Tutoring Methods

One-to-One vs Group Tutoring: Which Method Fits Your Child?

National Learning Group offers one-to-one online tutoring across supported subjects and selected small-group programmes for 11 Plus Exam Preparation, GCSE Maths and GCSE English. This page compares how each method works, who it may suit, lesson length, pricing and availability.

Compare Tutoring Methods → Explore 1:1 Tutoring

What It Is

What Tutoring Methods Does NLG Offer?

NLG has two main online tutoring methods for school-age learners: personalised one-to-one tutoring and selected small-group tutoring. One-to-one tutoring gives one student a dedicated tutor. Group tutoring brings up to eight pupils together for a structured programme where the subject, timetable and group level are shared.

The key difference: one-to-one tutoring can be tailored closely to an individual learner’s pace, subject gaps and goals. Group tutoring follows a shared programme and is only available for 11 Plus Exam Preparation, GCSE Maths and GCSE English, subject to current availability, sufficient enrolment and suitable group placement.

Choose Your Route

Compare One-to-One and Group Tutoring

Neither format is automatically right for every student. The better route depends on how much individualisation the learner needs, whether an eligible group exists, and whether a suitable group place is available.

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One-to-One Online Tutoring

A dedicated online tutor works with one learner at a time, allowing lesson content and pace to be adjusted around that student’s current understanding and priorities.

✓ 40-minute lessons ✓ Dedicated tutor attention ✓ Individual lesson focus ✓ Available across supported stages and subjects ✓ Dedicated SEND one-to-one routes available ✓ £1 first one-to-one lesson available

Explore One-to-One Tutoring →

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Small Group Tutoring

Tutor-led online groups bring up to eight pupils together for a shared 60-minute programme, with a common timetable, subject focus and suitable group level.

✓ 60-minute eligible group sessions ✓ Up to 8 pupils ✓ 11 Plus Exam Preparation only ✓ GCSE Maths only ✓ GCSE English only ✓ Shared tutor-led programme

Check Group Availability →

Group availability: Group places are subject to current availability, sufficient enrolment and suitable group placement. A place is not confirmed until approved by our team.

Side-by-Side Comparison

One-to-One Tutoring vs Group Tutoring

This comparison uses factual differences between the two NLG routes rather than assuming one method is better for every child.

Feature	One-to-One Online Tutoring	Eligible Group Tutoring
Students per lesson	1 student	Up to 8 pupils
Lesson length	40 minutes	60 minutes
Lesson focus	Individual learner plan	Shared programme and group level
Scheduling	Arranged around tutor and learner availability	Fixed programme timetable
Supported subjects	NLG’s supported tutoring subjects and stages	11 Plus, GCSE Maths and GCSE English only
SEND route	Dedicated SEND one-to-one pricing and support available	Suitability depends on the learner and available group placement
Peer learning	Not part of the lesson format	Learners work alongside peers
Starting price	From £39.90 per 40-minute lesson	Eligible groups from £20 per week
£1 first lesson	Available to new one-to-one students	Does not apply as a group price
Availability	Subject to suitable tutor availability	Subject to availability, enrolment and placement

Pricing

How Much Do the Different Tutoring Methods Cost?

Pricing depends on the route and education level. One-to-one tutoring is priced per 40-minute lesson, while eligible group programmes start from a weekly 60-minute group rate.

One-to-One Tutoring

From £39.90

Primary, Secondary and GCSE one-to-one tutoring costs £39.90 per 40-minute lesson. A-Level tutoring costs £46. SEND one-to-one support starts from £43.90, with A-Level SEND at £48.

£1 first lesson: £1 applies to the first one-to-one lesson only. Following lessons continue at the regular rate unless cancelled in line with our terms and conditions.

Eligible Group Tutoring

From £20/week

Selected 11 Plus Exam Preparation, GCSE Maths and GCSE English groups start from £20 per week for 60-minute sessions.

Availability: Group places are subject to current availability, sufficient enrolment and suitable group placement. Group pricing must not be interpreted as one-to-one pricing.

View Full Tutoring Prices → Book £1 First Lesson

Parent Guidance

Which Tutoring Method Might Suit My Child?

