The Rise of Online Education in the UK

Where We Were Before 2020

Before the pandemic, online tutoring existed but was far from the norm. Most private tutoring in the UK was in-person, driven by geographic proximity and parental preference for face-to-face contact. Online tutoring was associated primarily with language learning and niche specialist subjects.

What Changed

The enforced shift to online learning during the pandemic did something unexpected: it normalised digital education for millions of families who had never considered it before. Parents who had been sceptical discovered that their children could learn effectively on screen. Tutors who had resisted the transition found it worked better than expected.

When schools reopened, the shift did not fully reverse. Online tutoring had moved from an alternative to a default option for many.

The Numbers

Industry surveys suggest that the proportion of UK tutoring sessions conducted online has stabilised at around 60–70% post-pandemic, compared with under 20% before 2020. The growth is spread across all age groups, though it is most pronounced among secondary school students.

What This Means for Tutors

Tutors who can teach effectively online have access to a national rather than a local market. This is particularly significant for specialists — a tutor who focuses on Oxbridge interview preparation or STEP mathematics can find students across the country, not just within commuting distance.

For tutors who prefer in-person teaching, demand still exists — particularly among primary school families and those whose children struggle with screen-based focus.

What This Means for Families

Online tutoring is now genuinely competitive in terms of quality and reach. Families are no longer limited to tutors within reasonable driving distance. The pool of available, high-quality tutors is significantly larger than it was five years ago.