Skip to main content

Free UK Education & Training Calculators 2026

Tutor pricing, private school VAT impact, student loan repayments, apprenticeship ROI, nursery funded hours and e-learning costs — updated for 2025/26 UK rates. Free to use, no account needed.

UK Education & Training Sector 2025/26

The UK education sector faces significant change in 2025/26. From January 2025, independent schools became liable for 20% VAT on tuition fees — the most disruptive regulatory change in a generation. Meanwhile, student loan terms have shifted with Plan 5 (lower threshold, longer write-off period) applying to all students starting from September 2023. The apprenticeship levy continues to fund employer-led training at significant scale. These calculators help education providers, tutors, training companies and employers model costs and pricing accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did VAT on private school fees start?
From 1 January 2025, the UK government removed the VAT exemption from independent school fees in England, Scotland and Wales. Schools must now charge 20% VAT on tuition fees but can reclaim input VAT on costs. The net impact on school budgets is typically 15-16% rather than the full 20% due to input VAT recovery.
What is the student loan repayment threshold for Plan 2?
Plan 2 graduates repay 9% of earnings above £27,295 per year (2025/26 threshold). Plan 5 graduates (starting degree from September 2023) repay 9% above £25,000. Plan 1 graduates (pre-2012) repay 9% above £22,015. Below the threshold, no repayment is required regardless of the outstanding balance.
How much does tutoring cost in the UK?
UK tutor rates in 2025: primary level unqualified £25-40/hr; GCSE-level with QTS £40-70/hr; A-Level specialist £50-80/hr; degree-level £60-100/hr; Oxbridge/medical entrance specialist £80-200/hr. Online tutoring rates are typically 10-20% lower than in-person for equivalent qualifications.
How does the apprenticeship levy fund training?
Employers with a payroll over £3 million pay the Apprenticeship Levy at 0.5% of payroll into a Digital Apprenticeship Service account, which can fund 100% of approved apprenticeship training costs. Employers below the £3m threshold can access 95% government co-investment (paying only 5% of training costs). Levy funds expire after 24 months if unused.