First Tutors and Superprof are two UK-based tutoring platforms designed to connect students directly with private tutors.¹ Choosing the right platform will depend on what you want in your tutoring. Both are great options, but let's explore the differences between them.
Superprof vs First Tutors: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | First Tutors | Superprof |
|---|---|---|
| Platform type | UK-based tutor directory and marketplace | Global tutor marketplace |
| Main focus | Academic tutoring (GCSE, A-Level, university) | Academic, skills, hobbies, professional subjects |
| Student cost | Free to browse and contact tutors | Student Pass required to contact tutors |
| Tutor fees | Commission or finder fee per student | No commission on lessons |
| Pricing control | Tutors set their own rates | Tutors set their own rates |
| Lesson formats | Online and in-person | Online and in-person |
| Tutor selection | Students choose tutors directly | Students choose tutors directly |
| Platform classroom | No built-in classroom | No built-in classroom |
| Scheduling & payments | Arranged directly with tutor | Arranged directly with tutor |
| Tutor vetting | Academic checks and profile review | Profile-based with reviews |
| Subject range | Primarily school and university subjects | Very broad subject range |
| Geographic reach | United Kingdom only | Global |
| Best for students | Curriculum-focused learners | Flexible learners of all ages |
| Best for tutors | UK academic tutors seeking visibility | Tutors wanting full earning control |
How First Tutors Works vs How Superprof Works
The key difference between First Tutors and Superprof lies in each platform's philosophy. Both aim to connect students with tutors, but how they do it is the main difference. One is a more traditional tutor directory, while the others are more modern.
How First Tutors Works for Students and Tutors
First Tutors operates as a tutor directory, allowing students to browse tutor profiles by subject, level, and location before making contact.¹ Students on First Tutors typically pay a one-off finder’s fee to unlock a tutor’s contact details.¹ Once they make contact, they can arrange lessons directly with their tutor.
How Superprof Works for Students and Tutors
Superprof operates as an open tutoring marketplace where students can independently search for and contact tutors.⁴ Instead of paying a per-tutor connection fee, students use a Student Pass subscription to contact tutors on Superprof.⁴ Much like First Tutors, Superprof is also quite hands-off, allowing students and tutors to arrange tutoring independently of the platform, unlike tutoring platforms like Preply.
Pricing Models and Platform Fees
Different tutoring platforms use different pricing models. In general, First Tutors and Superprof are more similar to one another than many other platforms that embed fees into every payment to tutors. Here's how the two platforms differ.
What Students Pay on First Tutors
First Tutor uses a connection fee. Students pay to contact their tutor. There aren't lesson fees.
First Tutors operates as a tutor directory rather than a managed tutoring platform, with no involvement in lesson pricing or delivery.¹ Students can browse tutor profiles freely, but to contact a tutor, they pay a one-off finder’s fee. This fee varies depending on the tutor’s hourly rate and is paid upfront to unlock the tutor’s contact details.
Once contact is made, all lesson arrangements, pricing, scheduling, and payments happen directly between the student and the tutor. First Tutors does not charge subscriptions or take commission from lesson fees once a tutor introduction has been made.¹ This model suits students who want a one-time introduction to a tutor without long-term platform commitments.
What Students Pay on Superprof
Superprof's payment model is quite unique in the world of tutoring. Tutors don't pay any platform fees, unlike on the tutoring platform MyTutor. Students with a Student Pass can contact tutors on Superprof.
Superprof uses a Student Pass model rather than per-enquiry or per-lesson fees. Students pay a monthly Student Pass that allows them to contact as many tutors as they like during the subscription period. This encourages comparison and flexibility when choosing a tutor.
Tutors set their own hourly rates, and lesson payments are arranged directly between the student and tutor. Superprof does not take commission on lessons, meaning tutors keep 100 per cent of what they charge. The Student Pass covers platform access only and can be cancelled when no longer needed.
Finder Fees, Student Passes, and Real Lesson Costs
Ultimately, the difference is that First Tutors uses finder fees, while Superprof uses the Student Pass. Both are fees for connecting with tutors, but one is per tutor and the other is a subscription. The Student Pass can be cancelled at any time.
Tutor Earnings, Fees, and Control
The two platforms differ for tutors, too. How much a tutor earns and the fees they pay will depend on the platform they choose. The choice for tutors depends on how much they're willing to pay to find students.
