Find a Tutor in Durham

Durham is a university city, so it is no surprise that help with learning is never far away. What is more surprising is how few of the big tuition chains have a centre within the city itself. The good news is that Durham makes up for it with options you will not find in most towns: a free one-to-one tutoring scheme run by university students, evening language courses open to anyone, and a council music service that teaches in schools across the county. This guide covers academic tuition, languages, music and drama, plus some practical advice on choosing the right tutor.

Browse Our Tutor Directory

Start with our Tutors page, which brings together tuition providers serving Durham City across academic subjects, music, drama and languages. We add new providers as we verify them, so it is worth checking back.

Academic Tuition Centres

Kumon Durham

Kumon Durham is the city's own branch of the worldwide maths and English programme. It meets at St John's Church Hall on Crossgate Peth in Neville's Cross, with classes on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (between 4pm and 6pm) and Saturday mornings (between 9am and noon). The Kumon method is built on short, daily worksheets done at home, with children visiting the centre up to twice a week for guidance from the Instructor. A typical study session is around 30 minutes per subject, and the centre also offers Kumon Connect, the digital version of the worksheets. Check the centre's Kumon page for current fees, which are set per subject per month.

Best for: Best for: steady, daily practice in maths and English for children of all ages and abilities.

Kip McGrath Chester-le-Street

There is no Kip McGrath centre in Durham City itself, but the nearest branch, Kip McGrath Chester-le-Street, is at Old Brewery House on South Burns, about six miles north. It offers English and maths tuition from Reception to Year 13, in small groups at the centre or through its online platform, and every new student starts with a free assessment covering reading, comprehension, spelling and maths. The online option makes it a realistic choice for Durham families who do not want the drive.

Best for: Best for: structured English and maths support after a free initial assessment, in centre or online.

Free Tutoring From Durham University Students

One of the city's best-kept secrets is the Durham University One-to-One Tutoring scheme, run by the university's Student Volunteering and Outreach team. It pairs local GCSE and A-level students with current Durham University students for free one-to-one tutoring. Sessions take place at Elvet Riverside on New Elvet, or online by arrangement with the tutor. All volunteer tutors are DBS checked and have completed safeguarding training. Because it is a voluntary service, a tutor in your exact subject cannot be guaranteed, but it costs nothing to put in a request through the scheme's online form.

Best for: Best for: GCSE and A-level students who want extra support without the cost.

Languages

Adults wanting to learn or brush up a language should look at Durham University Languages for All, run by the university's Centre for Foreign Language Study. Evening courses are open to members of the public as well as students and staff, in up to 20 languages from complete beginner to higher advanced level. Courses run as nine-week blocks with one two-hour class a week, with programmes starting in October, January and April, and most languages can be studied in person or online. External learners pay a higher rate than university members, so check the current fee when you register.

Best for: Best for: adults learning a new language in a structured evening class.

Music Lessons

Durham Music Service

Durham Music Service is the county council's music service and the lead partner in the Music Education Hub for County Durham and Darlington. Its teachers give instrumental and vocal lessons in schools across the county, covering strings, woodwind, brass, guitar and ukulele, percussion, piano and keyboard, and singing, alongside a programme of ensembles. Lessons usually take place in school during the school day, with parents paying for lessons and instrument hire. Ask your child's school whether it takes part, or use the sign-up page on the Durham Music Service website.

Best for: Best for: school-age children starting an instrument, taught in school time.

The Guitar Loft

Inside Durham Market Hall, The Guitar Loft is an independent guitar shop that doubles as a meeting point for local musicians. As well as selling guitars, basses, amps and accessories, it offers lessons for learners from age eight upwards. Dave Cowell, who has more than 50 years in the music industry, is the person to talk to about getting started.

Best for: Best for: guitar and bass beginners who want advice and lessons in one place.

Drama for Young People

Gala Theatre on Millennium Place runs Gala Youth Theatre for ages four to 18, with weekly term-time drama sessions split into age groups on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. Sessions have been bookable individually, which makes it easy to try before committing. To join, email the youth theatre team or contact the Gala box office for the current term's times and prices.

Best for: Best for: building confidence and performance skills in children and teenagers.

Tips for Choosing a Tutor

• Qualifications: look for relevant subject knowledge and, for one-to-one academic tuition, ideally a qualified teacher or a strong degree in the subject.
• DBS checks: anyone teaching your child one-to-one should hold a current enhanced DBS certificate. Centres and established schemes handle this for you; with a freelance tutor, ask to see it before the first lesson.
• Trial or assessment first: many providers offer a free assessment or trial session. Use it to check the approach suits your child.
• Ask about progress: a good tutor gives regular feedback, not just a weekly lesson.
• Online is a real option: if nothing local fits, many providers now teach online, which widens the choice considerably.

If your child needs care as well as learning after school, our guide to after-school clubs in Durham covers wraparound options, and our schools guide looks at the city's schools.

Best for: Browse all the tutors we list for Durham on our Tutors page.

Do you teach in Durham, or know a local tutor we should include? Get in touch and we will take a look.