What a Tutoring Agreement Should Set Out Before Lesson One

The Conversation Worth Having Before You Begin

Starting a new tutoring relationship well means getting a few things agreed before the first lesson takes place. Most of the time, families are focused on the result — better grades, a passed exam, a child who feels more confident — and the practical terms of working together can feel like a distraction. But the best tutoring relationships are built on clarity from the start, and a tutoring agreement is how you establish that.

This is guidance on using agreement templates, not legal advice. If you have specific legal questions about your circumstances, consult a qualified solicitor.

What the Agreement Should Cover

A good tutoring agreement does not need to be long. It should cover the key practical terms in plain English, so that both you and the family know exactly what to expect.

Contact details and parties. Name yourself and the client clearly. If you are tutoring a child, the agreement is typically between you and the parent or guardian, not the child. Include contact details for both parties.

Subject, level, and format. Be specific about what you are teaching — GCSE Maths, KS2 English, 11+ preparation, A-level Chemistry. Include whether sessions are in-person or online and, if in-person, where they take place.

Session length and frequency. How long is each lesson? How often do you meet? Is this a fixed-term arrangement (leading up to an exam) or ongoing? If there is a set schedule, state it. If lessons are arranged week by week, note that too.

Fees and payment terms. State your hourly or session rate clearly, when invoices are issued, and how payment should be made. Note whether you charge per session or per month, and what your policy is on late payment. Clarity here avoids the most common source of friction in tutoring relationships.

Cancellation terms. What notice is required to cancel a session? Is there a charge for late cancellations or missed lessons? (See our dedicated post on this topic for more detail.)

Safeguarding Considerations

If you are tutoring children or young people, your agreement should reflect your safeguarding responsibilities. This does not mean heavy legal language — it means being clear about the professional framework within which you operate.

For in-person sessions, note where the tutoring will take place and any relevant safeguarding arrangements (for example, whether a parent will be present or nearby, or whether you are visiting the family home). For online sessions, include a note about the platform being used and parental supervision arrangements for younger children.

If you hold a valid DBS check, your agreement can note this — it reassures families without constituting a formal representation about your vetting status. If you are working through a tutoring agency, check whether they have their own safeguarding requirements that should be reflected in your terms.

Expectations Around Homework and Progress

A tutoring agreement is also an opportunity to set expectations that go beyond the lesson itself. If you set homework, note that parents and students should engage with it between sessions. If you send progress notes or session summaries, include that. If you expect to communicate with school teachers or SEN coordinators as part of your work, note this and address data handling accordingly.

These details help families understand the value of what you are providing and create a shared understanding of how you work — which tends to lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Reviewing and Updating the Agreement

A tutoring agreement is most useful when it is a living document rather than a one-off form. If the subject changes, the format shifts from in-person to online, or your fees change, update the agreement and ensure both parties are clear on the new terms.

For ongoing clients, a brief annual review of the terms — perhaps at the start of a new academic year — is good practice and keeps the relationship on a professional footing.

Getting Started on the Right Foot

Professional tutoring contracts and documents — from £29/yr. A well-drafted agreement template gives you a clear, professional starting point for every new tutoring relationship.