English is the subject most parents underestimate until it's too late. It's mandatory, it's weighted heavily in secondary school assessments, and unlike most subjects, the skills it tests — analytical writing, reading comprehension, argument construction — take a long time to develop. A student who starts building these skills in Year 10 is at a significant disadvantage to one who's been practising them since Year 8.
This guide covers what a private English tutor does, what to look for, and what you can realistically expect.
What does an English tutor actually do?
This depends on the level, but at GCSE the main focus is usually:
- Essay technique. English GCSE essays — AQA, Edexcel and OCR each have their own formats — reward a very specific type of analytical writing. Tutors teach students how to structure responses, embed quotes, and write analytical commentary rather than description.
- Language analysis. Identifying techniques (metaphor, personification, structure) is straightforward. Writing about their effect in a way that scores marks is harder, and most students need explicit teaching on this.
- Reading comprehension strategy. Many students read the question wrong or spend too long on sections worth few marks. Tutors teach the approach that maximises score for time.
- Unseen poetry and literature texts. These are the sections most students find hardest. A tutor can run structured practice on unfamiliar texts until the approach becomes automatic.
At A Level, the focus shifts to essay planning, independent argument, coursework and — for many students — literary theory.
What to look for in an English tutor
- Exam board knowledge. AQA, Edexcel and OCR GCSE English specs differ in which texts are set, what the papers look like, and how marks are allocated. Ask specifically which board your child is on and whether the tutor knows it.
- Writing feedback experience. The most valuable thing a tutor can do is mark essays and give specific, actionable feedback. Ask how they approach this — do they annotate written responses? Do they use mark schemes? Do they re-draft with the student?
- Literature and language coverage. GCSE English has two components: English Language and English Literature. They require different skills. Check whether the tutor covers both, and whether your child needs both.
GCSE vs A Level English tutoring
GCSE English tutoring is largely about technique: structure, analysis, time management. Most students can improve their grade significantly with targeted coaching on what the mark scheme rewards.
A Level is more about depth of thought and independence of argument. A good A Level English tutor pushes students to develop original interpretations, not just apply frameworks. This is harder to teach and takes longer — starting early in Year 12 makes a real difference.
What does an English tutor cost?
- GCSE English: £25–£50/hour. Undergraduates and graduates studying English often make good tutors at the lower end. Qualified teachers or examiners sit at the higher end.
- A Level English: £35–£65/hour. English Literature at A Level requires genuine subject depth — a tutor who has studied the relevant texts matters.
- English at primary / Year 7–9: £20–£40/hour. Focus here is usually on spelling, grammar, reading comprehension and creative writing technique.
Find an English tutor
Browse English tutors on TutorLab. Tutors list their own rates and exam board experience, and you contact them directly.
- English tutors in London
- English tutors in Manchester
- English tutors in Birmingham
- English tutors in Bristol
- Online English tutors (UK-wide)
Frequently asked questions
My child reads a lot — do they still need an English tutor?
Reading widely helps with vocabulary and comprehension, but GCSE English rewards a specific analytical writing style that isn't naturally developed by reading. Many strong readers still score poorly until they learn exam technique.
How long does it take to improve English grades?
Essay technique can improve noticeably within four to six sessions. Sustained grade improvement (e.g. from a grade 4 to a grade 6) typically takes two to three months of weekly sessions with consistent writing practice between sessions.
Can an English tutor help with creative writing coursework?
Yes — tutors can help with planning, drafting, and editing coursework without writing it for the student. This is one of the more valuable uses of tutoring time at GCSE.
Does my child need a tutor for both English Language and English Literature?
Often yes. The skills overlap but the papers are different. A student strong at analysis but weak at writing under timed conditions may need help with Language specifically; a student who struggles to write about set texts needs Literature support.
What's the most important thing to practise for GCSE English?
Writing analytical essays under timed conditions, using mark schemes to self-assess. Reading the texts and knowing them well matters, but most marks are lost to technique, not knowledge.