Primary school tutoring in the UK has grown significantly in recent years. Families seek tutors for primary-age children for a range of reasons — some are preparing for competitive 11 Plus or independent school entry exams, others want to support a child who's fallen behind in maths or reading, and some simply want to give their child a stronger foundation before secondary school. Understanding which of these applies helps you find the right tutor.
Why do families get primary school tutors?
The most common reasons:
- 11 Plus and grammar school preparation. This is the biggest driver of primary tutoring demand, particularly in areas with grammar schools (Kent, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Trafford, parts of Yorkshire). Children typically start prep in Year 4 or 5.
- Independent school common entrance. 11+ for independent schools (Year 7 entry) has its own papers covering English, maths and — at some schools — science and verbal/non-verbal reasoning. Many families start preparation in Year 4.
- Catching up in maths or reading. A child who misses a key stage of numeracy or phonics development often needs targeted one-to-one support to fill the gap. This is different to exam prep and requires a tutor who understands developmental learning.
- Getting ahead before secondary school. Some families want their child to start Year 7 with strong foundations in maths and English. This is most common in Year 6.
What to look for in a primary school tutor
- Primary teaching experience or qualification. Working with 7–11 year olds requires different skills to teaching older students. Patience, the ability to explain concepts simply, and engagement strategies for younger learners all matter. A primary school teacher or trained HLTA is often better than a subject specialist for this age group.
- Match to your child's goal. An 11 Plus specialist is not the same as a tutor who supports struggling readers. Be clear about what your child needs.
- Session length.Primary-age children (especially Year 3–4) often can't sustain a full 60-minute session productively. Many primary tutors work in 45-minute sessions, and this is often more effective than an hour.
Key Stage 2 SATs
Year 6 SATs in Maths, Reading and SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) are sat by all state school pupils. While SATs results don't determine secondary school placement in most areas (that's determined by catchment or exam), they do influence setting in Year 7 at many schools. Short-term tutoring support in the run-up to SATs is common and usually effective.
Primary school tutoring costs
- General primary (maths, English, reading): £20–£40/hour
- 11 Plus specialist tutors: £30–£55/hour
- Independent school entrance prep: £35–£60/hour
- Online primary tutoring: Works well for Year 4 upwards. Younger children (Year 1–3) may need shorter sessions and more parental supervision nearby.
Find a primary school tutor
Browse primary school tutors on TutorLab, including specialists in 11 Plus preparation and Key Stage 2 subjects.
- Primary Maths tutors
- Primary Maths tutors in London
- Primary Maths tutors in Manchester
- 11 Plus tutors
- Online primary tutors (UK-wide)
Frequently asked questions
At what age should I start tutoring my child?
It depends on the goal. For 11 Plus preparation, Year 4 or early Year 5 is typical. For catch-up support, as soon as a problem is identified — delays usually make gaps wider. For general enrichment, Year 5–6 is most common.
How often should a primary-age child have tutoring?
Once a week is the most common frequency. Twice weekly is used in the months leading up to 11 Plus exams. More than twice weekly is usually counterproductive for primary-age children.
My child's teacher says they're doing fine. Should I still get a tutor?
Depends on your goal. If you're targeting a selective school, "doing fine" in class is not the same as being prepared for a highly competitive entrance exam. If you're just worried about general progress, a teacher saying the child is on track is usually reassuring.
Will tutoring put too much pressure on my child?
Good tutoring shouldn't feel like pressure — it should feel like a supportive space to ask questions without judgement. If sessions feel stressful, it's usually a sign the tutor's approach isn't right for that child.
What's the difference between an 11 Plus tutor and a primary school tutor?
An 11 Plus tutor specialises in the specific test format — verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, timed practice papers and question strategies. A general primary tutor focuses on core subject knowledge. For 11 Plus preparation you want someone with specific exam experience.