Understanding the Cost of Tutoring: Guide for Parents and Students

If you’ve ever found yourself searching for a tutor the night before an exam, or just wondering if extra support might help your child feel more confident, you’re not alone. With so many options (and prices) out there, knowing what to expect from private tutoring in the UK can save you time, money, and stress.

Key Takeaways

• The average cost of tutoring in the UK typically ranges from £17 to £22 per hour, depending on the subject, level, and tutor’s experience.
• Online tuition averages £19.26 per hour, while in-person tutoring is around £15.82 per hour.
• One-to-one tuition is the most common format and offers personalised support across all levels.
• Primary school tutoring has an average rate of £21.81 per hour.
• GCSE lessons cost around £17.06 per hour, and A-level tutoring averages £17.95 per hour.
• Subject-specific rates include Maths at £17.97, English at £18.76, and Science subjects like Physics and Chemistry around £19.28 per hour.
• Private language lessons vary, with German at £21.39 and Spanish at £18.64 per hour.
• Tutoring rates also vary slightly by location, with most areas ranging between £17 and £22 per hour.
• To manage tuition costs, consider group sessions or booking multiple lessons in advance.

Introduction to Tutoring Costs

Private tuition can help students of different ages with everything from subject comprehension to exam preparation. With the rise in demand for both in-person and online tutors, it's now easier to find one who fits your schedule, subject needs, and budget.

Still, hourly tutoring costs can vary widely depending on several factors including the tutor's qualifications, subject area, and format (online tuition or in person). Knowing the average cost and what affects it will help you make informed decisions about you or your child's education.

Types of Private Tuition: Online, Group and In-person Tutoring

Tutoring comes in various formats:

• In person tuition
• Online tuition
• Group tuition

How much does tutoring cost in the UK?

One-to-one tuition costs in the UK typically range from £17 to £22 per hour, but the price depends on the format and tutor's experience.

• Online tuition, while often assumed to be cheaper, actually averages £19.26 per hour. This higher cost may reflect the use of digital tools, learning platforms, and the broader access to more qualified or specialist tutors across regions.
• The average hourly rate for in-person tutoring is £15.82, making it a more cost-effective option for families looking for face-to-face support.
• Small group tuition offers a budget-friendly alternative, usually costing £10 to £15 per hour per student, and can work well for learners who benefit from peer interaction.

Prices vary depending on the tutor’s expertise, the subject, and the student’s level. Comparing local and online tutors is a helpful way to find the right match, both academically and financially.

Factors Affecting The Average Cost of Tutoring

Tutoring prices an hour can vary depending on several factors:

• Tutor qualifications: Qualified teachers and experienced private tutors specialising in a subject usually charge higher fees.
• Tutor's experience: A new private tutor might charge less than someone with a long track record.
• Subject complexity: Subjects like further maths or physics tend to cost more.
• Location: Tutors in high-demand areas typically charge more than those in rural areas.
• Format: Online tutoring tends to cost slightly more than in-person lessons on FindTutors, averaging £19.26 compared to £15.82. This may reflect greater subject availability, access to more experienced tutors, and the use of digital tools or platforms.
• Additional fees: Some tutors charge for travel expenses, materials, or specialised resources.

Understanding these different factors helps set realistic expectations for tutor cost.

Average Tuition Fees by Age Group

Tutoring cost per hour varies by education level. Here are the average tutoring rates based on student age:

• Primary school tutoring tends to be the most expensive, averaging £21.81 per hour, due to the need for qualified teachers and foundational learning.
• GCSE and secondary-level tutoring averages around £18.67 per hour.
• A-level students can expect to pay about £17.95 per hour.
• University-level tutoring averages £19.75 per hour, often requiring academic expertise.
• Adult learners typically pay £17.70 per hour, though this varies depending on the subject and goals.

Average Tutoring Rates by Region in the UK

Your location can significantly affect tutoring cost. Here's a snapshot of average rates by region:

• In London, the average cost for tutoring is £20.42.
• In West Sussex, the average tutoring cost is £21.86 per hour.
• Oxfordshire tutors charge about £21.74 per hour on average.
• In Manchester, tutoring typically costs £18.81 per hour.
• The lowest rates are found in Sheffield (£17.32), Leeds (£17.52), and Newcastle (£17.64).

Average Tutoring Rates by Subjects

Tutoring rates vary depending on subject area. Here's what tutors typically charge per hour on FindTutors:

🔬 What is the price for science tutoring in the UK?

• Physics tutors charge £19.28 an hour on average.
• Chemistry tuition is typically £19.27 an hour.
• Biology tutors charge around £18.28 an hour.
• General science tuition averages £17.90 an hour.
• Computer science lessons are usually £18.89 an hour.
• The average hourly rate for maths tutoring is £17.97.

🌍 How much do languages tutors charge an hour?

• German lessons cost £21.39 an hour, making it one of the priciest options.
• The average cost for French tuition is around £20.11 an hour.
• Japanese lessons are typically £19.51 an hour.
• Italian tutors charge £19.23 an hour.
• Spanish tuition costs £18.64 an hour.
• English as a Foreign Language (EFL) averages £17.51 an hour.

📘 What is the cost of English tutoring in the UK?

Private English lessons typically cost £18.76 per hour.

❓How much does a GCSE tutor cost per hour?

The price of GCSE lessons is £17.06 per hour.

🎓How much does an A-level tutor cost per hour?

A-Level tutoring costs £17.95 per hour on average.

Finding Affordable Tutors

There are several ways to find affordable tutors online or in-person:

• Opt for group tutoring sessions, which are more affordable.
• Book in blocks, many tutors offer discounts for multiple sessions.
• Consider new tutors who are still building experience but offer lower rates.

Check platforms offering both local and online tutors to compare prices, formats, and reviews before you pay.

Investing in Your Child’s Education and Future

Hiring a private tutor isn't simply an expense, it's a strategic investment in your child's academic success and personal development. Recent studies underscore the tangible benefits of personalised tutoring:

• Academic Improvement: An independent study revealed that 75% of students improved their performance by up to three grades with personalised tutoring. Notably, 80% of students receiving maths tutoring for 12 months saw their grades increase by up to three levels (fenews).
• Enhanced Confidence: The same study found that 90% of students who improved their grades also reported increased confidence, highlighting the role of tutoring in boosting self-esteem and motivation (fenews).
• Increased Participation: 30% of young people aged 11–16 have received private tutoring, up from 27% pre-pandemic. In London, this figure rises to 46%, indicating a growing reliance on tutoring to supplement education (Sutton Trust).

These statistics demonstrate that investing in tutoring can lead to significant academic gains and personal growth. Whether it's improving grades, building confidence, or providing targeted support, tutoring offers a personalised approach to education that can have lasting impacts on a child's future.

The tutoring prices mentioned in this article are based on real data from tutors listed on FindTutors. Average rates were calculated using publicly available profiles as of April 2025. Please note that prices can vary depending on the tutor’s experience, subject, location, and availability, and are subject to change over time.