Ever watched your kid wrestle with GCSE maths or A-level essays and thought, “Right, time for a tutor”? In 2026, with school pressures cranked up – think AI cheating rows and post-pandemic gaps – private tutoring’s exploding. But online Zoom whizzes or door-to-door pros? Costs swing wildly (£20-£80/hour), and value’s key. We’ll chat it casual-like, comparing prices, pros/cons, where to snag deals, and real parent wins. Perfect for mums/dads eyeing that grade jump without remortgaging the sofa.
Tutoring market: £2bn+, 25% online boom. Subjects hot: Maths/English (11+/GCSE), sciences.
Why Tutor in 2026? The Backstory
Schools stretched, kids missed core skills COVID-style. Parents chase unis (Oxbridge apps up 10%). Online exploded – flexible, global tutors.
Average boost: 1-2 grades (Sutton Trust). But pick wrong? Wasted cash.
In-Person Tutoring: Hands-On, High-Touch
Local tutor rocks up (or you travel). £30-£60/hour solo, £40-£80 groups. London £50+, North £25-.
Pros: Rapport, whiteboards, homework vibe. Spot body language.
Cons: Travel, scheduling hell, illness cancels.
Weekly 1hr: £1,500/year.
Cost Comparison Table: 2026 Hourly Rates (1:1 GCSE Maths)
| Format/Type | London/SE | Midlands/North | Online Global | Group (4 kids) |
| In-Person | £45-£70 | £30-£50 | N/A | £15-£25 pp |
| Online UK Tutor | £35-£55 | £25-£45 | £20-£40 | £10-£20 pp |
| Online International | N/A | N/A | £15-£30 | £8-£15 pp |
| Agency/Platform | +20% fee | +20% | Included | Included |
Packages: 10hrs £300-£600. Exams peak +15%.
Hidden Costs: What They Don’t Tell You
- Travel: In-person £5-£20 petrol/parking.
- Tech: Online webcam/mic £50 one-off.
- Materials: Workbooks £20/month both.
- Groups: Split but less focus.
Annual family (2 kids, 40hrs): In-person £2.5k, online £1.8k.
Best Platforms & Agencies: Shop Smart
Online Stars:
- Tutorful: £20-£50, DBS checked, matching.
- MyTutor: £25-£40, uni students.
- Preply: £15-£35 global.
In-Person:
- Kumon centres £40/month.
- Local via Gumtree/Facebook (£25/hr).
2026: AI tutors (Khanmigo) £10/month supplement.
Pros/Cons Face-Off: Online vs. In-Person
Online Wins:
- Convenience (post-school slot).
- Variety (PhD physicist £30).
- Trial lessons free.
Drawbacks: Motivation dips, no lab demos.
In-Person Wins:
- Personal touch, confidence build.
- Hands-on (essay marking).
- Local rapport.
Drawbacks: Fixed location, pricier.
Parents say: Online for homework help, in-person exams.
Subject Spotlights: Costs Vary
- Maths/Physics: Online cheap (£25), formulas universal.
- English: In-person edges (£40), essay feedback nuanced.
- Languages: Online immersion (£20 Eastern Europe tutors).
- 11+: Intensive groups £15/hr pp.
SEN (dyslexia): Specialist £50+ both.
Group vs. 1:1 – Budget Booster
Groups (4-6): £10-£25 pp/hr. Slower progress but social.
Online breakout rooms mimic.
2026 Trends: Hybrid & AI Mix
- VR labs online.
- Parent dashboards.
- School tie-ins (subsidised).
Post-levels tutoring down, primaries up.
Real Parent Tales: Bang for Buck
- Mum Sarah: Online MyTutor GCSE English £1k/year, B to A*.
- Dad Mike: In-person Bradford tutor £2k, son’s maths leap.
- Budget win: Group online £600, grades up.
ROI: £2k = uni place worth £50k+ lifetime.
Where to Find Tutors: Hunt Like a Pro
- Free: School recs, Facebook groups.
- Paid: TutorHunt (£10 listing), Superprof.
- Vetting: DBS, refs, trial lesson.
Contracts: Cancellation policies.
Savings Hacks: Stretch Every Pound
- Block book 10+ lessons 10% off.
- Off-peak (term-time mornings).
- Siblings split.
- Free resources (BBC Bitesize) + tutor.
- Tax relief? Self-employed claim.
Scholarships rare, but means-tested.
Read More: UK Student Loan Repayment 2026: Thresholds & Early Payoff Tips Wipe the Slate Clean Smarter
When to Start/Stop: Timing Tips
- Year 10/11 GCSE peak.
- Stop if plateau (progress track).
- Exams only? Crash courses £300/week.
Legal Bits: Safeguarding 2026
DBS mandatory, GDPR sessions recorded consent. Platforms insured.
Quick Cost Calc: Your Family Fit
2 kids, maths weekly 1hr, 40 weeks:
- In-person North: £2k.
- Online: £1.4k. Save £600