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Your mock exam results just came back, and they are not what you hoped. Your parents start searching for a tutor, MyTutor keeps popping up, and the prices look reasonable. But before anyone pays, the same questions come up. Is MyTutor legit? Are the tutors properly checked? What does it really cost? And is it right for you, or is there a better fit?
Here is the short answer. Yes, MyTutor is a legit and established UK tutoring platform. It interviews its tutors, says only about 1 in 8 applicants are accepted, and holds a 4.5 rating from almost 4,000 reviews on Trustpilot. It is a strong choice for UK school pupils working towards GCSE and A level. If you are a university or international student, you may find a better fit elsewhere, and we cover the best alternatives below.
What MyTutor is and how it works
MyTutor is an online tutoring platform based in the UK. It connects school pupils with tutors, most of whom are UK university students and recent graduates, for live one to one lessons in subjects such as maths, English and the sciences. It also runs a Schools Programme, where schools book tutoring for their pupils.
For families, the process is simple. You browse tutor profiles and filter by subject, level and price. MyTutor says you can book a free video meeting with a tutor first to ask questions and see if they are a good match. Then you book lessons, which take place in MyTutor’s own online lesson space. The company says its lesson space is designed for laptops and computers, so a tablet or phone may not give the best experience.
Tutors set their own prices on MyTutor’s private platform. On the pages we checked in November 2026, MyTutor said prices start from £26 an hour, and the tutors listed ranged from £26 to £98 an hour. MyTutor also says that if you are not happy with your first session, it will credit your account so you can try someone new.
Is MyTutor legit? What the evidence shows
To answer this fairly, we define “legit” in plain, checkable terms. Is it a real, established company? Are tutors vetted? Are the prices clear? And what do real users say? Here is what we found.
How MyTutor vets its tutors
MyTutor says it interviews every tutor and that “just 1 in 8 applicants make the cut.” For its Schools Programme, it says every tutor has an enhanced DBS check, is externally vetted and goes through training, and that lessons are recorded as a safety measure. Its help pages also describe reference checks and training as part of onboarding. These are company statements, but they are specific and match what tutors describe when they apply.
Independent research and schools
MyTutor has also been used in formal research. The Education Endowment Foundation funded an independent trial run by NFER in about 100 secondary schools in England, where Year 11 pupils received 20 weekly one to one maths sessions. The project page we checked described the trial design but did not show results, so we are not claiming it proved any effect. The point is simply that schools and researchers have taken the platform seriously.
What Trustpilot shows
On Trustpilot, MyTutor has a TrustScore of 4.5 out of 5 from 3,961 reviews, checked in November 2026. About 85% of reviews are 5 stars and about 4% are 1 star. The profile is claimed by the company and it pays for a Trustpilot subscription, which is common for larger businesses. The company says it invites customers to review, whether their experience was good or bad, so read a mix of recent reviews rather than relying on the star average alone.
Our verdict on legitimacy
Taken together, the answer is clear. MyTutor is a real, established business with a clear vetting process, open pricing on tutor profiles and a strong track record with users. That does not mean every lesson will be perfect, which is why it helps to know what people complain about too.
MyTutor reviews: what users praise and what they complain about
Most MyTutor reviews are positive, but the negative ones are useful because they show you what to watch for. Here is how the themes break down across the reviews we read.
| What users praise | What users complain about |
|---|---|
| Patient, knowledgeable tutors who explain clearly | The platform fee, which some feel is too high |
| Students feeling more confident before exams | Technical problems on some devices, such as Chromebooks and iPhones |
| Easy to search and filter by subject, price and SEND experience | Slow support or payment disputes in a few cases |
| Good communication and quick replies | A tutor’s teaching style not suiting the child |
| A wide choice of tutors, including for families abroad | Wanting more features in the lesson portal |
MyTutor often replies to complaints publicly. For example, when a reviewer said the fee was too high, the company explained that it pays for tutor vetting, safeguarding, payments, marketing and support. When others mentioned device problems, it pointed out that the lesson space works best on a laptop or computer.
The simple lesson from the reviews is that most families are happy, but fit matters. The free meeting and the first lesson credit are there for a reason, so use them.
MyTutor cost and pricing
How much does MyTutor cost per hour?
On MyTutor’s private platform, tutors set their own rates. The pages we checked in November 2026 said prices start from £26 an hour, and individual tutors we saw were listed between £26 and £98 an hour. Prices change, so always check the live tutor profiles.
