The number of people accessing private tuition grew tremendously during the global pandemic of COVID-19, and the demand has remained higher ever since. The number of tutors entering the market is also continuing to grow. Perhaps the global economy and pay freezes in education sectors are driving more teachers to look at additional jobs to boost their earnings.
Of course, it is not just teachers that are boosting the number of tutors; in recent years there has been massive growth of online tutoring being used by people from all walks of life as a side hustle or a full-time job.
Average tutoring rates in the UK have an effect on what one needs to pay for a tutor as well as affecting the earnings of those doing the tutoring. If you want to learn a bit more about the rates for different subjects, read on!
The Size of the UK Tutoring Market Today
For many students, private tuition is the key to doing well in a test and obtaining the results that they desire. It may also be key in making sure they are able to get back on track following the COVID-19 school closures.
The reasons for seeking tuition seem to vary greatly; some students will get tutoring to achieve specific goals, such as doing well in a test or entrance exam, while others get help with general schoolwork.
Students looking for private tuition are spoilt for choice, with hundreds of privately owned agencies offering a variety of tutoring services. There are also thousands of independent tutors available who can teach in person or using online tutoring software.
In fact, tutoring is so widespread in the UK that 41% of young people in London will receive some form of private tutoring during their academic career.
The fact that almost half of all young Londoners will hire private tuition at some point in life is not at all surprising. The ever-growing tutoring market in the UK is considered to be one of the top spenders in tutoring worldwide.
With the help of technology and software companies such as TutorCruncher, people today can hire a tutor with the click of a button. Whether it is a one-off online tuition session or weekly face-to-face meetings, the internet has become the new job board for tutors all across the world.
The Cost
Based on the figures above, it is clear that private tutoring is a lucrative business. In fact, our recent data has revealed that an hour of tutoring can cost almost £40. In Hampshire, the average hourly rate for tutoring is £39.56, the highest in the UK, followed by London, Surrey, and Manchester, all with hourly rates above £38. The top ten hourly rates by location are as follows:
Average Costs by Region
- Hampshire: £39.56
- London: £39.01
- Surrey: £38.89
- Manchester: £38.77
- Warwickshire: £38.10
- Somerset: £37.35
- Buckinghamshire: £37.12
- Oxfordshire: £37.02
- Sussex: £36.97
- Wiltshire: £36.55
This is not a complete picture, as average tutoring rates also hugely vary based on subjects, with some lessons being far pricier than others. A single Mandarin lesson can put you £53 out of pocket, and a Physics lesson will cost an average of £47.50. The top ten list of hourly costs is as follows:
Average Rates by Subject per Hour
- Mandarin: £53.00
- Physics: £47.50
- Chemistry: £45.80
- German: £45.20
- French: £42.95
- Maths: £40.56
- Spanish: £38.90
- Biology: £37.00
- English Literature: £35.40
- Psychology: £34.37
Average Tutoring Rates UK Infographic
What’s a Fair Tutoring Rate Per Hour?
Tuition fees vary on a wide range of aspects, from the level of your child’s education to the tutor’s experience and whether your child is having individual in-person tutoring or group tutoring sessions. Local and online tutors charge different rates for varying reasons, including the following:
- The tutor’s qualifications: If a tutor has certifications or extra diplomas, they could charge more per tutoring session.
- In-person vs. online tuition: In general, online tuition costs a lot less than in-person tutoring, as you don’t have to pay for fuel, travel time, or physical materials.
- Level of your child’s education: Tutors can charge more, the higher your child is in the educational journey. For example, tutoring for university students can cost as much as £100 per hour, whereas primary school tuition is only £31 per hour.
- Private tutoring vs. tutoring agencies: When asking is private tutoring worth it, it often is compared to working with a tutoring agency. This depends on their teaching methods, experience, and whether it’s online or in person.
High Average Tutoring Rates: The Problem
Tutoring has many benefits; on top of helping pupils academically, tutors can help students gain new tools for learning and widen their scope of knowledge. However, there is an issue with the tutoring marketing that organisations like The Sutton Trust are hoping to change.
The charity's study found that students from a ‘high affluent' background receive a disproportionate amount of tutoring in comparison to those from ‘low affluence' households. More specifically, 34% of those from high-income families received private tuition, in comparison to 20% of pupils from low-income families.
The Solution
Today, with the £1 billion tuition grant announced by the government, private tuition is more accessible than ever. However, this may only be a temporary fix for a much larger and wider problem. Charities like the Sutton Trust and a number of charities are looking for ways to make tuition more accessible to all.
One idea is continuing government-funded access to tutoring. This could potentially be done as a means-tested voucher scheme; the program would allow all students to get access to high-quality tutoring, regardless of their household income.
Charities aren't the only ones trying to make the world of private tuition more accessible. Agencies like TutorTrust are creating innovative new tutoring models to create affordable small groups and one-on-one tutoring.
Discover Tutoring Rates Across the Pond
Curious about how tutoring rates compare on the other side of the Atlantic? For an insightful glance at the tutoring landscape in the United States, consider exploring our comprehensive guide on average tutoring rates in the USA.
This resource provides a detailed comparison of tutoring costs by subject and region, mirroring our UK-focused analysis. Whether you're a tutor contemplating rates or a parent planning your budget, this guide offers valuable perspectives to inform your decisions. Expand your understanding of global tutoring trends and ensure you're well-informed in today's dynamic educational market.
Are you an education business owner new to TutorCruncher? Contact us at info@tutorcruncher.com or book a call with one of our salespeople to have a demo or to try our 14-day free trial.
