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Tutoring

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Thinking about tutoring

5 replies

Greenfingers37 · 04/08/2026 17:45

Hello, I retired as a primary school teacher 3 years ago (at 55) and am thinking about doing some tutoring.
I think I’d rather work for an agency and would ideally like a zero hours contract. I also do exam invigilating but it’s very seasonal and I could do with just topping my pension up a bit.
Can anyone offer any advice or experiences of this please? Thanks ☺️

OP posts:
PurplePenOfProgress · 04/08/2026 18:31

Just curious, as an independent tutor myself (formerly full time teacher), why do you think you would prefer an agency over being independent? Are you okay with them taking a cut of your pay?

Greenfingers37 · 04/08/2026 18:51

PurplePenOfProgress · 04/08/2026 18:31

Just curious, as an independent tutor myself (formerly full time teacher), why do you think you would prefer an agency over being independent? Are you okay with them taking a cut of your pay?

I don’t think I’d be hugely confident doing my own accounts, tax etc and the work would be found for me. I’m too long in the tooth to be setting up my own business and have no real inclination to do so. Just looking at how I can earn a bit of extra money.

OP posts:
PurplePenOfProgress · 04/08/2026 19:15

Thats understandable, although most banks now do free accounting software to help you manage it in minutes if that's something that could help.

From one tutor to another, there are a few different models:
1.Traditional tutoring agencies – e.g. Keystone Tutors. Matching process assigns tutors to families. A more managed service, but agencies typically take a percentage (20-40%) of the tutoring fee (which is passed on to the parent or you work for less) and tutors have less control over the relationship.

2.Tutor directories / marketplaces – e.g. First Tutors now closed) and Tutorperch.These allow tutors to create a profile and parents to search for a tutor themselves. The advantage is that tutors can showcase their experience, set their own rates and build a direct relationship with families. The challenge is that parents need to choose between tutors rather than being matched for them.

3.Commission-based platforms – e.g. MyTutor and Tutorful (although Tutorful are no longer accepting new Tutors) other online tutoring platforms.These can provide access to a large number of students and handle things like payments and lesson systems, but tutors may pay fees or commissions and the platform (between 15%-60%) and there are so many tutors on these platforms internationally so there is a lot of competition.

4.Independent tutoring / word of mouth – many tutors rely on recommendations, local groups, school networks and their own websites. This gives maximum control and no platform fees, but it can be harder for new tutors to get discovered. Facebook is quite good for this but every post is flooded with tutors from all over the world commenting.

If you have any questions regarding the switch from teaching to tutoring I'm happy to answer them, best of luck with whatever you choose!

Greenfingers37 · 04/08/2026 19:26

PurplePenOfProgress · 04/08/2026 19:15

Thats understandable, although most banks now do free accounting software to help you manage it in minutes if that's something that could help.

From one tutor to another, there are a few different models:
1.Traditional tutoring agencies – e.g. Keystone Tutors. Matching process assigns tutors to families. A more managed service, but agencies typically take a percentage (20-40%) of the tutoring fee (which is passed on to the parent or you work for less) and tutors have less control over the relationship.

2.Tutor directories / marketplaces – e.g. First Tutors now closed) and Tutorperch.These allow tutors to create a profile and parents to search for a tutor themselves. The advantage is that tutors can showcase their experience, set their own rates and build a direct relationship with families. The challenge is that parents need to choose between tutors rather than being matched for them.

3.Commission-based platforms – e.g. MyTutor and Tutorful (although Tutorful are no longer accepting new Tutors) other online tutoring platforms.These can provide access to a large number of students and handle things like payments and lesson systems, but tutors may pay fees or commissions and the platform (between 15%-60%) and there are so many tutors on these platforms internationally so there is a lot of competition.

4.Independent tutoring / word of mouth – many tutors rely on recommendations, local groups, school networks and their own websites. This gives maximum control and no platform fees, but it can be harder for new tutors to get discovered. Facebook is quite good for this but every post is flooded with tutors from all over the world commenting.

If you have any questions regarding the switch from teaching to tutoring I'm happy to answer them, best of luck with whatever you choose!

Edited

Thanks so much for all this advice-much appreciated!
I have a few friends, both also retired, who work for an agency which supports children and young people who, for different reasons, don’t attend school so they tutor them during the day, often in neutral locations.
I don’t particularly want to work evenings as I had my fill of that for 32 years as a teacher!

OP posts:
MedicalStudent2024 · 05/08/2026 11:09

If you are open to advertising in your local area can probably go and get paid in cash and not have to worry about setting up a formal business - just side income you probs don't want to earn a ton but I'm sure it can be lucrative for you :)

I am not endorsing tax evasion. Pay taxes of course.

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