Is your child struggling with English at school? Lacking confidence? Or simply needs help reaching their full potential? English tuition could be well worth it.
Here’s all you need to know about English tutoring – from the benefits to how much it typically costs. But first…
What is English tuition?
English tuition involves getting one-to-one support from a specialist tutor who can help your child to reach their full potential in English – whether they’re at primary school, studying for their GCSEs or completing an English degree.
In this way, it can look very different depending on the child, their age and their abilities. Which is what makes it so great!
While your child’s school will teach them the English curriculum, they won’t normally offer your child one-to-one attention to help with any areas where they need extra support.
On the other hand, a private English tutor will be able to tailor sessions to take into account your child’s strengths, weaknesses, goals and learning style. So, it’s an excellent way to boost your child’s confidence and help them perform at their best in their exams.
In fact, 100% of Tutorful English students said their tutor positively impacted their exam results. And 100% of our English A Level students improved by at least one grade!
Is it worth getting an English tutor?
Yes! Tutoring is well worth it for many subjects.
But when it comes to English, tutoring can be even more worthwhile. Why?
Well, English is an important subject that’s well-regarded by schools, colleges, universities and even employers.
Honing your child’s skills in English will help them to develop important skills that will stand them in good stead in later life – such as reading, writing, communication, analytical skills and critical thinking.
Plus, your child’s performance in English arguably counts for more than in many other subjects.
For instance, if your child takes the 11 Plus, one of the areas in which they’ll be assessed is English.
And when it comes to GCSEs, your child will need to get at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature – if not, they’ll need to retake their English Language GCSE until they pass, or get an equivalent English qualification.
With that in mind, an English tutor can help your child to unlock many doors.
What is the benefit of English tuition?
So, now you understand why English is so important as a subject. But that still doesn’t quite answer why you should hire an English tutor for your child.
Don’t worry, here are just a few benefits of English tuition.
Individual attention
A tutor will give your child one-on-one attention that they won’t usually get at school.
In this way, a tutor will be able to take the time to explain key concepts to your child in a way that will click for them.
Tailored sessions
A tutor will tailor lessons to your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
They’ll also be able to take into account your child’s goals when planning sessions, and will use methods that suit your child’s learning style.
Improve grades
90% of Tutorful students improve by at least one grade – and 100% of English A Level students!
With that in mind, getting the help of a tutor can be an excellent way to pass your English Language and English Literature GCSEs, or to ace any further English studies your child chooses to continue with in the future.
Boost confidence
Tutors are like a cross between a teacher and a mentor, so they’re ideal for boosting your child’s confidence and motivation.
The extra support and preparation that English tuition offers also make it a great way to overcome exam fear and stress.
Expertise
At Tutorful, all our tutors are carefully vetted and handpicked, with enhanced DBS checks. In fact, many are also qualified English teachers and examiners!
So, you can be confident you’re getting the help of an expert that you can trust.
Choice
You can’t choose your child’s school teacher, but you can choose their tutor! That means you can pick someone who matches your criteria exactly, who is certain to click with your child.
In the unlikely event that your child doesn’t click with their tutor straight away, we even offer a First Lesson Guarantee. That means we’ll help match you with a new tutor and even pay for your first lesson with them.
Flexibility
Online English tutors are designed to fit around your busy family life. You can say goodbye to travel time and let your child learn while you’re getting dinner on the table, preparing the next day’s packed lunches or (if you’re lucky!) just relaxing.
Plus, your child will benefit from learning in an environment where they feel comfortable.
How do I know if my child needs English tutoring?
Of course, every child is different. So, how can you be sure that your child could benefit from English tutoring? Here are just a few signs.
Your child is struggling in English
If your child is struggling, a tutor can help to turn things around, boosting your child’s confidence and abilities in this important subject.
Wondering how to spot if your child is struggling in English? A few early signs include avoiding reading, not remembering what they’ve read and poor writing formation. But speaking to their English teacher at school can also help you to get a clearer picture.
Your child isn’t getting the support they need at school
English isn’t an easy subject. Even if your child aces their English GCSEs, the English Literature and English Language A Levels can still be hard.
Getting the help of a tutor is a great way to make sure your child has the support they need to succeed, so they can get the grades they want to take the next steps in their studies or career.
“Harman contacted me at the start of April. She was targeted a Grade 6 for English Literature, but wanted to study the subject at A-Level and hoped to achieve Grade 8/9.
