Teaching English online is one of the most rewarding and flexible ways to earn income while making a positive impact on a student's life.
The right English tutor can be the difference between a top grade and scraping a pass for pupils studying for their GCSEs and A-levels. They can boost the confidence of international students learning English as a foreign language, allowing them to access a wider variety of connections and opportunities.
From young learners preparing for exams, to business professionals sharpening their professional conversational skills, the demand for high-quality online English lessons has never been higher.
Online tutoring offers a flexible way to arrange your own work schedule and earn extra income
The best platforms for teaching English online depend on your target students and teaching style
Some online language learning platforms focus on business English, while others specialise in adademic support and exam preparation
A TEFL certificate is mandatory to teach on some platforms, while others simply require tutors to be fluent English speakers
Certain practical resources and personal qualities are essential: a stable internet connection and outstanding communication skills are non-negotiables!
Providing private classes for English language learners online offers unique benefits compared to group lessons in a physical classroom.
Personalised attention: Lessons are tailored to the student’s goals and level, increasing satisfaction with classes
Access a wide client base: teach international students from anywhere in the world
Flexible scheduling: online tutors can set teaching hours that fit their lifestyles, with no commutes
Teach your prefered area of expertise: Focus on teaching specific areas like business English or exam preparation
With so many online teaching companies available, it can be challenging to know where to begin.
Whether you want to work with adults, children, or learners preparing for exams, this article explores the best online English tutoring platforms to join and start teaching!
When comparing online teaching companies, consider the following points:
Target audience: Do you prefer teaching young learners or adults? International business professionals or local students preparing for exams?
Requirements: Some companies ask for a bachelor's degree or previous teaching experience, while others don’t require any qualifications
Flexibility: Decide how many hours you want to teach and check if the platform supports your schedule
Income potential: Rates vary depending on class type and prior experience
Trial lessons: Many platforms require tutors to offer free trial lessons. Take this into account when selecting a company.
Support: Some platforms connect teachers with students in order to match expertise with learning needs, and provide structured teaching methods and resources
Online English teaching companies can vary greatly in the benefits that they offer tutors. Let's take a look at some of the top platforms for private teachers!
Classes aligned with UK curriculum – access a wide pool of students studying for GCSE and A-Level exams, in addition to those seeking primary school support
Flexible scheduling – Set your own schedule and choose your peak teaching hours.
All-in-one platform – Built-in interactive virtual classroom, scheduling system, and AI-powered education tools
Comprehensive support – Access to lesson plans, teaching materials, and a supportive teaching community.
Variety of subjects – In addition to English, you can also teach other languages or academic subjects.
Opportunities for growth – Gain experience in the latest teaching methods and expand your skills.
Best for: GoStudent is ideal for online tutors looking for a reliable platform with a solid international reputation, strong tutor support and integrated teaching technology.
Variety of learners – Connect with students seeking to improve their English skills for professional and academic purposes
Flexibility – Class rates and schedules are set by tutors according to their individual preferences
Browse student ads – easily find new students seeking tuition in your subject speciality
Verified tutor status – Build client trust by including a verified status banner on your tutor profile page
Best for: Private tutors looking for professional autonomy and a mix of student levels
Tutor status options - sign up as a Professional Teacher (qualified), or Community Tutor (native speaker or C2 level fluency, no official teaching certificate)
Support with payment process - iTalki uses a student credit system to optimise tutor payments
Lesson bundles – offer discounted packages for multiple class bookings to boost student committment
Best for: Tutors who want to support independent language learners
Less preparation – lesson planning is minimal due to focus on conversation skills
No minimum hours – helpful when combining tutoring with other comittments
Flexible schedules - offer classes on demand or via reservation
Best for: New tutors seeking to gain experience teaching English online
Format choice: offer group classes as well as private lessons
No fixed rates: manage your own profile and pricing
Profile customisation: include an introduction video on your profile page to attract students
Best for: Tutors looking to build a client base of international students learning English as a second language
User-friendly platform: built-in scheduling and virtual classroom tools
Automatic payment system: no manual management of finances is required
Variety of clients: tutor a range of age groups and ability levels
Best for: Tutors who want assistance with administrative tasks
Earning reports available: monitor income and track comissions
Design freedom: tutors create their own lesson plans and upload materials
Business focus: many students seek courses to improve their professional English
Best for: Tutors looking to teach business English
Clear teaching path: Structured teaching programs for a range of UK study levels
Peer-to-peer learning network: Ongoing support from a community of tutors
Teaching resources: Provides access to high-quality teaching materials
Best for: Tutors who prefer to follow a set curriculum
|
Platform |
Target Students |
Requirements |
Rate per hour |
|
GoStudent |
Young learners, students seeking exam preparation support |
TEFL certification, stable internet connection |
£15–£22/hr |
|
FindTutors |
All ages, students seeking academic English revision, EFL learners |
Prior teaching experience preferred |
£12–£20/hr |
|
iTalki |
Casual learners, adults |
Professional Teacher: TEFL certification |
£8–£18/hr |
|
Cambly |
Beginners, conversation-focused |
None |
£7–£15/hr |
|
Superprof |
All ages, group classes |
Varies depending on subject |
£10–£22/hr |
|
Tutorful |
Academic, exam support, SEN learners |
Degree or previous teaching experience required |
£15–£22/hr |
|
Preply |
Learners seeking to improve English for professional purposes |
TEFL certificate preferred |
£16–£18/hr |
|
StudyMind |
Exam prep, young learners |
Degree or TEFL required |
£12–£15/hr |
Note that tutors may charge higher or lower rates to those listed above depending on their qualifications, previous teaching experience, and subject niche.
Tutoring is a vocation that requires a diverse skillset. Many teachers - if not most teachers! - possess the drive, knowledge, and talent to create engaging lessons, teach adults and children, and help learners achieve English fluency at their own pace.
Online teaching platforms can open up international opportunities, new networks and professional perspectives, allowing you to use your enthusiasm and experience to grow your career as an English tutor!