Achieve academic excellence with the 7 best tutoring services in Newcastle
School can be challenging, and let’s face it—some classes can feel a bit dull. While self-study might help you score high grades, it’s rarely the most enjoyable way to learn.
A good tutor can change all that. With the right skills, they make learning easier and more engaging. They show subjects in ways a classroom teacher often can’t.
I’ve personally hand-picked some of the best tutoring services in Newcastle. You can trust them to get you the highest marks in the class.
How much does a tutoring session cost in Newcastle?
A tutoring session in Newcastle typically costs around £15 to £50 per hour. This price can vary due to the tutor’s experience and qualifications, the subject being taught, and the format of the tutoring session.
1. The Learning Doctor
Address: 163 Roseden Wy., Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 9DS, United Kingdom
Contact Details: 07345567346, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 9am-9pm
- Saturday: 8am-12pm
The Learning Doctor focuses its tutoring services on online English tuition, with options designed around different learning needs and schedules. Students can choose from one-to-one lessons, small group tuition, pre-recorded lessons, and revision masterclasses.
The one-to-one service provides bespoke weekly lessons tailored exclusively to each child, making it suited to students who need intensive individualised support. Ad hoc sessions are also available subject to availability for learners who need help with a particular topic without committing to regular tuition.
Small group tuition takes place in a virtual classroom with breakout rooms for group work and individualised feedback. Groups are capped at six students, while lesson notes remain available on the platform for students to review later.
For families with less predictable schedules, pre-recorded lessons offer a more flexible alternative to live tuition. Students receive recordings and resources for independent learning, with the choice of subscribing to weekly lessons or purchasing individual lessons for specific topics.
The service is led by Dr Sally McDonald, a Doctor of Education and qualified English teacher with over a decade of teaching experience. Her background includes teaching hundreds of students, including home-educated learners and students with a wide range of additional needs, as well as work as an examiner for multiple exam boards.
A notable feature of the approach is its combination of academic support and attention to student confidence. The Learning Doctor also states that its tutors are fully qualified, highly experienced teachers with enhanced DBS certificates, while the company is a member of The Tutors’ Association and registered with the ICO for GDPR compliance.
The service may suit students who are struggling academically, preparing to resit exams, seeking additional support, or aiming for higher grades, particularly where English tuition is the priority. Families can select between personalised live teaching, small-group learning, or flexible pre-recorded study depending on the student’s needs and schedule.
My son gained loads of confidence and smashed his exams
“Sally taught my son with his English Literature for his GCSEs. I cannot thank her enough. My son gained loads of confidence and smashed his exams.”
The sessions are engaging and tailored
“We have been absolutely delighted with Sally as an English tutor for my daughter in preparation for her GCSEs. The sessions are engaging and tailored, and it’s clear how much effort Sally puts into making learning both accessible and enjoyable.”
2. Pastel & Smudge CIC
Address: United Kingdom
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pastel & Smudge CIC is an autistic-led community interest company providing inclusive online group classes for home-educated and home-schooled children and young people across the UK. Its provision combines tutoring with a creative approach to learning, covering Art, English, Creative Writing, History and Arts Award, with a particular focus on flexible, neurodivergent-friendly participation.
The online format is built around live Zoom lessons, allowing learners to attend from anywhere in the UK. Recordings are included, giving learners the option to catch up, revisit lessons or take breaks when needed.
Accessibility is central to the service, with cameras and microphones optional and chat participation welcomed. Classes are designed to be flexible and low-pressure, with no previous experience required. This allows learners to participate in ways that suit their individual needs and preferences.
The subject range gives the service a distinctly creative character, including Art, English, Creative Writing, History and Arts Award programmes. Pastel & Smudge aims to make learning enjoyable and engaging while encouraging creativity, curiosity, communication, social engagement, problem-solving and fine motor skills.
Pastel & Smudge’s background is closely connected to arts education and community workshops. Founder Hayley Hare has a BA Hons in Creative Practice and experience delivering creative workshops, arts education, art lessons, after-school clubs and Lego therapy sessions, including work supporting children and young people with low-incidence special educational needs.
Families can also try a free session before committing to the classes, while minimal materials are needed to participate. Feedback featured by the company describes learners enjoying new techniques, discovering artists, developing confidence and feeling comfortable being themselves in the classes.