What affects the price
Price usually depends on the subject, the level, the tutor’s experience and how much demand there is for that tutor. A GCSE maths tutor with a few years of experience will often cost more than a new tutor, and specialist subjects or exam preparation can cost more too.
Hidden costs to watch for
MyTutor says there are no hidden costs and that you can skip or cancel at any time. The price you see includes MyTutor’s platform fee, which funds vetting, safeguarding, payments and support. The real “cost” to watch is time. If you book weekly lessons and stop using them, you are still paying for sessions that are not helping. Review progress every few weeks and adjust.
Is MyTutor worth it?
MyTutor is worth it for many UK families, especially if you need focused help with GCSE or A level subjects and want a vetted tutor you can try for free first. Young tutors who sat the same exams recently can also be very relatable for teenagers.
It may not be the best fit if you are a university student, an international student studying outside the UK system, or someone who needs long term structured support with progress tracking, quizzes and workshops built in. In that case, a platform designed around your level may serve you better.
It is also worth asking whether you need a tutor at all for every subject. For some topics, a mix of self study and a few targeted sessions works well. Our guide on live tutoring vs self study explains how to decide. And even with AI tools everywhere, a real person still matters when you need deep understanding and honest feedback, as our look at why human experts still outperform AI explains.
Questions to ask in the free meeting
The free video meeting is your best tool, so go in with a plan. Ask the tutor which exam board they know best and when they last sat or taught that exam. Ask how they would spend the first three lessons, and how they will show you that progress is happening. Ask whether they set homework or practice between sessions, and how they handle a student who goes quiet when stuck. Finally, ask about availability in the weeks before exams, because that is when good tutors get booked up.
Listen to how they explain things, not just what they say. If the tutor talks clearly, asks your child questions and feels easy to talk to, that is a good sign. If you leave the call unsure, it is fine to meet two or three tutors before you choose.
For tutors: MyTutor application, interview and pay
Many people searching “MyTutor review” are thinking about tutoring, not booking a tutor. Here is what you need to know.
The MyTutor application process
According to MyTutor’s help pages, you sign up, activate your account and complete an application. MyTutor reviews it and may ask for more information, invite you to an interview, or tell you that you do not currently meet its requirements. If you pass the interview, onboarding includes a DBS check (or an existing one if eligible), references, creating your profile, agreeing to the terms and completing training. Its Schools Programme describes its tutors as UK undergraduates and recent postgraduates.
MyTutor interview questions
MyTutor says its interview is recorded, so you prepare and record your answers rather than talking to a person live. You will need photo ID, a smartphone for a digital ID check, a device with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. MyTutor does not publish its questions, so we will not pretend to know them. But most tutor interviews test the same things: can you explain a topic in your subject simply, how would you help a student who is stuck or losing confidence, and why do you want to tutor. Practise explaining one topic in under three minutes, out loud, as if to a nervous 15 year old.
How much does MyTutor pay?
MyTutor says it pays tutors every two weeks and mentions a performance-based pay scheme, but it does not publish a commission rate or exact pay on the help page we read. On Indeed, tutors self-report an average of about £17.89 an hour, based on 59 reports. Treat that as a rough guide, since pay depends on your rate, experience and whether you tutor privately or through the Schools Programme.
Best MyTutor alternatives
The best alternative depends on who you are. Below we sort the options by who each platform suits best.
| Platform | Best for | How lessons work | How pricing works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyline Academic | International and university students who want structured 1:1 support | Live 1:1 tutoring with a dedicated LMS, progress tracking, quizzes, workshops and bootcamps | Contact Skyline for plans |
| Spires | University, admissions and professional subjects, plus school levels | Online lessons with tutors who hold at least a bachelor’s degree | Tutors bid on requests. Spires lists school from £25/hr, university from £35/hr, professional from £45/hr |
| Tutorful | UK school pupils who want a big choice of local and online tutors | Marketplace where you pick a tutor, often after a short free chat | Tutors set their own rates. A service fee may apply |
| Superprof | A very wide range of subjects, including music and sport | Marketplace, online or in person | £39 a month Student Pass to contact tutors, plus each tutor’s own rate |
| Preply | Languages, especially for older students and adults | Online lessons with tutors worldwide | Tutors set their own rates per lesson |
We run Skyline Academic, so weigh our ranking with that in mind.
