciences, before they get hard.
A short, named programme ("6-week Sec 1 head start") is easier for parents to say yes to than open-ended lessons.
2. Ask for testimonials on results day
Results day is the happiest day of your year. A short message congratulating the parent — and, a day later, asking for a Google review or a video testimonial — brings in next year's students.
3. Talk to parents about 2027 early
In November, ask every parent whether they're continuing in January and at what time. Lock in the regulars first, then you'll know exactly which slots to fill. Mention any price change now, not in January.
4. Fill the gaps
Use the quiet weeks to grow: update your profiles, ask for referrals, and follow our guide to finding tuition students in Singapore.
5. Plan the year in one go
Book your 2027 weekly lessons before the holidays end, skipping public holidays and school exam weeks. Our guide to planning your tuition year around exams has a month-by-month plan.
Common questions
Should I charge during the December holidays?
Only for lessons you teach. If you bill a monthly fee, tell parents early whether December is a full month, a shorter month or a break.
Should I offer a holiday discount?
Usually not. A short, named holiday programme at a clear price works better than a discount and doesn't lower your normal rate.
Can I take a holiday myself?
Yes, and you should. Tell parents the dates early, block the time in your calendar, and plan any make-ups before you go. In TuitionCRM, use Block time.
How do I keep a student who has just finished PSLE or O-Level?
Offer a short head start for their next school, like a Sec 1 or JC1 bridging programme. Parents are more likely to say yes to a clear goal than to "more tuition".
When should I confirm next year's timetable with parents?
In November, before families go on holiday. Lock in your regular students first, then you'll know exactly which slots to fill.