Online tutoring is now the default for a large proportion of UK families — not because it's second-best to in-person, but because it works, it's more convenient, and it opens up access to specialists who aren't available locally. This guide explains how online tutoring works, what to expect, and how to make it as effective as possible.
How online tutoring works
Most online tutoring happens via video call — Zoom, Google Meet or Whereby are the most common platforms. Sessions typically use a combination of:
- Video and audio. Tutor and student can see and hear each other, which makes it feel much closer to in-person than a phone call would.
- Screen sharing. The tutor can share worked examples, past papers or their own screen. The student can share their work for the tutor to review.
- Digital whiteboard. Tools like Bitpaper, Miro or the built-in whiteboards in Zoom/Teams let both parties write and draw in real time. This is particularly useful for maths, science and languages.
- Shared documents. For English, humanities and essay subjects, Google Docs lets tutors annotate student work inline. This is often more efficient than in-person written feedback.
Is online tutoring as effective as in-person?
For most subjects and most students, yes. The research on this is fairly consistent: when sessions are well-structured, student outcomes are similar whether the tutoring is in-person or online. The main exceptions are very young children (Year 1–3) who may find it harder to stay engaged on a screen, and subjects requiring physical interaction (music performance is an example, though even this has adapted well online).
Many families who started online tutoring during 2020 and chose to continue it weren't just making do — they were getting access to better-matched tutors and finding the format genuinely worked for their child.
The real advantages of online tutoring
- Access to specialists nationwide. If your child needs an A Level Latin tutor, a GCSE Welsh tutor, or an 11 Plus specialist for the Buckinghamshire CEM test, online means you're not limited to whoever lives nearby.
- Lower cost. Online tutors tend to charge £5–£10/hour less than in-person equivalents, because there's no travel time or cost involved.
- Flexibility. Sessions can happen at times that work around school, clubs and family life without needing a tutor to travel.
- Recorded sessions. Some tutors are happy for sessions to be recorded, letting students replay explanations for revision.
Which subjects work best online?
Virtually all academic subjects work well online. The ones that work particularly well:
- Maths: Digital whiteboards + screen sharing for worked examples is excellent
- Sciences: Diagrams, equations and past papers all translate well
- English: Essay annotation via Google Docs is often better than pen on paper
- Languages: Speaking practice over video is highly effective
- 11 Plus preparation: Timed practice questions work well with shared PDFs
What does online tutoring cost in the UK?
Rates vary by subject and level, but as a rough guide:
- Primary / KS3: £20–£40/hour online
- GCSE: £25–£50/hour online
- A Level: £35–£65/hour online
- University: £40–£80/hour online
On TutorLab, tutors set their own rates. You can compare and contact them directly — no commission, no agency layer.
Find an online tutor
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- Online 11 Plus tutors
Frequently asked questions
What equipment does my child need for online tutoring?
A laptop or desktop with a webcam and microphone, and a stable internet connection. A tablet with a stylus is useful for maths and science (easier to write equations), but not required.
How do I know if my child is actually paying attention online?
A good tutor regularly checks understanding rather than just presenting content. If your child is being asked to work through problems, explain their reasoning and answer questions throughout the session, they're engaged. Ask to see what they produced in each session.
My child is easily distracted. Is online tutoring a bad idea?
Possibly, for younger children. Older students (Year 7+) are generally fine. The solution is having a designated space free of distractions — phone in another room, notifications off — rather than switching to in-person.
Are online tutors cheaper than in-person?
Usually yes — typically £5–£10/hour less for equivalent experience and qualifications. The lack of travel overhead means tutors can pass some of the saving on.
Can online tutoring work for primary-age children?
Yes, from around age 8–9 upwards. Younger children (Year 1–2) often struggle to stay engaged on screen for a full hour. Shorter sessions (30–45 minutes) tend to work better for younger primary pupils.