Price Guide

How Much Does a Tutor Really Cost?

Compare prices for 12 services across 342 UK locations. Data-driven pricing updated for .

12 services priced 342 cities covered Updated

National pricing

Tutor Prices

National average prices. Select a city below for local pricing.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

Primary School Tutoring (Per Hour)

Low

£20

Average

£30

High

£40

1 hour

More details

One-to-one tutoring for primary school children covering Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 subjects including English, maths and science. Sessions are tailored to the child's ability and school curriculum.

~90% labour, ~10% materials

What affects the price

  • Subject being taught
  • Whether lessons are in-person or online
  • Tutor's experience and qualifications
  • Location and local demand

GCSE Tutoring (Per Hour)

Low

£25

Average

£35

High

£50

1 hour

More details

Private tutoring for GCSE students covering exam technique, coursework support and revision. Tutors typically specialise in specific subjects and follow the relevant exam board syllabus.

~91% labour, ~9% materials

What affects the price

  • Subject (maths and sciences tend to cost more)
  • Exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)
  • Whether lessons are in-person or online
  • Tutor's qualifications and track record

A-Level Tutoring (Per Hour)

Low

£30

Average

£45

High

£60

1 hour

More details

Specialist A-Level tutoring covering advanced subject content, exam preparation and university application support. Tutors at this level often hold relevant degrees or teaching qualifications.

~93% labour, ~7% materials

What affects the price

  • Subject difficulty and specialism required
  • Tutor's expertise and academic background
  • Whether lessons are in-person or online
  • Distance from tutor for home visits

11+ Exam Preparation (Per Hour)

Low

£30

Average

£40

High

£55

1 hour

More details

Targeted preparation for the 11+ grammar school entrance exam covering verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and maths. Includes practice papers and exam technique coaching.

~88% labour, ~12% materials

What affects the price

  • Competitiveness of the local grammar school area
  • Whether mock tests are included in the price
  • Balance of verbal and non-verbal reasoning content
  • Group sessions vs one-to-one tuition

University Tutoring (Per Hour)

Low

£40

Average

£55

High

£80

1 hour

More details

Higher education tutoring for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Covers subject-specific support, essay and dissertation guidance, and exam preparation at degree level.

What affects the price

  • Subject area (STEM subjects tend to cost more)
  • Level of study (undergraduate vs postgraduate)
  • Tutor's credentials and academic standing
  • Whether dissertation or thesis support is needed

English as a Second Language (Per Hour)

Low

£20

Average

£30

High

£45

1 hour

More details

ESL tutoring for non-native English speakers at beginner, intermediate or advanced level. Can include general conversational English or preparation for IELTS, Cambridge and other recognised exams.

~90% labour, ~10% materials

What affects the price

  • Student level (beginner, intermediate or advanced)
  • Whether IELTS or Cambridge exam prep is included
  • Group sessions vs one-to-one tuition
  • Tutor's CELTA or DELTA qualification

Music Lesson (Per Hour)

Low

£25

Average

£35

High

£50

30-60 minutes

More details

Private music tuition covering instrument technique, music theory and performance skills. Lessons are typically 30 minutes for younger students and up to 60 minutes for older students and adults.

What affects the price

  • Instrument (piano and guitar most common, orchestral instruments may cost more)
  • Tutor's grade level and performance experience
  • Exam preparation for ABRSM or Trinity grades
  • Whether lessons are in-person or online

Block of 10 Lessons (GCSE)

Low

£220

Average

£320

High

£450

10 hours

More details

Most tutors offer discounted block bookings. Typical 5-10% saving over individual lessons. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly over a school term.

~98% labour, ~2% materials

What affects the price

  • Subject being studied
  • Length of commitment agreed
  • Tutor's availability during peak exam season
  • Whether payment is required upfront

Intensive Revision Course (Holiday)

Low

£150

Average

£250

High

£400

2-3 days

More details

Concentrated revision sessions over school holidays, typically 2-3 hours per day. Covers key topics, past paper practice and exam technique in a focused block format.

