Private tutor cost

[Jdeah]

Hi I am a private tutor looking at my rates. I tutor from ks1 up to iGCSE. All pupils word of mouth. I travel to pupils, from 10 -25 mins each way at present. Superb feedback and results. Many pupils at excellent private schools and/or heading to top private schools (have included Eton, uppingham, king’s Canterbury). Also have pupils at local state primary and secondaries. Very important that I have a good relationship with clients so I wouldn’t want fees too high. But I do require the income and don’t want to undersell myself. Have tutored for 4 years, science degree from top UK university. Classroom teaching experience (private) but not a pgce.

SW London - I've paid between £40 and £45 ph for 11plus for private schools. We go to the tutor.

I'd expect you would still be busy at £50/hr if you have good track record and reputation? Travelling to the family is a huge bonus for large and busy families/working parents if nanny doesn't drive.

Jdeah- good question. I've no idea!

London I pay £30 for an English tutor and £40 for a maths tutor. Both v experienced with excellent track records and waiting lists

For SE, but not London, I pay £32 for qualified tutor. She does travel to us as we have morning session but after school the students travel to her.

OP, they are not doing you a favour by letting you come into their big houses and drink tea and escape your small children.....you are providing a valuable service which has high monetary value, and it sounds as if you are under charging especially as you are travelling to them.

Did you say you are not a qualified teacher, but taught in a Prep for many years? If that is the case, you are a teacher - and experience is very important in tutoring - knowing the schools and their exam papers for entrance for 11+ is the crucial thing, not having trained to teach 20 years ago.

Clearly, local markets are different, but experienced tutors with a good track record of success, who can point to their successes won't have to advertise but will recruit by word of mouth and have waiting lists - if you are in this position you can charge decent amounts and it is not exploiting your customers. Yes, if you want to give a lower rate to a particular family, you are of course free to do so, but overall and on average your hourly income should be higher. Charge the going rate and don't feel bad for doing it - if you are good and deliver success, those parents are happy to pay.