How Much Does a Tutor Cost in 2025?

Private tutoring has become increasingly popular, but with the variety of tutoring companies and private tutors available, it might feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Understanding what you're likely to pay, and what to expect for your money, can be tricky. This detailed guide breaks down tutoring costs in 2025 to help you make informed decisions. 

While we focus on UK rates, they can be converted to other global currencies using standard exchange rates. Still, the value is influenced by various factors. You’ll need to consider the tutor's experience, subject matter, education level, and whether the session is online or in-person. Our guide covers it all. 

Key Takeaways

• Average UK tutoring costs range from £25 to £60 per hour, varying across location, subject, and tutor qualifications

• Online tutoring typically costs less per hour than in-person sessions

  • Rates depend more on tutor expertise than delivery method

• Budget-friendly alternatives exist: 

  • Try group sessions, student tutors, and online learning platform memberships

What Affects the Cost of Tutoring?

Here are some things that influence rates:

Subject Difficulty and Specialism

Not all subjects cost the same. STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) typically command higher rates (opens in a new tab). This is due to their complexity and the specialist knowledge required. 

• Mandarin, for instance, is the most expensive subject in the UK at an average of £53 per hour. 

• Physics tutoring costs around £48 per hour. 

In contrast, English and humanities subjects generally fall in the £25-£50 range.

Education Level

The higher the education level, the more you'll typically pay. 

• Primary school tutoring might cost £20-£35 per hour.

• University-level support can reach £100 per hour for specialist subjects. 

This reflects the advanced expertise required to teach higher-level material effectively.

Tutor Qualifications and Experience

A tutor's credentials (opens in a new tab) can impact their fees:

• University students (no teaching qualifications): £10-£15 per hour

• Graduate tutors (QTS or equivalent) and qualified teachers (degree-holders with some experience): £15-£30 per hour

• Specialist professionals (advanced degrees, extensive experience): £35-£70+ per hour

Teaching Experience

Years of tutoring experience matter. A newly qualified teacher might charge less per hour, whilst a tutor with years of proven results could command more. Read reviews to help you choose. 

Lesson Format

Costs depend on whether you opt for one-to-one sessions, small group tutoring, online lessons, or in-person meetings. 

Group lessons (opens in a new tab) can reduce individual costs to £10-£15 per student per hour (sometimes lower). Private 1-2-1 or in-person sessions are generally higher.

Location

Geography plays a role in tutoring costs. Big cities may charge more. If you’re looking for in-person tutoring, it’s best to search your local area to get an idea of rates. If you’re after online tuition, you could search for regional differences. 

Typical Hourly Rates by Tutoring Type

Here's what you can expect to pay across education level in 2025:

Primary School Tutoring

Primary tutoring focuses on building foundational skills in Maths, English, and Reasoning. These sessions help young learners develop confidence and understanding early in their education. 

If you’re after help with UK SATS (opens in a new tab), for instance, Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11) are roughly the same price.

Primary tutoring requires tutors who can engage young children, keep their attention, and use age-appropriate teaching methods. Qualified primary teachers typically charge towards the higher end of this range.

GCSE / High School Tutoring

GCSE tutoring averages £35-£50 per hour across the UK. This lower price point reflects the high availability of tutors at this level. 

Many university students and recent graduates feel confident teaching GCSE material.

Specialist GCSE exam preparation may cost more, particularly as exams approach when demand peaks.

A-Level / College Prep Tutoring

A-Level tutoring costs typically range from £40- £60 per hour. The wide range reflects the variety of tutors available. You could choose a university student or a highly qualified subject specialist.

University-Level Tutoring

University tutoring ranges from £45-£70 per hour. This reflects the advanced expertise required. Tutors at this level often hold postgraduate degrees and may specialise in niche academic areas.

Subjects like Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Computer Science charge higher rates. More general subjects may cost slightly less. If you’re looking for dissertation support or help with complex research methods, budget towards the higher end of this range.

