The lives of young people in Cornwall are being transformed thanks to the passion of a former primary school teacher who set up her own tuition business in Nansledan.
Fay Morris first opened her MagiKats maths and English tuition centre in August 2020, providing fun and friendly small-group workshops in Nansledan’s Newquay Methodist Centre, The Hub, for any child from pre-school to GCSE.
It became clear that demand for tuition was high, so Fay has set up a second business, Kernow Tuition, offering bespoke one-to-one sessions all over Cornwall aimed at children who find it challenging to access traditional schooling.
Since September last year, both businesses have been located on Stret Dor Wartha in Nansledan in a dedicated tuition centre that offers a relaxed and welcoming environment, where children can have a positive learning experience.
Kernow Tuition also works with students in their own home or school to help them grow in confidence and give them the tools they need to find their feet in their preferred educational setting.
Fay said: “There are a number of children who, for a variety of reasons, need an extra boost with their learning or who are not attending school fully, and that’s where we can help. Our mission is to empower children so they can achieve their full potential, and making sure they have fun while doing it.”
Both MagiKats and Kernow Tuition have been getting rave reviews from parents. One said: “MagiKats has been working with my seven-year-old son for a while now to support him with his Literacy and Maths The team have built an incredibly strong relationship/friendship with my son following some challenging experiences at school. He now has his thirst for learning back and is very enthusiastic about what he’s been achieving.”
Another said: “The approach is gentle and fun and learning is all at their own pace.”
Fay found her love for private tutoring during maternity leave and it was then that she first heard about MagiKats. She moved to Nansledan from Newcastle in 2017 after her husband’s role in the armed forces brought the family to Cornwall and decided to launch her own Magikats franchise after leaving her full time teaching job in 2020.
Fay said Nansledan has proved to be the perfect location to live and set up her own business: “I’ve seen such a strong sense of community building here over the years as the area’s grown. When we first moved here, it felt much smaller, like a village. But now we’re really enjoying how convenient everything is.”
Kernow Tuition and MagiKats are based in what used to be the CG Fry sales office in Nansledan which has been transformed into a friendly centre with tables and chairs, bean bags and quiet areas.
Fay added: “I’ve wanted a shop since I started, so the setting I’ve got in Nansledan is perfect. I was waiting for right place in the right location at the right time and it all just came together. I love the environment we’ve created.”
Sam Kirkness, Development Manager for the Duchy of Cornwall, which is developing Nansledan, said: “Fay and her team are making a huge difference to the lives of young people in Nansledan and further afield. It’s been great to see her businesses grow from renting space in The Hub to occupying their own dedicated tuition centre. Magikats and Kernow Tuition complement the nursery and primary schools already established in Nansledan and are a great asset to the community.”