The best choice depends on the learner rather than a universal rule. One-to-one gives more individual control over pace and content. Group tutoring adds peer interaction and a shared routine, but only within the three currently eligible NLG group routes.

Consider One-to-One Tutoring When...

✓ The learner needs a highly individual pace or lesson focus. ✓ There are specific subject gaps to revisit. ✓ The student prefers direct tutor attention. ✓ SEND or additional learning needs require adapted one-to-one support. ✓ The required subject or level is not offered as an NLG group. ✓ The family needs a route outside a fixed group timetable.

Consider Group Tutoring When...

✓ The learner is looking for 11 Plus Exam Preparation, GCSE Maths or GCSE English. ✓ They are comfortable learning alongside other pupils. ✓ A shared lesson pace and programme suit their current needs. ✓ The fixed group timetable works for the family. ✓ A suitable group is currently running. ✓ NLG confirms a suitable placement is available.

How It Works

How to Choose a Tutoring Method With NLG

You do not need to decide from labels alone. Start with the learner’s subject, stage and support needs, then check which routes are genuinely available.

1. Tell Us About the Learner

Share the child’s year group, subject, current confidence and the areas where support is needed.

2. Identify the Available Routes

One-to-one tutoring is available across supported routes. Groups are limited to 11 Plus, GCSE Maths and GCSE English.

3. Check Tutor or Group Availability

One-to-one matching depends on suitable tutor availability. Group entry also depends on sufficient enrolment and suitable placement.

4. Start the Correct Route

New one-to-one students can use the £1 first lesson. Eligible group students begin according to the confirmed programme timetable and group terms.

Trust and Safeguarding

Tutoring Methods Backed by NLG Safeguarding Standards

NLG tutors are DBS-checked before working with learners. The provider also reports more than 265,000 lessons delivered and over 9,000 students supported across its wider tutoring services. Service and pricing information on this page was reviewed in August 2026.

265K+Lessons Delivered NLG-Wide

9,000+Students Supported NLG-Wide

DBSChecked Tutors

🏆National Tutoring Award Recognition

Read NLG Reviews → About NLG

FAQ

Tutoring Method FAQs

Direct answers to the main questions parents ask when comparing one-to-one and group tutoring.

What is the difference between one-to-one and group tutoring?

One-to-one tutoring gives one student a dedicated tutor and a lesson focus tailored to that learner. NLG group tutoring brings up to eight pupils together for a shared 60-minute programme. Groups are limited to 11 Plus, GCSE Maths and GCSE English.

How long are NLG tutoring lessons?

One-to-one lessons are 40 minutes. Eligible group sessions are 60 minutes and can include up to eight pupils.

How much does one-to-one tutoring cost?

Primary, Secondary and GCSE one-to-one tutoring costs £39.90 per 40-minute lesson. A-Level costs £46. SEND one-to-one tutoring starts at £43.90, with A-Level SEND at £48.

How much does group tutoring cost?

Eligible 11 Plus, GCSE Maths and GCSE English groups start from £20 per week for 60-minute sessions. Places depend on current availability, sufficient enrolment and suitable group placement.

Which subjects are available as group tutoring?

NLG group tutoring is limited to 11 Plus Exam Preparation, GCSE Maths and GCSE English. Other supported subjects and stages are currently offered through one-to-one tutoring.

Is the £1 first lesson available for group tutoring?

No. The £1 offer applies to the first one-to-one lesson only. Following one-to-one lessons continue at the regular rate unless cancelled in line with our terms and conditions.

Is one-to-one tutoring better for SEND?

NLG offers dedicated SEND one-to-one routes because individual tutoring allows pace, resources and lesson focus to be adapted around the learner. Whether any group setting is suitable depends on the individual learner and the available placement.

Can I move between one-to-one and group tutoring?

A change of route may be possible, but group tutoring is subject to programme availability, sufficient enrolment, suitable placement and confirmation by NLG.

Choose the Tutoring Method That Fits the Learner

Explore one-to-one tutoring for personalised support, or check whether an eligible 11 Plus, GCSE Maths or GCSE English group currently has a suitable place.

Explore One-to-One Tutoring → Check Group Availability →