If you’re searching for a tutor for your child — or yourself — one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: how much does a tutor cost per hour in the UK?
The answer depends on many factors, from the subject area and location, to the tutor’s experience and whether the lessons are online or in-person. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between £25 and £70 per hour.
While hourly rates vary, what matters most is the outcome: stronger exam results, access to top universities, and significantly higher salaries. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, graduating with a 2.1 instead of a 2.2 could increase lifetime earnings by up to £300,000!
This is where premium providers like The Profs stand out. Sitting at the top end of the market, we work exclusively with world-class tutors. 98% hold postgraduate qualifications, 41% have doctorates, and each possesses, on average, 10+ years of experience. With credentials like these, it’s no surprise that more than 90% of students reported a grade improvement in our latest survey.
If you’re ready to achieve your academic potential, our team can personally connect you with one of our expert Online Tutors.
Contents:
- What Is the Average Cost of a Tutor in the UK?
- What Factors Influence Tutoring Rates Per Hour?
- Online Tutoring vs In-Person Tutoring: Which Is Better Value?
- How Much Does Tutoring Cost by Region?
- How The Profs Compare to Average Tutoring Rates (UK)
- What is The Long-Term Value of Private Tuition?
1. What Is the Average Cost of a Tutor in the UK?
How much does a tutor cost per hour on average?
The average cost of private tutoring in the UK currently sits around £37.45 per hour, but this can vary widely depending on the student’s level, subject, and the tutor’s qualifications. Here’s a breakdown by level of study:
Average UK tutoring rates by level of study
| Tutoring Level | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Primary | £25–35 |
| GCSE | £30–45 |
| A-level | £35–50 |
| University | £40–70 |
| Specialist Subjects | £60–100+ |
These figures reflect tuition averages across the UK. While many local tutors charge less, premium tutoring providers often charge more based on the experience of their tutors and the outcomes they deliver.
2. What Factors Influence Tutoring Rates Per Hour?
1. Subject area and tutor qualifications
Tutors in STEM subjects or languages often charge more due to higher subject-specific demand and the need for specialist knowledge. Tutors with postgraduate qualifications (including PhDs, teaching credentials, or research experience) also charge higher rates.
Here is the average price for a tutor per subject:
Subject-specific tutoring costs
| Subject Area | Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Maths | £35–100 |
| Physics | £45–120 |
| Chemistry | £45–120 |
| Biology | £35–90 |
| English Literature | £30–60 |
| French | £30–50 |
| Spanish | £30–50 |
| History | £35–70 |
| Philosophy | £35–70 |
2. Tutor’s level of experience
The tutor’s experience is one of the biggest factors influencing cost. Tutors with a long track record, strong reviews, and a history of helping students improve exam results typically charge more.
3. Age and level of the student
The level of study also impacts tutoring costs:
- Primary school = lowest rates
- GCSE = mid-range
- A-level and university = higher fees
- Specialist university-level tutoring (e.g. dissertation help or interview prep) = premium
4. One-to-one vs. group tutoring sessions
Group tutoring sessions offer lower prices per student, but lack the tailored support of one-to-one tuition. If you’re looking for targeted help in a specific subject area or need a tutor for your child with individual learning needs, private tuition is the more effective option — even if it comes at a higher cost.
3. Online Tutoring vs In-Person Tutoring: Which Is Better Value?
1. Online tutoring: More flexible, often more affordable
Online tutoring has reshaped the tutoring landscape in the United Kingdom. Tuition costs vary depending on several factors such as subject, level, and tutor experience, but online tuition tends to cost less than in-person options. You can expect to pay an average of £25–£40 per hour for standard online tutoring, with top-tier services costing around £60–£100+ per hour.
What makes online tutoring attractive isn’t only the tutor prices, but the:
- Broader access – parents and students can find a tutor from anywhere in the country, whether they need a mathematics teacher, a physics tutor, or a science tutor in biology or chemistry.
- Flexibility – lesson plans can be scheduled more easily, making it ideal for busy families and university students.
- Use of technology – teaching methods are supported by interactive tools, allowing teachers to adapt their teaching style and track learning outcomes effectively.
- Continuity – during the Covid-19 pandemic, online tuition proved vital in keeping students on track when classroom learning was disrupted. Following this, more and more families consider online tutoring a viable long-term solution.
For families investing in a tutor for a child, opting for online tutoring is a smart choice. Tutoring platforms, such as The Profs, provide access to high-quality tutoring that delivers life-changing results. In fact, students who received private lessons from our Online Tutors went on to achieve top grades, secure places at leading universities, and build lasting confidence in their academic abilities.
2. In-person tutoring: Preferred by some, but comes at a cost
In-person tutoring might be great for kinesthetic or tactile learners, but this approach often comes with disadvantages that make it less practical for many families across the United Kingdom:
- Higher tuition fees – tutors charge per hour more than online alternatives, especially in London and other areas with a higher cost of living. Families may find rates £10–£20 higher per hour compared to the national average.
