Tutoring for the first time - what to charge?

[IHeartKingThistle]

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?

My DH is a maths tutor (GCSE, A-level and further maths) and he charges £30-£35 depending if it's GCSE (£30) or A-level (£35) and that's if they come to him. We are in the SW and he is always fully booked by 2nd week in Sept. He has been doing it for years and knows all the differnt syllabus for each school exam board and gives £10 vouchers to students who recommend their friends as an incentive. He used to be with an agency so they would charge £35 but he would only get £26 or so glad he's on his own thanks to a great website his friend did for him.

Start with £20 as you will need the experience but you can say that the price goes up in January if you think you're undercharging and no-one will mind. Perhaps a little cheaper for your friend especially if you're travelling to her house.

My DH says to parents though that it's 20% what he does and 80% what the students do so set them extra homework and go through what they struggled with. Get the English text books and familiarise yourself with all the concepts as the students can be very switched on and will love to catch you out

Sorry especially if the student is travelling to your house.

Lady... great advice - I agree!

I think £25 for KS4, £30 for AS, £35 for A2 (at least - depends on the market - I tutor in a subject where there aren't many qualified teachers). If you include the preparation time and travel costs it wouldn't add up to a very impressive salary if you did it full time. One thing that's also worked for me when it's a significant journey is to charge more for a longer session every other week. Another thing I do is to ask to be paid by online bank transfer rather than being given cash - saves tax issues and it can be a tad embarrassing to be handed cash or cheque if you're friendly with the people.

I do think tutoring a friend's child is a bit of a minefield though - not sure I would do it. If I did I might make a barter arrangement rather than a cash one.

I really agree with the poster above whose husband says a great deal is up to the effort the child's willing to put in! However, as there is a lack of teachers in my subject I have always found they generally haven't been taught much/enough/correct exam technique rather than that they're lacking in work ethic.