Please explain tutor agencies to me!

[Tutorpuzzle]

I am a qualified teacher (mostly primary) but can teach English & Psychology to A level. Worked in both state and independent (a while ago now but much experience of SAT’s and 7+/8+) and have a recent MSc in Psychology. I’ve run my own business for a while but am keen to get back to teaching and have been looking at online tutor agencies. But, oh my! There are so many….some charging 5 bob an hour, some £200 an hour. Even I know I’m not worth 200 quid an hour! So, my question is, how do the wise parents of Mumsnet choose an agency and do you have any recommendations - especially if you are a working as tutor at the moment..(and MNHQ I’m honestly not offering my services, I genuinely want to work within an agency framework, at least for a year or two.) Thanks 🙂

Agencies take too big a cut. Word of mouth and advertising on social media to get your own clients direct is better. I think agencies charge the parents too much and they make about £12 every time someone teaches a lesson!

I tutor primary children face to face and I work for myself, haven't needed an agency. If you're on Facebook look up the Twinkl private tutors group for great practical advice and lots of support - it's a lovely community. I have my own business page on Facebook and a Google maps listing and I get all my pupils via those, plus word of mouth. Good luck.

Getting your own clients direct is better if you can, but I use Tutorful to fill gaps and they're not awful. They take 35% on top.

Thanks for the replies🙂