Education First Terms & Conditions for Parents/Students

Amount of Lessons

At Education First, we offer pay-as-you-go tuition with no binding contracts. You may discontinue lessons at any time and will only be charged for sessions completed by the tutor.


Please note:

  • There are no free trial lessons—all conducted sessions are payable.

  • Fees apply only for lessons delivered by your assigned tutor.


This ensures fairness and transparency for both students and tutors.

Tutor Profiles

  • Accuracy of Information
    While Education First strives to ensure tutor profiles are accurate and up-to-date, we do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or error-free nature of the information provided.


  • Database Disclaimer
    Our tutor database is provided "as is" for your reference. Education First does not warrant the suitability or quality of any tutor listed.


  • Verification of Credentials
    Parents/students are responsible for verifying the tutor’s qualifications, certifications, and experience during the first lesson—especially if scanned documents are not available on our platform.

Tutor Assignment Policy

  • Availability of Preferred Tutors
    Education First will make every effort to match students with their preferred tutors. However, we cannot guarantee the assignment of a specific tutor, as this is subject to the tutor's current availability and schedule.


  • Scheduling Limitations
    Even if a tutor's online calendar indicates availability for your selected timeslot, final assignment is not guaranteed. Tutor schedules are dynamic and may change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Lesson Location Policy

  • Default Arrangement
    By default, our assigned tutors will conduct lessons in-person at the student's residence, unless alternative arrangements are specified by the client.


  • Suitable Learning Environment
    Clients are responsible for providing a safe, quiet, and appropriate environment for the tutor to conduct lessons effectively.


  • Online Lesson Option
    If preferred, lessons may also be conducted online via platforms like Zoom/Discord, subject to mutual agreement between the tutor and client. In such cases, the client is responsible for ensuring proper technical setup and internet connectivity.

Tuition Fees Policy

Tutor Performance & Replacement Policy

Payment & Commission Policy

  • Commission Structure
    Education First collects a commission fee equivalent to:
    (i) 100% of the fees for the first 2 lessons of each subject conducted; OR
    (ii) 100% of one lesson's fee if services are terminated before completing 7 lessons (applicable for termination initiated by either parents/students or tutors due to valid reasons including mistreatment*)


*Evidence may be required to support termination claims


  • Payment Process

  1. Parents/students will be invoiced for the applicable commission

  2. Electronic invoices(may be in the form of text) will be issued via email/WhatsApp/Telegram upon lesson completion

  3. Payment is for the lessons completed is due the following day 2359H of the lesson date

  4. Payment for initial 2 tuition sessions will be payable to Education First.


  • Accepted Payment Methods
    We accept commission payments through:

    • Local ATM transfers

    • Internet banking (FAST/PayNow)

      Complete payment instructions will be provided to parent/student before payment due date.


  • Important Notes:
    • The commission structure applies to initial first 2 lessons/engagements being paid to Education First directly
    • Subsequent lesson payments will be made directly to the tutor
    • If payment is not received by the due date(Agreement of Acceptance on WhatsApp/Telegram), an administrative charge of 1 hour’s tuition fee (based on the agreed lesson rate) will apply. Additional charges of 1 hour’s fee per 5 calendar days will be incurred, up to a maximum of 30 calender days. After 30 calender days, unpaid amounts will be escalated to legal proceedings in Singapore.
    • Services may be suspended for unpaid invoices beyond 30 calender days and legal actions will be taken against Parent/Student


  • Limitation of Liability: Education First shall not be liable for any claims, disputes, or issues arising after the initial matching of a tutor and parent/guardian. Furthermore, Education First assumes no responsibility or liability in the event that a parent/guardian fails to make payment, resulting in the tutor not receiving their agreed-upon fees.



Crash Course Tuition Terms

  • Short-Term Tutoring Scope

Education First provides intensive tutoring programs for 8 to 16 lessons,

specifically designed for:

- Exam preparation (e.g., PSLE, O-Levels, A-Levels)

- Essay writing mastery

- Presentation skills development


  • Minimum Engagement Requirements

To ensure academic effectiveness:

- Weekly minimum: 2 lessons (each 1 hour minimum)

- Scheduling period: Monday to Sunday (calendar week)


  • Policy Rationale

This structure:
Maximizes learning outcomes through concentrated sessions
Ensures fair compensation for tutors undertaking time-bound assignments


Flexible arrangements may be considered upon discussion with our team.

