How Much Does a Primary Tutor Cost? A Practical Guide for Parents

If you’re thinking about hiring a primary tutor for your child, one of the first questions that comes up is: How much does it actually cost? The answer isn’t straightforward, because tutoring rates vary depending on a range of factors including the tutor’s experience, the type of tuition, and how personalised the sessions are. In this guide, I’ll break down typical costs, share real-life examples from my work at Primary Tutor Project, and give you practical advice on assessing value for money.

Typical Hourly Rates

Tutoring costs can vary widely:

• Group tuition: £15 - £35 per hour
• One-to-one standard tuition with an experienced, qualified teacher: £40 - £60 per hour
• Specialist tuition (e.g., SEN support, ESL, exam preparation): £60 - £100+ per hour

The wide range reflects differences in tutor experience, qualifications, and the level of personalisation provided.

How Costs Differ by Format

• One-to-one tuition: Completely bespoke, with lesson materials and learning plans tailored to your child. These sessions typically range from £35 - £100 per hour, depending on the tutor’s experience and specialist skills.
• Small group tuition: A more affordable alternative, usually costing £15 - £35 per hour. Students still benefit from guidance from an experienced tutor, but the cost is shared across the group.
• Online tuition: Often slightly cheaper than in-person sessions, as tutors don’t have travel or classroom costs. Online tuition can offer the same quality and personalised attention as in-person sessions, making it a flexible and budget-friendly option.

Real Life Examples

Here are a few examples from Primary Tutor Project to give context:

• Weekly top up sessions: Many students join 1:1 or small group sessions once a week. Over the academic year, a weekly group session costs around £850, while 1:1 tuition comes to about £1,450.
• Intensive programmes: Students preparing for entrance exams or receiving tuition across multiple subjects often need 2-3 sessions per week. This level of support typically costs around £3,000 per year.

These examples show how frequency, format, and goals influence overall costs.

Factors That Affect Tutor Pricing

Several key factors can affect how much a tutor charges:

• Qualifications and experience: Tutors with formal teaching qualifications, years of experience, or specialist skills (e.g., SEN support or ESL expertise) typically charge more. They bring depth of knowledge and the ability to adapt teaching to your child’s needs.
• Specialist skills: Tutors who can offer targeted support for exam preparation, English as a second language, or specific learning needs often charge at the higher end of the scale.

Common Misconceptions About Tutor Costs

Many parents assume that a higher price automatically guarantees better results but that’s not always the case. Here are some misconceptions I often encounter:

1. "Cheaper tutors aren’t effective.” Small group or online sessions can offer excellent results at a lower cost when they are well structured.
2. "More hours always equal more progress.” Quality over quantity matters. A well planned weekly session can be more effective than multiple rushed lessons.
3. "All tutors are the same.” Each tutor has different experience, teaching style, and approach. Personalised tuition, with progress tracking and feedback, often provides the best long term results.

How to Assess Value Beyond the Hourly Rate

When considering a tutor, think beyond the headline price:

• Progress tracking: Regular updates and assessments show how your child is improving.
• Personalised learning plans: Tailored lessons ensure your child focuses on the areas they need most.
• Homework support: Guidance between sessions reinforces learning and helps parents stay involved.

At Primary Tutor Project, we ensure families see tangible value through these methods, so tuition is an investment rather than just a cost.

Cost Saving Strategies

There are ways to make tuition more affordable without compromising quality:

• Small group tuition: Sharing the tutor’s time with 2-4 students reduces the hourly cost while still delivering expert guidance.
• Online sessions: Cutting travel costs can make high quality tuition more accessible (and means you can get washing done and get dinner ready whilst your child’s in their after-school club!).

My Perspective: Fair Pricing and Accessibility

Running Primary Tutor Project has taught me that fair pricing isn’t about charging the highest rate - it’s about providing value, flexibility, and measurable progress. Find out more about what's involved in our FAQs.

Bottom Line

Primary tutor costs vary widely, from affordable group sessions to specialist 1:1 support. The key is to look beyond the hourly rate and consider the tutor’s experience, the level of personalisation, and the measurable impact on your child’s learning. With the right approach, tutoring can be an effective, accessible investment in your child’s education.