- Travel costs and time – if a tutor travels to your home, additional tuition payments are usually added to cover transport, making the cost of tuition even greater.
- Limited tutor choice – you’re restricted to tutors near your location, which can be a problem if you’re looking for a specialist mathematics, physics, or biology tutor.
4. How Much Does Tutoring Cost by Region?
Rates across the UK vary — especially between urban and rural areas
| Region | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| London & South East | £45–£70 |
| North of England | £25–£35 |
| Midlands | £25–£35 |
| Wales | £25–£35 |
| Scotland | £25–£35 |
In London and the South East, the cost of living and transport costs contribute to a higher tutor salary, which in turn pushes up tutoring fees. In contrast, tutors in the North or more rural areas often offer lower rates for in-person sessions.
5. How The Profs Compare to Average Tutoring Rates (UK)
| Type of Tutoring | UK Average Rate (per hour) | The Profs’ Rate (per hour) |
|---|---|---|
| GCSE Level | £30–£40 | From £60 |
| A-Level | £35–£45 | From £60 |
| Undergraduate (BA/BSc) | £40–£50 | From £75 |
| Postgraduate (Masters/PhD) | £45–£60 | From £90 |
| Specialist Admissions Prep | £50–£70 | From £150 |
What sets The Profs apart?
Proven results
Our highly personalised approach produces life-changing outcomes that justify the cost of tutoring. In 2025, 92% of our students reported a grade improvement, with 68% achieving an A or A* and 57% securing a first-class at undergraduate level. Not to mention over 90% of our university applicants gained entry into their first or second choice. The takeaway is clear: if you’re looking for a tutor, The Profs is the go-to destination.
Personalised tutor matching
Our SmartMatch algorithm crunches millions of data points to match each student with the right tutor. Our multi award-winning Client Success Team oversees the process to ensure subject needs, availability, and budget requirements are fully considered before personally connecting students to their tutor.
Elite network of tutors
The Profs offer access to tutors across 400 main subjects and more than 15,000 obscure qualifications — from Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry to French language, Spanish language, and even highly specialised postgraduate areas. Unlike many tutoring services in the UK, we only accept professionals with proven teaching skills and subject expertise.
Dedicated ongoing support
Package clients also benefit from the ongoing support of our Client Success Team. From monitoring progress to ensuring learning outcomes are met, we provide guidance throughout the entire learning journey. Few tutoring agencies offer this level of care and transparency.
Award-winning tutoring
In recognition of our contributions to education, The Profs were awarded ‘Private Tutoring Provider of the Year 2025’, ‘Tuition Business of the Year 2023’ and ‘Best Tuition Delivery to Private Clients 2023’ at the National Tutoring Awards. We remain committed to delivering world-class education and continually improving our services to meet the evolving needs of our students.
6. What’s the Long-Term Value of Private Tuition?
1. GCSE exam results shape future education
Low GCSE grades — especially in Maths, Science, or English — can prevent students from progressing to A-levels or applying to top universities. A study by the Department of Education found that students who fall behind by just one GCSE grade than their counterparts in a single subject lose an average of £23,000 in lifetime earnings.
That’s why getting the right support early matters. With The Profs’ GCSE Tutors, students receive tailored one-to-one lessons that address learning gaps and raise confidence. While prices can vary depending on the subject and a tutor’s level of experience, The Profs ensure you’re never left to sift through every tutor on your own. We match you with an expert we personally know, trust and believe in.
2. Degree class influences your salary
Research shows that the difference between graduating with a 2.1 over a 2.2 can have a significant impact on lifetime earnings. Both men and women who achieve a 2.1 from the most selective universities earn around 20% more on average at age 30 than those with a 2.2 degree.
The payoffs also vary by subject. For students studying Law or Economics, graduating with a 2.2 rather than a 2.1 is linked to more than 15% lower earnings.
At The Profs, our tutoring consistently delivers results. In 2025, 85%* of students moved from a 2.1 to a First, and 94%* from a 2.2 to a 2.1. These outcomes prove that investing in quality support is worth far more than the upfront tutor cost and prices per hour. Work with our Undergraduate Tutors and discover how much progress you can make with targeted sessions.
*Source: The Profs’ Client Feedback Survey 2025
Is The Cost of Private Tutoring Worth the Investment?
In summary, yes!
If you’re weighing up whether private tutoring is worth the cost, consider this:
- The average price of a tutor may range from £30 to £50 per hour.
- But the right tutor can help your child unlock opportunities that are worth 10x that amount.
- Investing in tutoring now can lead to better exam results, higher university offers, and a stronger career path.
At The Profs, our expert Tutors deliver high-impact, personalised learning experiences that set students up for success long beyond the classroom. Join the 92% who achieved a significant grade improvement in any subject, at any level.
