10 Flexible Summer Jobs for Students

1. 10 Summer Jobs That Count as Real Work Experience
2. Summary: Flexible Summer Jobs for Students
3. Online Summer Jobs (Part-time & Full-time)
4. Why Is Online Tutoring the Best Option?
5. Make the Most of Your Gap Year with Flexible Jobs

Students across the UK often look for flexible summer jobs to earn money, gain work experience, or stay active during the summer holidays. Whether you're taking a gap year, preparing for college, or just want something to do during term time, there are plenty of roles that combine flexibility, support, and the chance to develop essential skills.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Online tutoring is the highest-paying flexible job for students in the UK, with rates starting at £15/hour and the ability to work from anywhere.
2. Students aged 12+ can find paid summer roles, from paper rounds to shop work, admin jobs, and festival staff, many requiring no formal qualifications.
3. Babysitting, dog walking, and delivery jobs offer flexible hours and a way to earn money while building trust, responsibility, and customer service skills.
4. GoStudent tutors gain valuable work experience while supporting others, developing communication and time management skills, and boosting their CVs.
5. Online jobs such as proofreading, data entry, and virtual assistance are ideal for students who want remote work with minimal upfront requirements.
6. Choosing a summer job that aligns with your skills and goals, whether you're taking a gap year, preparing for university, or just looking to earn, can make the summer both productive and rewarding.

We’ve explored some of the most popular part-time job options that are perfect for young people, from online tutoring to babysitting and retail roles. Each position includes flexible hours, simple application processes, and real opportunities for personal and professional development. Let’s break them down so you can find the right fit for your interests and goals.👇

10 Summer Jobs That Count as Real Work Experience

1. Online Tutoring: The Perfect Job for Students 🧠

Online tutoring stands out as one of the best summer job for students. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a high salary (from £620/month to £2480/month on GoStudent), flexible scheduling, and the chance to work remotely from your home, office, or anywhere with internet access.

As a tutor, you’ll help children and teens with school subjects, supporting their academic progress while keeping your own mind sharp over the summer. It’s an excellent way to gain confidence and develop transferable skills such as:

• Communication
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Organisation and diary planning
• Digital literacy with online teaching tools

💼 At GoStudent, we typically accept university students who have completed at least their second year. If you’ve achieved strong A-Level results and have a passion for helping others succeed, it could be the perfect summer position for you.

GoStudent tutor benefits:

• Flexible hours
• Paid professional development via our Tutor Academy
• A supportive, inclusive environment
• Access to a global tutor community
• A role that looks brilliant on your CV

What Can You Teach on GoStudent?

At GoStudent, tutors can teach a wide range of academic subjects across all school levels, from primary to A-Level. Whether you're studying English Literature at university or aced your Maths and Sciences at A-Level, there’s likely a subject match for you.

Tutors also support students preparing for SATs, GCSEs, and A-Level exams. If you’ve got strong subject knowledge and enjoy explaining things clearly, tutoring with GoStudent can be a flexible and rewarding way to share what you know.

GoStudent is more than a tutoring company, we’re a team. You’ll be part of something meaningful, with the ability to help others, earn money, and grow your own career. You can even work around other part-time jobs or internships.

2. Babysitting

Babysitting is a classic summer job for young people – flexible, relatively low stress, and often done in the evenings. Teens can begin babysitting from age 13, and most jobs involve keeping children entertained, putting them to bed, and ensuring their safety while parents enjoy an evening out.

• Average hourly salary: £8.38 (can be higher in cities like London)
• No formal qualifications required (but Level 1 or 2 babysitting courses are available)
• Great for building responsibility and patience

Your teen can advertise their services locally or through online forums where families search for support.

3. Paper Rounds

For younger students aged 12+, a paper round can be the perfect introduction to paid work.

• Average salary: £3–£4 per hour
• Teaches commitment and timekeeping
• Offers daily exercise and independence

It’s a simple job but can be an important stepping stone that builds strong work habits early.

4. Dog Walking 🐾

If your teen enjoys animals and the outdoors, dog walking offers flexibility and decent pay. It’s especially popular in the summer when owners are away or working long hours.

• Average hourly rate: £17
• No qualifications needed, but public liability insurance is recommended
• Ideal for building trust and responsibility

To start, they can create flyers, advertise on local forums, or use pet-care platforms where dog owners search for help.

5. Errands and Delivery Jobs

Jobs like grocery delivery, cycle courier roles, or helping with household errands are excellent summer opportunities for students who want to stay active.

• Grocery delivery: £13.89/hr
• Delivery drivers: £11.50/hr
• Cycle couriers: £7.35/hr

Students can usually set their own schedule, making it easy to fit in around college, travel, or holidays. Just note that some roles may require a clean driving licence or background check.

6. Retail & Shop Jobs

From supermarkets to small local businesses, retail jobs are a staple for students seeking part-time summer employment. Roles range from shelf stacking and cashiering to stocking and customer service.

• Minimum age: 13–14 (varies by position)
• Average hourly wage: Legal minimum wage or above
• Skills gained: Sales skills, customer interaction, organisation, teamwork

🛒 These jobs provide valuable work experience, especially for those interested in business or hospitality careers. Students can search for vacancies online or apply in-store.

