Comparison
Upwise vs Kip McGrath
One uses qualified teachers. The other uses research-backed AI. Both want to close the gaps.
Kip McGrath is one of Australia's most established tutoring brands, offering teacher-led sessions in centres and online. Upwise uses AI-powered mastery learning with parent guidance. Both target primary students who need extra support, but the delivery and economics are very different.
Approach
Upwise
AI-powered mastery learning with adaptive practice and parent-as-guide model
Kip McGrath
Qualified teacher-led tutoring in 60-minute weekly sessions
Price
Upwise
Early access open - places limited. Future paid plans expected from $39/month.
Kip McGrath
~$74 per session. Free initial assessment
Session format
Upwise
10-20 minute daily sessions, available anytime
Kip McGrath
60-minute weekly sessions at a centre or online
Frequency
Upwise
Daily practice - short sessions every day build stronger retention
Kip McGrath
Once per week. Homework between sessions
Subjects
Upwise
Maths, reading, spelling & grammar (Prep-Year 7)
Kip McGrath
Maths and English (primary and secondary)
Personalisation
Upwise
AI analyses every response. 167 micro-skills with mapped prerequisites
Kip McGrath
Teacher adapts to student needs. Free assessment determines starting point
Curriculum alignment
Upwise
Built specifically for ACARA and NAPLAN domains
Kip McGrath
Curriculum-aligned topics with teacher-selected materials
Parent involvement
Upwise
Daily briefings, real-time nudges, conversation scripts, weekly reports
Kip McGrath
Progress reports and parent updates from the centre
Availability
Upwise
24/7 - learn whenever your child is ready
Kip McGrath
Set times at the centre. Some locations offer online
Where Upwise is stronger
- Daily practice (not weekly) builds stronger habits and faster progress
- Unlimited sessions for $39/month vs ~$296/month for weekly Kip sessions
- AI adapts to every single response in real time
- No travel to centres - learn from home anytime
- Parent is actively involved with daily briefings and guidance
Where Kip McGrath is stronger
- Qualified teachers with face-to-face interaction
- 140+ centres across Australia - strong local presence
- Long-established trust and brand recognition
- Free initial assessment to identify needs
- Human judgement for complex learning difficulties
The verdict
Kip McGrath is the stronger choice if your child benefits from face-to-face interaction with a qualified teacher, or has complex learning needs that require human judgement. Upwise is the stronger choice if you want daily, affordable practice that targets root-cause gaps with precision - and want to be actively guided as a parent rather than dropping your child at a centre once a week.