Cluey Learning Reviews, Pricing & Alternatives (For Physics) in 2026

Cluey Learning is an Australian education technology company offering personalised 1:1 and small-group online tutoring for school students from Year 2 through Year 12. It covers subjects including Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and is mapped to the Australian national curriculum.

This article reviews what students and parents are saying about Cluey Learning, breaks down its pricing structure, examines its refund policy, and compares it to other options — including platforms better suited for Physics and closely related subjects like calculus and engineering mechanics — so you can make an informed decision.

Reviews & User Feedback for Cluey Learning in 2026

User reviews for Cluey Learning are genuinely mixed across major platforms. Positive experiences focus on individual tutors who have made a real difference to students’ confidence and grades. Negative reviews frequently cite billing confusion, difficulty reaching human support, and an inconsistent parade of tutor changes. For Physics specifically, reviewers note that tutor knowledge varies considerably — while some Physics and Maths tutors are praised warmly by name, others are criticised for mismatches in subject knowledge or communication.

Trustpilot

On Trustpilot, Cluey Learning has accumulated approximately 319 reviews with an overall rating of around 3.1 out of 5 stars. Trustpilot has also flagged that the company may be soliciting reviews in ways that breach Trustpilot’s guidelines.

Positive reviewers praise tutors by name and highlight grade improvements. One parent noted a student went from struggling in Maths to topping the year in Standard Maths. Negative reviewers, however, describe being charged for sessions they could not attend due to platform login failures, tutor cancellations with no notice, and difficulty reaching human support — with several expressing frustration that support redirected them back to a platform they were unable to log into.

For Physics, individual tutor reviews are warm when a good match is made, but tutor churn is a recurring theme. Multiple parents report five or more different tutors over a short period, which is particularly disruptive for a concept-heavy subject like Physics.

ProductReview.com.au

ProductReview.com.au, Australia’s largest consumer opinion site, shows a rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars from 919 reviews — a larger and more geographically relevant sample for an Australian service.

Reviewers on this platform echo Trustpilot sentiment. Long-term users note value in the weekly progress reports and session recordings but report significant frustration with the ClueyHub platform’s login reliability. One long-term customer who had used the service for three years described repeated login failures immediately before sessions, resulting in charged missed sessions and a difficult refund process. A note from other reviewers warns that some five-star reviews on this platform resulted from incentivised partnerships with Cluey.

Physics and Maths tutors who stay with a student long-term receive glowing reviews. The problem documented by parents is that staying with the same tutor is not always guaranteed by Cluey’s system.

Glassdoor (Employee Reviews)

On Glassdoor, Cluey Learning has 124 employee reviews with an overall rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars. Work-life balance scores 3.7 out of 5, while career opportunities score only 2.6 and compensation and benefits 2.7 out of 5.

Tutor-specific reviews are revealing. Multiple current and former tutors note that while they genuinely enjoy working with students and seeing their progress, the pay structure means tutors earn as little as AUD $25 per session while families are charged $70–$95 per session. Some tutors raise concerns about student assignment being handled poorly, which directly explains the “revolving door” of tutors experienced by families. One reviewer flagged that Cluey was beginning to integrate AI into its platform in ways that concerned tutors about their long-term roles.

Overall, employee sentiment reflects an organisation under financial pressure, which some reviewers connect to the service inconsistencies that appear in customer-facing reviews.

Cluey Learning’s Own Platform

On its own reviews page, Cluey claims a 4.7 out of 5 rating from parents and students across over one million completed sessions. The platform also states that 85% of Cluey students feel more confident after tutoring. These claims are not independently verified through a third-party audit, and independent review platforms tell a different story. Readers should note this discrepancy when comparing.

Is Cluey Learning legit?
Yes, Cluey Learning is a legitimate business. It is publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: CLU), has been operating since 2017, and has completed over one million tutoring sessions. However, mixed reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot and ProductReview.com.au indicate that the quality of experience varies significantly from family to family. Cluey Learning is a real company — but that does not guarantee every family will have a positive experience.

Cluey Learning Pricing, Refunds & Policies in 2026

Cluey Learning does not publish a simple, flat hourly rate. Pricing varies by plan and is structured around advance payment. Based on publicly available data from Cluey’s own pricing page and third-party sources, 1:1 sessions range from AUD $70 per hour (Value Max plan) to AUD $90 per hour (Saver plan). Group sessions are priced at approximately AUD $60 per session. All prices include GST.

