Get the results you need, with a tutor through Localists

Every learner is different, and the right tutor can make a real difference. Whether it’s building confidence at school, preparing for important uni exams, or studying for professional certifications, the right guidance helps.

With Localists, you can connect with fully vetted, qualified tutors who come highly reviewed, giving you peace of mind. From a physics and maths tutor to support in English, science, languages, or specialist subjects, we’ll match you with a tutor nearby who’s ready to help you reach your goals.

How to choose the right tutor

It’s easy to assume that the most expensive tutor must be the best, or that the cheapest option will save you money. But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all guide. The right tutor is really the one who fits your needs and helps you or your child make “real progress”.

A great tutor isn’t simply knowledgeable; they know how to break things down in a way that clicks. They strive to build confidence lesson by lesson, and keep learning engaging rather than overwhelming. The right tutor should feel like a partner in your learning journey, not just someone who bombards you with a load of information.

Qualifications matter too. While not every private tutor has to be a qualified teacher, it helps if they have a strong academic background, subject expertise, or plenty of tutoring experience. For parents, it’s also worth checking whether the tutor has a DBS certificate for peace of mind.

What really makes the difference, though, is how well the tutor matches your goals and personality. For example, if your child struggles with GCSE maths and feels anxious about exams, the best tutor will be someone calm, encouraging, and experienced with exam board techniques. Taking the time to compare profiles, reviews, and qualifications will help you feel confident you’ve made the right choice.

Practical ways to assess a tutor:

• Approach to teaching: Do they ask questions about your goals and learning style before starting?

• Clarity of explanation: Can they break complex topics into steps you can follow?

• Patience and encouragement: Reviews often reveal whether the tutor is supportive and adaptable.

• Experience with similar learners: Have they helped students at the same level or with similar challenges?

• Engagement and motivation: Do past students mention that lessons are interesting and confidence-building?

• Communication style: Can you easily reach them and feel comfortable discussing progress or concerns?

• Safety checks (DBS): For tutors working with children, ensure they hold a valid DBS certificate for peace of mind.

Is private tutoring worth it?

Yes, private tutoring is often worth it because it offers something that classroom teaching can’t - personalised attention. Think about it this way - in a classroom, lessons move at a set pace, and teachers have to divide their focus among many students. This may often leave gaps in understanding, as different learners learn differently.

However, with a private tutor, the sessions are built entirely around your needs, whether that means slowing down to master tricky topics, preparing for exams with a tailored plan, or pushing ahead in areas where you excel. This one-to-one support helps you build confidence, stay consistent, and make faster progress than relying on general classroom instruction alone.

How much does a private tutor cost?

The cost of a private tutor can vary depending on the subject, level, and location, but in the UK you can usually expect to pay £20–£40 per hour. Tutors with specialist expertise or many years of experience may charge more, especially for exam preparation or advanced subjects.

With Localists, you don’t have to guess. Once you tell us what you need, we’ll send you quotes from vetted tutors near you, so you can compare options and choose what best fits your budget and learning needs.