~96% labour, ~4% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of subjects covered
  • Proximity to the exam date
  • Group sessions vs one-to-one tuition
  • Whether revision materials are included

SEN / Additional Needs Tutoring (Per Hour)

Low

£30

Average

£45

High

£60

1 hour

More details

Specialist tutoring for dyslexia, ADHD, autism and other additional learning needs. Tutors typically hold specific SEN qualifications and adapt their teaching methods to the individual learner.

~89% labour, ~11% materials

What affects the price

  • Specific learning need or condition
  • Tutor's SEN qualifications and experience
  • Whether specialist resources or tools are required
  • Whether an educational psychologist assessment report is available

Online Tutoring (Per Hour)

Low

£20

Average

£28

High

£40

1 hour

More details

Typically 15-25% cheaper than in-person tutoring. Uses Zoom, Microsoft Teams or specialist tutoring platforms with interactive whiteboards and screen sharing.

What affects the price

  • Subject and level being taught
  • Platform used (some charge the tutor a fee)
  • Tutor's flexibility on scheduling across time zones
  • Whether lesson recordings are available for review

Adult Learning / Professional (Per Hour)

Low

£30

Average

£45

High

£70

1 hour

More details

Professional development, career change skills, hobby learning and personal enrichment tutoring for adults. Covers everything from language learning to IT skills and creative subjects.

What affects the price

  • Subject specialism and niche expertise required
  • Tutor's relevant industry experience
  • Whether any certification is included on completion
  • Structured course vs ad-hoc session format

Popular locations

Tutoring Costs by City

London

£25–£50

Birmingham

£20–£35

Leeds

£20–£40

Glasgow

£20–£40

Sheffield

£20–£40

Manchester

£20–£40

Bradford

£20–£35

Edinburgh

£25–£45

Liverpool

£20–£40

Bristol

£20–£45

Coventry

£20–£40

Leicester

£15–£35

Local pricing

Find Tutor Costs in Your City

Browse all 342 cities for local tutor pricing.

Barking and Dagenham Barnet Bexley London
Brighton Milton Keynes Reading Southampton
Bournemouth Bristol Gloucester Plymouth
Colchester Luton Norwich Peterborough
Birmingham Coventry Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton
Derby Leicester Northampton Nottingham
Bradford Leeds Sheffield York
Bolton Liverpool Manchester Warrington
County Durham Middlesbrough Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland
Blaenau Gwent Bridgend Cardiff Swansea
Aberdeen Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow
Belfast

Regional comparison

Primary School Tutoring (Per Hour) by City

Average cost of primary school tutoring (per hour) across key UK cities.

London
+24% £35
Manchester
-2% £30
Birmingham
-7% £30
Glasgow
+5% £30
Bristol
+7% £30
Leeds
-3% £30
Cardiff
-2% £30
Belfast
-13% £25

Overview

What Does a Tutor Do?

A tutor provides professional services covering private tutoring for gcse, a-level, 11+, primary school and adult learning. They handle everything from routine maintenance and inspections to full installations and emergency repairs. Whether you need a small repair or a major project, hiring a qualified tutor ensures the work is done safely, to code, and to a professional standard.

You should hire a tutor whenever you need work that requires specialist skills, tools, or qualifications. Many types of tutor work are regulated and must be carried out by a certified professional. Attempting DIY on regulated work can be dangerous, void your insurance, and create costly problems down the line.

Pricing for tutor services depends on the complexity of what you need, the options chosen, and where you live in the UK. Simpler services sit at the lower end of the scale, while more involved or premium options will be significantly more expensive. The prices on this page give you a realistic range for each type of service so you know what to expect before getting quotes.

When hiring a tutor, always get at least three quotes from different tradespeople. Read recent reviews and ask for references. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews. A reputable tutor will be happy to provide a detailed breakdown of costs and explain exactly what is included in their quote.

Related services

Related Services

Services often needed alongside a tutor.