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“Leave your morals at the door if you want to pitch the most expensive tutoring in the market.”

— Former Cluey Learning employee, via Glassdoor

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User feedback on pricing is consistently critical. Many reviewers describe Cluey as expensive relative to private tutors available locally, who often charge AUD $30–$60 per hour. Parents who report positive academic outcomes nonetheless comment that the cost is a significant barrier. Some reviewers describe being enrolled automatically into more expensive ongoing plans after a discounted trial, resulting in unexpected charges on their bank account. At least one Glassdoor reviewer noted that families are charged well above AUD $100 per session in certain plans, while tutors receive approximately AUD $25 for the same session.

Trials: Cluey Learning does not offer a free trial. It does offer a discounted first session, currently advertised as 50% off the first session, though promotional terms vary by period. Independent sources and the Cluey pricing page confirm the trial is a paid discounted session, not a free one. Some reviewers report the trial was described differently over the phone versus what they were billed.

Refunds: Cluey’s refund policy states that remaining account credit is refunded upon cancellation of enrolment, in line with each plan’s terms. Outside of plan criteria, refunds are considered only under exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis. In practice, many reviewers on Trustpilot and ProductReview.com.au report difficulty obtaining refunds, including for sessions missed due to Cluey’s own platform failures or tutor no-shows. Cluey is legally obligated under Australian Consumer Law to issue refunds for major service failures, but enforcing this appears to require persistence.

Hidden fees and billing: There are no publicised monthly membership fees. However, several reviewers report unexpected charges: billing for sessions before they consented to ongoing enrolment, credit card surcharges that are non-refundable, cancellation fees for insufficient notice (which varies by plan from 2 to 6 weeks), and session credits forfeited for cancellations outside the allowed window. The Cluey Student Agreement confirms that failed attendance without proper notice results in a full session charge. Families should read plan terms in full before enrolling.

Alternatives to Cluey Learning

Given Cluey Learning’s premium pricing and the mixed reviews around customer service and tutor consistency, it is worth considering other options — especially if your student needs focused Physics help at the college or senior school level, or if your budget is a concern. Below is a look at both tutoring platforms and free or lower-cost alternatives, including non-tutoring resources that students find genuinely useful.

My Physics Buddy (MPB) is an online 1:1 tutoring and homework help service focused specifically on Physics and closely related subjects including calculus, engineering mechanics, and applied mathematics. MPB serves students globally, primarily in the USA, Canada, the UK, and other developed countries. Its tutors are described as engineers and PhD holders with strong online teaching experience. Pricing is available on a pay-as-you-go basis with no long-term contracts or subscriptions, making it more accessible than Cluey for families who want flexibility. For students needing Physics-specific expertise at the college or senior school level — AP Physics, IB Physics, MCAT Physics, or university-level mechanics — My Physics Buddy’s subject focus is a notable differentiator from a general tutoring platform like Cluey. The absence of lock-in contracts is another practical advantage for families cautious about billing issues.

My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a well-reviewed online tutoring service covering Physics, Maths, engineering subjects, and hundreds of other STEM topics. It primarily serves college and university students in the USA, UK, Canada, Gulf region, and Australia. MEB offers both 1:1 live tutoring and homework help on a pay-as-you-go basis, starting from approximately USD $20 per hour for school-level students, making it significantly more affordable than Cluey’s AUD $70–$90 per session. On Trustpilot, MEB holds a strong rating across 72+ reviews, with particular praise for Physics and engineering tutor quality. The platform operates via WhatsApp and Google Meet, with no specialised software downloads required. A drawback is that it is geared toward older students (high school through university) rather than primary school learners, and it does not follow the Australian school curriculum specifically.

Local private tutors remain one of the most cost-effective and personalised options. A local Physics tutor typically charges AUD $40–$70 per hour — sometimes less for student tutors from local universities. Platforms like TutorFinder and Find A Tutor can connect families with vetted local options. The main advantages are continuity (the same tutor, every session) and the ability to meet in person if preferred. The downside is that quality and reliability vary, and there is typically no support infrastructure if issues arise.

