Online Coaching FAQ
Most of our one-to-one and group coaching sessions are conducted online via Zoom and we have found this to be very cost effective, efficient and beneficial, both for us and for participants who can (and do) join us from all across the globe. Hopefully any queries you may have about our online coaching are answered below, but if not feel free to contact us.
What is the difference between one-to-one and group coaching?
One-to-one coaching is entirely focused on you, your exam goals, and how we can best achieve them together. We begin by identifying your current relative strengths and weaknesses regarding the exam in question, then work on the areas that need the most improvement - whilst also ensuring you continue to maximise marks in the areas you’ve already mastered. Each session is highly interactive, combining oral and written communication with your coach (usually online via Zoom whiteboard) as you explore exam tactics, discuss common traps, master efficient methods to answer questions, and refine your overall technique. With your end goal always our shared focus, every step is purposeful, helping you progress more quickly, confidently, and effectively towards success in the exam.
Group coaching, on the other hand, involves learning alongside a small cohort of peers (maximum group size is 6 students), guided by a coach who leads the session, usually online via Zoom whiteboard. You still benefit from the coach’s exam expertise as they discuss and dissect various approaches to solving the exam questions, common traps, and effective tactics with the group. However, because it is a group setting, there is naturally far less personalised interaction with the coach. While the pace and content are designed to suit the group as a whole, the experience is still extremely valuable as part of your exam preparation.
Do you offer a free trial online Zoom session?
If you have not tried our online sessions before, we are very happy to offer a free 30 minute no obligation trial session on Zoom with one of our coaches, so that you can get a feel for how it works - please contact us to arrange this.
Do I need to install Zoom to join the session?
We recommend using the Zoom app or Zoom Workplace for the smoothest experience. You can also join via a browser, though it may have fewer features.
Do I need to have a paid Zoom membership to join the session?
No, you don't even need a Zoom account.
How do I join a Zoom online coaching session?
You can join the Zoom coaching session by opening the Zoom app or Zoom Workplace (recommended), or by going to the website 'zoom.com' in your browser, then clicking on 'Join Meeting' and entering the Meeting ID and Passcode which we provide to you after you have paid for the session. You will then enter a 'Waiting Room' until you are admitted by the coach at the start of the session. If you would like to familiarise yourself with this process before your first session, why not take advantage of our free trial online session per above.
Is Gresty Academy affiliated with any official exam boards or universities?
No. Gresty Academy is a fully independent academic support and coaching provider. We have no official affiliation with, and are not endorsed by, any of the institutions, schools, universities or boards associated with any of the exams we coach. Our materials and coaching are developed independently to provide a supplementary perspective on the curriculum.
Do you guarantee that my grades will improve?
While our goal is to provide you with the best possible tools and strategies for success, we cannot and do not offer any guarantees or promises of specific grades, exam scores or grade improvements. Your academic success is a partnership in which we endeavour to provide you with the highest level of coaching and proprietary strategies, but the final result inevitably and ultimately depends on your own effort, consistent practice, discipline, revision and performance under exam conditions.
Are all your coaches qualified teachers?
No, but this is by design. While we insist that all of our coaches hold high-level degrees from reputable universities, we do not require them to be schoolteachers. On the contrary, we believe that high-impact exam coaching is a specialised skill set entirely distinct from managing a classroom of 30 pupils. Our coaches are selected for their subject mastery and their expertise in decoding complex and rigorous examination styles, patterns, techniques and time constraints, thus providing a bridge between a student's general academic knowledge and their ability to step up and overcome the precise demands of competitive exams.
Can I join a Zoom session using a phone?
Yes, but we strongly recommend using a device with a bigger screen such as a large screen iPad, laptop or desktop for the best view of the whiteboard. Phones can make it harder to follow everything clearly.
Can I join from multiple devices at once?
No.
What happens if I’m late joining a session?
The coach will start the session on time, even if not all participants have joined. You can still enter the session late, but the coach will not repeat what you have missed.
How long is each session?
One-to-one sessions can vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Group sessions typically last 1 hour.
What happens if the session runs over time?
The coach will aim to finish on schedule, but occasionally sessions may run slightly over (the excess time will not be charged).
Can I speak directly to the coach after the session?
For one-to-one coaching this is dealt with on a case by case basis between coach and student. For group coaching, questions should be asked within the session itself.
I cannot make the session I have registered for. Can I rearrange to another session?
As long as you give us at least 24 hours notice, we will do our best to facilitate this.
How do I register for a session?
Contact us to register, or look at the relevant session page on this website where there is usually a registration form.
How do I know which coaching sessions are available?
For one-to-one coaching sessions, please contact us directly. For group coaching sessions, check the relevant 'Group Coaching Schedule' page on our website.
How do I pay for a session and how much is it?
For session pricing and payment options, check out our Pricing and Payment page.