Driving Lessons UK price guide £28–£40 Dog Walking UK price guide £10–£18 Cleaning UK price guide £25–£45 Dentist UK price guide £27–£27 Hairdresser UK price guide £35–£80 Solicitor UK price guide £800–£2,200 Family Solicitor UK price guide £2,000–£15,000 Wedding Photography UK price guide £1,000–£3,000 Dog Grooming UK price guide £25–£50

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about tutor costs in the UK.

How often should my child have tutoring sessions?
For most students, one session per week is enough to make steady progress. Students preparing for imminent exams (GCSEs, A-Levels, 11+) may benefit from two sessions per week in the final months. Consistency matters more than frequency — regular weekly sessions over several months produce better results than intensive last-minute cramming.
What is the difference between online and in-person tutoring?
Online tutoring is typically cheaper, offers a wider choice of tutors regardless of location, and saves travel time. In-person tutoring can be better for younger children who may struggle to focus on a screen, and allows the tutor to work directly with physical materials. Many students do well with either format.
How do I know if my child needs a tutor?
Common signs include falling behind in class, loss of confidence in a subject, upcoming exams with weak areas, or needing help with entrance exams like the 11+. Tutoring is not just for struggling students — many high-performing students use tutors to push for top grades or prepare for competitive exams.
What qualifications should a tutor have?
There is no legal requirement for tutors to have specific qualifications. However, look for a relevant degree, teaching experience, and a current enhanced DBS check. For GCSE and A-Level tutoring, a tutor who knows the specific exam board and syllabus will be more effective than a general tutor.
How quickly will I see results from tutoring?
Most students show noticeable improvement after 8-12 weekly sessions, though this varies by student and starting point. Consistency matters more than intensity — regular weekly sessions over several months produce better long-term results than a burst of sessions right before an exam. Set realistic expectations with the tutor from the start.
Should I choose a qualified teacher or a university student as a tutor?
Qualified teachers bring classroom experience, knowledge of the curriculum and exam boards, and professional skills in managing learning. University students are often cheaper and closer in age to the pupil, which can make them more relatable. For GCSE and A-Level exam prep, a qualified teacher with current exam board knowledge is usually the better choice.
Is group tutoring cheaper than one-to-one?
Group sessions with 2-4 students typically cost 30-50% less per person than one-to-one tutoring. They work well for general subject support and revision but less well for students who need highly targeted help. Some tutors offer small group sessions at a fixed rate, so the more students in the group the cheaper it gets per head.
Do tutors need a DBS check?
There is no legal requirement for private tutors to have a DBS check, but any reputable tutor working with children should have a current enhanced DBS certificate. If they are working through a tutoring agency, the agency should handle the DBS check. Always ask to see the certificate and check it is recent — they do not expire but become less reliable over time.
When is the best time to start tutoring for GCSEs or A-Levels?
Starting in Year 10 for GCSEs or the beginning of Year 12 for A-Levels gives the most time to build knowledge gradually. Starting in the final few months before exams can still help with revision technique and exam practice but will not fill large knowledge gaps. For the 11+ exam, most families start preparation 12-18 months beforehand.
How much does a tutor cost in the UK?
The most common tutor job, primary school tutoring (per hour), costs between £20 and £40 nationally, with an average of £30. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and your location within the UK.
What affects tutor prices?
The main factors are the complexity and scope of what you need, the options and products chosen, and your location. London and the South East are typically 15-35% more expensive than northern regions. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
How do I find a reliable tutor?
Get at least three quotes from different tradespeople, check recent reviews and references, and ask for a detailed written quote that breaks down all costs before committing. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews.
Do tutor prices vary by location?
Yes, significantly. London is the most expensive area, with prices typically 20-35% above the national average. The South East is also above average. Northern England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland tend to be 5-15% below the national average. Our city pages show exact local pricing for 342 UK locations.
Do the prices shown include materials?
The prices on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some tradespeople break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.
When is the best time to hire a tutor?
Demand for tutor services tends to peak in autumn and winter, which can mean longer wait times and higher prices. If your job isn't urgent, booking during spring or summer may get you a better rate and faster availability. Emergency work will always cost more regardless of the time of year.