Specialist or Exam Prep Tutors

Specialist tutors focusing on entrance exams (11+, Oxbridge admissions, or International Baccalaureate) typically charge £45-£70 per hour, with some reaching £100+. These tutors have specific expertise in exam formats, marking criteria, and strategies that improve success rates.

For special support or SEN requirements, check the tutor has experience and necessary qualifications. 

Online Tutoring vs In-Person: Cost Comparison

The pandemic accelerated the shift to online tutoring, and it remains popular in 2025. But does it actually cost less than in-person tutoring? Online tutoring (opens in a new tab) typically costs £5 less per hour than in-person sessions.

This reflects broader access to qualified tutors across regions, not just cost savings. 

Online platforms often connect students with highly qualified tutors from anywhere in the UK. This potentially increases rates. Think of their commissions as ‘finder fees’. 

Where Online Tutoring Saves Money

• No travel costs: Tutors don't factor in petrol, parking, or travel time

• Wider selection: Access tutors from affordable regions even if you live in London

• Flexible scheduling: Evening and weekend slots easier to accommodate

• Location independence: Rural students can access the same tutors as urban students

Where In-Person May Be Preferred

• Young children often focus better with face-to-face interaction

• Practical subjects requiring hands-on activities work better in person

• Building rapport can be easier when meeting physically

• No technical issues to disrupt learning flow

The best choice depends on age, learning style, and the subject being studied.

What Do You Get for the Price?

To understand different prices, check the value rather than comparing hourly rates.

How to Get the Best Value for Your Money

Quality tutoring needn't break the bank. Here are practical strategies to reduce costs whilst maintaining effectiveness:

• Consider Group Sessions

  • Small, group tutoring is great for collaborative learning. Group learning works especially well for exam revision and interactive learning. They may do quizzes, debates, and games.

• Book in Blocks

  • Many tutors offer discounts for booking sessions upfront. They may have term or semester packages, for instance. This offers price certainty and regular time slots.

• Try Student Tutors

  • University students and recent graduates charge less. They may have great rapport with school-age students, too! They're ideal for regular subject support rather than intensive exam preparation.

• Use Free First Lessons

  • Many tutors offer complimentary trials or discounted first sessions. Use these to check compatibility before committing to regular payments.

• Combine Tutoring with Self-Study Resources

  • Rather than weekly tutoring, consider monthly check-in sessions. These can be combined with homework tasks and quality self-study resources. This reduces costs whilst assuring expert guidance.

• Check Timing

  • Tutoring rates often increase immediately before major exams when demand peaks. Plan ahead and start tutoring earlier in the academic year. This will avoid premium rates and ensures you get time slots that work for you. 

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

The hourly rate isn't always the complete picture. Be aware of potential additional expenses:

• Registration or Agency Fees

  • Some tutoring platforms charge one-off registration fees. Or, they might add percentage fees to hourly rates. Always clarify the total cost including any platform charges.

• Materials and Resources

  • Specialist subjects may require specific textbooks, software, or practice materials. Some tutors include these in their hourly rate. Others expect parents to purchase them separately. 

• Cancellation Fees

  • Most tutors require 24-48 hours' notice for cancellations. Last-minute cancellations often incur full or partial fees. Typically this may be 50-100% of the hourly rate. Clarify the cancellation policy upfront.

• Travel Costs (In-Person Tutoring)

  • If your tutor travels to your home, consider whether travel costs are included in the hourly rate or charged separately. For rural locations, travel supplements may apply. 

• Minimum Session Requirements

  • Some tutors ask you to book a minimum number of sessions. 

• Exam Entry Fees

  • You'll also need to budget for the actual exam costs themselves, for example: 11+ exams, Oxbridge tests, or private candidate fees. 

• Extended Hours or Intensive Courses

  • Intensive revision courses (holiday programmes, pre-exam bootcamps) may cost more per hour. This is due to the concentrated format and added preparation required.

Top Tip: Always ask potential tutors for a complete cost breakdown. Ask during your initial conversation to avoid surprises later.

What If I Can't Afford a Tutor?

If tutoring stretches your budget, consider Save My Exams membership. Save My Exams is a comprehensive online learning platform. It’s designed to provide support and resources for independent learning.