Khan Academy is a free, non-profit learning platform with comprehensive video lessons and practice exercises in Physics, Maths, and many other subjects. It is not a live tutoring service — there is no tutor interaction — but the quality of content, particularly for foundational and AP-level Physics, is widely praised. It is best used as a supplement to tutoring rather than a replacement. For a student who needs to revisit a specific concept at midnight before an exam, Khan Academy is hard to beat. Its Trustpilot rating is approximately 3.6 out of 5, with most criticism directed at limited interactivity rather than content quality.

 

Varsity Tutors is a US-based online tutoring platform offering 1:1 tutoring in a wide range of subjects including Physics, Maths, AP and IB courses, and test preparation. It uses a network of thousands of screened tutors and has a reputation for a broad subject offering. Pricing is generally higher than MEB but varies by tutor. It is a strong option for US-based students who want vetted, on-demand Physics help with a large tutor pool to choose from. It does not focus on the Australian curriculum, so it is less useful for Australian school students.

University library and learning support centres are a free and underused resource. Most universities offer drop-in tutoring, peer learning programmes, and subject librarians who can connect students with resources. For students enrolled in a course where they are struggling, the first call before paying for tutoring should be to the institution’s own student support services. These are free, staffed by people who know the specific course, and often dramatically underutilised.

YouTube channels such as Professor Leonard and 3Blue1Brown offer outstanding free content for Physics, calculus, and STEM subjects. Professor Leonard’s university-level Calculus and Physics lectures are particularly popular with college students for their depth and clarity. These are free, available 24/7, and require no login. They are not interactive and cannot answer specific questions, but as preparation or review, they are exceptional.

 

Coursera and edX offer structured online courses in Physics, engineering, and related subjects from top universities worldwide. Courses can be audited for free or completed with a paid certificate. For a student who wants structured, paced learning in Physics beyond what their school or university provides, these platforms offer university-grade material. The limitation is that they are self-paced and do not provide personalised help with specific homework problems.

Winners

Quality of Tutors: My Physics Buddy (for Physics-specific expertise) / My Engineering Buddy (for broader STEM)
Pricing: Khan Academy (free) / My Engineering Buddy (paid, most affordable for 1:1)
Quality of Customer Care: My Engineering Buddy
Ease of Use: Khan Academy / Cluey Learning (for families who need a structured, scheduled programme)

How It Works

For Students

Students enrol on the Cluey Learning website by answering a few questions about their subject, year level, and learning goals. Cluey then matches the student with a tutor and schedules a first session. Sessions take place on the Cluey Learning Platform — a browser-based environment that requires a Windows or Mac desktop or laptop with a camera, microphone, and speaker. The platform does not currently support mobile devices or tablets, which has been a point of frustration for some families.

Each session uses live video, audio, and an interactive whiteboard. Sessions are recorded and accessible via the Cluey Hub portal. After each session, the tutor submits a progress report for the parent to review. Students can also access practice questions within the platform outside of session time. In 2026, sessions can be booked any day between 7am and 10pm. Students can reschedule sessions free of charge with at least 48 hours’ notice. Less than 48 hours’ notice incurs a cancellation fee as outlined in the plan terms.

For Tutors

Cluey Learning recruits tutors through an application and vetting process that the company states accepts only approximately 6% of applicants. Accepted tutors include qualified teachers, high ATAR achievers, and subject matter experts based throughout Australia. All tutors must hold a Working With Children Check (WWCC).

Tutors set their availability through the Cluey system and are matched with students. Sessions are conducted through the Cluey platform. Tutors are expected to submit feedback reports after each session. Employee reviews on Glassdoor indicate that the pay rate for tutors is approximately AUD $25 per session, with limited ability to negotiate and no meaningful career progression path within the company. Some tutors report satisfaction from working with students but significant dissatisfaction with administrative support and pay relative to what families are charged. The company has noted it is in the process of integrating AI tools into its platform, which has raised some concern among the tutor community.

Cluey Learning Company Information

Cluey Learning was founded in 2017 in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Rohald and Michael Allara. Mark Rohald, the CEO, has over 30 years of experience in private education across the UK, South Africa, Canada, and Australia. He previously co-founded Educor, one of the largest private education companies in the world, which was listed on both the JSE and NASDAQ. He also co-founded the Think Education Group and the Open Colleges Group in Australia. Michael Allara served as Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer before departing.

