Beyond Education · our story

Where it all began

Beyond Education was founded in 2015 by Jessica Matthews, who recognised a need for additional support across primary and secondary learning, particularly for pupils preparing for the 11+. What began with tutoring has grown into an education organisation offering tuition, exam preparation and Alternative Provision from our centre in Urmston.

Contact Beyond Education
  • Founded in 2015
  • Over 30 staff
  • 171, 173 & 175 Broadway
Jess and Mel celebrating ten years of Beyond Education, from the supplied information booklet

From one teacher's idea to a wider team

Jess's sister Melissa joined as co-director in 2016, and together they have continued to grow Beyond Education around the needs of local families.

Today, our team includes over 30 staff, with qualified teachers and experienced tutors supporting pupils across the primary curriculum and selected subjects through GCSE and A Level. Our Alternative Provision team brings additional experience in personalised provision, SEND and safeguarding.

While Beyond Education has grown, our focus has stayed the same: understanding each learner and finding the support that is right for them.

Learning starts from where you are

We know that children do not all learn in the same way or make progress at the same pace.

Our approach starts by understanding where a learner is now, what they need support with and what they are working towards. We then build teaching and support around that starting point, whether that means strengthening foundations, preparing for an exam or finding a different route through education.

We want children and young people to feel comfortable asking questions, having a go and understanding what comes next. Progress can look different for every learner, and our support should reflect that.

Illustrative photograph of a child and tutor sharing a reading activity

The principles behind the sessions

Our values are most useful when families can recognise them in the way we work. These are the priorities behind our approach to tuition and personalised learning.

Understand the learner

Listen to the child and the adults who know them. Look at strengths, interests and existing understanding alongside the things that are difficult. Avoid making a decision from a year group or a label alone.

Teach with a purpose

Choose work for a reason and explain the step being practised. Give learners room to ask questions and try independently, then use what happens to decide whether to revisit or move on.

Keep communication clear

Explain the proposed support, arrangements and fees before a booking is confirmed. Give families a route to ask about progress and professionals a way to discuss the requirements of a placement.

Notice meaningful progress

Look beyond a single result. More accurate work, greater independence and a willingness to attempt a task can all inform the next teaching decision. No outcome should be promised for every learner.

Finding the right next step

There is no single approach that works for every child. We offer individual tuition, taught groups and independent drop-in practice, allowing us to consider what will work best for the learner.

Primary families can start with a free assessment and advice session, while secondary pupils can ask about a free KS3 or GCSE group taster. For Alternative Provision, we take time to understand the learner's circumstances and educational needs before discussing whether the provision is suitable.

Rooted in Urmston

Our centre is based at 171, 173 and 175 Broadway in Urmston, Trafford. It gives our team a shared space for teaching, practical learning and meeting with families and professionals.

Although we are a local organisation, we support families and professional referrers across Trafford, Manchester and the wider North West.

From one teacher's idea to a growing team, our aim remains simple: understand where each learner is and help them find their next step.

Illustrative photograph of a classroom with books and learning resources
A few useful answers

Your questions, answered.

Who founded Beyond Education?

Jessica Matthews founded the organisation in 2015 after tutoring since 2008. Her sister Melissa joined as co-director in 2016. Jess and Mel now run Beyond Education together, supported by a wider team of teachers, tutors and AP staff.

How do you choose a tutor or group?

We consider the learner's stage, needs and the support being sought. Primary assessment or a secondary group taster can inform the recommendation. Subject expertise and current availability also matter. Please tell us if the match does not feel right so it can be discussed.

Will my child always have the same tutor?

We aim for continuity, but the booklet explains that bookings are with Beyond Education rather than an individual tutor. Changes may sometimes be necessary. The office is your contact for discussing the arrangement and any concern about how a change affects your child.

Can we talk about progress outside collection time?

Yes. A fuller tutor conversation can be arranged through the office. This is particularly useful for group sessions, where there may not be time for individual discussions at collection. Bring specific questions or examples so the conversation can focus on what would help.

Is Beyond Education a graded Ofsted school?

Beyond Education is Ofsted registered on the Childcare Register under URN EY555760. That registration should not be described as a graded school inspection. The public register provides the relevant record, and professional referrers can ask for further information for their own checks.

Come and get to know us

Tell us what you are looking for and arrange a conversation or a visit to our Urmston centre.

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