How Much Does Private Tuition Cost in the UK?

Last updated: 15 June 2026

How much does private tuition cost in the UK?

Private tuition in the UK typically costs between £20 and £85 per hour, depending on the subject, level, location and whether sessions are online or in person. The national average is approximately £30-40 per hour for primary-level tuition and £35-50 per hour for GCSE level, according to the Tutors’ Association 2024 annual survey.

What affects the cost of private tuition?

Subject and level

Primary-level subjects (Maths, English, Science) tend to be at the lower end of the price range, typically £20-35 per hour. GCSE tuition costs more, usually £30-50 per hour, while A-Level tuition can reach £40-85 per hour due to the specialist knowledge required. Specialist subjects like Further Maths, Latin or Music tend to command higher fees than core subjects.

One-to-one vs small group tuition

One-to-one tuition is the most expensive option, typically 40-60% more than small group sessions. However, research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) shows that small group tuition (2-3 students) delivers almost identical learning gains to one-to-one tuition — an average of +4 months’ additional progress — at a significantly lower cost per student.

Location

Tuition costs vary significantly by region. London and the South East are the most expensive areas, with average rates 20-30% higher than the national average. In South London, where StudyBox operates centres in Wallington, Sutton and Croydon, typical market rates range from £30-55 per hour for in-person primary and secondary tuition.

Online vs in-person

Online tuition is generally 10-20% cheaper than in-person sessions because tutors have no travel or venue costs. However, in-person tuition at a dedicated centre offers advantages that online cannot replicate: a focused learning environment, immediate feedback from the tutor, and no reliance on technology or internet quality.

How to reduce the cost of tuition

Use Tax-Free Childcare

If your tuition provider is Ofsted registered (like StudyBox), you can pay using Tax-Free Childcare. The government adds 20p for every 80p you pay, up to £2,000 per child per year. This effectively gives you a 20% discount on every session. For a child attending weekly sessions at £30, that saves approximately £312 per year.

Childcare vouchers

Employer childcare voucher schemes can also be used at Ofsted-registered tuition centres, providing similar savings through tax and National Insurance exemptions.

Choose small group tuition

Small groups of 2-3 students offer the best balance of personalised attention and value for money. The EEF’s evidence review confirms that the learning gains from small group tuition are comparable to one-to-one, making it the most cost-effective option for most families.

What should tuition include?

When comparing tuition costs, check what is included in the price. A good tuition provider should offer:

An initial assessment to identify your child’s strengths and gaps
A personalised learning plan aligned to the national curriculum
Regular progress feedback to parents
Qualified, DBS-checked tutors
No long-term contracts or sign-up fees

At StudyBox, all of the above are included as standard. Sessions are paid on a rolling basis with no contracts, and every new student starts with a free trial session so you can see the environment and meet the tutor before committing.

StudyBox tuition prices (2026)

Programme	Price per session	Group size
Maths, English or Science — Year 1 to Year 11	£30	Up to 3 students
11 Plus preparation — 2-hour weekly sessions	£60	Up to 3 students

All sessions last one hour. StudyBox is Ofsted registered and accepts childcare vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare.

Ready to see if tutoring is right for your child? Book a free trial session at your nearest StudyBox centre — no obligation, no cost.

How Much Does Private Tuition Cost in the UK?