How to Find a Tutor for Private Tuition in the UK

How to Find a Tutor for Private Tuition in the UK Home Tutoring in the UK: Find Personal Tutors Near You ChaptersFind a Tutor in LondonFind a Tutor in ManchesterFind a Tutor in BirminghamFind a Tutor in GlasgowFind a Tutor in LeedsFind a Private Tutor in Edinburgh.Find Private Tuition in Belfast.Find Private Tutoring in Cardiff.For GCSE students hoping to improve their grades, or concerned parents paying for their child to plug gaps in their knowledge and understanding, finding a private tutor has never been easier!Once upon a time, a private tutor was found by peering at the ads in shop windows and hoping for the best. Or else, by trusting the recommendation of a friend. And, after a phone call to arrange an appointment, they'd show up on your door.These day, it all works a little differently. And we have really only one thing to thank for this development: the internet. Finding a private tutor really has never been easier, safer, or more convenient. You can get to know your future private tutor before you have even really met them.At the same time, those people who are seeking private tuition are changing. Once upon a time, it was the reserve of those with a fair bit of money - seeking the best grades possible for their child.And whilst the best grades possible is the holy grail of private tuition now too, the demographics are wider. Nowadays, it is also not uncommon to find adults who have long left education who are interested in learning new subjects or improving on existing knowledge.Whatever the reason, private one on one tutoring will help you towards achieving your goal!Private tutoring can help us learn new languages. (Photo credit: AbdillahAbi via VisualHunt)Not only does learning new things open one's mind and horizons; studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between higher levels of education and better mental functioning in old age.Scientists believe that regular  mental activity helps to keep our memories strong and that by challenging one's brain through learning new skills and doing mental exercises, certain processes are activated which help to maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication between brain cells.Just as going to the gym will help you to build and maintain muscle, exercising your brain will help to keep it young. So, even if you don't have an exam to work towards or some coursework to go over, get yourself a private tutor anyway. And keep that brain of yours as young as possible!In a nutshell, when it comes to your academic ability, use it or lose it!Why Hire a Private Tutor?Having a private instructor can help you:Increase confidence.  There is nothing like continued support to help you feel as though you know what you are doing.Improve subject knowledge.  More time spent learning means better retention.Attain required gradesSupport learning for home educationHelp with extra-curricular subjects such as drama or sports coachingTutoring is not just for pupils trying to improve their grades, it can also help students at the top end of the spectrum, gifted and talented pupils who may feel frustrated at not being stretched enough. Having a private tutor can help them unlock their talents and reach their full potential through tackling new challenges while they learn.Find a Private Tutor OnlineProbably the easiest way of finding a personal tutor is by an internet search.  There are many agencies which specialise in providing tutors directly, either locally or nationally.The tutoring companies keep a bank of tutors and then match them to students' requests and requirements. Superprof offers tutoring  services for a wide range of ages, from infants to professionals in academic subjects as well as tuition in extracurricular activities like learning musical instruments and even sports training! With local and online tutoring you can learn practically anything wherever you are in the world.Tutors kept on some agencies' books will often be vetted by the agency as part of the application process so students will not have to worry about checks, qualifications, teaching ab ility and the like.Other internet sites are used as a platform for tutors UK to advertise their services directly upon, for example,  Care. Tutors pay a fee to the site to become a member which then allows them to create a profile and advertise their services. The student contacts and pays the tutor directly themselves. Although there are some checks carried out by the sites, they are probably not as rigorous as those done by agencies.There are also more general internet sites such as Gumtree, Childcare  and Net Mums which are free platforms for tutors to advertise upon, although it is up to the student to verify their credentials. Finding lessons this way may be cheaper as the tutor is not being paid by an agency who take their commission but, there is no guarantee with regards to the tutor's knowledge, experience and qualifications.Here are just some of the many online tutoring platforms available in the UK:UniversityTutorUniversityTutor  is a quick and easy  way to find a tutor in your area online. They have  112,823  tutors in  9,029  cities all over the world  who you can contact for free. The tutors keep 100% of their earnings themselves and will travel to your home or another suitable location or give tutoring online. The individual tutors set their own rates of pay. To find a tutor near you, simply enter the subject you wish to learn as well as your location and whether you'd like to meet with your tutor online or in-person.Personal TutorsThe internet site Personal Tutors  will furnish you with a list of private tutors based in Leeds and the surrounding areas. A simple search of level, subject and your postcode will furnish you with a free list of private tutors. This agency has been established since 1970 so it has built up a good reputation along with a good bank of private tutors.On Personal Tutors, you'll