Tutoring Costs in London 2026: What to Expect

How Much Does Tutoring Cost in London in 2026?

Tutoring costs in London span a wider range than almost anywhere else in England — from around £25 per hour for a student tutor helping with primary school work to far more for a specialist Oxbridge entrance preparation tutor. The range reflects differences in tutor qualification, subject specialism, experience, demand, and delivery format.

This guide sets out current realistic benchmarks so that families can make informed decisions about what to budget and where to prioritise spend.

Primary School Tutoring (KS1 and KS2) — £25–£65 per hour

Tutoring for primary-age children in London typically falls in the £25–£65 per hour range. At the lower end are undergraduates and A-level students offering general English and Maths support. At the higher end are qualified primary teachers providing structured learning support, SATs preparation, or 11+ preparation.

• 11+ preparation tutors: Often the most expensive in the primary range, with specialist 11+ tutors in London charging £50–£90 per hour due to the high demand and specialist knowledge required.
• SEN support at primary level: Specialist SEN tutors hold qualifications that justify higher rates — expect £60–£100 per hour for a fully qualified specialist.

GCSE Tutoring — typically £32–£55 per hour in person

GCSE tutoring in London spans a significant range depending on subject and tutor background:

• Core subjects (English, Maths): High supply of tutors keeps typical rates at about £32–£55. Experienced qualified teachers often charge more.
• Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics): often a little above core subjects. Science tutors with strong A-level and degree qualifications are in demand, particularly for triple science.
• Languages (French, Spanish, German): Native speaker tutors and qualified language teachers often charge more than the typical range.
• Humanities (History, Geography, English Literature): typically in line with core subjects. Highly qualified essay-technique focused tutors charge more.
• Technical subjects (Computer Science, Business Studies): often above the typical range, with industry professionals charging a premium.

A-Level Tutoring — £50–£150+ per hour

A-level tutoring rates in London reflect the depth of subject knowledge required and the high stakes of the outcome:

• Standard A-level subjects (with degree-level tutor): £50–£90 per hour
• Further Mathematics: £70–£120 per hour. Limited supply of tutors genuinely qualified to teach FM to A* standard.
• Sciences for medical/veterinary applicants: £70–£120 per hour
• Experienced sixth form teachers tutoring independently: £80–£130 per hour
• Oxbridge entrance preparation (BMAT, MAT, LNAT, TSA + interview): £100–£200+ per hour for genuine specialists

Online vs In-Person: Does It Affect Cost?

Online tutoring is often a little cheaper than equivalent in-person tutoring, for one key reason: tutors do not incur travel time or costs. A tutor who charges £50 in person may offer the same session for a little less online.

For most subjects and age groups, online tutoring is equally effective — particularly for secondary school students who are already comfortable with video calls. Younger primary school students sometimes benefit from in-person contact, though many effective primary tutors now work exclusively online.

Agency vs Independent Tutors: The Cost Difference

Tutoring agencies in London typically charge families a 20–40% premium over what an independent tutor charges directly for equivalent service. In return, agencies vet tutors, handle background checks, manage scheduling, and provide a layer of accountability.

For families who want the assurance of a vetted tutor without the research burden, an agency can be worth the premium. For families who have time to conduct their own due diligence — checking qualifications, taking references, reviewing feedback — going directly to an independent tutor offers better value.

How Many Hours Does a Child Need?

The appropriate tutoring frequency depends heavily on the goal:

• Maintenance and enrichment (no specific exam target): One session per week, 1 hour, term-time only. Annual cost at £50/hour: approximately £1,500–£1,800.
• GCSE exam preparation (targeting grade improvement over one year): One to two sessions per week, increasing to two or three in the 6–8 weeks before exams. Annual cost at £60/hour: approximately £2,500–£4,000.
• 11+ intensive preparation (12–18 months): One to two sessions per week with a specialist. Total preparation cost: £3,000–£8,000 depending on tutor rate and duration.
• A-level crisis support (one term, one subject): Two sessions per week at £80/hour for 12 weeks: approximately £2,000.

These are indicative figures. A good tutor will give you an honest assessment of how many hours are likely to make a meaningful difference in your child's specific situation — and should not push for more sessions than are genuinely needed.

How to Get Value from Tutoring in London

• Set clear, measurable goals at the start: "Improve from a grade 5 to a grade 7 in GCSE Maths by June" is better than "get better at Maths."
• Ask for progress updates: A good tutor will keep you informed of what has been covered and what the current weaknesses are.
• Don't over-tutor: More hours do not always mean faster progress. A child who is fatigued and over-scheduled will not absorb learning as well as one who has adequate downtime.
• Match tutor to specific need: A great GCSE Maths tutor may not be the right person for 11+ non-verbal reasoning. Specialisation matters.