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Education & Tutors

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.

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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.
The jib first verdict
Know the going rate for your level and subject, then compare a few quotes before you commit. The cheapest tutor isn't always a bargain, but neither is the most expensive — fit and exam-board experience matter more than the hourly price.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours a week do I need?
Most students do 1 hour weekly. Twice weekly helps close a specific gap quickly, but weekly is the sustainable default for ongoing support.
Is a more expensive tutor always better?
No. Fit and experience with your exam board matter more than the headline rate. A £30/hour tutor who knows your syllabus beats a £50/hour tutor who doesn't.
Can I claim any support?
Some families qualify for help via schools or local schemes — ask your school. Pupil Premium and certain catch-up programmes can offset tutoring costs.
Affiliate disclosure
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