1. Skyline Academic
Skyline Academic is one of the leading 1:1 live tutoring platforms, with a dedicated LMS, progress tracking, assignment quizzes, workshops and bootcamps. It is built for international students and university learners who want more than a weekly lesson: a clear plan, visible progress and support between sessions. If that sounds like what you need, explore our 1:1 live tutoring.
2. Spires
Spires suits older students who need help at university level, with admissions such as UCAS or Oxbridge, or with professional subjects. It says only 4% of tutor applicants are accepted and that all tutors pass background checks. Its auction-style pricing means costs vary, so compare a few bids.
3. Tutorful
Tutorful is a UK marketplace with a large choice of tutors for school subjects and exam preparation. It suits families who like to compare many profiles. Check the total cost including any service fee before booking.
4. Superprof
Superprof covers almost any subject, from maths to guitar. You pay a monthly Student Pass to contact tutors, then pay the tutor’s own rate. Some reader comments on its own pricing article describe unexpected charges, so read the sign-up terms carefully and cancel the pass when you no longer need it.
5. Preply
Preply is best known for language learning and suits older students and adults. It is less focused on UK exam boards than MyTutor.
If budget is tight, you can also combine a few tutor sessions with free and low cost tools. Our guide to AI powered study tools for students covers the best options to use between lessons.
How to choose the right tutoring platform
Whichever platform you pick, a few checks will save you money and stress.
- Use the free meeting or trial. A 15 minute chat tells you more about fit than any profile.
- Check vetting. Look for interviews, DBS or background checks and references.
- Read the cancellation terms and how refunds work before you pay.
- Ask how progress will be tracked, not just how lessons are booked.
- Compare value, not just price per hour. A tutor who sets homework and checks it can be worth more than a cheaper one who does not.
Tutoring works best when you also study well on your own. Our guide to the best study techniques shows you how to make every lesson count. If you use AI tools alongside tutoring, read our guide on using Claude AI as a student, and make sure you understand the rules by reading is using AI cheating.
Still unsure which tutor is right for you?
Choosing a tutor is a big decision, and the right fit depends on your level, your goals and how you like to learn. If you are an international or university student who wants structured support, Skyline Academic can help. We are one of the leading 1:1 live tutoring platforms, with a dedicated LMS that includes progress tracking, assignment quizzes, workshops and bootcamps. We also offer a plagiarism checker and an AI content detector so you can check your own work before you submit it. Book a session and see how it feels.
Frequently asked questions
Is MyTutor legit and safe?
Yes. MyTutor is an established UK platform that interviews its tutors and, for its Schools Programme, says every tutor has an enhanced DBS check and lessons are recorded.
How much does MyTutor cost per hour?
Tutors set their own rates. In November 2026, MyTutor said prices start from £26 an hour, and the tutors we saw ranged up to £98 an hour.
Is MyTutor worth it for GCSE or A level?
For many UK pupils, yes. It focuses on school subjects, lets you meet tutors for free first and credits your account if the first lesson is not right.
Can you get a free trial on MyTutor?
MyTutor offers a free video meeting with a tutor before you book. If you are unhappy with the first paid session, it says it will credit your account to try someone else.
How much does MyTutor pay tutors?
MyTutor does not publish an exact rate. Tutors self-report an average of about £17.89 an hour on Indeed, and MyTutor says it pays every two weeks.
What questions are asked in the MyTutor interview?
MyTutor uses a recorded interview and does not publish its questions. Expect to explain a topic in your subject simply and to show how you would support a struggling student.
How long does the MyTutor application take?
It depends on how quickly you finish each step, including the interview, DBS check and references. MyTutor says Schools Programme tutors need two approved references within 12 weeks of DBS approval.
What are the best MyTutor alternatives?
It depends on your needs. Skyline Academic suits international and university students, Spires suits university and admissions help, and Tutorful and Superprof offer large marketplaces.
Is MyTutor good for international or university students?
MyTutor is built mainly around UK school subjects. University or international students often find a better fit on platforms designed for their level, such as Skyline Academic or Spires.
How do I cancel MyTutor?
MyTutor says you can skip or cancel lessons at any time with no hidden costs. Check your account settings and the help centre for the current steps.
Conclusion
MyTutor is legit. It is an established UK tutoring platform with a clear vetting process, open tutor pricing and strong reviews, and it is a great option for many GCSE and A level pupils. Like any platform, the tutor’s fit matters most, so use the free meeting and first lesson credit before you commit. If you are an international or university student who wants structured 1:1 support with progress tracking and a real learning plan, Skyline Academic is ready to help you take the next step.