How to become a tutor

Thinking about becoming a tutor? Whether you’re a university student, a recent graduate, or a qualified teacher looking for a career change, tutoring can be a flexible and fulfilling way to share your knowledge and make a real difference in students’ lives.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to become a tutor and share practical steps to help you get started.

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What makes a good tutor?

Being a great tutor isn’t just about having good subject knowledge—it’s about knowing how to communicate that knowledge in a way that builds confidence, sparks curiosity, and facilitates real understanding. Whether you’re helping students tackle challenging topics or prepare for important exams, your role is to encourage, support, and help each learner fulfil their academic potential.

Key qualities of a good tutor

• Strong subject knowledge: It’s essential to feel confident with the content at the level you’re teaching, whether that’s GCSE, A Level, or beyond.
• Excellent communication skills: You need to be able to break down complex ideas, respond to students’ questions effectively, provide constructive feedback, and build a positive tutor-student relationship.
• Adaptability: This means being able to adapt your approach to suit how a student learns best. Every learner is different, and your ability to tailor your tutoring will make a big difference.
• Patience: Patience is essential, especially for students who are struggling or lacking in confidence. A good tutor creates a safe, supportive environment where mistakes are an important part of the learning process.
• A passion for helping others learn: Successful tutors genuinely enjoy helping others succeed. It’s not just about teaching content—it’s about building a student’s confidence and helping them achieve their goals.

Teaching vs tutoring: What’s the difference?

While teaching and tutoring share many skills, the settings and expectations are often quite different. Teachers typically manage whole classrooms, follow a set curriculum, and balance the needs of many students at once. Tutors, on the other hand, work one-to-one or with small groups, allowing for more personalised support, detailed feedback, and a closer working relationship.

Tutors also tend to work more closely with parents, providing regular updates on progress and collaborating on learning goals.

How to become a private tutor: Things to consider

Becoming a private tutor can be a fulfilling and flexible career choice, but there are a few important factors to consider before getting started.

Choose your subjects and levels

The first step is deciding what you’ll teach. Most private tutors focus on subjects they’ve studied at A Level or university. You should have in-depth subject knowledge and feel confident explaining key concepts and answering questions at the level you plan to tutor.

It’s also worth considering demand: some subjects and levels are more commonly requested than others. Focusing on one or two areas where you’re particularly strong can help you build a clear and credible profile.

It’s also important to consider which exam boards you’ll teach. Different boards—such as AQA, Edexcel, or OCR—can vary in content and assessment style, so being familiar with the specifications most relevant to your students will help you deliver more targeted and effective support.

Gain relevant qualifications and experience

You don’t need to be a qualified teacher to become a private tutor, but relevant qualifications and experience will help build trust with potential students and parents. At a minimum, you should have strong academic credentials in the subjects you want to tutor. A degree in your subject—or a closely related one—is a strong advantage.

Tutoring experience is also valuable, but everyone starts somewhere. If you’re new to tutoring, consider offering a few lessons to family, friends, or classmates, volunteering at a school, or joining a tutoring platform that supports early-career tutors. These experiences can help you develop your teaching style and gather positive testimonials.

Keep in mind that some online tutoring platforms have their own qualification requirements. Always check a platform’s eligibility criteria before applying.

Online vs in-person tutoring

One of the first practical decisions you’ll face is whether to offer your lessons in person, online, or a combination of both.

In-person tutoring can feel more personal and may be better suited to students who benefit from face-to-face interaction. It’s typically best for local clients and may involve some travel.

Online tutoring, on the other hand, offers several advantages, including greater flexibility. You can teach from anywhere, eliminate travel time and cost, and reach a much wider pool of students across the UK (and beyond).

For students, online learning can be more convenient, making it easier to fit lessons into a busy schedule. It also gives access to a broader variety of tutors so they can find the right fit.

Some tutors opt for a hybrid approach, offering both formats depending on the needs of each student. Whichever route you choose, a professional setup is essential for success.

How to become an online tutor in the UK

Whether you’re new to tutoring or looking to expand your services online, this section will walk you through how to become a tutor in the UK’s growing online education space.

What tech setup do you need?

To run smooth and professional online lessons, you’ll need a reliable and well-equipped tech setup. At a minimum, this includes:

• A laptop or desktop with a stable internet connection
• A webcam and microphone with clear audio and video quality
• A quiet, well-lit space that’s free from distractions
• For subjects like maths and science, a touchscreen device with a stylus can be very helpful for writing out formulae, equations, and worked examples.

Having organised digital resources—such as past papers, worksheets, or annotated slides—will also help you deliver high-quality lessons.

If you join an online tutoring platform, it will often provide you with tools to support your teaching. For example, PMT tutors have access to private online classrooms, an easily searchable archive of past lessons, and an interactive whiteboard designed to support high-quality teaching.

For more advice, check out our article on creating the perfect online tutoring setup.

Joining a tutoring platform vs going solo

There are two main routes into online tutoring: joining an established tutoring platform or setting up independently.

Tutoring platforms help connect you with students, handle marketing, and often take care of scheduling, payments, and lesson tools. They can be a good choice if you want to minimise admin time and focus on teaching.

