Magic Link Handwriting Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, Offerings
Magic Link Handwriting offers a structured online handwriting program for ages 5–18. Founded by speech therapist Lee Dein in the UK, it aims to improve writing skills through a 30-step course. This article gives students and parents facts about Magic Link Handwriting’s services, so they can compare it with other tutoring options before choosing a program.
Magic Link Handwriting Reviews and Testimonials
Trustpilot: Magic Link Handwriting boasts over 500 reviews on Trustpilot. The company reports a 5‑star average rating, with parents praising the program’s effectiveness. For example, one testimonial calls it “transformational” for a 9-year-old’s writing. Common positive themes: clear, step-by-step instruction; rapid improvement in legibility; and motivated students. Negative feedback is rare.
Google Reviews: The Magic Link site notes “hundreds of 5-star reviews on Trustpilot and Google”. While exact Google counts aren’t public, this suggests similarly high user ratings. Customers frequently mention the program’s ease-of-use and lasting results. Some comments note that the cost is high, but they feel the improvement is worth it.
Magic Link Website: On their own site, each course level shows 5/5 stars from parents. For instance, the Level 3 course has 4 reviews averaging 5/5. Parents say instructions are “clear and precise” and children’s handwriting “became neat” after a few weeks. Review excerpts highlight marked progress even for kids with dyslexia or dysgraphia. No negative or neutral reviews are visible on the site; all sample testimonials are highly positive.
GoodSchoolsGuide: The independent UK review site GoodSchoolsGuide featured Magic Link. It calls the program “effective and enjoyable” and says it is “changing lives”. It notes that most students needed under a dozen lessons and parents saw clear gains. This independent review backs up the company’s claims of success.
Is Magic Link Handwriting legit? Based on the above platforms, Magic Link appears to be a genuine service with consistent five-star reviews and a strong reputation. We found no evidence of scam reports or major complaints. Overall, hundreds of satisfied parents and an independent review confirm the program’s legitimacy.
In summary, Magic Link Handwriting has overwhelmingly positive feedback. Parents repeatedly praise the program’s clear methods and results. The main complaint noted informally is that it can be expensive. Otherwise, users say it delivers on its promises of improving children’s handwriting.
Magic Link Handwriting Pricing
Pricing Range
Magic Link’s fees are in British pounds (GBP). The online course modules cost about £85 each. Specifically, Level 1–3 (each 10-step segment) are £84.99, or the full 30-step joined-up program is £199 (recently discounted from £254). A non-joined (print) program for ~5-year-olds is £99. These are one-time fees for 6–12 months of access.
For live tutoring services, Magic Link uses fixed session rates. Private or group lessons are £40 for one 45-minute session per child. Double sessions (90 minutes) cost £80. On top of any lessons, parents pay a one-time £120 workbook/registration fee. There is no variable pricing by subject or tutor: all certified Magic Link teachers charge the same £40 per session. (By comparison, top US tutors on platforms like Wyzant charge $150–300/hr, but Magic Link is specialized in handwriting.)
Check Magic Link’s pricing page for the latest details on courses and lesson fees.
What students say about Magic Link’s pricing
We found few direct student comments on pricing. One parent noted on a forum that “it isn’t cheap” but suggested it’s worth it if effective. Overall, customers tend to focus on the results. In the wider tutoring market, Magic Link’s rates are higher than generic group classes but comparable to private specialists. It offers a fixed price structure rather than the wide range seen on other platforms. Given the specialized curriculum and guaranteed materials, most parents feel the price matches the benefit.
Hidden costs
The main extra cost is the one-time workbook/registration fee of £120. This covers all printed materials. There is no recurring subscription or “membership” fee. Students must also have their own pens or pencils (Magic Link sells optional pens online). We found no mention of cancellation charges or other hidden fees. Once paid, there is no additional cost per session beyond the lessons themselves.
How Magic Link’s pricing works
Payments are made online in advance. The website accepts major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and PayPal, as typical for such e-commerce (the checkout is via a standard online cart system). All course fees and lesson packages must be prepaid to begin using the lessons. There are no monthly subscriptions or pay-as-you-go options. Each tutoring session or course purchase is a one-off payment. We saw no public info on discounts or promo codes, and no mention of special categories like student or military discounts. Bulk group rates aren’t offered to individuals (the group rates only refer to multiple students in one class, all paying the same fee per child).
