Tutorhub, the online tutoring website started by two Bristol tech entrepreneurs, has reached 1,000 users within eight months.
The site helps pupils and their parents tackle homework and exam revision and since its launch last December has received questions from ‘what are enzymes?’ to ‘why is hydrogen used as rocket fuel?’
It works by linking students with more than a hundred tutors to help them with the full spectrum of subjects from algebra to zoology. Students can post simple queries and receive answers for free but pay for one-to-one online tutoring.
Targeted at the Facebook generation, Tutorhub has seen a big take-up in users swapping information and advice.
The Bristol-based firm is the brainchild of Kevin Gibson and Jon Ellis. Mr Gibson worked in Silicon Valley and Australia before returning to his hometown of Bristol to start his own tech business.
His other business interests include a privately-held commercial property company and Ebooks Corporation — an Australia-based world leader in digital book technology, where he is a leading shareholder and chairman. He also sits on the board of Hanzo Archives, a web archiving and e-discovery company.
Mr Ellis, a former head of finance at Lloyds TSB-turned-online entrepreneur, also owns Bristol-based Jiva, which builds social web applications.
Mr Ellis said: “Tutorhub is designed to serve the needs of today’s learners who are completely at home accessing, processing and sharing information. Young people are used to sharing information in real time and expect instant results. We have GCSE students quizzing our online tutors and A-level students chipping in with additional ideas and even pointers for further research.”
Parents keep control of the finances and can choose tutors to provide online help with specific GCSE or A-Level subjects or to coach children as they come up to school entrance exams.
Tutors are well-qualified, CRB-checked post and undergraduates and teachers with familiar with a range of exam boards.
Tutorhub has a target of 10,000 users by summer next year.
