Maths is one of the most complicated subjects on the UK school curriculum, so it's no wonder many students opt for a Math tutor or some extracurricular activities to accompany their studies.
If you're considering the possibility of getting some tutoring outside the classroom, you might be wondering: how much is a maths tutor? The answer to this question will depend on a couple of key factors: where you are in the UK, what level of maths you're studying (for example, A level or GCSE), and what kind of tutor you're after.
What is a math tutor?
Put simply, a math tutor is someone who can give you some aid and guidance alongside your maths study at school. A maths tutor can help you understand difficult concepts that you haven't quite got the hang of yet; whether it be trigonometry or division
Benefits of having a math tutor:
So, why use a math tutor? Here are just a couple of reasons why a math tutor can be beneficial to your studies and help in your understanding of maths:
- Ask as many questions as you like. When you're in a classroom of 20-30 pupils, you might feel awkward asking more than one question - even if that's their job, your teachers can't spend the entire lesson responding to questions. With a math tutor, you'll be able to ask as many questions as you like, clarifying concepts that you might not fully understand.
- Get direct feedback. One of the great things about having a math tutor is being able to get direct feedback on your work. The tutor will be able to tell you where you're going wrong in your calculations, or how to solve a mathematical problem more quickly. This can help when it comes to putting your math knowledge to the test during your exams and coursework.
- Focus on your weaknesses. When you're in a classroom setting, you can't ask the teacher to focus their curriculum uniquely on your weak points. This often means time wasted in the classroom going over things you already understand, when you could be spending the time better understanding some of the tricker topics within the subject.
- One-on-one learning. Overall, one of the key benefits of having a math tutor is enjoying all the privileges of one-on-one learning. You'll be able to ask questions directly (as many as you like!), have your tutor explain difficult concepts to you, and get instant feedback and guidance on your work.
How much is a math tutor? Maths tutor prices, explained
Location -Depending on where you are in the UK, the hourly cost of a math tutor will fluctuate. In London, the prices are highest, where you can expect to pay around �27 per hour for a general maths tutor. Prices also fluctuate by region; in Scotland, you can expect to pay between �20-�21.50 for hourly math tutoring, even in the capital city of Edinburgh. On average, you can expect to pay around �21.50 hourly.
Academic level- Another factor that will influence the cost of a math tutor will be the level of maths you're studying for. If you're studying for your GCSEs (or even simply want to improve your maths at a level lower than GCSE) you can probably find former students and university students who will offer their services at lower rates. When it comes to a maths tutor for A-level and AS-level, you can probably expect to pay slightly more in hourly payments.
Digital vs. In-person -The internet has transformed the world of tutoring, with tutors now available to take classes online rather than in person. In general, you can probably expect to pay very slightly less for an online tutor rather than an in-person tutor. This is because many online tutors will factor in their transport costs to their hourly fee, so if they're taking a class online, there's no need to factor in fuel costs.
Students vs. teaching professionals - Another variable that will determine the cost of your maths tutor: whether or not you're hiring a former student (a sixth-former, a uni student, or Masters student) or if you're hiring someone whose full-time job is teaching and tutoring. If you're paying for the latter, you'll probably find that the hourly rate is slightly higher than that of a student working for some summer money.
Put simply, the most experienced maths tutors are going to have higher rates, while those still in education will be working at a lower tariff. That being said, the price of a math tutor doesn't necessarily reflect the quality of the tutoring: in fact, hiring a student tutor can often be more beneficial than hiring someone with 30 years' experience. Former students who were recently in the school system might have a sharper, fresher grasp on certain mathematical concepts, and will certainly have more recent experience when it comes to sitting modern exams.
One on one vs. group math tutoring - When it comes to calculating the price of a math tutor, one of the most important variables will be whether or not you opt for one-on-one learning or group tutoring. When it comes to math, you'll probably want to opt for a private, one-on-one tutor. Math can be tricky and complicated, and with a group session, you might not get all the time you need to ask questions, have the tutor explain concepts, or give you tips and guidance for your exams.
Exam season? Another factor that might influence the price of your math tutor - the time of year! If you opt for a local math tutor right before exam season, you might find that the high demand has hiked up the overall hourly price. For this reason, it's a good idea to seek out a math tutor before the exam season begins. Not only will it be better for your studies - as last-minute cramming is never a good idea - but it also means you'll probably find a tutor at a reasonable price, whether it be online or offline.
How much should I spend on a math tutor?
So, what's the best way to determine how much you should be spending on a tutor? In short, price is not a solid indicator of quality. In general, you should take the following factors into consideration when picking a math tutor for your child (or yourself):
- Do I learn best online or in-person? With endless choice for online tutors, consider whether you prefer an in-person tutoring session or if you prefer to learn at home.
- Do I find it easier to speak to someone my age? You (or your child) might find it easier to speak to (and ask questions to) someone closer to them in age. In this case, a student tutor might be a good idea.
- What level of maths am I studying for? If you're studying for an advanced level in Maths, you might want to look out the best possible tutors with a track record of delivering results. It might cost slightly more, but you can't put a price on that A* result!
This post was updated on 01 Aug, 2023.
