How to Become a Tutor in the UK
Becoming a tutor in the UK is one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to earn money using your academic or professional skills. You do not need a teaching qualification — you need subject knowledge, patience, and the ability to explain ideas clearly.
This guide covers everything: qualifications, finding students, setting your rate, and how to register on TheTutorLink to start earning within days.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Tutor?
There is no legal requirement to hold a teaching qualification to work as a private tutor in the UK. What matters is your subject expertise and your ability to communicate it.
Typical backgrounds of successful tutors include:
- A-Level or degree-level study in the subject
- Graduate or postgraduate qualifications (especially for university-level tutoring)
- Professional experience (e.g. an accountant tutoring business studies)
- Current or recent students who remember the syllabus well
A valid DBS check is not legally required but is strongly recommended if you tutor under-18s. Most parents expect tutors to hold one, and it builds trust in your profile.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Tutoring
- Choose your subject and level — Focus on what you know best. GCSE Maths, A-Level Sciences, and English are always in demand.
- Set your hourly rate — Research what tutors in your subject charge. Most online tutors charge £25–£60/hr. Start competitive, then raise your rate as you build reviews.
- Register on a platform — TheTutorLink is free to join. Create your profile in under 5 minutes, upload your qualifications, and go live.
- Get your first students — Students will find you through search. Reply promptly to messages and offer a short introductory call to build rapport.
- Deliver great lessons — Use TheTutorLink’s built-in video tool. No extra software needed. After each lesson, payment is processed securely via PayPal.
- Collect reviews and grow — Positive student reviews improve your ranking on the platform and help you attract more students.
How Much Can You Earn as a Tutor?
Your earnings depend on your subject, level, and the hours you put in. On TheTutorLink you keep 95% of every lesson fee — compared to 70–85% on most competitor platforms.
| Hours per Week | Rate (£/hr) | Monthly Earnings | You Keep (95%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 hrs/wk | £30 | £600 | £570 |
| 10 hrs/wk | £35 | £1,400 | £1,330 |
| 20 hrs/wk | £40 | £3,200 | £3,040 |
| 30 hrs/wk | £50 | £6,000 | £5,700 |
Most tutoring platforms charge 15–30% commission. TheTutorLink charges just 5%, which means you keep £570 for every £600 of lessons taught.
Online vs In-Person Tutoring
Most tutoring in the UK has moved online. Online tutoring offers:
- No travel time — tutor from home
- Access to students across the whole UK, not just your local area
- Flexible scheduling — evenings, weekends, or full-time
- Built-in tools (video, interactive whiteboard, screen sharing)
In-person tutoring still works well for primary-age pupils and students who struggle to focus at home. Many tutors offer both.
Why Register on TheTutorLink?
| Platform | Tutor Commission | Monthly Fees | Set Your Own Rate? |
|---|---|---|---|
| TheTutorLink | 95% (you keep) | None | Yes |
| Tutorful | ~75–85% | None | Yes |
| MyTutor | ~70% | None | No (set by platform) |
| Superprof | ~90% | ~£30/mo subscription | Yes |
| Explore Learning | Hourly wage only | N/A | No |
TheTutorLink gives you the highest take-home rate of any major UK tutoring platform. No monthly subscription, no lock-in contracts — just a 5% fee per lesson, paid after you teach.
- Free to register — no upfront costs
- Built-in video lessons — no Zoom subscription needed
- Set your own rate and availability
- Secure PayPal payments after every session
- Verified profile with student reviews
Register as a Tutor — Free, Takes 5 Minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tutor without a degree?
Yes. Many successful tutors are A-Level students or recent school leavers who tutor GCSE-level pupils. What matters is that you know the subject well and can explain it clearly. Some platforms require degree-level qualifications for A-Level tutoring, but there is no legal restriction.
Do tutors pay tax?
Yes. As a self-employed tutor you are responsible for registering with HMRC and completing a Self Assessment tax return each year. Keep records of your income and expenses. The personal allowance (£12,570 for 2025/26) means most part-time tutors pay little or no tax.
How do I become a tutor as a student?
Many undergraduates and sixth-form students tutor successfully. If you are studying at university, you likely know GCSE and A-Level material well. Register on TheTutorLink, highlight your grades, and tutor subjects you are confident in.
Can I tutor multiple subjects?
Yes. Many tutors list two or three subjects. Focus on subjects where you have strong academic results or professional experience. Listing too many subjects you are not expert in can lead to poor reviews.
Become a Tutor on TheTutorLink — Register Free
Related reading: Become an Online Tutor | How to Become a Maths Tutor | How to Become a Private Tutor