Physics is the most mathematically demanding of the three sciences. At GCSE it's already equation-heavy; at A Level it requires confident simultaneous use of maths and physical reasoning in a way that many students find genuinely hard. When students struggle with physics, it's usually one of two problems: weak underlying maths, or difficulty linking mathematical processes to physical meaning. A good physics tutor addresses both.
When is a physics tutor worth it?
- Maths is fine but physics still doesn't click. This is very common. A student can rearrange equations perfectly but not understand why force times distance equals work. Physics tutoring bridges the gap between mechanics and meaning.
- Targeting grade 7+ at GCSE or A/A* at A Level. The top grades in physics require genuine understanding, not just formula memorisation. Tutoring is very effective at building this.
- Engineering or physics university applications. Many engineering courses want A Level Physics at A or A*. Competition for places at top universities is high enough that a tutor makes a real difference.
What to look for in a physics tutor
- Physics or engineering degree. Physics A Level goes into enough depth that a non-physicist tutor struggles with the hardest questions. Check qualifications.
- Strong maths teaching ability. The best physics tutors can teach the maths within the physics context — they don't assume students already know how to apply simultaneous equations to circuit problems or calculus to motion.
- Exam board knowledge. AQA, OCR A, OCR B and Edexcel A Level Physics have different required practicals and slightly different content emphasis. Ask which board your child is on before booking.
Topics students find hardest
At GCSE: electricity (particularly circuits with multiple components), forces and motion (especially the equation triangle questions), waves and electromagnetic spectrum.
At A Level: quantum mechanics (photoelectric effect, electron diffraction), electromagnetic induction, circular motion, gravitational and electric fields, and anything requiring calculus-based reasoning (even where the spec doesn't formally require calculus, the thinking needed is similar).
Physics tutor costs in the UK
- GCSE Physics: £30–£50/hour
- A Level Physics: £40–£70/hour — physics/engineering graduates and those with postgraduate experience at the upper end
- Online: Typically £5–£10/hour less. Physics works well online — equations, diagrams and problem-solving translate well to shared digital whiteboards.
Find a physics tutor
Browse physics tutors on TutorLab. All tutors display their own rates and qualifications — contact them directly, no agency fees.
- Physics tutors in London
- Physics tutors in Manchester
- Physics tutors in Cambridge
- Physics tutors in Oxford
- Online physics tutors (UK-wide)
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a maths tutor as well as a physics tutor?
Not necessarily — many physics tutors cover the relevant maths within sessions. But if a student has significant maths gaps, a separate maths tutor may be more efficient.
How hard is A Level Physics compared to GCSE?
Significantly harder. A Level Physics is one of the most challenging sixth-form subjects. Students who find GCSE Physics straightforward often underestimate the step up and struggle in Year 12 without additional support.
Can online physics tutoring cover practical questions?
Yes. Required practical questions in written papers are about understanding what was done and why, not performing the experiment. These are very manageable to cover in online sessions.
My child is good at maths but struggling with physics. Why?
Physics requires applying maths in context, which is a different skill from solving equations in isolation. Many mathematically able students need explicit help connecting the two. This is one of the most common and most fixable problems a physics tutor deals with.
What grade does my child need at GCSE Physics for A Level?
Most sixth forms require a grade 6 or above in Physics (or combined Science) to take A Level Physics. Aiming for a 7 gives more options and a stronger foundation for the A Level course.