Character references

Why we ask

Our tutors work one to one with children and young people, often in the family home. That trust is something we take seriously, and it is a big part of why families choose NextStepAcademy over a faceless marketplace.

Character references are one of the ways we hold our standard high. Asking two people to vouch for you helps us confirm you are exactly who your application suggests, and gives the families we work with real peace of mind.

Who your references can be

These are character references, not professional ones, so they do not need to be people you have worked for. Choose two people who know you well and can speak to the kind of person you are. That might be a family member, a friend, a former teacher, or a past employer or colleague.

The only people they cannot be are yourself, or the same person twice.

What we will ask them

If your application moves forward, we email each of your references a short, private form. It takes about two minutes and asks a few simple questions: how they know you, whether they would be comfortable with you supporting a young person, and a couple of words on your character and reliability. Their answers stay confidential.

When it happens

We do not contact your references the moment you apply. Our team reviews each application first, and if we would like to take yours further, we send the reference requests then. So there is nothing you need to do after applying, other than sit tight while we review.

Questions?

If anything is unclear, just reach out at info@nextstepacademy.com.au. We are always happy to help.