find teachers able to assist students from primary school up to A level or Advanced Highers.Unlike many tutoring websites, in order to advertise their teaching services, tutors must hold a degree in their subject or hold a teaching qualification. Almost every member of their workforce is a certified teacher who is able to tutor children one-on-one outside of working hours.SuperprofSuperprof is a tutoring platform like no other (of course, we're biased). Providing a platform for tutors to advertise their services as well as an easy way for students to find and contact them, Superprof is passionate about sharing knowledge.Whether it's academic subjects like mathematics and English, economics, accounting, psychology, learning a language or even learning to dance, on Superprof, you can get in touch with someone in your area who can help you with any subject - and if you can't find anyone close enough, there is always the option of webcam lessons. With tutors available for online tuition all over the globe, you'll always have someone to help you achieve your goals!So, what if you're browsing Superprof and you're not sure which t utor is right for you?The majority of tutors offer their first lesson for free, so you can get a feel for their methods and decide whether they suit your child's learning style!Find a Tutor in Your Local AreaPrivate tutors in the UK are not licensed or regulated by the Local Authority. The exception to this is for music teachers who may be accessed through some County Council's services but again, they are not employed by the County Council.Many private tutors will, however, post  announcements in the classified section of local newspapers, put out flyers or advertise in local magazines and newsagents.  Again, their legitimacy and qualifications need to be checked out by the student or parent.Verbal recommendation is often one of the best ways to find a good tutor, so ask around! You can approach other parents at the school gates, teachers at your child's school, or even other local schools in the area. You can also try talking to other parents with children of a similar age to your s - whether you know them from your child's karate class or swimming club, they might know about available tutors from another part of town.The power of word-of-mouth should never be underestimated. Speaking to those who have used a certain tutor's services will mean that you get a good picture of tutors before you meet them, helping you to decide whether they are the right tutor for your child before getting in touch with them.Tutoring AgenciesMany agencies and associations offer individual one-to-one tutoring, tutoring in small groups or tutoring via the internet. This last option is becoming more and more popular. In an online tutoring session, the tutor is 'there' at the same time as the student, the lesson is just conducted over the internet using a webcam to enable educator and student to communicate. Lessons taken in this fashion tend to be less expensive as the tutor does not have to travel, so both time and travel expenses are saved. Learning in this way may not suit everyb ody, but lessons are logistically easier to arrange and conduct.Parents are often happy to delegate homework support to a tutor (Source: Flickr.com - Brad Flickinger)They also appreciate that each child has their own individual learning style, and that tuition methods should be adapted accordingly in order to help the child realise their full academic potential.Manchester TutorsManchester Tutors is an organisation which helps parents and students find suitable tutors within Manchester and Cheshire. They place a high level of importance on being able to put their clients in touch with an appropriate tutor as soon as possible so that children have the best chance at catching up with their peers when facing academic difficulty.Finding a tutor through Manchester Tutors is very simple. All you have to do is:Complete the online form detailing the services you're looking forHave a free, 10-minute consultation over the phoneArrange a lesson with the tutor chosen by Manchester TutorsManchest er Tutors offer suplemental instruction for children taking their SATs, GCSE and A-Level exams as well as those attempting the 11-plus. Prices vary from subject to subject and level to level, however, this company aims to keep prices affordable for all.Find a Tutor in Birmingham  The city of Birmingham is a major international commercial centre and also an important retail, transport, events and conference hub. Its has the second largest metropolitan economy  in the United Kingdom  and with six universities it is the largest centre of higher education  in the country outside of London.As one would expect therefore, there is a whole plethora of agencies offering private tuition in Birmingham, including many national ones as listed previously (Superprof, Tutora, Tutorhunt etc.).Genie TutorsGenie Tutors has centres all over the country, but there is a particularly high number in the West Midlands. Their Birmingham centres are located in Edgbaston, Nechells, Kings Heath and Harborne.Gen ie Tutors focus on helping students to improve their maths and English skills in preparation for exams such as SATs and GCSEs as well as providing general tuition throughout the course of the school year to help students achieve academic success.High-quality tuition is guaranteed with Genie Tutors, who exclusively employ fully-certified teachers that are more than familiar with the national curriculum and the demands of various exam boards. They also focus on making each child more confident by taking a tailored approach to tuition - one which is guided by teachers, not computers.If you're unsure as to whether Genie Tutors is the right option for your child, Genie Tutors offers a 10-weeks free trial for new members! And once you're fully enrolled, you can enjoy numerous discounts on tuition fees by claiming back with Childcare Vouchers, Universal Credit