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Original poster

Tutoring for the first time - what to charge?

30 replies

IHeartKingThistle · 14/10/2012 13:18

Hi, I've been asked to do some GCSE English tutoring. 11 years teaching experience, zilch tutoring experience. It's also a friend who's asked so that complicates things a bit. What do you think?

OP posts:
AGhoulfromtheCrypt · 14/10/2012 13:20

I think £2012 an hour is generally accepted. Make sure you agree beforehand though. Even though it's a friend, you are a professional offering a service, so don't sell yourself short.

AGhoulfromtheCrypt · 14/10/2012 13:21

Right. That should have read £20 an hour. Stupid autocorrect. Unless you really are that superfantastic!

imtheonlyone · 14/10/2012 13:21

My SIL tutors Maths and she charges £20 per hour ... And is always full :-)

ExitPursuedByAaaaaarGhoul · 14/10/2012 13:22

Gosh that's a lot.
My DD's maths tutor charges £25 an hour.

AGhoulfromtheCrypt · 14/10/2012 13:26

I think it also depends on what she wants you to do - is it general revision or specifically focused on certain exams/ assessments? Are you familiar with that exam board? How long will it take you to prepare resources etc?

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 14/10/2012 13:28

£20 an hour does seem right; it just seems a lot to ask for in real life! And I'm worried about what will happen if he doesn't achieve the grade he wants - so awkward if they've been paying me all year.

I'm overthinking this, aren't I? It's what they'd be paying if they asked someone else, right?

OP posts:
DameFannyGallopsAtaGhost · 14/10/2012 13:31

If you're tutoring you should be able to give them a reasonable expectation of grade though shouldn't you? As you'll be working so closely

Thewidewideworld · 14/10/2012 13:33

I am tutoring atm and charging £15, as it is a friend's child, but I know the going rate locally is £20.

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 14/10/2012 13:34

Yes, hopefully! I guess that's the point!

Don't know the exam board yet but I believe the texts are familiar. Will involve a bit of prep.

OP posts:
Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 14/10/2012 13:36

Sorry x-post.

OP posts:
mummytime · 14/10/2012 13:41

Private music lessons are £34 an hour or so btw.

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 14/10/2012 14:10

Thewidewideworld was that the charge you gave her or the price she offered? I was wondering if I should do 'mates rates', especially as I haven't done it before.

OP posts:
Felicitywascold · 14/10/2012 14:44

In this (expensive) part of the world the going rate is £35-40 an hour, I know some tutors who are getting more. So £20 sounds more than generous to a friend to me!

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 14/10/2012 14:53

Blimey, where do you live???

OP posts:
Thewidewideworld · 14/10/2012 15:13

She asked me what I would charge and I said £15. Child is well known to me and as she is my first tutee she gets a lack of experience discount!

mnistooaddictive · 14/10/2012 16:10

I charge £25 per hour but I travel to students so have petrol costs and travel time. If anyone is more than about 20mins away I charge £30 per hour. If I think someone is really strugling but really benefittingI may drop my price or offer some kind of deal.

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 14/10/2012 23:05

It's a minefield! Tutors, can I ask what time you do most of your tutoring?

OP posts:
dontcallmehon · 14/10/2012 23:10

Don't sell yourself short. I charge £30 per hour in the North West, where the going rate is £20-25. I am full and always being asked for more tuition. I am an experienced tutor and teacher, with an Oxford degree ( which clients like) and have built up a good reputation. I started out charging £25, but upped my rates after a couple of years experience - so I'd say that is a good starting point.

dontcallmehon · 14/10/2012 23:13

I work every weeknight and on Saturdays till 3 and Sundays till 4. I also tutor online and via Skype on an ad hoc basis. I love it!

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 14/10/2012 23:51

Oh I remember you from the leaving teaching thread! Thanks for the advice, you sound super-successful!

OP posts:
GW297 · 15/10/2012 12:37

I think £30 per hour is the going rate now. I'd offer £5 off for friends or if they are happy to come to your house instead.

forevergreek · 15/10/2012 12:41

When I looked at tutors about 5 years ago it was approx £20 for gcse level and £30 for a level. 5 years on I would add at least £5 an hour more

HappyTurquoise · 20/10/2012 20:13

I advertise as £25 an hour but only charge that for one-off lessons, or if I have to travel for long/far. Usually I charge £17 - £20 per lesson for 5 - 10 lessons, booked and paid in advance. You should be able to charge a little more for GCSE, once you have got some experience (and assuming you have some teacher training and experience. sorry, have not ready the rest of the thread thoroughly.)

I teach from 4pm - 7(ending 8pm) to suit the family, but maximum 2 pupils on one day/night, with a gap to read my prep and 'tune in' before each lesson.

HappyTurquoise · 20/10/2012 20:15

(I don't teach GCSE, I teach basic maths & literacy, so you should charge more, for a more advanced syllabus.)

lurcherlover · 20/10/2012 20:24

I'm in the NW and charge £25 an hour for secondary English tuition.