Private Tutor Costs UK: What to Expect
Tutoring is an investment, and prices vary more than most people expect. Here's how UK tutor pricing actually breaks down, so you know a fair rate before you book.
Typical Hourly Rates
Rough advertised ranges: primary £20–£30, KS3 £25–£35, GCSE £25–£40, A-level £30–£50, and university or degree-specialist help £40–£60+. Maths and sciences usually sit at the higher end; English and humanities a touch lower.
These are typical figures, not fixed prices — rates vary by region and tutor experience. For the practical side of finding and vetting a tutor, read our guide on how to find a private tutor in the UK.
What Shifts the Price
- Region — London and the South East often run 20–30% higher than the rest of the UK.
- Experience and qualifications — a qualified teacher charges more than a strong undergraduate.
- Subject scarcity — niche subjects and specialist degree-level help command a premium.
- In-person travel — tutors may add travel time or mileage for home visits.
- Exam-season demand — rates and availability tighten in the run-up to GCSEs and A-levels.
Online vs In Person
Online is usually a bit cheaper — no travel for the tutor — and it opens up tutors nationwide, so you're not limited to whoever lives within driving distance. In person suits younger children and hands-on subjects where sitting beside someone helps, and it can keep a younger pupil focused.
For most secondary and A-level subjects, online works well and costs less. For primary-age children, try a trial online session first — some take to it immediately, others do better with a tutor in the room.
Ways to Keep Costs Down
- Group tuition — a small group splits the hourly rate between two or three families.
- Shorter 45-minute sessions — enough for many younger pupils and cheaper than a full hour.
- Online lessons — no travel premium and a wider, more competitive tutor pool.
- Off-peak scheduling — daytime or weekend-morning slots are sometimes priced lower than weekday evenings.
- Comparing several quotes rather than accepting the first offer — marketplaces like Bark make that quick.