Cluey launched its first online tutoring model in 2018 (beginning with Mathematics), expanded to English and Chemistry in following years, and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: CLU) in December 2020. As of February 2026, Cluey’s stock trades at approximately AUD $0.04, with a market capitalisation of around AUD $17.1 million — a significant decline from its listing price, reflecting the challenging economics of its business model. The company has approximately 85 employees and operates in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, according to PitchBook. In November 2025, Cluey completed an acquisition of Art of Smart Education, expanding its services offering.

Cluey’s stated mission is to make a real difference to the way students learn by integrating technology with personalised education. It has completed over one million tutoring sessions and serves students primarily in Years 2–12. Its core programmes are aligned to the Australian national curriculum and state syllabuses, which is a competitive advantage for Australian school students but limits its relevance for international or college-level learners.

USP and drawbacks: Cluey’s key differentiator is its structured, curriculum-aligned tutoring programme delivered through a purpose-built platform with session recordings and progress reports. Its main drawbacks, as documented in public reviews, include above-average pricing, difficulty reaching customer support, tutor inconsistency, and a platform that does not support mobile devices. Customer support operates Monday to Friday 9am–9pm and weekends 9am–6pm AEST, which leaves students in Western Australia without support during their evening sessions.

AI and future plans: Cluey has acknowledged the growing role of AI in education. Its February 2025 blog post titled “Kids today and the rise of AI” reflects the company’s awareness of the shift in the learning landscape. Glassdoor reviewers from within the company reference an ongoing AI integration process that the company was pursuing as of late 2024 and into 2025 — including training AI systems on tutor data. The company has not published a detailed public roadmap for AI features, but given the competitive pressure from AI-powered tutoring tools, some form of AI-assisted learning support appears to be in development. Data not publicly available on the specifics of Cluey’s AI product timeline.

FAQs

Does Cluey Learning offer Physics tutoring?

Yes. Cluey Learning offers Physics tutoring as part of its curriculum-aligned programmes for Australian school students from Year 7 through Year 12. Physics is listed alongside Maths, English, Chemistry, and Biology on the Cluey Learning platform.

How much does Cluey Learning cost per session in 2026?

In 2026, Cluey Learning charges between AUD $70 and AUD $90 per session for 1:1 tutoring, depending on the plan selected. Group sessions cost approximately AUD $60. All prices include GST. See the Cluey pricing page for the most current information.

Is it hard to get a refund from Cluey Learning?

Based on public reviews on Trustpilot and ProductReview.com.au, many families report difficulty obtaining refunds from Cluey Learning, even for sessions missed due to platform failures. Cluey’s official refund policy states that remaining credit is refunded on cancellation per plan terms. Exceptional refund requests are handled case by case.

What are the best Cluey Learning alternatives for Physics?

For Physics-specific tutoring, My Physics Buddy and My Engineering Buddy are focused alternatives with lower pricing and no long-term contracts. Khan Academy is a free resource for self-directed Physics learning. Local private tutors and university learning centres are also worth exploring.

Does Cluey Learning work on mobile devices or tablets?

No. As of 2026, the Cluey Learning platform does not support mobile devices or tablets. It requires a Windows or Mac desktop or laptop with a camera, microphone, and internet connection. Multiple reviewers have flagged this as a significant inconvenience, particularly when login issues arise.

How does Cluey Learning select its tutors?

Cluey Learning states it accepts only approximately 6% of tutor applicants. Tutors must hold Working With Children Checks (WWCC) and typically include qualified teachers, top ATAR achievers, and subject experts. Despite this process, public reviews frequently cite tutor inconsistency and frequent tutor changes as a service problem.

Conclusion

Cluey Learning is a legitimate, structured, and curriculum-focused tutoring service that has helped many Australian school students improve their confidence and grades. For Physics specifically, the quality of individual tutors can be excellent — but reaching and keeping a good Physics tutor through Cluey’s system is not guaranteed, and this is perhaps the most consistent concern in independent reviews as of 2026. Combined with premium pricing, a strict and sometimes confusing billing structure, and difficulty reaching customer support when things go wrong, Cluey may not suit every family’s needs or budget. Parents and students comparing platforms are encouraged to weigh these factors carefully against alternatives that may offer more subject-specific expertise, greater pricing flexibility, or simpler cancellation terms.

This article is based on publicly available data, reviews, and official sources, last verified in 2026. My Physics Buddy is listed as an alternative and reviewed using the same criteria as competitors.