How First Tutors Tutors Are Charged
First Tutors uses the pay-per-introduction model for tutors. Instead of commission, like on the Tutorful tutoring platform, First Tutors tutors pay a finder’s fee for each student introduction.¹ The fee varies according to the tutor's advertised hourly rate. The fee is paid whether the student becomes a long-term booking or not.
How Superprof Tutors Earn Money
Superprof doesn't charge tutors any fees. They don't pay a finder's fee or commission. On Superprof, all platform costs are paid by students through the Student Pass, not by tutors.⁴
Long-Term Earnings and Cost Predictability
Basically, Superprof offers more predictable earning potential for tutors. With no fees, tutors can plan their pricing and income simply around lessons. For First Tutors, the value of each introduction varies.
Lesson Arrangement and Delivery
This is an area where the two platforms are pretty similar. Basically, both First Tutors and Superprof are platforms that give their tutors more freedom than others. For tutors, both platforms offer similar benefits.
First Tutors
- Lessons are arranged directly between student and tutor
- No built-in classroom or lesson tools
- Tutors and students choose their own platforms (Zoom, Teams, in person)
- Suitable for traditional private tutoring arrangements
- Greater reliance on tutor organisation and communication
Superprof
- Lessons can be online or in person
- Tutors choose how and where they teach
- Wide flexibility for different subjects and learning styles
- Direct messaging before lessons begin
- No enforced teaching format or tools
Online vs In-Person Flexibility
Both platforms allow online and in-person tutoring. However, First Tutors focuses more on traditional academic tutoring with lessons or structured online sessions. Superprof offers a wider range of in-person, online, and group lessons.
Tutor Discovery, Profiles, and Reviews
When it comes to tutor discovery and profiles, First Tutors and Superprof are two of the most similar platforms, whereas tutoring platforms like FindTutors have quite different philosophies. However, there are some slight differences between the two. Lesson setup is an area where they differ.
First Tutor works like a directory. Students can browse by subject, level, and location. Once they find their tutor, they can pay a finder's fee.
On Superprof, students can search thousands of tutors. From there, they can start contacting tutors once they have the Student Pass. The goal is for the students to find the perfect tutor by contacting several.
First Tutors places strong emphasis on academic credibility and subject alignment, which is reflected in user feedback and reviews.³ Superprof uses profile transparency and student feedback
Student and Parent Experience
Student and parent experience is essential for those getting tutors for their kids. One platform aims for the traditional academic tutoring relationship, while the other is about flexibility, choice, and learner independence. It depends on the learner's age, goals, and the level of involvement the parents want.
First Tutors
Superprof
First Tutors for Parents and Academic Learners
First Tutors is a good choice if you want a straightforward, academic-focused tutoring solution. First Tutors is particularly popular for GCSE and A-Level tutoring due to its academic focus.¹ Subject knowledge and exam experience are priorities.
Superprof for Independent and Adult Learners
Superprof is definitely the choice for independent and adult learners. With so many different subjects and tutoring options, the aim is to offer tailored support. Of course, there are still plenty of great GCSE and A-Level tutors on the platform, too.
Tutor Experience and Platform Freedom
If you're a tutor, you have a choice to make. Both platforms help tutors connect with students, but only one gives you complete financial freedom. However, it's worth considering both.
First Tutors
Superprof
Which Platform Is Better for You?
First Tutors is best suited to families seeking traditional academic tutoring, particularly for GCSE and A-Level subjects, where a focused subject match and direct tutor relationship are the priority.
Superprof is ideal for learners who want flexibility, variety of subjects, and control over lesson format. It suits adults, university students, and anyone learning outside the school system.
First Tutors suits tutors who prefer a directory model and are comfortable paying finder's fees for student introductions. Superprof suits tutors who want independence, long-term growth, and complete control over their tutoring business.
Final Verdict
Both First Tutors and Superprof are well-established platforms for finding private tutors in the UK.¹ If you want more options than GCSE and A-Level subjects and a plethora of choices, we'd always suggest Superprof. While you're here, why not have a look around? If you're a tutor, you can create your profile today.
References
- First Tutors UK – Private Tutors for Home Tuition & Personal Tutoring
https://www.firsttutors.com/uk - First Tutors UK – About First Tutors (Business)
https://firsttutors.com/uk/business/about-us.php - Trustpilot – First Tutors Reviews (UK)
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/firsttutors.com - Superprof UK Blog – How Superprof Works for Students and Tutors
https://www.superprof.co.uk/blog/how-superprof-works/ - Trustpilot – Superprof Reviews (UK)
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/superprof.co.uk
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
