Nottingham has a significant private tutoring market, driven by a mix of 11+ grammar school preparation, competitive GCSE and A Level demand, and a large student population from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent. Families in areas like West Bridgford, Radcliffe on Trent, Arnold and Carlton have particularly active demand for academic tutoring.
Nottingham grammar schools
Nottinghamshire is a grammar school area, with several selective schools accessible to Nottingham families:
- Nottingham Girls' High School (GDST) — independent but selective, a major destination for high-achieving girls in Nottingham.
- West Bridgford School — not selective but a high-performing comprehensive with strong GCSE and A Level results that drives demand for tutoring.
- Rushcliffe School (West Bridgford area) — similarly high-demand.
Lincolnshire grammar schools (Caistor Grammar, Sleaford Grammar, Queen Elizabeth's Horncastle) are accessible to families in the north and east of Nottingham. In Nottinghamshire itself, most secondary education is comprehensive.
Nottingham independent schools
Nottingham High School (HMC) and Nottingham Girls' High School are the two main independent day schools. Entry at 11+ is competitive and typically includes Maths, English and verbal reasoning assessments. Several Nottingham tutors specialise in independent school entry preparation.
Most tutored subjects
Maths is consistently the most tutored subject across Nottingham. Sciences and English follow at GCSE. At A Level, Chemistry, Biology and Economics are in high demand among students targeting competitive universities. The University of Nottingham's strong reputation for medicine and pharmacy creates demand for UCAT preparation alongside A Level tutoring.
Tutor costs in Nottingham
- Primary and 11+ prep: £25–£45/hour
- GCSE: £30–£55/hour
- A Level: £40–£70/hour
- Online tutoring: Usually £5–£10 less per hour
Find a tutor in Nottingham
Browse Nottingham tutors across all subjects on TutorLab. For specialist subjects and A Level, online tutoring broadens the pool significantly.
- Maths tutors in Nottingham
- English tutors in Nottingham
- Chemistry tutors in Nottingham
- Biology tutors in Nottingham
- Online tutors (UK-wide)
Frequently asked questions
Are there tutors in West Bridgford specifically?
West Bridgford is one of the most active areas for private tutoring in the East Midlands, driven by the concentration of high-achieving schools and academically ambitious families. Local tutors often serve West Bridgford, Radcliffe, Edwalton and surrounding areas.
Can a tutor help with Nottingham High School entrance?
Yes — Nottingham High and Girls' High both have competitive 11+ processes. Several local tutors specialise in these assessments. Ask specifically whether they have experience with the school your child is targeting.
My child is applying to University of Nottingham Medicine. Can a tutor help with UCAT?
Yes — UCAT preparation is a separate skill from A Level Biology and Chemistry. Several tutors offer UCAT-specific coaching alongside subject tutoring. UCAT prep typically starts in the summer before Year 13.
When is the best time to start a tutor in Nottingham?
September is the most popular time, both for the start of academic year and for 11+ students entering their final preparation year. December–January sees a second wave before mock exams. The most in-demand tutors in Nottingham book up quickly in September.