How to budget for a private tutor in the UK

The amount you pay depends on the tutor’s quoted rate, lesson length, number of lessons and agreed terms. Compare actual offers for the subject and level you need. Tutorwise does not currently publish a verified market-wide average in this guide; an illustrative budget is not a claim that tutors are available at that price.

Work out the total, not just the hourly rate

For example, four one-hour lessons at an agreed £30 per hour would cost £120 before any additional agreed charges. Eight would cost £240. These are arithmetic examples, not current Tutorwise offers or predictions of the sessions a learner will need.

Check whether the advertised price is per hour or per lesson and confirm the duration. Ask about travel, materials, booking charges, group size, minimum commitments and cancellation terms. Where a package is offered, compare its total cost and refund terms with individual sessions.

Compare like-for-like support

Write down the subject, learner level, exam board if relevant and the goal. Compare tutors on their relevant experience and proposed plan as well as price. A higher rate does not guarantee better teaching or fewer lessons; a lower rate does not establish poor quality.

For online lessons, check the proposed tools and study arrangements. For in-person tuition, agree travel and the lesson setting. Group tuition may have a different per-learner price and needs to match the learner’s goals; do not assume it always costs less.

Check what has actually been verified

Look at the evidence and verification statuses on the individual profile. Ask about qualifications, relevant teaching experience, references and how progress will be reviewed. A listing or credibility score is not proof that all checks are complete, a safety guarantee or a promise of a grade improvement.

For a child, a parent or carer should arrange contact, agree supervision and know how to report concerns. Confirm the lesson plan, price, duration and cancellation terms before booking.

Budget for exam entry separately where applicable

If a learner is entering an exam through a private-candidate centre, ask that centre about its fees and deadlines. Do not assume exam entry is included in tutoring. The National Careers Service explains resit options; the centre confirms the arrangements for an individual entry.

Submit a realistic requirement

Set an hourly budget you can sustain and give realistic weekly times, the intended start date and the preferred format. Include the subject, level, exam board if known and general location. Avoid publishing a child’s full name, school or home address.

You can submit a tutoring requirement even when suitable supply is absent. A client account is required to publish it. The request records what you need; it does not book or pay for a lesson and does not guarantee a tutor match.

For more specific preparation, see choosing GCSE maths tuition and planning GCSE resits.