How Much Does a Tutor Cost in the UK? (2026)
Private tutoring rates in the UK vary significantly by subject, level, location, and tutor experience. This guide breaks down typical costs so you can budget accurately and find the right tutor for your needs.
UK Tutoring Rates by Level (2026)
| Level | Typical Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (KS1–KS2) | £20–£35/hr | Reading, maths, phonics, 11+ prep; online slightly cheaper |
| KS3 (Years 7–9) | £22–£38/hr | Bridging between primary and GCSE; all subjects |
| GCSE (Years 10–11) | £25–£45/hr | Maths and Sciences at higher end; peaking in exam season |
| A-Level (Years 12–13) | £35–£65/hr | STEM subjects command premium; medicine prep highest |
| University / Degree | £40–£75/hr | Specialist knowledge required; postgraduate tutors common |
| Adult / Professional | £25–£55/hr | ESL, functional skills, professional development |
Tutoring Rates by Subject
| Subject | GCSE Rate | A-Level Rate | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maths | £28–£42/hr | £38–£60/hr | Highest demand; year-round; limited qualified supply |
| Further Maths | — | £42–£65/hr | Niche subject; very limited tutor supply |
| Chemistry | £28–£42/hr | £38–£58/hr | Medicine applicant demand; complex content |
| Physics | £28–£42/hr | £38–£58/hr | Engineering demand; strong maths overlap |
| Biology | £26–£40/hr | £35–£55/hr | Medicine and vet applicants |
| English | £25–£38/hr | £30–£48/hr | High volume; more tutor supply than STEM |
| Economics | £26–£40/hr | £35–£55/hr | Essay technique and data analysis in demand |
| French / Spanish | £24–£38/hr | £30–£48/hr | Native speakers often tutor at competitive rates |
| Computer Science | £26–£42/hr | £35–£55/hr | Growing demand; programming expertise valued |
| Law | — | £32–£55/hr | Degree-level knowledge needed; limited supply |
Online vs In-Person Tutoring Costs
| Format | Typical Rate Difference | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online tutoring | 0–15% cheaper than in-person | Most subjects; all ages from KS2 upwards; convenient for busy families |
| In-person tutoring | Standard rate or 10–15% premium | Young children; students who struggle to focus at home; practical subjects |
Online tutoring has become the default for most UK families. TheTutorLink tutors teach via built-in video, so there are no additional software costs for students or parents.
London vs Rest of UK
London tutoring rates are typically 20–30% higher than the national average, reflecting higher living costs. Online tutoring removes this disparity — a Manchester-based A-Level Maths tutor can teach a London student at Manchester rates.
How to Find Good Value Tutoring
- Start early — last-minute exam tutoring in April/May costs more and achieves less than consistent support from October
- Choose online — access a wider range of tutors at more competitive rates without geographic restrictions
- Read reviews — a tutor with 20 five-star reviews at £40/hr is better value than an unknown tutor at £30/hr
- Use TheTutorLink — tutors keep 95% of their fee, so there is no platform markup inflating prices
Why Tutors Are More Affordable on TheTutorLink
Most tutoring platforms charge tutors 15–30% commission per lesson. This cost is often passed on to students through higher rates. TheTutorLink charges just 5%, meaning tutors can offer competitive rates while still earning fairly.