Becoming a private tutor- all questions here

j9j8j7

Sorry, I’m new to this forum, so I might not do this right. I have been tutoring mathematics for about 7 years (6 in the USA, 1 here in the UK). I never worried about declaring my income as I only had 1-2 students each year and always got paid in cash. However, recently I have been getting a lot more inquires and one of my students (well, her mum) wants me to do intensive 11+ exam tutoring over the summer. I feel like I really need to register as self employed and declare my income, etc.

So I have a few questions for all of you experienced tutors (who are doing things by the books).

1. To register as self employed I need a business address. I suppose I would put down my home address, but are there implications with my insurance, council tax, planning permission, etc. if I do that (my lessons normally take place in the students’ homes)?

2. Can I continue to use my regular bank account after I register as self employed or would I need to open a business account?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

newbridge

j9j8j7 wrote: »

Sorry, I’m new to this forum, so I might not do this right. I have been tutoring mathematics for about 7 years (6 in the USA, 1 here in the UK). I never worried about declaring my income as I only had 1-2 students each year and always got paid in cash. However, recently I have been getting a lot more inquires and one of my students (well, her mum) wants me to do intensive 11+ exam tutoring over the summer. I feel like I really need to register as self employed and declare my income, etc.

So I have a few questions for all of you experienced tutors (who are doing things by the books).

1. To register as self employed I need a business address. I suppose I would put down my home address, but are there implications with my insurance, council tax, planning permission, etc. if I do that (my lessons normally take place in the students’ homes)?

2. Can I continue to use my regular bank account after I register as self employed or would I need to open a business account?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

It is legally required to declare any income to HMRC in the UK!!! even if you don't make any profit



1. you can use your home address for registering as self employed. If you are taking lessons at students place, nothing to worry about council tax, insurance etc.


2. yes, you can carry on using your regular bank account.

dizzyblnd

Hi Everyone,

I am a qualified primary school teacher that would llike to start private tuition outside school. I have completed 121 as part of my teaching role but have some quetsions about 'going alone'.

1. Where can I find the 11+ syllabus and past papers?
2. Where is best to advertise?
3. Do I need public liability insurance?

I am very confident teaching ks2 levels and catch up work, just need some students now...

liamregan

I was just looking for some advice, I would be interested in becoming a tutor, but don't know where to start.

I have decent GCSE's, A levels and a degree in Chemistry.

I would feel most confident in tutoring Chemistry and Maths upto GCSE, but have no idea what I need to do!

Herbert100

I've also been giving some thought to tutoring. I'm not a teacher, but do have a masters in engineering and maths & sciences A-levels.

In addition to the qualifications, I have a very good practical understanding and experience of engineering, applied science and maths. I also have a very high standard of literacy for an engineer.

At the risk of sounding like some sort of 'Renaissance Man', I'm quite well versed in humanities subjects and current affairs too, so if anybody would like a pub quiz tutor, I'd be more than happy to help.

I have always enjoyed explaining things to people and I'm keen for people to understand concepts, rather than just learning facts.

Is there much demand for science tutors?

I live in an 11-plus area so that could have potential if I look into what is contained in the syllabus.

I could do with some guinea pigs to test my tutoring skills on, though. Maybe I could persuade the teenage children of friends to be tutored?

bubbleoflife_2

About the CRB check for the self-employed, I've just come across this service http://ukcrb.com/index.htm
I'm not quite sure how they work. It seemed to me that one can apply via this umbrella company but when I looked at the on-line application it seems to be for employers only.

I've emailed them and awaiting response. I'll rely back some info once I hear from them.

cheekychipmunk

Herbert100 wrote: »

I've also been giving some thought to tutoring. I'm not a teacher, but do have a masters in engineering and maths & sciences A-levels.

In addition to the qualifications, I have a very good practical understanding and experience of engineering, applied science and maths. I also have a very high standard of literacy for an engineer.

At the risk of sounding like some sort of 'Renaissance Man', I'm quite well versed in humanities subjects and current affairs too, so if anybody would like a pub quiz tutor, I'd be more than happy to help.

I have always enjoyed explaining things to people and I'm keen for people to understand concepts, rather than just learning facts.

Is there much demand for science tutors?

I live in an 11-plus area so that could have potential if I look into what is contained in the syllabus.

I could do with some guinea pigs to test my tutoring skills on, though. Maybe I could persuade the teenage children of friends to be tutored?

Yes, there is demand for science tutors! I am one and get plenty of work, but mostly A-level requests. I would say only 1/5 of my students are 11+/GCSE level.

j9j8j7

If you need a CRB check and have a bit of spare time, volunteer to listen to children read at your local school one morning or afternoon a week. Most primary schools are glad for the help, it helps the children and the school will pay for an enhanced CRB check.

ppolly

I've just dipped my toes into tutoring English this year (I have a BA in the subject) and have been really enjoying it - what I would say to those who are thinking about it is to just go for it - it is a steep learning curve trying to get to grips with the syllabus etc, but enormously rewarding. For those of you who are hesitant about whether you need a teaching qualification I would say that it doesn't really make much difference -tutoring is so different to teaching. Just try it and see!

BeautyandtheBeast_3

I have a very successful tutoring portfolio, whilst tutoring may seem to some as easy money you need to bear in mind that most agencies will not take you on unless you are a qualified teacher.
if you advertise yourself and you are not a teacher and charging proper teacher rates be prepared for parents to ask you 'where do you teach? how long have you been teaching?' etc. If you aren't a teacher then you will probably lose these students. Parents aren't going to pay top rates to people who aren't qualified to teach.

As for some of the 11+ Comments; you need to do a lot of research about this 11+ - its not simple and straightforward and there is not a set course to follow.

I have picked up students during the summer holidays - i now longer advertise as my clients are all word of mouth, do a good job, get some children into the top private schools and people want you.

Please do not think anyone can do it; please be prepared for some parents to drop you when they find out you are not a proper teacher (regardless of external experience). If you wanted to stand a chance of parents keeping you, then you would not be able to charge anywhere near as much as proper teachers.

You do not have to take any of my comments on board but I speak from experience.