So, you’re looking to work flexible hours, improve your resume or earn extra income? Being a tutor in the UK is a feasible and manageable option. In fact, it’s more lucrative then you’d probably expect.

According to Glass Door, the national average salary for a private tutor is £26 an hour in the United Kingdom. The best part about it? It is not compulsory to have a degree.

Generally, tutors of a specific academic subject will have a background or qualification in that area, usually to degree-level or equivalent.

Sure, it’ll certainly benefit you when acquiring work, but qualifications aren’t crucial. However, you will need to know your subject material through and through.

What exactly does it take to be a tutor in the UK? Let’s dive in!

Photo by Matt Ragland 

Become an online tutor in the UK!

In 2019, there are no regulations in place for private tutoring. This means Anyone can be a private tutor.

Of course, the success thereof is your knowledge on the subject, along with the following 6 qualities:

The same goes for teaching anything, in any capacity.  The most important condition is patience. This is imperative, not only because each person learns at their own pace, and that you’ll be faced with daily challenges, but students will test your tolerance.

Without perseverance, there will be no breakthroughs. Just because a student may be difficult, doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t have incredible attention. In this case, you may need to adapt as opposed to losing your patience.

Although this point may seem quite obvious, it is worth mentioning. You can’t expect to make money tutoring people if you don’t have the appropriate skill set or knowledge.

Whatever subject you choose to teach, you need to be well versed in it – at whichever level you decide to tutor at.

This means you’ll need to become proficient in the subject, and if that means getting yourself back up to speed before taking on a student, then that’s what you’ll need to do.

For example, if you got an A in Maths in secondary school, it doesn’t mean that you can immediately start tutoring maths to secondary school students – you’ll need to check the level required before diving in.

This also depends on the student’s individual need and the particular difficulties they are experiencing.

In short, whatever you decide to tutor, you need to know it well enough to be considered an ‘expert’ in that particular field. 

 

What makes an excellent tutor? The ability to teach. What makes a good teacher? Energy, openness and maturity.

Are you able to share information in a way that others will learn and grasp the subject you’re teaching? You will need to be mature in the way you go about the lesson, setting an example, so you come across as trustworthy – to the student as well as their parents. 

You will also need to teach with energy and openness, making you approachable, fun and accessible. Make your lessons interactive and be visibly dedicated to making a difference in the student’s academics. It results in a more enthusiastic student.

Check out the learning pyrimid to discover top levels of engagement with your students: 

Persistence is another vital quality. You'll have those days where your students might not want to learn and are restless and lack concentration. The chances are that their parents are looking to you as a solution. It’s your job as a tutor to be persistent on top of being patient.

There will also be some students who have a learning disability or take much longer than others to grasp certain aspects of your subject. Being persistent and continuing to teach them despite their continued issues or failure is crucial to success - yours and theirs.  

The best tutors are passionate about the subject they teach. They’re also passionate about making a real difference in the student’s life.

Tutoring is not a “side-hustle” job; it is about dedication.

By loving what you teach and showing this passion by always being interested in your student, showing an eagerness to see them grow and learn, you will inspire them – perhaps give them a level of commitment and personalisation that they can’t find in a classroom 20 – 30 other students.

You need your students to feel that their academic success is of high importance to you and that what you’re teaching them is worth their time and worth learning.

One thing many freelancers tend to forget about is the ability to sell yourself. Tutoring is essentially a form of freelancing, and to be successful at it; you need to find regular work.

By joining an online freelancing platform that helps you acquire work, you will be seen by many parents all over the UK who’s children need private tutoring.

If you have the skill and the qualities, create a profile on Skillbox for free and start earning now.