Do you offer discounts for purchases of multiple sessions?
Yes, check our Pricing and Payment page. We also often run further promotions for upcoming exams to make our services even better value for money.
Do you offer sponsorships/discounts for needy students?
We believe cost shouldn’t block committed students and, thanks to the generosity of a Gresty Academy benefactor, we offer a limited number of needs-based discounts of up to 90% of our coaching fees for eligible applicants who demonstrate genuine financial hardship. This support is intended only for students who would otherwise be unable to take advantage of our exam coaching expertise and is awarded selectively on a case-by-case basis following detailed review by our benefactor. Approval is not guaranteed. Contact us to learn more about this program.
How are the coaching sessions conducted?
The coach conducts the session online primarily using the Zoom whiteboard feature.
Can both coach and student write on the whiteboard in one-to-one sessions?
Yes, assuming the student has a device which enables this and some form of stylus.
Why can’t participants write on the whiteboard in group sessions?
To keep the session clear and structured, only the coach can write on the whiteboard during group sessions. This ensures everyone can follow the whiteboard contents without written distractions from other group participants.
Do I need a special screen or tablet to write on the whiteboard?
For one-to-one sessions it is strongly advisable, yes. For group sessions, no, because only the coach can write on the whiteboard during the session.
How can I ask questions during the session?
For one-to-one sessions there is constant communication between coach and student, via whatever mechanism is mutually agreeable. For group sessions, you may ask questions at any time by temporarily unmuting your microphone, or typing your question into the Zoom chat (please keep your microphone muted when not speaking and keep chat messages relevant to the session).
Can I interact with other participants directly in group sessions?
No. Direct private messaging between participants is not part of the session structure.
Can I record or screenshot the session?
For group coaching, recording of the session (either audio or video), or taking screenshots, is not permitted. For one-to-one coaching this can be discussed between coach and student.
Will I get a copy of the whiteboard?
If requested, a link to the session whiteboard can be sent to your email address after the session is concluded, for your sole personal use. Note: you need a Zoom account for this feature.
Can I download the whiteboard during the session?
No. The whiteboard link can only be shared afterward for personal use, upon request.
Can I share the whiteboard link with others?
No. The whiteboard link is for your personal use only and should not be shared with others.
What is “follow the view” of the host ('Gresty Academy')?
This Zoom feature ensures that your screen shows exactly what the screen of the coach is showing — typically the area of the whiteboard where the coach is focused and writing — so you don’t miss any content.
What should I do if I can’t see the whiteboard clearly?
Try using a larger screen or increasing your Zoom window size.
Can I record my own notes during the session?
Yes, you may take personal notes, either digitally or on paper.
Why is Zoom video disabled?
Video of both coach and participants are disabled throughout the session as they are not required.
Can I turn on my camera or share my screen?
No. Video and screen sharing are disabled for all participants to ensure a smooth session and minimise distractions.
What if my internet drops during the session?
If your connection drops, try rejoining through the same Zoom link. Unfortunately, missed parts of group sessions cannot be repeated.
What if I have technical problems during the session?
Check your internet connection and Zoom settings. Participants are responsible for their own internet connection, zoom and audio setup.
Can I get a refund if I miss the session?
If you have not given 24 hours notice, then no refunds are available except in the rare case of a technical breakdown of the coach's equipment or if the coach is unable to run the session.
I cannot make the session I have paid for due to circumstances beyond my control. Can I get a refund?
We deal with this on a case by case basis.
I have bought a coaching package and want a refund of the unused sessions - how does this work?
You have 14 days from purchase to change your mind, no matter where you are in the world. Your refund is then calculated as follows:
- Unused packages: Full refund minus any bank or payment fees we incur in processing the refund.
- Partially used packages: Unused sessions will be refunded minus any bank or payment fees that we incur in processing the refund, with used one-to-one and group sessions charged at our standard hourly rate, which is currently US$100, SG$125, GB£75 (or equivalent) for one-to-one coaching, and US$30, SG$37.50 or GB£22.50 (or equivalent in other currencies) for group coaching.
Refund Example: A 30-session one-to-one package purchased at US$2,100 with 8 sessions completed means a refund of US$2,100 − (8 × US$100) = US$1,300 (minus any bank or payment fees that we incur in processing the refund).
What if someone disrupts the group coaching session?
The coach reserves the right to suspend and/or remove any participants who disrupt or undermine the experience for others.
Is there any homework or preparation required for a group session?
Unless specified, no formal preparation is required, though for many group sessions it is recommended (but not required) to have attended previous sessions. Having pen and paper ready can be helpful for taking notes and/or attempting the questions alongside the coach in the sessions if so desired.
Do I need to agree to these rules and guidelines?
Yes. By registering for, paying for and/or participating in a one-to-one or group session, you are confirming that you accept and agree to follow the above guidelines and rules.