Looking for a tutor? Have you been looking at FindTutors (now essentially GoStudent, which acquired it in 2022) and Superprof? Not sure what to pick? Here, we'll explore the differing philosophies of both platforms, what you need to know, and how you can come to an informed decision on which is right for you.
FindTutors vs Superprof: Quick Comparison Table
| Category | FindTutors | Superprof (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform type | Tutor marketplace connecting students and private tutors | Tutor marketplace connecting students and private tutors |
| Primary focus | Academic subjects plus languages and skills (broad marketplace) | Very broad marketplace: academic, languages, music, sports, hobbies, professional skills |
| Lesson formats | Online tutoring and in-person lessons (tutor chooses) | Online tutoring and in-person lessons (tutor chooses) |
| Online classroom | Offers an integrated virtual classroom option on-platform (tutor/student can use it) | No enforced classroom; tutors choose tools or meet in person |
| How students choose tutors | Students browse tutor ads/profiles and contact tutors | Students browse tutor profiles and contact tutors after Student Pass |
| Messaging/communication | Platform messaging; some tutors may share direct contact details | Platform messaging after Student Pass; arrangements handled directly |
| Pricing visibility | Tutors set hourly rate; prices shown on tutor profiles | Tutors set hourly rate; prices shown on tutor profiles |
| Platform fee to tutors | States no commission; tutors keep 100% of earnings | No commission; tutors keep 100% of lesson fees |
| Student access fee | No clear universal 'Student Pass' style fee stated; access may depend on tutor and platform flow | Student Pass subscription required to contact tutors |
| Payments | Often arranged directly with the tutor (varies by tutor) | Arranged directly between student and tutor (tutor-controlled) |
| Vetting / screening | Marketplace model; verification and quality signals vary by tutor | Marketplace model; trust signals via profiles, reviews, responsiveness |
| Best for | Learners who want a straightforward marketplace and tutors who want no commission | Learners who want maximum choice and tutors who want full independence |
How FindTutors Works vs How Superprof Works
FindTutors and Superprof are two platforms for connecting students and tutors.¹ The way each platform goes about its business is entirely different, though. Unlike Preply and other tutoring platforms, both of these use a subscription model, but one is designed mainly for school-age students. At the same time, the other is an open marketplace for students and tutors. This means that how tutors are selected and how lessons are delivered can vary widely between them.
How FindTutors Works for Students and Parents
FindTutors offers structured academic support, especially for students following the curriculum. Parents can purchase lesson packages, and their tutors will be allocated through the platform rather than being chosen by the student.¹ FindTutors has a built-in classroom where scheduling, materials, and progress are all managed through the platform.¹
How Superprof Works for Students and Tutors
Superprof does things quite differently from other tutoring platforms. Students are free to search tutor profiles, compare experience and prices, and then contact tutors directly once they have access to the platform. Tutors can choose how they teach and whether they offer online or in-person lessons. They're also free to choose the tools they use.
Since the arrangements are made between students and tutors, tutors can tailor their lessons to the students' schedules, budgets, and learning styles. Tutors have complete control over how they teach, and Superprof facilitates discovery. Tutors are free to do what they do best: teach.
Pricing Models and Lesson Costs
Pricing is one of the areas where FindTutors and Superprof differ significantly. This could be the differentiator for parents, students, or tutors. Different pricing models affect how much students pay, how much tutors earn, and how flexible lessons can be.
FindTutors operates on a subscription-based pricing model where parents or students purchase lesson packages in advance.² Pricing is structured around regular weekly lessons rather than individual sessions, and costs include platform tools, tutor allocation, and ongoing academic support. This model prioritises consistency and long-term tutoring plans rather than ad hoc lessons.
What Students and Parents Pay
On FindTutors, families commit to lesson packages, often with weekly sessions. Prices are based on ongoing tuition rather than individual lessons. Costs typically include access to the platform, lesson scheduling, learning tools, and academic monitoring. This means that monthly spending is quite predictable and parents appreciate it. On Superprof, students pay for their Student Pass to contact tutors and arrange lessons.⁴ Lesson prices are set by tutors, and arranging lessons and payments is done between the student and tutor directly.
Tutor Pay and Earnings Structure
Like on MyTutor, Tutorful, and others, the tutors on FindTutors are paid through the platform.¹ Rates and workloads are influenced by the platform, with tutors paid per lesson or hour. It offers steady demand, but limits their earning potential. On Superprof, tutors keep all the earnings from each lesson, set their rates, choose how many students they take on, and manage their schedules.⁴ Typically, their earnings will depend on demand and pricing strategy, but tutors have complete control over this.
Subscriptions, Packages, and Hidden Costs
With lesson packages for regular tutoring, cancelling early and changing plans isn't always straightforward. The advantage is that it's an all-in-one service with very few unexpected extras. Superprof's main platform cost is the Student Pass. This renews unless cancelled, but there are no bundled fees, and lesson costs are arranged directly with the tutor.
