Two brand-new tuition centres have opened in Richmond borough this month, giving children aged 4 to 16 access to extra support in Maths, English and Science.

First Class Learning, an international tuition network, has launched centres in Richmond and Ham under the leadership of Centre Manager Peggy Zaman.

Peggy, who grew up in Sydney and spent two decades in New York and San Francisco before moving to the UK, brings a wealth of global experience to the role.

After 20 years working in the legal industry, including practising corporate law in Sydney and New York, Peggy decided to follow her true passion, education.

Over the past decade she has tutored and advised students on both sides of the Atlantic, helping many secure places at Ivy League universities in the US and Russell Group institutions in the UK.

She has also guided aspiring student-athletes through the competitive recruitment process, with many gaining sports scholarships many gaining sports scholarships (Peggy was a former professional tennis player).

Peggy's connection to education is also a personal one. She is a mother of three, with two children who have already gone through the UK high school and A-level system and on to university, while the third is currently in her final year of sixth form A-levels.

Peggy Zaman, Centre Manager at First Class Richmond and Ham (credit: First Class Richmond).

Peggy told Nub News: "Helping young children is one of my passions, especially helping slow learners or state school kids who need that extra attention.

"I've always tutored in some form, even when I was a lawyer, including tutoring law students and high school children. Teaching and supporting students is something that comes naturally to me."

What makes First Class Learning different?

Unlike many tuition services, First Class Learning ensures each child receives individual attention and personalised programmes.

Each child completes an initial assessment in every subject, helping Peggy identify their strengths, address gaps in knowledge, and build independence and focus.

Lessons are then tailored to the individual and progress is only made once the child fully understands a topic.

Peggy explained: "Our programme is aligned with the national curriculum and has been developed by experienced examiners and teachers who have decades of experience.

"Every school covers topics differently, so we make sure no child is left behind.

"We nurture them according to their personality, no two children are the same. We see lots of smiles from students who feel supported, encouraged and challenged."

While Maths and English are taught across all age groups through the FCL framework, Science tuition is slightly different.

First Class Learning provides a structured Science programme for Years 7 to 9, while students in other year groups are supported through a range of alternative high-quality resources tailored to their needs.

The Richmond and Ham centres also stand out for their small group sizes, with one tutor for every five students.

This not only creates a supportive environment but also helps keep costs affordable for families.

Why Richmond?

Peggy has strong personal ties to the borough, recalling visits to Richmond Cricket Club and local parks when her children was younger.

"I just thought what a lovely area. It's the perfect place for centres that help children thrive in a comfortable, happy and safe environment," she said.

Peggy added: "If you want your child to be in a great environment, learn independence but also challenged in their work, then this is the place to be."

The Richmond centre offers classes Tuesdays from 5pm to 6:30pm at Cambrian Community Centre and the Ham location on Thursdays from 4pm to 5:30pm at Ham Youth Centre. 

To find out more about First Class Learning Richmond click here and for the Ham centre click here.

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