Free Trial
Magic Link does not offer a free trial for individual users. Their “free 7-day trial” applies only to schools evaluating the program. Home users must purchase courses or lessons to start. There is no trial version, but we noted an on-page demo video that previews teaching steps.
Refund policy
According to Magic Link’s terms, buyers have a 14-day cooling-off period to request a refund. After 14 days, refunds are not given. The policy notes that if a student watches all lessons in the purchased package within 14 days, they forfeit the refund right. We did not find any user reports disputing refunds; no complaints of unfair charging appeared on review sites. In short, Magic Link’s policy is that courses can be canceled within 14 days (and course DVDs returned) but after that it is non-refundable. In practice, the company seems to adhere to this policy, and we saw no evidence of misleading charges.
Magic Link Handwriting Alternatives
Some families may consider alternatives to Magic Link if they want different formats, subject coverage, or pricing. Popular substitutes include large tutoring marketplaces and other handwriting programs. In summary, Wyzant, Tutor.com, and Chegg/Study services are broad tutoring platforms; “Handwriting Without Tears” and similar curricula are focused on handwriting. (Our own company, My Engineering Buddy, is listed here for comparison.)
Each alternative has its own pros/cons versus Magic Link. Generally, students seek an alternative if they need help beyond handwriting or want lower fees. Below we compare some notable options:
Wyzant (USA)
Pros: Wyzant is a large on-demand tutoring marketplace covering hundreds of subjects (math, science, languages, writing, etc.). It offers one-on-one sessions via video or in-person. Tutors set their own rates, which average $35–60/hour for many subjects. Students have a “Good Fit” first-hour guarantee (the first lesson is refundable if unsatisfied). Many tutors on Wyzant are certified teachers or Ivy League grads. The platform has flexible scheduling and 24/7 search.
Cons: Wyzant’s model involves a 9% service fee on top of tutor rates, so the actual cost is higher. Quality varies by tutor (some highly-rated ones charge $150–300/hr). Because it is general-purpose, there is no specialized handwriting curriculum. Unlike Magic Link, Wyzant has no built-in course or workbooks, and it’s US-focused (fewer UK tutors). Tutors and students must negotiate fit themselves; Magic Link handles the curriculum and pacing for you.
Tutor.com (USA)
Pros: Tutor.com is a 24/7 academic help service for K–12 and college students. It provides instant homework help in many subjects through an online platform. Sessions are on demand. Pricing is often subscription-based (monthly plans) which can be cost-effective for frequent use. It also offers practice quizzes and writing reviews. There is a sense of reliability since it’s run by a large company (The Princeton Review).
Cons: Tutor.com does not offer a dedicated handwriting program; it focuses on core academic subjects. The interaction is typically chat/video, not a fixed course. Prices can range around $30–50/hr equivalent via subscription. Unlike Magic Link’s structured video course and workbooks, Tutor.com does not guarantee improved penmanship. It also lacks refunds or trials beyond short-session satisfaction policies. For handwriting specifically, Tutor.com is not targeted.
My Engineering Buddy
Pros: My Engineering Buddy (MEB) offers specialized one-on-one tutoring in advanced STEM subjects like engineering, physics, and math. It provides tailored homework help and tutoring for high school and college-level topics that Magic Link does not cover. Tutors are vetted experts, and pricing starts low (we have tutors around $7/hr) for basic help. We emphasize personalized matching and after-session notes for parents. Our site has hundreds of positive testimonials for complex subjects.
Cons: MEB does not focus on handwriting or early childhood curricula. For pure penmanship improvement, Magic Link is more specialized. MEB’s tutors set their own rates, so costs can vary widely by subject and tutor expertise. There is no written course material like Magic Link’s workbooks. In terms of pricing, basic sessions might be cheaper than Magic Link, but top tutor rates on MEB can reach $100/hr.
Handwriting Without Tears
Pros: Handwriting Without Tears is a long-established curriculum available via schools and homeschool programs. It uses multisensory methods (wood pieces, workbooks, music) to teach writing. The program is endorsed by many educators and comes with teacher’s guides and manipulatives. For a parent looking for a program, it is a recognized brand with clear structure for young learners.
Cons: It is not a live tutoring service and has no online component for one-on-one help. There is no tutor support; parents or teachers must guide the student. The cost (around $30–$50 per student workbook set) is lower than Magic Link per se, but you don’t get personal instruction. Unlike Magic Link’s online videos and teacher support, HWT is more DIY. It also only covers early handwriting (K–2), not older students or cursive beyond the basics.
