The Tutoring Report 2023
At First Tutors, we know the benefits of tuition and how tutors can give students the extra help they need to succeed, develop their critical thinking skills, and find academic confidence. For this reason, we have compiled The Tutoring Report 2023, a look into how tutoring works across the UK, the cost, and which academic subjects are in demand.
The tutoring landscape
The private tuition market in the UK is estimated to be worth £1 - 2 billion, with 25% of students having received private tuition (rising to 40% in London). As a result, private tuition is no longer a secret but a part of everyday education for many children.Our research also shows that post-pandemic demand for tutors remains high, with 74.3% of tutors reporting higher or the same levels of demand for their tuition services.
As for why students opt for extra tuition, 46% say they use tuition to prepare for exams, with 54% saying they have a long-term commitment to their sessions. From the tutors' perspective, 77% of tutoring focused on building confidence for subjects and exams.
Our findings have shown insight into the geographical and operational landscape of tutoring for students across the United Kingdom. Not only showcasing the widespread adoption of tutoring but also highlighting its substantial positive impact on children's educational journeys.
What emerges is a positive trend towards tutoring and its benefits to students from primary to GCSEs, A-levels and beyond, no matter where they live. By examining the data and trends in the tutoring landscape, the report highlights the increasing recognition of the value of education and the role that tutoring plays in enhancing academic outcomes. It serves as a testament to our commitment to providing access to quality education and empowering students to reach their full potential.
Sarah Adams - First Tutors
The cost of tutoring
Our research also shows that the cost of tutoring across all key stages is an average of £38.64 a session. Primary-age tutoring comes in at £35.11 a session, GCSE tuition at £36.90, and £46.40 for A-level specialist subjects.
While prices remain stable, lower options for tutoring have also emerged, with the average cost of online tuition being £30 per hour, a saving of 20%+ in comparison to in-person lessons.
"First Tutors has successfully established itself as a platform that caters to a diverse range of students and tutors, attracting both parties with its merit-based approach. The platform's commitment to inclusivity ensures that students from all backgrounds can access high-quality education, regardless of their financial circumstances or geographical location. This not only fosters equal opportunities for learning but also attracts a broad range of tutors who are passionate about making education accessible to all."
Sarah Adams, First Tutors
Tutoring across the UK
As for where tutoring is most in demand, London, Surrey, the West Midlands, Kent and Essex are the UK's five most tutored areas in the UK. This makes the South East the most tutored region of the UK and Bristol the city with the most tutors.
In terms of cities, London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Glasgow lead the field for the most tutored students, with London areas like Muswell Hill, Edgware and Tower Hamlets dominating the tutor stakes in the capital.
Demand for subjects
Overall the most in-demand tuition subject in the UK is Maths, followed by Chemistry, English and Biology. However, subject demand varies according to age, with Maths, English and Entrance Exams monopolising at the primary level, correlating to the Year 6 SATs and 11+ exams.
In Key Stage 3, Maths, Chemistry and Biology lead the field, with this changing to Maths, English and Chemistry for GCSE students. At A-level, demand is highest for Maths, Chemistry and Biology.
Maths dominates all areas of tutoring, and out of the ten most tutored subjects, the focus remains on STEM, with Chemistry, Biology and Combined Science also taking up the top ten spots.
English, French and Spanish also appear in the list, closely followed by A-level topics Economics and Psychology and Year 6 Entrance Examinations.
Types of tutoring
Our insights into tuition habits - gathered from a range of tutors across the UK, also show that from primary level to secondary and undergraduate degrees, online tuition is now the most asked-for form for expert help in various subjects.
In-person tutoring is the most traditional form of tuition. Offering up bespoke help in a one-on-one setting, its appeal has been on the wane since the pandemic, with nearly half of all private tuition now online.
Online tuition is now proving to be a practical option for students who live in rural areas or have busy schedules. It's just as effective as in-person tutoring, but it offers students the flexibility to learn at their own pace and from the comfort of their own homes. Tutors use whiteboards, screen sharing, quizzes and assessments to help students track their progress and identify areas where they need additional help.
Finally, group tutoring is another type of tutoring in a small group setting. It's a good option for students who want to learn from their peers and who want feedback from their tutor on their work. Group tutoring can also be a more affordable option than one-to-one tutoring. It can also be done online tutoring again using whiteboards and breakout rooms online.
For more on how to find a tutor in any subject, anywhere in the UK, go to First Tutors.
First Tutors was established in 2005 to help people find great tutors in their local area. As the first service of our kind, we have won industry awards and appear regularly in the educational, regional and national press. We are committed to making the tuition market more open and merit-based. We have many thousands of tutors nationwide, covering various subjects. Whether you need to prepare for your Maths GCSE or brush up on your French, First Tutors can help you find a tutor for your subject and level. We also conduct ID and reference checks on all our tutors so you can choose them with confidence.
*Insights for First Tutors, Tutoring Report collected the data from - 10th May 2022-10th May 2023 based on 'student/tutor matches'.