Finding a Tutor
Private tutors in Reading: grammar schools, costs and how to find one (2026)
Reading has two of England's most competitive grammar schools, Reading School and Kendrick School, plus a dense tech-sector professional demographic creating year-round tutoring demand.
Harry Wright, founder, TutorLab
6 min read
Reading has one of the strongest private tuition markets in the South East outside London. The town sits at the intersection of high parental aspiration, excellent grammar school provision and a large Thames Valley tech-sector professional class — creating year-round demand for tutors across all subjects and year groups.
Looking for a tutor for your child?
Tell us what you need and up to 3 likely responders reply. No reply within 48 hours and we introduce you to more, automatically. Free, and no agency fees on top of their rate.
Get matched with a tutor, free
One short form. No reply within 48 hours and we introduce you to more, automatically.
One form → up to 3 likely responders. No account, no agency fees.
Prefer to browse first? Browse the tutor directory
What drives tuition demand in Reading
- Grammar schools. Reading is home to Reading School (boys, superselective) and Kendrick School (girls, superselective), two of the most competitive grammar schools in England. Both use GL Assessment 11 Plus tests. Competition is extremely intense — Reading School typically has 10+ applicants per place — meaning many families start preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5.
- Tech-sector professional families. Reading's position as the UK's "Silicon Valley" — home to Microsoft, Oracle, Vodafone, BT and dozens of tech employers — means the professional demographic skews highly educated and places exceptional value on academic achievement.
- Strong independent school sector. The area around Reading includes several high-profile independent schools: Leighton Park, Reading Blue Coat School and Bradfield College all attract preparation demand.
- University of Reading supply. The University of Reading provides postgraduate tutors, particularly in Sciences, Psychology, Agriculture/Environmental Science and Modern Languages.
Most in-demand subjects in Reading
- 11 Plus preparation — for Reading School and Kendrick School; among the most competitive grammar entries in England
- Maths — GCSE and A-Level, strongest demand
- Sciences — strong demand for GCSE Triple Science and A-Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- English — GCSE Language and Literature
- Computer Science — driven by tech-sector families with strong STEM orientation
How much do private tutors in Reading charge?
- Primary tutors: £28–£42 per hour
- GCSE tutors: £35–£55 per hour
- A-Level tutors: £42–£68 per hour
- 11 Plus specialist tutors: £40–£70 per hour for experienced Reading School/Kendrick specialists
Reading rates are significantly higher than Midlands cities and comparable to the outer London market, reflecting South East location and grammar school competition premium.
Find a private tutor in Reading
- Maths tutors in Reading
- 11 Plus tutors in Reading
- Chemistry tutors in Reading
- English tutors in Reading
- Computer Science tutors in Reading
Or browse all tutors in Reading.
Are you a tutor in Reading?
Create your free TutorLab profile and connect directly with Reading families — no agency fees, no commission.
Frequently asked questions
- How competitive is the 11 Plus for Reading School and Kendrick?
- Both are superselective grammar schools with very high demand — Reading School typically has 10+ applicants per place. Many families begin preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 and engage a specialist tutor familiar with the GL Assessment format used by both schools.
- How much do tutors in Reading charge?
- Reading rates are higher than Midlands cities and close to outer London rates: £28–£42 per hour for primary, £35–£55 for GCSE, £42–£68 for A-Level. Specialist 11 Plus tutors familiar with Reading School/Kendrick often charge £40–£70.
Find a tutor for your child
Tell us what you need and we'll match you with independent UK tutors. No reply within 48 hours and we introduce you to more, automatically. Free, and no agency fees on top of their rate.
Get matched, freePrefer to browse first? Browse the tutor directory