Education First Terms & Conditions for Tutors

Tutor Agreement Terms

  • Commission & Assignment Policy

- Education First charges a commission equivalent to 2 lesson fees per successful assignment, collected from the client

- Tutors agree to conduct lessons physically at the location specified by the student/parent, or virtually via platforms such as 'Zoom'


  • Qualification Verification

- Tutors must provide accurate academic qualification

- Original certificates must be presented for verification if requested during the first lesson


  • Background Declaration

By registering, tutors confirm they:

- Have no criminal records (excluding minor traffic offenses)

- Are not currently facing any criminal charges in Singapore courts


  • Profile Management

Limited tutor information will be displayed to parents, including:

- Name, age, and gender

- Tutors Personal/Business Contact Information/Number/Email/Username

- Educational background

- Teaching experience

- Availability

- Profile photo

- Confidential details (contact information, address) remain private

- Tutors may request profile removal at any time by contacting our number, subjected to approval from Education First Management

Tutor Registration

  • Eligibility & Registration

- Registration with Education First is free of charge

- Minimum age requirement: 18 years old

- Tutors must be residents of Singapore

- Education First reserves the right to reject any application without explanation


  • Content Responsibility

- Tutors are solely responsible for all content (text, photos, graphics, messages) uploaded or shared via our platform

- This includes profile information, lesson materials, and any communications


  • Certification & Verification

- Uploaded certificates are only for administrative verification

- Documents will not be shared with parents or third parties

- Tutors must ensure all qualifications are accurate and up-to-date


  • Account Security

- Tutors must maintain account confidentiality

- You are fully responsible for all activities under your account

- Immediately notify us of any unauthorized access


  • Limitation of Liability

Education First is not liable for:

- Any loss/damage arising from tutor registration

- Unforeseen circumstances during assignments


We reserve the right to:

- Edit or remove account content

- Terminate accounts at our discretion


Key Notes:

  • All profile content must comply with Singaporean laws

  • Fraudulent qualifications will result in immediate termination

  • Tutors must update credentials if any changes occur

Assignment Notification Policy

  • Communication Channels

You may receive assignment alerts via:

- Phone calls

- Telegram broadcasts (through our official channel)

- First-lesson reminders


  • No Guarantee of Placement

Application ≠ Assignment – Final selection depends on:

- Parent/student preferences

- Subject fit

- Availability matching

- Education First does not guarantee teaching opportunities, even after application


  • Shortlisting Process

- If selected, we will contact you for next steps

- If not selected, no further notification will be sent


Key Notes:

  • Ensure your Telegram/contact details are updated to receive alerts

  • Prompt responses improve placement chances

  • Non-selection does not reflect tutor competency

  • Repeated rejection of assignments may affect future opportunities

First Lesson & Assignment Policy

1. LESSON CONFIRMATION PROTOCOL

All tutors must:

  • Initiate Contact via WhatsApp/SMS (primary) or phone call (urgent cases only)

  • Send Confirmation via Whatsapp 48 hours before the lesson using this template:

    "Hi [Parent’s Name], this is [Your Name] from Education First. Confirming our lesson on [Date] at [Time] for [Subject] at [Location]/online. Please reply to acknowledge."

  • For Online Lessons: Include the Zoom/Skype link in the confirmation message.


2. ATTENDANCE & DISCIPLINARY ACTION

A. Valid Cancellation Reasons (Proof required within 24 hours):

  • Medical Emergency: MC from a Singapore-registered doctor

  • Family Bereavement: Death certificate copy (redacted for privacy)

  • Transport Disruptions: LTA/SBS incident reports or screenshot of outage alerts

B. Unacceptable Absences:

  • Forgetting the lesson

  • Scheduling conflicts (e.g., double-booking)

C. Penalties:

  • 1st Offense: Written warning + $50 penalty

  • 2nd Offense: Immediate account suspension


3. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

A. Complaint Submission:

  • Parents must file complaints via the online form within 48 hours of the lesson.

B. Mediation Process:

  1. Education First will:

    • Review tutor’s lesson notes/recording (if available).

    • Mediate within 3 working days.

  2. Possible Outcomes:

    • Partial/full refund to parents (for verified negligence).

    • Tutor payment forfeiture (if fault is confirmed).


4. EARLY TERMINATION & COMMISSION

  • If terminated after 1st lesson:

    • Tutor’s Fault: Commission charged to Tutor; full refund to parent.

    • Parent’s Decision: Tutor retains payment for the lesson; commission waived.

  • Documentation Required:

    • Tutors must submit a 200-word lesson summary and communication log within 24 hours.

  • Commission Processing:

    • Adjusted after the 7-day dispute window.


5. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

  • All proofs must be:

    • Original, unedited, and dated.

    • Uploaded via the tutor portal (no email submissions).

  • False Claims: Permanent blacklisting from Education First.


KEY NOTES FOR TUTORS

  • Always maintain professional communication with parents.

  • Document all lessons and issues in the tutor portal.

  • Update your availability promptly to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Code Of Conduct

  1. Punctuality Requirements

  • Tutors must arrive on time for all scheduled lessons

  • Late arrivals (>10 minutes) require:

    • Immediate phone call notification to parent

    • Make-up time for late arrival

  • Consequences:

    • 1st complaint: Written warning

    • 2nd complaint: Assignment termination

    • 3rd complaint: Account suspension


2. No-Show Policy

  • Definition: Failure to appear without prior notification

  • Acceptable Cancellation Notice:

    • Minimum 24 hours via phone call, SMS, Whatsap or Telegram

  • Consequence: Immediate account deactivation


3. Professional Demeanor During Lessons

  • Prohibited Behaviors:

    • Personal phone use

    • Non-lesson related activities

    • Leaving before scheduled end time

  • Disciplinary Action:

    • 1st complaint: Formal warning

    • 2nd complaint: Removal from assignment

    • 3rd complaint: Account termination


4. Dress Code Standards

  • Minimum Requirements:

    • Collared shirt/blouse (no sleeveless)

    • Long pants/skirts (no shorts)

    • Covered shoes (no slippers)

  • Consequence: Parent may request tutor replacement for dress code violations


5. Fair Dispute Resolution Process

Education First will:

  1. Notify tutor of complaint within 24 hours

  2. Allow 48-hour response period with evidence

  3. Conduct impartial investigation

  4. Provide written resolution outcome


Note: All decisions consider:

  • Tutor's service history

  • Parent's complaint details

  • Supporting evidence from both parties


6. Progressive Discipline System

  • Minor offences: Warning → Probation → Suspension

  • Major offences: Immediate termination

  • Right to appeal within 7 days of disciplinary action


  • Flexible Commitment
    There is no minimum lesson requirement - you may discontinue tuition at any time without penalty.


  • Academic Results Disclaimer
    While our tutors are carefully selected to support student progress, Education First cannot guarantee specific grade improvements as academic performance depends on multiple factors beyond our control (e.g., student effort, learning style, school environment).


  • Tutor Replacement
    You may request a tutor change at any time:

    • No administrative fees apply for tutor replacements

    • Only completed lessons up to the change request will be charged

    • We will arrange a suitable replacement tutor promptly

  • Fee Guidelines
    The rates displayed on our website reflect tutors' recent quotations and current market trends. These serve as general references only, as final fees depend on each tutor's qualifications and experience level.


  • Rate Accuracy
    Our published rates are regularly reviewed to maintain fair market alignment, though individual tutor charges may vary.


  • First 2 Lessons Rate Lock
    All agreed tuition fees are fixed for the first 2 lessons and are non-negotiable during this period.


  • Rate Adjustments
    Education First reserves the right to revise published rate guidelines at any time.


  • Post-Trial Negotiation
    After the initial first 2 lessons, fees may be renegotiated directly between tutor and client, subject to mutual agreement.


  • Rate Change Protocol
    Any unauthorized tuition fee adjustments by tutors must be reported to Education First immediately for resolution.


  • Agreement to Terms

    • By agreeing to the tutor matching arranged by Education First, parents/students automatically accept all Terms & Conditions listed on [Education First website] without further notice.


  • Cancellation/Postponement Policy

    • -24-Hour Notice Required: Any cancellation/postponement of the 1st or 2nd lesson must be communicated to Education First with valid proof (e.g., medical certificate, official documentation) at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson.

    • No Notice Given: If no prior notice is provided, the parent/student is liable to pay the full fees for both lessons.


  • Legal Action for Non-Payment

    • Education First reserves the right to take legal action (including but not limited to small claims court or debt collection) to recover unpaid fees for the 1st and 2nd lessons if:

      • The student/parent fails to attend without valid cancellation.

      • Payment is not made within 30 calander days of the initial lesson date as agreed with Parent/Student.

    • No Reminder Obligation: Education First is not legally required to send payment reminders.


  • Dispute Resolution

    • Any disputes shall be resolved under Singapore law through Singapore Police Force, mediation or the Singapore Courts.

    • Parents/students agree to bear all legal costs if Education First enforces payment.


  • Amendments


    • Education First may update these terms at any time, and continued use of services constitutes acceptance.