How to Become a Maths Tutor: Requirements, Qualifications, and Benefits

Becoming a maths tutor starts with a passion for numbers and a desire to help students reach their academic goals.

A core subject of the UK curriculum, mathematics can be a polarising topic among students, with many struggling to pass their exams. As such, tutors offering maths lessons are in high demand, as parents seek to help their child build confidence and obtain top grades.

Many people find that tutoring maths can be a real vocation. Some teach without having undergone teacher training, while specialist certification is needed for other roles within this area of education.

Regardless of their professional qualifications, all tutors must possess certain qualities to ensure that their students are able to reach their full potential.

1. Key Takeaways

• Some tutors teach a wide range of topics and levels, while others choose to specialise in specific areas such as exam preparation or primary education.

• No official qualifications are required to become a maths tutor, but formal training can help you to boost your skillset and income.

• Soft skills are as important as knowledge when it comes to success in maths tutoring.

• Online tutition platforms can offer private teachers flexibility, large student networks, and payment support.

  

In this article, we'll explore the tutoring skills, knowledge and personal attributes required, together with how to fix rates and set yourself and your students up for success!

2. Starting out - which qualifications do I need?

Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to hold a formal qualification to become a maths tutor.

If you have a natural ability for maths, and enjoy working with people, you can offer private lessons via an online platform such as FindTutors, allowing you to build a student base quickly and manage your own schedule.

Maths teachers working in the compulsory education system in the UK do require training, however:

Qualifications needed:

• 5 GCSEs, including maths and English

• Bachelors degree in maths, or a related subject such as physics,

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

• Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

Both PGCE and PGDE qualifications permit candidates to obtain QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). In addition to academic certification, all educational professionals must also pass a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

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3. Maths tutors for every level - which expertise are needed?

Different study levels require different types of expertise, and many tutors find that their skills are suited to a particular cohort of students:

• Early education: Tutors who enjoy making maths fun through games, songs and Youtube videos may be a good fit as private teachers for pre-school aged children.

• Primary school: Primary maths tuition can range from support with basic numeracy skills such as counting, through to more advanced material for 11+ exam preparation.

• GCSE: Tutors specialising in GCSE classes must have a strong grasp of mathematical concepts such as algebra and statistics, in addition to helping students to develop calculator and non-calculator exam techniques.

• A-Level: Preparing students for A-Level exams requires advanced maths skills, together with guiding students towards more independent study styles and revision schedules.

• University: Some professionals working in mathematical or scientific fields offer graduate-level maths tuition.

4. Soft skills for maths tutors - do I have the right personal profile?

While an excellent comprehension of mathematical theory is essential, tutors must also posses the ability to adapt to an individual student's learning needs.

Many pupils suffer from maths anxiety, particularly regarding exams and resits, and it is important to demonstrate understanding as you help them on their learning journey. A good maths tutor is:

• Patient: some students may need to review the same concepts several times before they feel confident in tackling them.

• Flexible: creating resources and study schedules tailored to the student's pace can help them to achieve higher grades, including challenging them with more difficult materials where necessary.

• Empathetic: students who need extra help in maths may sometimes feel frustrated, and reassurance can make a big difference.

Supportive: celebrating a student's progress helps them to increase their confidence in their abilities.

5. Setting maths tuition rates - How much can I earn?

When deciding how much to charge as a maths tutor, it can be helpful to consider a range of factors, including, your professional and academic qualifications, any previous teaching experience, and whether you prefer to teach in-person or online classes.

The typical rates for maths tuition in your local area can also impact your decision. Below you can see the average cost of a one-hour private GCSE maths class across various locations:

GCSE maths tuition rates in the UK

Keep in mind that the cost of GCSE maths tutoring can differ from one area to another in large cities. Take time to research tuition prices in your locality to ensure that your hourly rate is suitable for both you and your students.

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6. The advantages of being a private maths tutor

There are many advantages to becoming a private maths tutor. Some of the benefits include:

Set your own schedule: work everyday, evenings only, or three times a week. Private tutors are in charge of their own schedule, deciding whether to teach in-person or online classes, and which study level.

Expand your network: many online tutors are able to grow a large client base, as they are not limited to teaching students in their immediate location. Online ratings and reviews can also help to build trust and increase your number of contacts in the industry.

Boost your professional skills: tutoring different age groups and ability levels allows you to diversify your skillset and expand your professional outlook, opening up niche employment opportunities in areas outside of mainstream education, such as adult numeracy skills and SEN teaching.

7. Take your talent to the next level

For maths tutors looking to optimise their offering, FindTutors offers many advantages:

• Verified tutor profiles allow you to demonstrate your professional value

• No comission on tutor rates

• Flexible lesson scheduling to suit your lifestyle

• Browse student ads to find new clients

• Advertise for online, in-person, or hybrid format classes

• Large network of students and teaching professionals across the UK

Finding the right maths tutor can make an incredible difference in a student's life. Be part of their learning experience and take your career in the direction that you want to go!