If you hold a degree in a subject you’re passionate about, why not explore the option of becoming a private tutor? Becoming a private tutor in UK offers significant rewards, providing an opportunity to earn a livelihood while having the flexibility to set your own schedule
How to become tutor in UK?
You might be considering starting a tutoring business either as a full-time pursuit or as a side hustle while you’re a university student or employed.
Regardless of your circumstances, establishing a tutoring business is akin to owning your own enterprise and can offer various advantages in terms of enhancing your employability. The steps outlined below will guide you on how to launch your business venture successfully.
Must Read – Top 15 ways – How to make money online in UK?
Online Profile / Website creation
To be Tutor in UK or starting anything else, You must show yourself to the outside world.
Therefore before embarking on your tutoring venture and promoting your services, it’s essential to update your resume and build online profile or website. Tailor it to align with the tutoring position you intend to undertake.
Your profile must have:
- Experience: Include any previous work or volunteer involvement with children, or any teaching experience you have.
- Skills: Highlight any skills that are pertinent to tutoring. For instance, if you have a driver’s license, it’s advantageous to mention it to demonstrate your ability to travel to students.
- Qualifications: Specify your qualifications and explain how they qualify you for the tutoring role.
- References: Aim to include at least two references—one from an educational background and another from employment. These references bolster your credibility and support your work. As you acquire tutees, you can consider asking them for testimonials or references to further enhance your profile. This will strong your profile and help to become tutor in UK.
Handle Tax and Legal Obligations
Various legal requirements are applicable to become tutor in UK, and it’s crucial to adhere to them. You must take legal advise.
Initially, you must establish yourself as a sole trader. This involves registering for Self Assessment and Class 2 National Insurance promptly upon commencing tutoring. You can complete this process via Gov.uk.
As a sole trader, you have several responsibilities
- Maintain records of your sales, expenses, and income.
- Submit a Self Assessment tax return annually. This should be done every year following the 5th of April. You have a three-month window from the commencement of your self-employment to notify HMRC and obtain your Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number.
- Pay Income Tax on your profits, as well as Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance.
- If you are employed elsewhere and plan to engage in private tutoring alongside your current job, you still need to register for self-assessment.
Take Insurance
It’s advisable to consider obtaining insurance for your tutoring business if you plan to become tutor in UK. Public liability insurance is typically recommended for tutoring ventures.
This insurance provides coverage in the event that a member of the public sustains an injury or their property is damaged due to your actions. It includes protection for compensation claims, legal expenses, repair costs, and medical fees.
Additionally, you may opt for professional indemnity insurance, which covers compensation and legal fees in case of claims made against you.
Tutoring from Home?
If you intend to conduct tutoring sessions from Home, it’s essential to perform a basic risk assessment to pinpoint potential health and safety hazards.
Identify any dangers, such as trailing wires or a cluttered workspace, and take steps to address them to ensure a safe environment.
Additionally, consider any allergies, such as a student’s sensitivity to pet hair if you have pets, and make appropriate arrangements.
Promote Your Services
Effectively marketing your tutoring services is essential to kick-starting your business. Consider registering with a private tuition agency, which can help connect you with potential clients.
Online platforms like Tutorful and First Tutors are reputable tutoring sites where tutors can establish their pay rates and manage their students. Keep in mind that most agencies either deduct a percentage of your earnings or charge an upfront fee.
Alternatively, you can advertise your services independently. Utilize social media or distribute advertising cards in local newsagents or shop windows at no cost.
Social media can be a valuable and free tool. You could create a Facebook or Instagram business account and encourage your friends and family to support you by sharing the page or recommending you to individuals in need of a tutor.
Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is gaining popularity at a rapid pace. It offers flexibility for both tutors and students, eliminating the necessity for a dedicated study space.
Sessions can be scheduled at mutually convenient times, minimizing travel expenses for both parties.
If you’re planning to tutor part-time alongside other responsibilities, online tutoring may be more manageable, especially if you’re pressed for time.
You can:
- Utilize free video call software such as Microsoft’ Teams, Zoom, Skype for conducting online sessions.
- Consider registering with an online tutoring agency like MyTutor, which provides its own ‘Online Lesson Space’ allowing video chat, document sharing, and interactive whiteboard usage. Note that agencies may charge for their services.
- Organize all learning materials and resources in an online folder, such as Google Drive, where you can manage access for your students and assign tasks.
Please note that despite operating online, you are still classified as a sole trader and must adhere to the same regulations as traditional private tutors outlined in this article.
Tutor in UK – Expected Qualifications
Becoming a tutor in UK does not typically necessitate specific qualifications, although requirements may vary depending on the level and nature of the course.
While many tutors possess an undergraduate degree, certain courses or subjects might demand specific qualifications. For instance, individuals aiming to tutor A-level mathematics typically need a degree in mathematics. Some tuition agencies may also mandate a degree as a prerequisite for employment.
In some cases, individuals may be required to hold qualified teacher status (QTS) and be qualified teachers to be tutor in UK. Please note this is for schools. If you are planing as invidiual tutor this may not apply.
Various pathways exist to become a tutor, including obtaining a degree, pursuing relevant college qualifications, or directly applying for tutoring positions.
Refer nationalcareers link for more information.
Tutor in UK – What skills are good to have?
As a Tutor you will need to have (please note list is not exhaustive and it build up with experience)
- Understanding of teaching methods and the subjects being taught, including familiarity with assessment criteria.
- Knowledge of effective revision and exam techniques.
- Understanding of safeguarding procedures when working with children and vulnerable adults.
- Familiarity with confidentiality, data protection, and GDPR regulations.
- Maintaining a professional demeanor, particularly when tutoring in clients’ homes.
- Demonstrating confidence, patience, and empathy.
- Showing enthusiasm, motivation, creativity, imagination, and energy.
- Interest in the development of learners.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for interacting with students, parents/guardians, and other professionals.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Providing good customer service.
- Proficiency in using social media platforms.
- Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
- Competence in business and management skills if self-employed.
- Active listening abilities.
- Effective planning and organizational skills.
- Efficient time management.
- Thoroughness and attention to detail.
- Being approachable and friendly while maintaining professionalism.
- Flexibility and adaptability to change.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, taking initiative when needed.
- Creating an optimal learning environment.
- Designing courses and exploring new teaching methods.
- Inspiring, encouraging, engaging, challenging, and teaching students effectively.
- Resilience in mentally demanding and challenging situations.
- Building trust, respect, and confidence with students.
- Performing well under pressure and remaining calm in stressful situations.
- Competency in using IT equipment and software, especially for online tutoring.
- Adherence to policies, procedures, instructions, and risk assessments.
- Commitment to ongoing training and professional development.
FAQs
Do you need a license to tutor UK?
Currently, there are no established regulations governing the private tutoring sector. Consequently, from a legal perspective, anyone can operate as a private tutor without any credentials.
There are no official certifications or examinations required for private tutoring, and prior classroom experience is not mandatory.
Furthermore, there is no overarching governing body to oversee or regulate the industry.
Disclaimer – The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter.
