Leeds Beckett University
Software Engineering Student
Top-Rated GCSE & A-Level Tutor
You do not have to have a tutor to homeschool your child in the UK.
By law, you do not need any formal teaching qualifications, and you are not legally required to hire professional tutors. Your only duty is to provide a full-time education that is suitable for your child’s age, ability, and aptitude.
However, when your child reaches GCSE and A-Level age, the subjects get much harder. Because of this, many parents wonder what the best approach is. Let’s break down everything you need to know about navigating the teenage years of homeschooling.
Why You Don’t Need a Tutor
Many UK families successfully homeschool their teenagers without ever hiring a private tutor. Here is why you can do it on your own:
- Total Freedom: As a parent, you have the complete right to teach your child yourself. The local council does not demand that you bring in a qualified teacher.
- A Wealth of Resources: There are endless tools available to help you. Websites like BBC Bitesize and Oak National Academy are free and align perfectly with UK exam boards.
- Great Textbooks: Revision guides like CGP books or Collins Revision are written specifically for each exam board (like AQA, Edexcel, or OCR). They often include the answers at the back, making it easy for you to mark your child’s work.
- Self-Paced Learning: Your child can learn independently using textbooks, online videos, and self-guided courses, only coming to you when they are stuck.
Why Some Parents Choose to Use a Tutor
While it is certainly not a rule, hiring a tutor for GCSE and A-Level subjects is very common. Here are a few reasons why UK parents might choose to get extra help:
- Tricky Subjects: You might feel confident teaching History or English, but struggle with A-Level Computer Science or GCSE Maths. A tutor can step in for the specific subjects you find difficult.
- Exam Technique: Getting a good grade is not just about knowing the facts; it is about knowing how to answer the specific exam questions. Tutors know exactly what the exam boards are looking for to award top marks.
- Marking Practice Papers: At A-Level, essays and long-form answers can be hard to grade fairly if you do not know the official marking scheme. A tutor can give your child valuable feedback on their mock exams.
- Motivation: Sometimes teenagers listen better to a tutor than they do to their own parents! A scheduled tutor can provide a structured routine to keep them on track.
How Much Do Tutors Cost?
If you decide to use a tutor, even just for one or two hours a week, it helps to know the going rate. Here is a rough guide to average UK tutoring costs:
| Level of Study | Average Hourly Rate |
| GCSE Level | £30 – £50 |
| A-Level | £40 – £70 |
Taking Exams as a Homeschooler
Whether you use a tutor or teach everything yourself, the process for actually sitting the exams is exactly the same.
1. You are a “Private Candidate”
Homeschooled students cannot sit exams in their living room. You must register your child as a “private candidate” at a local exam centre. This could be a local school, a private school, or a dedicated testing centre.
2. You Have to Pay for Exams
Unlike at a school, the exams are not free. You will need to pay the exam board fee for each GCSE or A-Level subject your child takes.
3. Watch Out for Coursework
Many standard UK GCSEs and A-Levels require coursework (like Science experiments or Art portfolios), which is very hard to moderate at home. Because of this, most homeschooling families opt for International GCSEs (iGCSEs). iGCSEs are highly respected by universities and are usually 100% exam-based, meaning absolutely no coursework is required.
The Bottom Line
You absolutely do not need a tutor to homeschool your child through their GCSEs and A-Levels. With the right textbooks, free online tools, and a good daily routine, many teenagers do incredibly well learning at home with just their parents’ guidance.
However, if your budget allows, a tutor can be a fantastic tool to take the pressure off you—especially for difficult subjects or perfecting exam skills. The choice is entirely up to you and what works best for your family’s unique situation.