Search for a “French tutor near me” or “online French tutor” and you’ll see prices ranging from bargain rates to eye-watering numbers. Some offer lessons at £15 an hour, while others charge £100+. So what explains this gap? And how do you know what’s actually worth paying for?
The truth is, not all tutoring is created equal. The cost depends on who’s teaching you, their background, and, crucially, whether they understand the exam you’re preparing for (GCSE, A-level, IB, DELF, or DALF).
Let’s explore what French tutoring really costs in 2025, what you can expect at different price points, and why investing in the right tutor gives you the best value.
Typical Price Ranges for French Tutors in the UK
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you’ll find:
- University student / freelancer: £15–£25 per hour
- General tutor agency: £30–£40 per hour
- Premium exam-focused tutor: £50–£100 per hour
At French-Exams.com, our rate is £45/hour when booking a 10-hour bundle (most families choose this). This places us firmly in the “premium exam-focused” category, but at the accessible end of the scale.
Why Prices Vary So Widely
The hourly rate often reflects more than just “experience.” Here are the biggest factors that drive cost:
- Nativeness of the tutor
- Many tutors are fluent non-natives, but true native French speakers who also know the UK/IB curriculum inside out are very rare. This combination commands higher rates because it ensures natural fluency and exam alignment.
- Exam expertise
- Being able to chat in French is one thing; teaching a student how to hit the precise requirements of AQA, Edexcel, OCR, or IB is another. Tutors who specialise in exam boards often charge more because they deliver faster, targeted results.
- Track record
- Freelancers starting at £15–20 often raise their fees as demand grows. A student who was once “cheap” may quickly become £30–40/hour, sometimes without the depth of expertise you’d expect at that price.
What You Get at Each Price Point
- £15–25/hour, University students & freelancers
- Enthusiastic, budget-friendly, but usually not exam experts. Sessions may feel casual, and long-term results are less predictable.
- £30–40/hour, General tutor agencies
- More structure, and sometimes qualified teachers, but not always native speakers. Quality varies, and few offer true exam specialism.
- £50–100/hour, Premium exam-focused tutors
- This is where you’ll find the rare combination of native fluency + exam curriculum mastery. These tutors help students climb 2+ grades in a matter of months, and their rates reflect both rarity and results.
👉 At French-Exams.com, we keep our fee at £45/hour (bundle rate), delivering native-speaking, exam-focused tutoring at the value end of premium.
The Hidden Cost of “Cheap” Tutoring
It’s tempting to pick the cheapest option. But here’s what often happens:
- Sessions drift into conversation rather than exam skills.
- More hours are needed to cover the same ground.
- Tutors raise their prices once they’re established, meaning you pay more anyway.
- Students enter exams knowing “some French” but not how to score marks.
When progress is slow, motivation suffers, and that’s a cost no family wants.
Why Online Tutoring Adds Even More Value
Five years ago, many parents assumed “the best tutor must be local.” That’s no longer true. Online tutoring offers clear advantages:
- No travel time or cost, saves both tutor and student time.
- Wider talent pool, you’re not limited to who lives in your postcode.
- Digital tools, interactive documents, shared notes, exam paper walkthroughs.
- Consistency, even if you move schools or travel, lessons continue seamlessly.
That’s why at French-Exams.com, all lessons are online: it’s efficient, effective, and ensures students get the best tutor, not just the closest.
Why £45/hour Is Strong Value
Think of it this way:
- At GCSE → Jumping from grade 5 to grade 7 unlocks A-level options.
- At A-level/IB → A higher grade can secure university offers and scholarships.
- At DELF/DALF → Passing these opens international study and career doors.
For £450 (10 hours), you’re not just buying lessons, you’re investing in a structured system that has helped students consistently improve by 2+ grades. Compared to what a higher grade means for future opportunities, it’s one of the most cost-effective academic investments you can make.
Final Word
The cost of French tutoring in the UK ranges from £15/hour freelancers to £100/hour top-tier exam specialists. But the real question isn’t “How cheap can I go?” It’s: “Who will get me the results I need, with the least wasted time and stress?”
At French-Exams.com, we deliver native-level fluency, deep exam expertise, and proven results, all at £45/hour (bundle). That’s premium quality tutoring, at a fair and sustainable price.
Because in the end, tutoring isn’t just about learning French. It’s about creating opportunities that last far beyond the exam hall.