and Tax Credits, so good tuition needn't break the bank.Montessori Birmingham Tuition CentreMontessori Birmingham Tuition Centre de livers quality private tuition, their aim being 'to provide children the  best private tuition to  prepare them to be future leaders'. The  breadth of subjects though is limited; they offer mainly  Maths and English tuition from Key Stage 1 up to GCSE level, although prep lessons for the Grammar School 11-plus entry exam is also offered along with free mock exams.This agency offers two main types of package, each with a certain number of lessons per month at very competitive rates:ProgrammeMonthly FeeNumber of sessions per weekMaths £1091English £109111+ preparation £1252In addition to academic coaching, Montessori Tutors also offer bespoke child development programmes designed to help children gain self-confidence and improve their communication, problem-solving, and study skills.The Montessori education method was developed in the early 20th century by Maria Montessori, a physician and teacher. The method is based on a child-centred approach where children are encouraged to be in the driving seat of their own learning.There are several key characteristics which define the Montessori method:Students choose their educational activity from a range of optionsLearning through doing, rather than by listening to teachers' explanationsA child-centred learning environment which promotes autonomy in the classroomFreedom within the learning environmentWhatever maths level, a tutor can help! (Photo credit: jimmiehomeschoolmom via VisualHunt)'.Their tutors go through a rigorous selection process,   where their ability to teach is tested, along with their subject knowledge. Prices are £30 an hour regardless of age or subject, however, most lessons last for 1 hour 30 minutes, costing £45. Adult learners are also welcome.Undergraduates make up the majority of the teaching team, as Glasgow Tutors sees them as a great asset when it comes to coaching students on tackling exam questions and getting used to what examiners are looking for. Tutors at this organisation also work as specialists in their subjects, rather than generalists, so parents and students can always rest assured that the tuition is of the highest quality.Orchard TutorialsOrchard Tutorials is a tuition agency based in Gowanlea Drive, and offers tutoring in the main subjects taught in schools as well as covering all aspects of the national curriculum from primary school to secondary and university.With Orchard Tutorials, you can study core subjects such as maths, English and the sciences in addition to less common options such as history, business management and geography. If you're learning a second language, or you have upcoming exams, you can also get help with your French, Spanish and German.To get in touch with a tutor, simply call Orchard Tutorials to discuss your child's needs and arrange a session.Scholar Tutoring AgencyScholar Tutoring Agency,  based in Glasgow, provide academic tutoring services covering maths, English, physics, chemistry, biology, languages and business studie s. They only recommend qualified teachers who are registered with the General Teaching Council to clients, so you're guaranteed to work with someone who is more than familiar with the teaching syllabus and exams for their specific subject.In addition to their tutoring services, Scholar also runs revision sessions through the school holidays for students preparing for their prelims as well as those who simply wish to boost their grades before the new school term.Find a Tutor in LeedsSituated in the heart of West Yorkshire, the city of Leeds  is the second largest legal and financial centre in the UK and has four universities. With this many students and professionals, there is ample opportunity to find a tutor in Leeds.Kip McGrath, GarforthKip McGrath Garforth is a private agency, established in 2011, offering Maths and English tuition. They only employ fully qualified teachers, and at the moment they have six with various specialisms and experience. Teachers keep up to date with the DfE recommendations and changes to the national curriculum, so the support at the centre will always be in line with what children are learning at school. Adult learners are catered for too; from GCSE to professional qualifications such as QTS and Police Entrance Exams.Although they are based in Garforth, Kip McGrath is able to provide tutoring to those in the towns villages that surround Leeds.You can contact Kip McGrath through their website to find out more about their services and book your free assessment.Find a Private Tutor in Edinburgh.Edinburgh is famous around the world for its gorgeous location, its castle, and for the largest arts festival in the world. These, to anyone's eyes, are pretty good things to be known for.However, for those a little more in the know, what does Edinburgh speak of? It's a little bit posh, it's jam-packed full of universities, and - as the capital of Scotland - it is a hub of different international communities, and it's got a vibing cultural sc ene.This is all well and good in itself. Yet, the thing about all this is that it makes Edinburgh a really wonderful place in which to learn. And all these different people, with different interests, who come to study in Edinburgh make it a place full of learning - with private tutors coming out of your ears.Check out all you need to know about finding private tuition in Edinburgh in our extended article.Edinburgh TutorsEdinburgh Tutors is one of the tuition companies in town that has raised the bar of what quality tuition looks like in the city. One of the few tutoring outfits that has made a huge effort to offer teaching in all the subjects any student might want to learn, Edinburgh Tutors have been providing excellent, professional tuition to the children of the city for nearly twenty years.Based on Duncan Street, just off Causewayside, they have been accredited by