The service may be particularly suitable for home-educated or home-schooled children and young people who enjoy creative subjects and benefit from flexible online participation. Its combination of specialist creative programmes, optional camera and microphone use, recorded lessons and an autistic-led, neurodivergent-friendly approach provides an inclusive learning environment for those who value accessibility, creativity and flexibility.
3. Kip McGrath Education Centre
Address: 100 High St, Gosforth, NE3 1HB
Contact Details: +44 191 285 3816
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Kip McGrath Education Centre has been helping students in Newcastle for over 50 years. Originating in Australia, they have grown to over 500 centres globally. They are an Ofsted-registered service, which allows them to cater to children under 8.
Their individual learning programmes set them apart, as each session is tailored to a student’s needs. These activities are either computer-based or written and come with continuous progress reports from tutors.
The main levels they work with are GCSEs and SATs, but they can also work with students who need exam preparation.
As for their main subjects, these are Maths and English. However, I was disappointed that they don’t offer Science courses.
Still, their educational programmes are fantastic at bringing in high grades. Several primary and secondary students I have spoken with have seen small, yet progressive, improvements in their grades and study habits.
She really enjoys the sessions, and her confidence has really grown
“My daughter has been working with the Kip team in Gosforth through her GCSEs and now A Levels ! The support she has received has been exceptional. Currently working on A level Geography the exam papers suddenly make sense and this has impacted on her grades, she moved up a grade in a matter of weeks. Thank you so much for your dedication and care. She really enjoys the sessions and her confidence has really grown!”
– Camille, Google Review
My son achieved outstanding grades
“The best professional tuition. We used their tuition service for English for my son. It is very pedagogical and effective. In only 7 to 9 months, my son achieved outstanding grades in all the English subjects at school. We all are very happy with Kip McGrath, Gosforth.”
– Mary Eugenia Mora, Google Review
4. Explore Learning Newcastle
Address: Tesco, Kingston Park Ave, NE3 2FP,
Contact Details: +44 191 214 0333
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Explore Learning is an Ofsted-registered tutoring service fit for those aged 4 to 16. Their tutors have DBS checks before employment and are trained to study the current curricula of the schools in Newcastle.
Their tutors mainly work in English and Math, and specialise in SATs and GCSEs. Uniquely, they can even help students prepare for high-passing-rate entrance exams.
Parents can expect regular progress meetings and detailed weekly reports. Lessons can take up to 60 minutes per week, and the curriculum is adapted and tailored to each child.
Additionally, Explore Learning offers a 24/7 smart learning tool called Compass that provides students with instant feedback. However, traditional homework is not offered, as Compass serves as an always-available alternative.
Despite this, sessions with them are split between 1 to 2 sessions each, with costs averaging from £20 to £32 per session, which is cheap. Bonus points for not having joining fees!
My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her time
“My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her time at Explore Learning and loves all the tutors, especially Jerusalem 🙂 We have both found these sessions incredibly useful and firmly believe this is why my daughter did as well in her SATS as she did, so a massive thank you to the team there…..you all do an incredible job”
– Kay Black, Google Review
The team are so warm and welcoming
“My daughter has been coming to the centre for a while now mainly to build her confidence around learning for her recent SATs.
The amazing team at this centre have worked wonders with my daughter, helping her absolutely smash her SATs.
The team are so warm and welcoming, I would highly recommend to anyone who is considering enrolling their child.”
– Amie McNichol, Google Review
5. League of Learning
Address: 92 Silver Lonnen, NE5 2HD
Contact Details: +44 7478 355331
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
League of Learning provides results within 12 weeks. They mainly work with students within KS2, KS3, and GCSE levels. They offer free consultations and a 100% money-back guarantee if a student doesn’t improve.
Their main subjects are Math, Science, and English. The initial assessment is quite thorough in seeking out which subject a child may be having difficulty with. Parents have found the strategies to improve their kids’ overall grades.
League of Learning also offers live lesson recordings that are easy to understand and free to watch at any time. Additionally, there are unlimited worksheets and practice sheets available for kids to study.
Lastly, parents receive progress sheets that go in-depth into where a child is currently struggling and how far they have improved in specific areas.