Lesson Structure, Tools, and Learning Experience
How lessons are delivered can make all the difference. Every student is different, and what works for one mightn't work for another. This is another area where FindTutors and Superprof have very different philosophies. One prefers consistency and structure, while the other offers flexibility and choice.
FindTutors
Superprof
FindTutors’s Structured Online Classroom
FindTutors' lessons are delivered through the built-in online classroom that's designed specifically for academic tutoring. This means that scheduling, lesson delivery, progress tracking, and communication are all in the same place. From one tutor to the next, the experience is consistent. FindTutors also focuses on regular progress and continuity, with the lessons following a predictable format. It's easier to track academic development over time, which is especially helpful for school-aged students who need routine, clearly defined learning plans.
Superprof’s Flexible Lesson Formats
Superprof's approach is quite different from FindTutors's. Tutors can choose how they teach, whether online or in person. The flexibility means they can tailor lessons to the subject, the student's learning style, and practical considerations such as availability and location.
With no enforced classroom system, the quality and format of lessons will depend on the tutor. This may be a downside for some, but for most it's a huge advantage, as it allows the best tutors to completely personalise every session for the learner.
Tutor Control, Requirements, and Flexibility
FindTutors and Superprof have different approaches to control, too. FindTutors is far more hands-on than Superprof. Each has its pros and cons, and it's up to the student (or their parents) to decide which is more important for them.
FindTutors tutors operate within a structured system where lesson schedules, pricing, and teaching expectations are defined by the platform. Superprof tutors work independently, setting their own rates, choosing their teaching methods, and deciding how and where lessons take place. The trade-off is stability versus autonomy.
Tutor Vetting and Training
FindTutors has a formal vetting process that includes checks on academic background and teaching suitability. Tutors are quickly brought into line with the platform's expectations, making the experience far more consistent. You know what you're getting.
Superprof is an open marketplace where tutors can create detailed profiles outlining their experience, qualifications, and teaching approach. Transparency, reviews, and responsiveness ensure that the cream rises to the top. Tutors have much more freedom, allowing them to offer skills and hobbies in addition to academia.
Control Over Rates, Schedule, and Teaching Style
Tutors work within a structured framework on FindTutors. Schedules, pricing, and formats are largely defined by the platform. This means less admin for the tutors, but it limits their flexibility.
Superprof tutors have complete control over rates, availability, and teaching style. They can teach what they want according to their own schedules and terms. Tutors can build their own tutoring business how they see fit.
Student Experience, Parents, and Reviews
Whether you're looking for tutors on Tutorful, FindTutors, or Superprof, the student experience across these platforms is shaped by student involvement and transparency. The two platforms are really for different audiences, which is why feedback, monitoring, and trust are handled differently. Families tend to want oversight and structure, whereas most other students wish for independence and tailored tutoring.
FindTutors
Superprof
Parent Involvement and Academic Monitoring
FindTutors is a platform built with parents in mind. The platform is designed for regular lesson schedules and progress tracking. It's much easier for parents to stay informed about their child's progress, which is excellent for GCSE and A-Level.
Superprof's hands-off approach means parents can be as involved as much or as little as they want. Monitoring progress, however, is the responsibility of the parents and the tutors. This is because Superprof is designed to facilitate contact between tutors and students, leaving everything else to them.
Reviews, Trust Signals, and Transparency
FindTutors' structured model and tutor vetting means that reviews are generally based on satisfaction with progress and lesson delivery, with less emphasis on individualised teaching styles. Superprof puts tutor profiles front and centre, with student reviews and direct communication central to its approach.⁵ Learners have a clearer picture of who they'll be working with before arranging sessions, but the experience is much more varied.
Which Platform Is Better for You?
We can't make the decision for you. After all, it's impossible for us not to be biased, whether we're talking about First Tutors, FindTutors, or our beloved Superprof. Consider ultimately whether you want individualised learning tailored to you or a structured tutoring experience. Which suits your situation?
FindTutors is designed for families seeking structured, curriculum-aligned tutoring with regular lessons and academic monitoring.
Superprof suits learners who want flexibility, variety of subjects, and control over lesson format and tutor choice.
Superprof is ideal for tutors who want pricing freedom and independence. At the same time, FindTutors suits tutors who prefer a managed workflow and steady student demand.
Final Verdict
FindTutors and Superprof are both great platforms for tutoring, but they cater to very different learners and tutors. FindTutors is an excellent option for those looking to closely follow a curriculum and make use of the built-in academic monitoring. Superprof, on the other hand, is all about flexibility and choice. Students can find almost anything they want, and tutors are given free rein to excel at what they do.
References
- GoStudent – Online tutoring with verified tutors
https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/ - GoStudent – Pricing and lesson packages
https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/prices/ - GoStudent – Trustpilot reviews
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.gostudent.org - Superprof – How Superprof works for students and tutors
- https://www.superprof.co.uk/blog/how-superprof-works/
- Superprof – Trustpilot reviews (UK)
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/superprof.co.uk
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