Tuition Extra Group, led by celebrated CEO Ruth Minhall, is a Kent-based organisation offering outstanding and aspirational education programmes for young people aged 4 to 25 years. The organisation serves students unable to access mainstream schooling due to special educational or complex needs, often resulting in trauma and anxiety responses, disruptive behaviour, mental health challenges, sometimes resulting in school refusal, self-harm and suicidal ideation. 

The company is committed to creative thinking and removing barriers to learning, believing that every child, regardless of background, belief or circumstance, has the potential to improve life chances and become a better learner.

Tuition Extra Group consists of three branches: Tuition Extra tutoring service, Maypole Farm animal therapy and vocational site, and Haven Nook independent special school. These services work cohesively to support students, staff and associated families. Additionally, Ruth has recently launched The Maypole Foundation, a charity aimed at supporting young people at risk of exclusion from society, while also engaging in animal rescue and environmental support.

Founded 10 years ago by Ruth, Tuition Extra Group has grown from a one-woman initiative into a flourishing organisation with 150 staff members. Ruth’s vision, driven by her Game-Changer and Strategist proclivities (as identified by the GC Index survey), combined with her extensive business experience and understanding of education, has led to the creation of innovative educational pathways that include, rather than exclude, young people, especially those with neuro-diverse profiles. The organisation is focused on expanding its impact across the UK and influencing government policy to promote inclusive education.

As a child-centric organisation, Tuition Extra Group prioritises removing barriers to learning to enable students to achieve personal growth, well-being and academic success. 

The team harnesses a triangular approach to student development focusing on a foundation of therapeutic intervention alongside targeted emotional development, using the Thrive Approach. These two elements naturally channel into successful academic development with life changing outcomes.  

Applying this triangulated strategy to student wellbeing and personal growth, has been central to the Group’s outstanding academic track record. Building positive and trusted relationships allows a starting point which recognises the individual behind the behaviour.

Operating in a highly demanding industry, Tuition Extra Group maintains the highest standards of accountability and safeguarding, while achieving impressive student progress and outcomes. This is particularly challenging given the complex needs of many students. The organisation’s commitment to positively impacting the future lives of youngsters in its care continues to drive its success. Tuition Extra Group’s shared sense of integrity and responsibility towards young people sets it apart from competitors.

Tuition Extra is a trusted and preferred supplier to Local Authorities, operating under the Department for Education. The organisation’s approach focuses on removing barriers to learning and achieving meaningful outcomes for young people, rather than merely ticking boxes. By building trusted relationships and engaging students in their individual interests, the team facilitates consistently outstanding academic results, even with students who have a history of failure with previous provisions.

The organisation’s methods and successes are gaining public recognition, with a goal to share its experience and knowledge to positively impact and influence government policy. Tuition Extra Group’s education programmes have proven effective, and the team aims to extend their impact to support more young people at risk of exclusion and poor life chances.

Looking ahead, Tuition Extra Group is focused on strategic growth and maintaining a competitive edge. The organisation is utilising the GC Index tool to understand team dynamics and the ingredients of exceptional teaching professionals, particularly for neuro-diverse profiles. This collaboration aims to enhance support for both staff and students.

Future projects include the expansion of Haven Nook School, with plans for a new post-16 facility, and the continued growth of the therapeutic Maypole Farm site, which offers diverse learning opportunities such as animal and equine care, mechanics, carpentry, construction, art, photography, and land-based studies. The site’s expansive environment allows students to learn and regulate their behaviours in a space that meets their core and developing needs.

The Maypole Foundation, founded in 2024, represents an exciting new initiative supporting disadvantaged young people and animals in need, extending the reach and impact of Tuition Extra Group’s mission to create a better future for those it serves.

CEO Ruth has set her sights on a horizon of positive change to celebrate unique differences, enquiring minds and a better future for all. Her leadership endeavours to challenge barriers to education whilst focusing on solutions and creative problem solving. It is clear that Ruth and her team view challenges as opportunities, as they seek to affect lasting and meaningful change to support young lives.