How Magic Link Handwriting Works
For Students
Students or parents first create an account on the Magic Link website. For the self-study course, users purchase the program online by adding the desired course modules to the cart and checking out. After payment, video lessons and printable worksheets are emailed instantly. For live lessons, the student uses the “Find Handwriting Teachers” directory to locate a nearby Magic Link instructor. Each teacher’s profile has a “Contact/Enrol” button. Parents then message the teacher directly to schedule sessions.
Once a teacher is hired, sessions are arranged privately. Lesson scheduling is handled between the student (or parent) and the teacher by phone or email. There is no platform calendar: communication and scheduling are off-platform. Live lessons typically occur in small groups or one-on-one, lasting 45–90 minutes (the exact time is agreed with the tutor). For the video course, students progress through the steps at their own pace by watching each video and practicing in the workbook daily (roughly 30 minutes per session is recommended).
For Tutors
To become a Magic Link tutor, one must join the Magic Link franchise program. Interested teachers (often qualified teachers, therapists, or specialists) apply via the website and may attend an online info session. Applicants undergo an interview/selection process; Magic Link notes it is very selective, accepting only about 1 in 50 applicants. Successful candidates pay a one-time training/licence fee (£1,995 + VAT) which includes curriculum materials, training manual, and support. There is no ongoing commission; tutors keep 100% of the session fees.
Once certified, a Magic Link teacher runs classes (often groups of 3–6 children) teaching the structured Magic Link program. Teachers charge a flat £40 per child for each 45-minute session. Because they teach multiple students at once, experienced tutors can earn a high income (the company advertises some making over £1,000 per week part-time). Magic Link provides marketing materials and a network of franchise partners. Scheduling is managed by the tutor: they find students, set up group times, and conduct lessons either in community spaces or online. For details, see Magic Link’s “Become a Magic Link Teacher” page on their site.
FAQs About Magic Link Handwriting
How does Magic Link compare to My Engineering Buddy? Magic Link is a specialized handwriting program for kids (ages ~5–18). By contrast, My Engineering Buddy offers one-on-one tutoring in STEM subjects (like math, physics, engineering) for older students. Magic Link delivers a fixed curriculum focused only on handwriting technique, while My Engineering Buddy matches students with tutors in a wide range of subjects. In pricing, Magic Link charges fixed per-session fees (and course kits); MEB tutors set rates but start as low as a few dollars per hour. Essentially, Magic Link is best for improving penmanship, whereas MEB is for academic subjects.
How much does Magic Link cost? Home-use courses range from £84.99 to £199 depending on package. Live sessions are £40 per 45-minute class per child, plus the one-time £120 workbook fee. There are no hidden charges beyond these. In practice, the total cost depends on how many steps or sessions you purchase.
What ages is Magic Link for? The joined-up (cursive) program is designed for age 6–18. There is also a non-cursive starter course for 5-year-olds. The program can be used by primary and secondary students, or even adults with illegible handwriting. It is not aimed at children younger than 5.
Does Magic Link offer one-on-one tutoring? Mostly it offers small group classes (2–6 children) at set session rates. However, you can sometimes arrange individual lessons if a tutor is available for one student. The core product is the online course and structured group teaching. There is no separate pricing for one-on-one vs group; the rate per child stays £40 regardless.
Is Magic Link Handwriting suitable for special needs? Yes. Their FAQ emphasizes success with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, autism spectrum, etc. Parents report that even children with severe handwriting difficulties made rapid progress by following the structured steps. The method starts at the basics and gradually builds skills, which helps children who need extra repetition.
Where is Magic Link based and who can use it? Magic Link is based in London, UK. All materials and lessons are in English. The online course is accessible worldwide – indeed, some testimonials mention using it from outside the UK. Live lessons are mainly offered in London and nearby UK areas (search the UK teacher directory for local options). Non-English support is not provided on their site.
Conclusion
Magic Link Handwriting’s strength is its very focused, evidence-backed program. It consistently earns excellent reviews for improving children’s writing. Its weaknesses are its narrow scope (only handwriting) and relatively high cost per session. Parents note that it’s an investment, but many say the results justify the price. In contrast, My Engineering Buddy offers broader academic tutoring (especially advanced STEM) at often lower hourly rates, making it a great alternative for college-level or technical subjects. For any student struggling with core coursework, MEB’s personalized help can complement Magic Link’s strengths by covering subjects Magic Link doesn’t teach.
