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The average rating for Bark Tutors is 4.85, based on 98,195 reviews
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Need some help brushing up your skills in a particular subject, but aren’t sure of the cost? Read our handy guide to find out how much your tutor will charge depending on the subject and their experience.
Research shows that as little as ten weeks of private tutoring can have an huge impact on a student's grades. A tutor is someone who works with these students, helping them in particular subject areas they are struggling with. The tutor could be a student themselves, or an expert - even a professor - in the subject.
Tutors will work with the student to identify any weak points in their knowledge or learning style and develop a nurturing strategy that helps them better understand the subject.
This handy price guide will show you how much private tutoring costs for your young student. Remember, these prices are national averages based on our data. For the most accurate figure, request free tutoring quotes from private tutors near you.
Tutors specialise in pretty much any subject, but some of the most common include:
Mathematics
English
Chemistry
Biology
Physics
History
Languages
Music
Tutors will provide practice material within the sessions that cover the subject. They may also carry out mock exams, and have the student go over previous exam material, depending on the educational level of the student.
The cost of tutoring is going to depend on the duration and frequency of sessions. Some students may wish to have a few sessions before an exam, and others may need weekly sessions alongside their regular schooling to make sure they can keep up with the class and make the most of their education.
While the costs will vary depending on the individual tutor, here's what you can expect to pay on average per session based on the kind of tutoring you need:
| Price type | Average price per hour |
| Average | £20 - £25 |
| Great value | £12 - £20 |
| Premium | £30 - £50 |
| Super premium | £60 - £100 |
Remember that these are average costs, and they will change by location, demand, and the tutor's experience. For the most accurate figure, ask for free tutoring quotes from local teachers.
You're also likely to pay slightly different costs depending on your child's age and which stage of their education they're at. Working with the average price band, here's what you'll pay between Key Stage 3 and A-Levels:
| Education stage | Average price |
| Key Stage 2 | £18 - £20 |
| Key Stage 3 | £18 - £20 |
| GCSE | £20 - £22 |
| A-Level | £22 - £24 |
| Degree | £22 - £24 |
The cost of hiring a tutor can vary depending on different factors. These include:
Subject type - on average, tutoring in humanities subjects such as English Literature is a little cheaper than STEM subjects, although the difference is minimal.
Subject level - the cost of tutoring a primary school child, for example, will usually be cheaper than someone pursuing A-Levels due to the expertise in subject knowledge needed.
Experience - as we'll explore below, experts in a particular subject will charge more than a tutor who teaches a range of subjects at a lower level.
Location - for example, tutors in London are likely to cost more than the national average thanks to the higher cost of living.
Individual vs group sessions - thanks to economies of scale, a tutor dealing with a group of children will charge less per child.
Some subjects are more specialised, which may bump up the price. For example, it may be easier to find a mathematics tutor, but not so much a Russian language tutor. This is especially the case if you live in an isolated location, though online tutoring may also be available which would make it more accessible.
Traditionally, tutoring is held on a one on one basis, where the tutor will work with the student in their home or at a set location. However, it’s also possible to find group tutoring which involves a small number of students instead.
Group tutoring will usually be cheaper, which can help make the cost more affordable. Students will also have the chance to socialise and work through any sticking points with their peers, alongside individual support from the tutor. Every student is different, and so while individual tutoring may be more expensive, it might be a better value in the long run if a group setting wouldn’t work for their needs. What's more, individual tutoring will focus specifically on a student, rather than on other members of the group.
| Group tutoring average cost (per session) | Individual tutoring average cost (per session) |
| £10 - £15 | £25 - £40 |
One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of a tutor is their experience. As mentioned, tutors can either be students themselves or have expert level qualifications in a subject. So, if they have been teaching the subject for their entire career, they will likely be more expensive.
Here's a breakdown of the different levels of expertise you can find in a tutor:
| Type of tutor | Average cost (per session) |
| Student | £10 - £15 |
| Intermediate | £15 - £30 |
| Expert | £35 - £70+ |
A student tutor is usually a student from a higher year group who excels academically. They will likely not have any formal teaching qualifications but will be confident enough to help the student with where they are struggling. This type of tutoring has two benefits: their rates are generally lower than professional tutors, and as they will be closer in age and experience to the student being tutored, it's easier to build trust and rapport.
This is someone who has a degree in the subject and plenty of teaching experience. They will understand their subject in-depth and be able to teach at various levels, though will normally specialise in a particular level of education. These tutors are often qualified schoolteachers who are also tutoring on the side. The benefit of this type of tutor is their in-depth knowledge of the syllabus, tried-and-tested teaching methods, and knowledge of how to excel in exams and on coursework.
The individual will have decades of experience teaching the subject, and will likely have a postgraduate or doctorate degree. Usually, expert tutors will only teach higher levels of their subject.
Online tutoring can be a particularly cost-effective way of getting extra help with a subject, as it means your tutor doesn't need to travel to you, and there's less hands-on assistance. You can expect to spend around £5 less per hour compared to average in-person tutoring costs, especially if you're looking at a group online tutor. However, this isn't always the case - many will argue that it's about the quality of the teaching, not the method it's delivered by, and expertise is worth just as much no matter how it's imparted.
However, there are some disadvantages to online tutoring: technical issues may be disruptive to the learning experience, and for reluctant students, it's far easier to be distracted when you're on the other side of the computer screen. Take the needs of the student into consideration before you decide which one is the right approach.
Enlisting the help of a tutor is an investment in the student’s education and long term prospects. That being said, there are some ways you can look to reduce the cost if you are on a budget.
Ask about price packages - Tutors will usually charge per individual session, though discounts may be available for booking a block of sessions. Packages may also be available prior to certain exams, which would work out cheaper than long term tutoring.
Consider group tutoring - Although not suitable for all students, group tutoring will significantly reduce the cost versus hiring an individual tutor. It might be worthwhile giving group tutoring a try first to see how they get on.
Go online - Tutors work face to face as well as online. Remote sessions will usually work out cheaper, especially if the cost of venue hire or transport doesn’t have to be included in the price.
Still not sure if a private tutor is right for you? Here are some frequently asked questions about how much it costs.
Refund policies for private tutoring can vary among tutors and tutoring agencies. Some may offer partial or full refunds if the agreed-upon learning outcomes are not met, while others may not offer refunds at all. It's essential to clarify these terms before starting tutoring sessions to avoid any misunderstandings later on. Additionally, tutors may offer alternative solutions or extra support to help students achieve their goals if refunds are not an option.
The value of private tutoring depends on various factors, including the student's needs, the tutor's qualifications, and the effectiveness of the tutoring sessions. While private tutoring can be costly, it often provides personalized attention and tailored learning experiences that may lead to significant academic improvements. It's essential to consider the potential long-term benefits, such as improved grades, confidence, and learning skills, when evaluating whether the cost is justified.
The National Tutoring Programme (NTP) is a scheme that provides support for pupils and students most affected by disruption to their education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the 2023/24 academic year marks the final year of the NTP, so availability may be limited. Eligibility for free tutoring under the NTP is typically based on specific criteria, such as socio-economic background or academic need. Outside of government initiatives like the NTP, some community organizations, libraries, or schools may offer free or subsidized tutoring programs, but availability can vary depending on location and resources.
No matter who’s looking to learn, maximise the chance of success by hiring a tutor on Bark.
The average rating for Bark Tutors is 4.85, based on 98,195 reviews
5/5
based on 98,195 reviews