However, you’ll be competing with a wide range of tutors, so it’s essential to create a tutor profile that stands out (more on that later). It’s also important to check how much your take-home pay will be, as platforms charge varying rates of commission.

While becoming an online tutor requires a few specific steps, many of the key principles of successful tutoring—such as building a strong reputation and delivering high-quality lessons—apply to both in-person and online formats. We’ll cover these in the next section.

How to start a tutoring business: Tips for success

You’ve chosen your subject(s), decided on your format, and set up your tech. The next step is to begin building a thriving tutoring business. Our top tips will help you grow your reputation and attract more students.

Write a standout tutor bio/profile

Your tutor profile is often the first impression potential students and parents will have of you—so make it count. A strong profile should highlight your subject expertise, relevant qualifications, and tutoring style while also showcasing your enthusiasm for helping students succeed. Don’t forget to write in a friendly, approachable tone that reflects your personality!

Read more: How to optimise your tutor profile and secure more bookings

Decide your rates

Setting your tutoring rates can feel daunting, especially when you’re just starting out. The key is to find a rate that reflects your experience, subject expertise, and the level you’re teaching—while also staying competitive.

Do some market research, consider your expenses and prep time, and be clear about what your rate includes (e.g. marking, follow-up support). Over time, as you gain more experience and reviews, you can increase your rate accordingly.

Read more: How to set your rate as a tutor

Prepare and deliver high-quality lessons

Great tutoring is about more than just showing up—it’s about preparing engaging, effective lessons that meet each student’s individual needs. Lesson planning is key, particularly when you’re working with students at different levels or with varying goals.

Adapt your sessions to each student’s needs and pace, and make space for active learning through techniques such as effective questioning and integrating exam questions into lessons.

Organised resources—like past papers and annotated slides—can enhance your teaching and save time.

Build a reputation through positive reviews

Student and parent reviews play a vital role in attracting new clients. They build trust, provide social proof, and help you stand out from other tutors.

Ask for feedback after a few lessons or once a student sees progress, and always deliver a consistent, high-quality experience that encourages positive recommendations.

Read more: Why tutor reviews matter and how to ask for them

Keep learning and improving

Tutoring is a dynamic profession, and there’s always room to grow. Regularly reflect on your sessions and seek feedback from students and parents. Small adjustments can lead to big improvements in engagement and outcomes.

Look for CPD (continuing professional development) opportunities to sharpen your skills—whether that’s subject-specific training, educational webinars, or networking with other tutors. It’s also important to stay informed about curriculum updates and exam board changes.

Stay on top of the business side

Running a tutoring business involves keeping your admin in check. Track your income and expenses, keep accurate records for tax purposes, and understand the basics of working as a self-employed tutor in the UK.

It’s also important to stay up to date with safeguarding requirements. Reputable tutoring platforms—including PMT Tuition—require tutors to hold an enhanced DBS check and adhere to clear safeguarding policies. If you’re working independently (i.e. not through a platform), a DBS check isn’t legally required but is strongly recommended—along with having your own safeguarding policy in place.

Professionalism—clear communication, punctuality, and well-defined policies (e.g. cancellations and safeguarding)—will also help you build trust and retain clients.

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Becoming a tutor is a rewarding way to share your subject knowledge and make a real difference in students’ lives. Whether you teach online, in person, or a combination of both, success depends on how well you can connect with students, deliver high-quality lessons, and maintain a strong sense of professionalism.

For more insights and support, visit the PMT Education Tutor Blog, where you’ll find articles on everything from time management to supporting anxious students.

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FAQs

How do I become a tutor?

To become a tutor in the UK, start by choosing your subject(s) and level(s), gaining relevant qualifications or experience, and deciding whether to work independently or through a platform like PMT Tuition. Our guide walks you through every step of how to become a tutor and build a successful tutoring business.

What qualifications do I need to be a tutor?

You don’t need formal teaching qualifications to become a tutor, but strong academic credentials in the subject(s) you want to teach are essential. Most tutors have studied their subject at A Level or university. Some platforms may have specific requirements, including a minimum level of tutoring experience.

What do most tutors charge per hour?

Tutoring rates in the UK vary depending on experience, subject, and the level being taught. Tutors with specialist knowledge or strong credentials often charge the highest rates, especially for A Level or university-level support.

Do private tutors need an enhanced DBS check?

While an enhanced DBS check isn’t legally required to work as a private tutor in the UK, many parents and tutoring platforms prefer or require it.

Am I self-employed as a tutor?

Yes, most private tutors in the UK are self-employed. This means you’re responsible for managing your own income, taxes, and National Insurance. It’s important to register with HMRC, keep accurate records of your earnings and expenses, and submit an annual tax return.

How much does it cost to start a tutoring business?

Starting a tutoring business has relatively low upfront costs. For online tutoring, you’ll need a reliable tech setup (laptop, webcam, microphone), a quiet teaching space, and possibly some digital tools or resources. You may also choose to pay for a DBS check and the cost of registering for the Update Service. Many tutors get started with minimal investment, especially when working online via an established tutoring platform.

How do I get clients for my tutoring business?

You can find tutoring clients by joining an established platform, asking for referrals, or promoting your services through social media, local ads, or word of mouth. A strong tutor profile, positive reviews, and a clear subject focus will help you stand out and attract students.

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