“Time was very short, but she worked hard and we focused on specific areas for improvement.
“On results day, we were both absolutely delighted to find out that she had been awarded a Grade 8!”
– Sue W, English Tutor
You want to guide your child to better exam results
Has your child failed their English Literature or Language GCSEs? Missed the grades they need at A Level? Or flunked their mock exams?
Don’t panic. Exams can be retaken – but your child may well need a little more help to get the results they’re after. Whether they’re preparing to sit the exams for the first time or they’re retaking their GCSEs, a tutor will be able to work with them closely to help them reach their full potential.
“Isabella’s dad contacted me in March because she was lacking in confidence and needed some help with her English Literature.
“At that point she had not achieved a pass in any of her Literature exams.
“We worked on all her texts and she was thrilled when she got a pass in the last mock before the exams.
“She followed that up by achieving a Grade 5 at GCSE.”
– Sue W, English Tutor
Your child is preparing to sit an entrance exam
Hoping to get your child into a grammar or private school? English is invariably assessed in the 11 Plus and Common Entrance exams.
Luckily, a tutor will be able to prepare your child fully – from week-by-week plans to practice exams and even interview prep where relevant!
“I’ve been tutoring 11+ students for 7 years now, and every student I’ve worked with has achieved an offer from their chosen school/s!”
– Rachel B, English Tutor
Your child isn’t enjoying English
Every child deserves to enjoy school. If your child is low in confidence, experiencing exam anxiety or putting themself under too much pressure, a tutor can act as the mentor and cheerleader they need.
With the right attention and support, your child can walk into their English lessons or exams feeling happy and confident.
“I believe that academic studies may be enjoyed rather than endured!”
– Ann J, English Tutor
Your child isn’t being stretched
Finding that your child isn’t being stretched enough at school? Or that gaps in the curriculum are preventing your child from reaching their full potential?
Our English tutors are experts in their subject and can push your child to reach new heights – whether it’s encouraging them to think more critically or exposing them to advanced material.
With a little English tuition, the sky’s the limit!
How much does a one-to-one English tutor cost?
The average hourly rate for an English online tutor is around £35.40.
However, at Tutorful, we have hundreds of English tutors available covering all sorts of price points – ranging from £20 to £55.
Just a few factors affecting how much you can expect to pay for an English tutor include:
- You tutor’s location
- Whether you opt for online or face-to-face sessions
- Your child’s level of study
- Your tutor’s experience
- How many sessions you need
Head over to our dedicated blog about how much an English tutor costs to learn more.
When to start English tutoring
It’s never too early – or too late – to start English tutoring.
Here’s the lowdown on starting English tuition at various points.
Primary school English tuition
It’s often recommended to start English tuition in the early years of primary school – especially if your child is taking a little longer to master the basics.
Getting input from an experienced English tutor at this early stage can help to make sure your child has a strong foundation in reading and writing before they progress to more complex topics.
If you’re planning for your child to sit the 11 Plus, investing in tutoring at least a year before the exam will also give them the best chance of passing.
“I have 8-year-old twins who need support with their English.
“I contacted Nicolette, our tutor, about my twins and the wonderful educational journey began.
“I can not recommend Tutorful enough, my children’s English has improved so much.”
– Sharon Fairburn-Wood, Parent
Secondary school English tuition
Secondary school English is a big jump up from primary school. If your child is struggling to make the leap or they’re low in confidence, now is the time to get an English tutor on board.
By investing in English tuition in the early years of secondary school, you’ll give your child plenty of time to build their confidence and skills before the crucial GCSE preparation years.
GCSE or iGCSE English tuition
This is a popular time to invest in English tuition. A GCSE or iGCSE English tutor will be able to help your child prepare for these important exams and give them the best possible chance of passing with flying colours.
Remember, if your child doesn’t get at least a grade 4 in English at GCSE, they’ll need to retake it – so, an English tutor really could help to unlock more options in your child’s future.
Just make sure to plan ahead. For the best results, it’s worth starting GCSE or iGCSE English tuition at least a few months before the exams.
“I supported a cohort of learners with their 2022 English literature and English language GCSE examinations.
“My students were a group of mixed ability with different long-term goals.
“Some were grappling with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and were just looking for a pass grade.
“All of my students received the grades they needed for their next steps.”
