How to Find a Private Tutor in the UK
One-to-one tuition can turn a struggling subject around, but finding a tutor you actually trust is the hard part. This guide walks through the fastest ways to find, vet and book a private tutor in the UK — and what it should cost.
Where to Look
Three main routes exist. Personal recommendations are great if you're lucky enough to know someone whose child clicked with a tutor — but that's a small pool. Tutoring agencies vet their tutors and handle the admin, but they charge agency fees on top of the tutor's rate, so you pay more for the same hour.
Online marketplaces like Bark sit in the middle: you describe what you need and local tutors come to you with quotes and reviews. Marketplaces are usually fastest for comparing several options side by side, and you can read what other parents and students said before you reply.
How to Vet a Tutor
Before you book, do a few quick checks. Confirm the tutor's qualifications in the subject and level you need. Ask about their experience with your specific exam board — a tutor who teaches AQA GCSE maths may not know Edexcel's paper structure inside out.
Read reviews from other parents and students, not just the testimonials on the tutor's own profile. If you're tutoring a child, ask for a DBS check — a reputable tutor will already have one and won't be fazed by the question. And always book one trial session before committing to a block of lessons.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- What's your experience with [exam board]?
- How do you track progress over time?
- What are your cancellation and rescheduling terms?
- Online or in person — and which do you recommend for this subject?
- Is there homework between sessions, and how is it marked?
What It Typically Costs
Advertised rates vary by level and region, but expect roughly £20–£30/hour for primary, £25–£40 for GCSE, £30–£50 for A-level, and £40+ for specialist or university-level help. London and the South East usually run higher. Online lessons are often a little cheaper than in person because there's no travel for the tutor.
Treat these as ballparks — get quotes for your exact needs. For a fuller breakdown of pricing by level and subject, see our guide on what tutoring costs in the UK.
Red Flags
- No reviews or references, or only vague verbal ones.
- Pressure to buy a big bundle of lessons upfront before a trial.
- Vague answers about experience or exam-board familiarity.
- Unwillingness to do a single trial session first.