7. Event Staff or Festival Crew

Event work is an exciting summer job option for students who enjoy being part of a team and working in a lively environment. From music festivals and food fairs to sports matches and conferences, there are plenty of events across the UK looking for part-time staff.

These jobs typically involve setting up stalls, scanning tickets, helping attendees, or working at food stands. Event work usually requires some basic training at the start, but no qualifications, and employers often provide uniforms or meals during shifts.

Average hourly pay ranges between £9 and £12, and your teen might even get to enjoy parts of the event while working! This is a great way to gain customer service skills, practise time management, and build confidence in high-energy settings.

8. Admin Assistant (Part-Time or Remote)

Admin assistant roles are ideal for students who are organised, detail-oriented, and looking to gain real office experience over the summer. Many companies look for part-time support to handle emails, schedule meetings, organise files, or assist with data entry.

These roles often offer flexible hours and the option to work remotely, making them perfect for students balancing other commitments or preparing for a gap year.

Most admin assistant positions pay around £10–£12 per hour and require basic computer skills, but full training is usually provided. It’s a valuable experience to include on your CV, especially if you're interested in business or office-based roles in the future.

9. Social Media Assistant (Part-Time or Remote)

If your teen already spends time on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, they could turn that interest into a paid summer job. Many small businesses and content creators are looking for part-time help with managing social media accounts and creating engaging posts.

It’s a flexible role that can be done remotely and fits perfectly around other summer activities. Tasks might include editing videos, writing captions, scheduling posts, or replying to comments.

The average hourly rate for this type of work is around £10–£15 depending on skills and experience. It’s also a great opportunity to build digital marketing skills that are useful for both university and future careers.

10. Lifeguard or Leisure Centre Assistant

If your teen is a strong swimmer and enjoys staying active, working as a lifeguard or leisure centre assistant could be an excellent summer job. Pools, gyms, and sports centres often hire extra staff during the busy summer season.

To become a lifeguard, students need to complete a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), but many employers cover the cost as part of the onboarding process. Other assistant roles may involve helping with cleaning, setting up equipment, or supporting summer sport programmes.

These roles pay well – typically between £11 and £13 per hour – and offer great benefits like discounted gym access, uniform, and site parking. It's a responsible position that builds teamwork, confidence, and quick decision-making skills.

🔎 Summary: Flexible Summer Jobs for Students (UK)

Online Summer Jobs (Part-time & Full-time)

1. Online Tutoring
One of the highest-paying and most rewarding online jobs. Help school students with subjects you’ve already mastered.
💰 Average pay: £15-£30/hour

2. Proofreading
Perfect for students with strong grammar and spelling. Edit essays, articles or documents for clarity and accuracy.
💰 Average pay: £12.56/hour

3. Data Entry
Entry-level work that involves inputting information into systems or spreadsheets. No prior experience needed.
💰 Average pay: £9.50/hour

4. Virtual Assistant
Support small businesses with admin tasks like email handling, scheduling, or research.
💰 Average pay: £10–£13/hour

5. Freelance Writing
Write content for blogs, websites, or social media. Ideal for creative students with strong writing skills.
💰 Average pay: £10–£20+/hour

6. Transcription
Listen to audio recordings and type them into written format. Requires good focus and typing speed.
💰 Average pay: £10–£15/hour

7. Graphic Design
Create logos, social media graphics or marketing materials. Great for students with design software skills.
💰 Average pay: £12–£25+/hour

8. Online Surveys
Share your opinions through paid surveys. Low commitment and flexible, but lower earning potential.
💰 Average pay: £3–£6/hour

9. Website Testing
Review websites or apps and provide feedback on usability and performance.
💰 Average pay: £8–£15/hour

10. Selling Digital Products
Design and sell printables, templates, or artwork on platforms like Etsy.
💰 Average pay: Varies depending on product and sales

11. Social Media Manager
Help brands or influencers manage their Instagram, TikTok or YouTube presence. Involves content creation and scheduling.
💰 Average pay: £10–£15/hour

12. Admin Assistant (Remote)
Work with a company or entrepreneur to handle emails, file management, and calendar bookings.
💰 Average pay: £10–£12/hour

Why Is Online Tutoring the Best Option?

Let’s recap what makes online tutoring stand out as one of the best summer job opportunities in the UK for students:

✅ Pays the highest average hourly salary (£15-£30)
✅ Helps develop transferable skills useful in any career
✅ Encourages intellectual engagement and avoids summer learning loss
✅ Offers complete flexibility with working hours
✅ Can be done from any location
✅ Connects tutors with a like-minded team and supportive network
✅ Contributes to CV development and career growth
✅ Makes use of modern technology like screen sharing and digital whiteboards
✅ Supported by training, a clear structure, and professional guidance

GoStudent tutors enjoy access to company events, development programmes, and referral bonuses. You’ll gain confidence and experience while having fun and making a difference.

Make the Most of Your Gap Year with Flexible Jobs

Whether your priority is flexibility, salary, skills, or gaining experience in a professional setting, there’s a wide range of jobs to choose from. But if you want a rewarding role that’s flexible, remote, and looks great on your CV, online tutoring is hard to beat.

✅ Interested in a position where you can gain confidence, earn money, and help others?
✅ Looking for the perfect job that works around your summer plans and term-time commitments?
✅ Want to work with a forward-thinking company that values its people?

Apply to become a GoStudent tutor today, and start shaping your future! 🌍