In the UK, there are no standard qualifications required to be a tutor. For example, you don't need to have teaching experience or a teaching degree. However, you should have a wealth of knowledge in the subject area you plan to teach; ideally, you graduate in the area. There are no standard qualifications for private tutors in the UK, so anyone who has good knowledge in a specialist subject can become a tutor.
Private tutoring isn't just limited to teaching schoolchildren, there are many tutors who specialize in teaching music, arts, business, marketing, computer coding, and professional services. If you identify with any of these, then tuition could be a viable option for you. You don't need a teaching degree, have completed a particular course, or have a particular work experience. Tutors are a diverse group, but everyone should have the necessary subject knowledge, a passion for learning, and a friendly and professional manner.
At Tutor House, all of our tutors must be qualified up to at least grade level. This means that you must have successfully completed your A-levels and have obtained good grades in subjects relevant to those you want to teach. We will also ask you to send us copies of 2 or 3 forms of personal identification. There are many possible identification options and the best tips for getting the most out of that photo.
We'll explain the whole process to you in our step-by-step guide (link to the section below). Students may need to book classes at different times or in different formats, for example, switching from an in-person class on a Tuesday night to online classes on a Saturday morning. While any rescheduling must be agreed with the tutor at least 24 hours before the booked class, being able to adapt to the needs of students whenever possible will help tutors get more classes. At the moment, there are no regulations for the private tutoring industry.
This means that, legally, absolutely anyone can be a private tutor without a degree. There are no formal certificates for private enrollment, there are no exams, you don't even need to have set foot in a classroom before, and there is even no governing body that regulates the industry. Unlike teachers at state schools, there are no legal requirements or qualifications needed to become a private tutor. However, this doesn't mean that you should start advertising your services as soon as you make the decision to pursue this career path.
To be successful in the long term in this venture, you must invest in at least a little research before hiring any paying students. After all, it can be almost impossible to get rid of a bad reputation if you don't meet the expectations of your first students. Let's take a look at some of the ways you can improve your credibility and ensure your future success, as a tutor. The so-called “Enhanced DBS Certificate (Disclosure & Barring Service)” proves that there is no known reason why a person cannot work with children.
Not a legal requirement for tutoring, although many guardians prefer to have a DBS certificate to show to parents or caregivers. You can read more here about DBS certificates for self-employed workers. Within the UK, anyone can become a private guardian, as the industry lacks strict regulation. In fact, even though many people ask what qualifications are needed to be a private tutor, the answer is none.
Technically speaking, there is no formal accreditation for private education, nor is there any compulsory examination. The best and most reputable tutors are obtained through private tutoring agencies that have an excellent reputation. Although you usually work alone, there is a lot of advice and support online through online centers and The Tutors' Association, the professional membership body for tutoring and the wider further education sector. All tutors will start somewhere and the best indication of how qualified you are to act as a tutor is your passion and a proven track record as your experience counts.
As a Tutor House tutor, you can set your own price and charge everything you want for each of your sessions. There are no legal requirements for tutors to be evaluated by DBS, but it's worth trying to get one, especially if you plan to teach students under 18 years of age. In general terms, private tutors are likely to be seen as valuable in the eyes of a student or parent if they have first-hand experience in the subject they are teaching. However, many guardians voluntarily submit a disclosure, as providing one can offer peace of mind to parents looking for a guardian for their child, making it a worthwhile investment when trying to grow your customer base.
A guardian agency plays a direct role in bringing the two parties together and mediating between the student and the tutor when necessary. Some experienced agency tutors may obtain employment contracts when families seek a guardian for a long period of time.