the national Tutors' Association - which should reassure you that they are completely reliable and know what they ar e doing.The Morningside School of MusicIf it is not academic tuition that you are after, in Edinburgh, you'll be interested in hearing about the musical training that is on offer at the Morningside School of Music. Unless you've heard of it already, that is.Based, as the name suggests, in Morningside, this music school provides individual classes to people who want to learn the uke or the bassoon, the guitar or vocals - and many more too.It's a great place to send your child if it's instrument tuition that they are after - and a great place to take yourself too.Tutoring can help light up new things! (Photo via Visual Hunt)Find Private Tuition in Belfast.Belfast has plenty of private tutoring opportunities up its sleeve. With a couple of universities - sharing between them forty-five thousand students - and being a popular place to come and to learn English, Belfast punches above its weight in terms of the educational options around. It is a wee city after all.Let's take a look at so me of the best opportunities available to you - from academic tuition to music and language tutoring too. If you want to know more, check out our article on finding a private tutor in Belfast.Aspire TutorsIf you head down University Street, you'll find Belfast's centre for Aspire Tutors. These are the go-to tutors in the city, offering tuition in all different academic subjects across the length of the time for which you will need to be tutored. From science to history, from primary school to university, Aspire Tutors will take you through the lot.They are a nice bunch. And, with centres across the UK, they are a reliable sort.Explore Learning, BelfastBesides the English and maths tuition, which is available with one hundred and one different tutoring outfits across the city, the remarkable thing about Explore Learning's service is their attention to different entrance exams.That primarily means the transfer test - both the AQE or the GL - which will get you into the grammar school of your choice. If that's what you are after, then Explore Learning is a great place to do it. They have a pretty good success rate.International House, BelfastIf it is English language training that you want, you needn't go any further than International House in Belfast. Across fifty different countries, these guys have one hundred and sixty language schools. And you can rest assured that they are pretty reliable and good at what they do.For those interested in getting their IELTS, a CELTA qualification, or for those just looking for casual English classes, this is the place for you.MusicTeachersAnd for those whose search for a private tutor means a music tutor specifically, MusicTeachers is the place to go. It's a database of music teachers available in Belfast.Whether for instrument lessons, music theory, or composition, these guys - associated with the Musician's Union - will help you out.Find Private Tutoring in Cardiff.Cardiff is a wonderful city that, over the years, has qui etly become one of the best places to live in the UK. A lot of factors contribute to this - from its lively cultural life to its leafy greenness, from the fact that it is actually reasonably priced to its gorgeous surroundings. Yet, because we are biased, we believe the private tutors make it a pretty brilliant place to live in too.So, if you are looking for private tuition in Cardiff, check out our article on the topic. Meanwhile, here are some highlights.Cardiff Vale TutorsCardiff Vale Tutors are the local legends of the tuition industry of south Wales. And rightly so, because they do pretty much everything the way it should be done.These guys offer teaching in all manner of different subjects. They are quite clear on who they want their tutors to be (i.e. people with proper teaching experience or qualifications). And they are determined to make private tuition accessible and affordable. That means specialist support for people with dyslexia, for example.Cardiff should be proud to have them.R.L. JohnsRhodri, otherwise known as R.L. Johns, is the person you want as your kid's music tutor. A professional music producer - and a very experienced educator - he can help your child grow musically in the comfort of his studio.From guitar to piano, from theory to music appreciation, R.L. Johns has it all covered when it comes to music tuition.P.C. EnglishLearning English as a second language can be a tough enough task. But then, when you go to an English-speaking country to hone your skills, you've got all the practicalities to worry about too. Finding a decent English teacher is the least of your worries.Luckily, PC English make this pretty easy. From casual learning to teaching towards specific examinations, he'll get you where you want to be.ConclusionAt the end of the day, whichever tutoring method you choose, home tuition or online tutoring, you will notice the difference in your child's knowledge and confidence. Learning can only be a good thing!When research ing tutors online, be sure to have a look at the reviews and testimonials from other parents. This is the essential thing really. Because there is an element of trust to all this. You just have to take the plunge, even if you have don't have all the information you would like to begin with.That's why, at Superprof, we encourage our tutors to give their first lesson free. Because we know that it can be tough for students and parents to know whether they'll get along with their tutor.You can always say no, in the end, anyway. Just because you got in touch with a tutor, it does not mean you are committed to them for life. If you are not seeing the results that you hoped to see, find yourself a different tutor. There's no harm in that; in fact, there's probably more done if you stick with someone who doesn't work for you.Find tutors on Superprof from Edinburgh tutors to  Bristol tutors.