However, League of Learning doesn’t offer in-person classes, which may not suit some students.
The tutor was brilliant
“We were 6 weeks from exams and needed a science teacher for my son’s GCSEs. League of Learning promptly handled our enquiry, assigned a tutor, and did a full assessment. This enabled them to structure the tuition leading up to the exams. The tutor was brilliant! Knew exactly what she was doing and really helped his knowledge and confidence. We could see his mock tests improving significantly with each lesson. It comes of no surprise that I highly recommend League Of Learning – excellent in every respect! Thank you!”
– Matt Haycock, Google Review
Very supportive, flexible, and helpful
“We have used League Of Learning for over a year to support our daughter with Maths. Our tutor has been very supportive, flexible and very helpful. Also our contact at the company was always available to help. We do not have our daughters results yet but I’m confident the extra support will have a positive impact on her results. Thank you the team once again it as been a real pleasure being one of your customers.”
– Eve Corbett, Google Review
6. Kumon
Address: 156 Sandyford Rd, NE2 1XG
Contact Details: +44 191 261 2944
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Kumon is an international tutoring service that has been around for over 60 years. With centres in over 60 countries, they are well-known for their Kumon Method of learning, which builds key skills, such as self-learning, to foster better study habits.
They offer two courses here: Kumon Math and Kumon English. These come with free assessments, so your child can be put at the same level as those with similar struggles.
Kumon’s courses are split between those 5 and under, ages 6 to 11, and ages 12 and above.
The Math programmes cover everything from counting to algebra, with unique ways of solving them. As for Kumon English, it focuses on sentence writing and critiquing. Each class lasts 30 minutes, and they must follow a strict schedule.
However, Kumon classes can get quite expensive, but most parents swear by their methods.
The regular practice and personalised guidance have boosted confidence
“My child has benefited immensely from Kumon. The regular practice and personalized guidance have boosted confidence, enhanced math and reading skills, and encouraged independent learning. We truly appreciate the progress and support”
– Shanti Rao, Google Review
Kumon has been a valuable tool in my daughter’s education
“Kumon has been a valuable tool in my daughter’s education. Kumon enables children to develop independent learning skills, however, they always have the reassurance of instructors who are more than happy to assist. My daughter has always praised how much Kumon aids her in her schoolwork, especially in her speed and accuracy. This would not have been possible without the constant support of Natalie – her Kumon instructor. Natalie always provides tips and strategies in how to approach questions and how to correct mistakes. Overall, Kumon is a useful format to improving and learning new skills.”
– Vijaya S, Google Review
7. Solar Tuition
Address: 86 Mead Way, Palmersville, NE12 9RE
Contact Details: +44 7939 651 258
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
For the Sciences, I highly trust Dr. Andrew Lawson of Solar Tuition. With over 11 years of teaching experience, Dr. Lawson is an incredible teacher and a physicist and chemist.
He got his degrees from Cambridge University and Newcastle University, which showcases his intelligence as a tutor. Additionally, he has taught over 12,000 hours of lessons and has helped over 300 students pass their exams.
His main subjects are Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. The courses he teaches are best for GCSE and A-level students. While I was disappointed that there were no courses for lower years, it’s understandable given the complexity of the topics.
Dr. Lawson’s approach focuses on the fundamentals, with problem-solving as his main way of teaching. Students adore that he takes each topic seriously and even helps them retrace their past answers.
Provided great support and guidance
“Thank you so much for all the support Andrew and guidance you gave to Aryan. Your teaching not only helped him grasp challenging Physics concepts but also gave him the confidence to excel. We’re delighted to share that he achieved an A* in his A-Level Physics, and we truly appreciate the vital role you played in this success.”*”
– Sanjeev Kumar, Google Review
It has been great having Andrew Lawson tutor my son
“It has been great having Andrew Lawson tutoring my son and has really helped to develop his understanding in both physics and chemistry. A levels, can be a stressful time for any student and my son is no exception, but having Andrew on hand to guide him through the more complicated aspects of the sciences has been invaluable. He recently took his mocks and achieved an A in Chemistry and an A* in Physics, so we are very proud of him and very pleased with the tutoring that he has been receiving from Andrew. Definitely worth it.”
– Alexandra Ryley, Google Review