Why Save My Exams Membership Offers Exceptional Value

Save My Exams provides structured, high-quality educational content across all major exam boards. Here's what a membership includes:

Comprehensive Revision Resources

• Revision notes for every topic, written by expert teachers and examiners

• Mock exams and practice questions with detailed mark schemes

• Past papers organised by topic and exam board for targeted practice

• Flashcards to help learn smarter and faster

Exam-Focused Learning

• Exam guides explaining exactly what markers look for

• Smart Mark and common mistake guides highlighting pitfalls to avoid

• Target tests and topic-based progress tracking to identify weak areas

Flexible, Independent Study

• Learn at your own pace, revisiting topics as needed

• Access materials 24/7 from any device

• Perfect for self-motivated students who work well independently

• Supports classroom learning without replacing teacher guidance

When Membership Works Best

A Save My Exams membership is particularly effective for:

• Students who need comprehensive resources but work well on their own

• Families with multiple children requiring support across different subjects

• Supplementing occasional tutor sessions with extensive self-study materials

• Exam revision when students understand concepts but need practice and confidence

• Budget-conscious families seeking quality educational support

Combining Membership with Occasional Tutoring

Consider pairing a Save My Exams membership with occasional tutor check-ins. This develops independent learning skills alongside expert support. This is great for challenging topics or building exam strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is more expensive tutoring always better?

Not necessarily. Higher rates often reflect experience and qualifications. However, the most expensive tutor isn't automatically the best fit. Consider factors like compatibility and teaching style, too. 

Can I negotiate tutoring rates?

Sometimes, yes. Many tutors, particularly independent ones, have some flexibility with:

• Block bookings

• Group sessions

• Quiet periods

• Student tutors

• Regular, long-term commitment

Always approach negotiations respectfully; quality tutors know their worth.

Are group tutoring sessions cheaper than private ones?

Yes. Group sessions typically cost less than one-to-one tutoring. 

Group sessions work best for confident students who need practice and consolidation. Students with significant knowledge or skill gaps require more intensive, personalised support.

How many hours of tutoring do most students need?

This varies based on goals, starting point, and subject:

• Homework help and consolidation: 1 hour per week throughout term time

• GCSE exam preparation: 1-2 hours weekly for key subjects in Year 10-11

• A-Level intensive support: 1-2 hours weekly per subject 

• Entrance exam preparation (11+, Oxbridge): 20-40 hours over 6-12 months

• Short-term intervention: 10-15 hours over several weeks to address specific gaps

According to UK governmental research (opens in a new tab), frequent tutoring sessions for approximately 10 weeks has the greatest impact on learners.

Final Thoughts

The cost of tutoring in 2025 reflects a diverse marketplace serving all budget ranges. Remember: successful learning combines quality resources, expert guidance, and motivated study. Understanding the tutoring marketplace and exploring all available options helps you make informed decisions.

You have options! Choose one-to-one session, group tutoring, or comprehensive platforms like Save My Exams. What matters most is finding support that addresses your needs and budget.

Want to know more about Save My Exams? 

Save My Exams helps you get the best possible grades—with less effort and no overwhelm.

Our resources are written by real examiners and expert teachers, and designed to match your exact exam board. Whether you're studying for GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, IB, AS, O Level, or AP, you'll find clear, exam-focused tools that make revision simpler and smarter.

Everything we do is:

• Written with care by real human examiners and expert teachers

• Aligned to your exam specification, so you only study what matters

• Designed to get you top grades, with clear, step-by-step support

Revise your way, with diagrams, videos, expert tips, PDFs, quick summaries and more.

Join over 2 million students and teachers using Save My Exams to master what matters—and boost your grades today.

References: 

Independent review of tutoring in 16 to 19 providers: phase 2 findings - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)

Tutoring Rates Per Hour in the UK (opens in a new tab)

Bark: How Much Does Tutoring Cost (opens in a new tab)

Edumentors:Online vs. In-Person Tutoring (opens in a new tab)

National curriculum assessments: key stage 2 tests - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)