Which London boroughs have grammar schools?

London grammar schools are concentrated in: Barnet (QE Boys, Henrietta Barnett, St Michael's), Enfield (Latymer), Sutton (six grammar schools including Tiffin equivalent calibre), Kingston (Tiffin Boys, Tiffin Girls), Bexley (multiple grammars), and Redbridge (Ilford County High, Woodford County High). These are all among the most competitive selective schools in England.

What is the difference between 11 Plus for state grammars and independent schools in London?

State grammar schools in London use their own consortium tests (GL Assessment, CEM or school-specific). Independent schools at 11+ use their own entrance exams, typically in January of Year 6. The content overlaps (Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning) but the format and difficulty differ significantly. A specialist tutor who knows the specific school is much more effective than a general 11 Plus tutor.

Private tutors in London: costs, areas, grammar schools

Q: How much do private tutors in London charge?

London rates vary significantly by area and level. Primary and 11 Plus tutors typically charge £35–£55 per hour. GCSE tutors charge £40–£65. A-Level specialists charge £50–£80. Top-end Oxbridge preparation tutors can charge £100+ per hour. Tutors in Kensington, Hampstead and Wimbledon charge 20–30% more than equivalently qualified tutors in outer London.

London has the largest and most competitive private tuition market in the UK by a significant margin. The combination of selective state schools, competitive independent schools, intense parental investment in education, and high disposable incomes in many areas creates demand that is unlike any other UK city.

This guide helps London parents understand the market: what drives demand in different areas, what subjects and levels are most sought after, realistic costs, and how to find the right tutor for your child.

What makes London's tuition market unique

Selective schools at every level. London has grammar schools in Barnet, Enfield, Sutton and Kingston. Super-selective independents include City of London School, St Paul's, Westminster, Dulwich College, North London Collegiate and many more. 11 Plus preparation for these schools drives an enormous volume of primary-level tutoring demand from Year 3 onwards.
Private school entrance exams (13+). Common Entrance and school-specific exams at 13+ create another layer of demand for Year 7 and Year 8 students, particularly in Maths, English, Science and Latin.
High GCSE and A-Level pressure. London's independent schools — and many state schools — have very high grade expectations. Students at top independents routinely use tutors to maintain their position within highly competitive cohorts.
Oxbridge and medical school preparation. London has a disproportionately high number of students applying to Oxbridge and medical school, creating specific demand for UCAT tutors, BMAT preparation (now retired), interview coaching and subject-specific Oxbridge prep tutors.

Where demand is highest in London

Tuition demand is concentrated in areas with large family populations and high academic expectations:

North London: Barnet, Finchley, Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Islington, Crouch End. Very high demand for 11 Plus preparation (Barnet grammar schools), GCSE and A-Level support.
West London: Ealing, Kensington, Chiswick, Richmond, Kingston. High demand for all levels, significant independent school population.
South London: Wimbledon, Clapham, Dulwich, Sutton, Bromley. Sutton grammar schools drive very high 11 Plus demand; Dulwich independent schools create significant 13+ demand.
East London: Hackney, Islington, Tower Hamlets. Growing demand for GCSE and primary support.

Most in-demand subjects in London

Maths — by far the most requested subject across all levels
11 Plus — Verbal Reasoning, NVR, Maths and English for grammar and independent school entry
Sciences — GCSE and A-Level Chemistry, Biology and Physics
English — GCSE English Language and Literature
Latin — strong demand from Common Entrance and independent school prep
Economics and Further Maths — A-Level demand from London's independent schools
UCAT — for medical school applicants; very high demand

How much do private tutors in London charge?

Primary and 11 Plus (state school prep): £35–£55 per hour
11 Plus for top independent schools: £50–£100 per hour for specialist tutors
GCSE tutors: £40–£65 per hour in most of London
A-Level tutors: £50–£80 per hour. Postgraduate specialists and former teachers charge £70–£100+
Oxbridge / medical school prep: £80–£150 per hour for highly experienced specialists
Online London tutors: Often £10–£20 per hour less than in-person equivalent

London rates are the highest in the UK. Area matters significantly — tutors in Kensington, Hampstead or Wimbledon typically charge 20–30% more than equivalently qualified tutors in outer East or South East London.

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Private tutors in London: a complete guide for parents (2026)