Do tutors charge for cancelled sessions?

Most UK private tutors do charge for sessions cancelled without sufficient notice, and this is standard, reasonable practice rather than something to be wary of — tutors reserve a specific time slot and often can't fill it with another student on short notice.

Typical UK tutor cancellation policies:

• 24–48 hours' notice: the most common requirement for a full refund or no charge; cancelling within this window usually incurs the full session fee
• Illness or emergency: many tutors apply discretion here, particularly for a first-time or genuine emergency cancellation, though this varies by individual tutor
• Regular pattern of late cancellations: most tutors will charge consistently once a pattern emerges, since repeated short-notice cancellations directly cost the tutor income they can't recover elsewhere

Why this policy exists: unlike a retail purchase, a tutoring session is a reserved block of the tutor's time. A cancellation with only a few hours' notice usually can't be filled with another booking, meaning the tutor loses that income entirely if no charge applies. Given that private tutoring is most tutors' primary or significant income, and many have no employer-covered sick pay or holiday pay, a fair cancellation policy protects their livelihood in the same way a hairdresser or other appointment-based self-employed professional would apply one.

What to check before your first session: ask directly what a tutor's cancellation and notice policy is, ideally before booking, so expectations are clear on both sides from the start. Most tutors state this upfront on their profile or in early conversation.