Few parents enjoy asking the question, but it is one of the most important: how much does a private maths tutor cost in the UK? Prices vary widely between providers, and it is not always clear what you are paying for. This guide explains the main factors behind the price, how our own fees work, and how to compare options fairly.
Why private maths tutor prices vary so much
Four things drive most of the difference:
- Qualifications. A qualified teacher with classroom experience generally charges more than a university student or graduate who has not trained to teach.
- Format. One-to-one lessons cost more per child than small-group lessons, because the tutor’s time is not shared.
- Location. In-person tutors in London and the South East often charge more than elsewhere. Online tuition removes the travel and lets you choose from anywhere.
- Subject level. Rates sometimes rise at A-level, though that is not universal.
Because of this spread, we would be cautious of any single “average” figure. Instead, ask each provider exactly what is included in the price.
What you pay at Singapore Maths Academy
We publish our rates so you can plan with confidence. All lessons are online and taught by qualified teachers.
- 11+ small groups (Years 4 and 5): £25 per lesson, or £100 per 4-week cycle.
- Year 3 and KS3 small groups: £20 per lesson, or £80 per 4-week cycle.
- One-to-one: £70 per lesson, at every stage from primary to A-level.
- Two children together (2-to-1): £100 per lesson in total, which is £50 per child.
Our groups are small, typically around 4–5 children, with a maximum of 8. Payment is by direct debit in 4-week cycles rather than monthly, and the minimum commitment is four paid lessons. A-level tuition is one-to-one only.
For stage-specific detail, see our guides to how much 11 plus tuition costs and how much GCSE maths tuition costs.
Group or one-to-one: which gives better value?
One-to-one tuition is fully tailored to your child, and it makes sense where there is a specific gap, a tight timetable or a child who works best without an audience. Group tuition costs far less per lesson and has its own benefits: children hear their classmates’ questions, and the lesson follows a planned sequence.
In our online groups, every child has a personal whiteboard that the teacher can see in real time. That means no child gets lost silently, which is a genuine advantage over some in-person classes. If you are weighing the two options, our post on online versus in-person maths tuition covers the trade-offs.
How to compare tutors fairly
Before choosing, ask:
- Is the tutor a qualified teacher?
- Is the price per lesson, per hour or per term, and how long is each lesson?
- Is there a minimum commitment or an upfront payment?
- How will you hear about how your child is getting on?
- What method do they use, and does it suit your child?
The cheapest option is not always the best value, and the most expensive is not automatically better. Look for clear answers and a tutor who explains their approach without fuss.
Is it worth the money?
That depends on what you want from it. Good tuition builds understanding and confidence, and children often become calmer about maths as a result. Nobody can promise a particular grade or outcome, and we would be wary of anyone who does. If you want to see our approach in action, you can watch a worked example on our YouTube channel, or read about the wider bar model methodology at Bar Model Company.
It also helps to think about duration. Most children benefit from steady weekly lessons over several months rather than a short burst, so consider the cost across a term or a school year, not just a single lesson. A fixed per-cycle price makes this easy to budget for, and a provider who is open about fees from the outset is usually one that is open about everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online maths tuition cheaper than in-person tuition?
Often it is, as there is no travel time and you are not limited to tutors nearby. Prices still depend on the tutor’s qualifications and whether lessons are in a group or one-to-one.
Do I have to pay for a long block of lessons upfront?
At Singapore Maths Academy, payment is by direct debit in 4-week cycles. The minimum commitment is four paid lessons, and families can leave after lesson three, before the next cycle starts.
What does a tutor cost for two children?
Our 2-to-1 lessons are £100 in total, which is £50 per child. This suits siblings or friends at a similar level.
If you would like help choosing the right format and budget, book a free consultation call with Singapore Maths Academy. It is a conversation, not a lesson, and you will hear back personally from our team. You can also read about our secondary maths tuition.
