Why January is a common starting point
The Christmas tests show where your child really stands. A lower grade than you hoped for is useful. It tells you which topics to fix first, while there's still time to fix them.
What to focus on first
Begin with the topics that carry the most marks and that your child half-understands already. Tidying those up usually lifts a grade faster than starting a hard topic from scratch. A good tutor will use the free pre-first lesson assessment to spot them.
Joining part-way through the year
You can try the class first with two free grinds. If you then enrol part-way through a month, that first month is adjusted for the weeks left. The pricing page has the exact rates. There's no registration fee, and you can leave month to month.
Leaving Cert, Junior Cycle or Ordinary Level
The same goes for 3rd, 5th and 6th year, at Higher or Ordinary Level. Pick the group on the timetable that matches your child's year and level.