How much should a private tutor cost?
November 10th, 2024Last updated: November 11th, 2024
Hiring a private tutor is an important step for many parents in their child's education, and it's crucial to understand the factors which influence hourly cost. From the tutor's qualifications to the specificity of the subject or exam, a variety of things come together to change the cost. This guide will help you to make informed decisions and to find the right tutor for you and your family.
Consider the tutor’s qualifications
If a tutor is a qualified teacher they should be charging more as they have learnt how to teach and how to personalise learning through a professional qualification. Additionally, tutors with academic qualifications such as Masters and PhDs should be able to charge more as they are able to deal with more complex academic requirements and can prepare students for advanced academic study.
Check the tutor’s qualifications
As an aside, if you are not going through an established tutoring company, you really need to check that a tutor is who they say they are. There is currently zero regulation of the tutoring industry in the UK, and you really need to know that your child’s tutor is safe to work with them and has the qualifications they say they do. We also strongly advise that you ask to see an Enhanced DBS certificate, as this is evidence that they are safe to work with children.
Evaluate the subject matter
Some subjects can be taught by many tutors and some require specialist knowledge. For example, if you are looking for an Art tutor, you will need someone who has artistic talent and is trained to teach Art. However, if you are looking for a general 11+ tutor, you may be happy with someone who teaches all the subjects examined for that specific 11+ exam, and is not necessarily a subject specialist.
Assess the tutor’s experience
If a tutor has years of experience in either teaching or tutoring, they are likely to be able to command higher rates. This is because experience brings a better ability to adapt and change lessons and plans to fit the needs of the child. Less experienced tutors will need to follow lesson plans and may need more assistance in working out the specific requirements of the exams if they have no previously prepared children for them.
Location matters
Affluent areas such as most parts of London will mean that tutors living there will charge more than in other areas of the country where there is less apparent wealth. If you are looking for in-person tutoring in London, expect to pay a premium for a high-quality service which comes direct to your door.
Online vs in-person tutoring
Online tuition is often more affordable than in-person sessions because of the ease and flexibility involved. Not only do online tutors often have low to no overhead costs, they also have access to more students simply through their internet connection, which can lead to cheaper prices for online lessons. Online tutoring might be less personal, so but could also be a more budget option.
Frequency and duration of lessons
If you need more than one lesson a week, it is going to be more expensive. It is rare for tutors to offer a discount on multiple lessons but it is worth asking just in case they are able to. Lessons usually last an hour unless the child is very young, in which case 45 minutes might be more appropriate. A shorter lesson will be cheaper but there will not be as much time to consolidate learning.
Check the tutor’s success record
Parent testimonials are invaluable when selecting a tutor but be aware that those tutors with a clear record of success will be more in demand and therefore more expensive.
Avoid extremely low rates
Extremely low rates tend to suggest that the tutor may be just starting out and not have much confidence. Additionally, they might be unqualified or inexperienced. Try to avoid these rates unless you are not too concerned over the outcome.
Negotiate and be upfront
If you are booking multiple hours with a tutor you can try to negotiate but be aware that for the most in demand tutors there won’t be much wiggle room. Be upfront about what you can afford and you will find the right tutor for you.
Should you use a qualified teacher?
Our advice is yes, you should always use a qualified teacher to be your child’s tutor. Just as you wouldn’t let an unqualified plumber near your bathroom, an unqualified tutor can do more harm than good. Using a tutor who is a qualified teacher will mean that they have literally thousands of hours of experience in teaching their chosen subject, and will have been professionally trained in teaching techniques by a University.
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