Last updated - 11/12/2025
Helping children develop strong reading skills is one of the most important foundations for lifelong learning. Many parents worry when their child struggles with reading or comprehension, but with personalised tutoring these challenges can be addressed promptly allowing children to catch up to where they’re meant to be. Here at Kip McGrath, we excel in helping children to improve their reading age and comprehension through structured, tailored support.
Why Reading Age Matters
Confidence in learning: A child’s reading age directly impacts their ability to access the curriculum.
Academic success: Strong reading skills support progress in all subjects, it’s a foundational skill that other things build on top of.
Reading age is a crucial indicator of a child's literacy development. It reflects not only their ability to decode words but also their understanding of the text. Children with a reading age below their chronological age may face challenges in keeping up with classroom activities, and this can compound over time if the issue is not addressed, intervening as early as possible will make sure that child catches back up with where they should be. If left alone children may fall further behind which can affect their overall academic performance and self-esteem.
How Personalised Tutoring Helps
Individual assessments: Each child receives a free assessment to identify gaps in reading and comprehension.
Tailored lesson plans: Lessons are designed to target specific needs, whether phonics, vocabulary, spelling, or comprehension.
Qualified teachers: All Kip McGrath tutors are trained teachers who understand how to support struggling readers.
Interactive learning: Sessions use engaging resources and structured programs to keep children motivated.
Personalised tutoring offers a unique approach by focusing on the individual needs of each child. Unlike traditional classroom settings, tutoring sessions are conducted in a small group setting, so each student receives much more individual attention, allowing tutors to adapt their teaching methods and pace according to the child's learning style. This targeted support helps address specific weaknesses and build on strengths, fostering a more effective learning experience, which leads to faster improvement.
Key Benefits for Children
Improved reading age: Regular tutoring leads to measurable progress in reading ability.
Enhanced comprehension: Children learn to understand texts, not just decode words.
Boosted confidence: Success in reading builds self-esteem and encourages a positive attitude toward learning.
Curriculum alignment: Lessons cover spelling, grammar, and comprehension in line with school expectations.
In addition to academic improvements, tutoring can have a positive impact on a child's emotional well-being. As children begin to see progress, they often develop a greater love for reading and learning. This enthusiasm can translate into better participation in school and a willingness to tackle new challenges.
What the Data Says
Our data from Kip McGrath centres shows compelling evidence of the effectiveness of personalised tutoring. Out of 3,163 students assessed, an impressive 95% improved their reading age after participating in our programs. Additionally, among 1,474 students assessed for comprehension, 93% demonstrated measurable improvement in their comprehension scores. These statistics highlight the tangible impact of tailored tutoring on children's literacy development.
The personalised approach ensures that children not only improve academically but also enjoy reading more. Online options are available also, in order to make tutoring accessible and convenient for busy families. The regular feedback from tutors helps parents stay informed about their child's progress and areas that need further attention, creating a collaborative environment between home and tutoring support.
Improving a child’s reading age and comprehension is possible with the right support. Our personalised tutoring provides structured, effective help that builds confidence and delivers results. For parents seeking a proven way to support their child’s literacy journey, personalised tutoring offers a clear path forward.
By investing in tutoring, parents can help their children overcome reading difficulties and unlock their full potential. Book an assessment today to help your child develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed both in school and beyond.