– Anna W, English Tutor
A Level or IB English tuition
If your child decides to continue with English after GCSE, then an A Level or IB English tutor could be a great shout.
A Level and IB are both a big step up from GCSE. Whether your child is studying English Literature or English Language, a tutor will be able to help them meet the demands of this higher level of study, so that they’re best placed to take the next steps in their studies or career.
English tutor for adults
It’s never too late to invest in English tuition. Whether you’re preparing to take GCSEs as an adult, studying for an English degree or simply keen to pursue a passion in the subject, an English tutor will be happy to help you reach your goals.
Investing in a tutor is a great way to learn on your own terms and fit your academic goals in around your busy life – whether that’s a full-time job, other academic studies or supporting a family.
Are online English tutors worth it?
Absolutely! At Tutorful, more and more families are choosing online tutoring, and with good reason.
Having taught over 3.1 million lessons, we believe that online English tutors are the best solution for most families. Here’s why.
- Convenience. Online English tutors make it easy for you to fit your child’s learning in around your busy family life.
- Technology. English online tutors have access to more tools to help your child learn. With Tutorful, you can even watch sessions back with your child as part of their revision!
- Cost-effective. Online English tutors typically charge less than those offering face-to-face sessions. After all, they won’t face expenses like transport, classroom rental and electricity.
- Familiar environment. Your child will learn from the comfort of their own home, allowing them to thrive in a place where they feel at ease.
- More choice. You’ll be able to choose from a wider pool of English tutors to find the perfect fit – rather than being restricted to those who live nearby.
- Benefits those with social anxiety. Children with social anxiety often spend the whole school day stepping outside of their comfort zone. Online English tuition gives them a place where they can learn in complete comfort and focus fully on the topic at hand.
“My daughter has social anxiety, so introducing a new person into her life can be difficult. However, the tutor we selected for her has made the transition so easy.
“She now looks forward to seeing her tutor weekly and we regularly hear giggling coming from her bedroom when being taught which is fantastic.
“I love the ease of using Tutorful & the reasonable costs, I genuinely feel it is a marvellous way to top your child’s education.”
– Sarah Storey, Parent
How to find the best English tutor online
Ready to find the best online English tutor for your child?
At Tutorful, we’re here to make it easy.
We handpick and carefully vet all the tutors on our platform. In fact, we only accept around 1 in 7 applicants. So, you know you’re hiring someone you can trust.
Better still, many of our tutors are even qualified teachers and examiners!
We’re so confident in the quality of our tutors that if you don’t click with your tutor right away, we’ll match you with a new one and even pay for your first lesson with them.
Simply click the button below to register and receive £25 credit towards your first lesson.
Browse expert, vetted tutors, message free, and book instantly.
FAQs
How much do private English tutors charge in the UK?
Private online English tutors typically charge around £35.40 per hour.
However, at Tutorful, we have hundreds of English tutors available covering all sorts of hourly rates – ranging from £20 to £55.
Is online tutoring worth it in the UK?
Yes! There are tons of benefits to online tutoring. Not only does it offer more convenience and flexibility, but students also tend to thrive learning from the comfort of their own home.
Plus, online technology gives tutors access to more tools that they can use to help your child learn.
Where can I find English tutors online?
Simply browse our list of handpicked and vetted English tutors to find the perfect fit for your child.
You can even add filters to find a tutor who meets your needs exactly – for instance, why not search for a tutor who’s also a qualified school English teacher?
What is the best online tutor website?
At Tutorful, we pride ourselves on being one of the best online tutor websites.
We have:
- 5,595 expert tutors
- 81,427 5-star reviews
- Over 3.1 million lessons under our belts
- 196,544 happy students
Plus, 90% of Tutorful students improve by at least 1 grade.
Is private tutoring legal in the UK?
Yes! Private tutoring is legal in the UK. However, the downside is that anyone can technically call themselves a private tutor, without requiring any qualifications or experience.
That’s why it’s so important to choose a tutor you can trust.
At Tutorful, we only partner with the very best, background-checked tutors, and we vet and onboard each one. Only around 1 in 7 applicants are successful, so you know your child will be learning from the real deal.
How do I start English tutoring?
It’s easy to start English tutoring. Simply browse our handpicked English tutors to find the perfect one for your needs, before messaging them for free.
Click the button below to get started and claim £25 off your first lesson.
