Ready-to-Use Private Tutoring Services Contract Template
This private tutoring services contract template helps tutors, students, and parents set clear terms for one-to-one or small-group lessons. It covers the scope of tuition, schedules, fees, cancellations, learning materials, confidentiality, conduct, and termination, reducing misunderstandings before lessons begin.
A private tutoring services contract records the terms agreed between a tutor and a student or, where relevant, the student’s parent or legal guardian. It clarifies what lessons will be provided, when they will take place, how much they cost, and what happens if a session is cancelled. Using a written agreement helps both parties manage expectations and reduce avoidable disputes. The template below can be adapted for academic tutoring, language instruction, music lessons, or other private educational services.
Purpose of a Private Tutoring Services Contract
A tutoring agreement is a service contract rather than a guarantee of academic outcomes. The tutor undertakes to provide teaching support with reasonable skill and care, while the student is expected to participate, prepare where appropriate, and follow agreed conduct requirements.
Where the student is under legal age, a parent or guardian should normally sign the agreement and take responsibility for fees, permissions, and communications. The document should identify every person involved and state who is financially responsible.
What the agreement should define
The agreement should specify the subject, level, format, lesson duration, frequency, and location or online platform. It should also state whether the tutor will provide materials, set homework, communicate with a school, or offer progress updates.
Key Information to Include
Complete the important commercial terms before lessons begin. Vague arrangements about payment or cancellations are among the most common causes of disagreements between tutors and clients.
| Document field | Purpose | Common error to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Parties | Identifies the tutor, student, and paying guardian if applicable. | Listing only the student when a parent is liable for payment. |
| Services | Describes the subject, level, and tutoring activities. | Promising a specific grade or examination result. |
| Schedule | States lesson dates, duration, and delivery format. | Failing to clarify the time zone for online lessons. |
| Fees and payment | Sets the rate, invoicing method, due date, and payment method. | Not stating whether missed lessons are chargeable. |
| Cancellation policy | Explains notice requirements and rescheduling rules. | Using unclear wording about emergency cancellations. |
Editable template
Document template
PRIVATE TUTORING SERVICES CONTRACT
Place: ____________________ Date: ____________________
This Private Tutoring Services Contract is made between:
Tutor: ____________________, of ____________________, telephone ____________________, email ____________________.
Student: ____________________, of ____________________.
Parent/Legal Guardian (if applicable): ____________________, of ____________________, telephone ____________________, email ____________________.
The Tutor and the Student and/or Parent/Legal Guardian agree as follows:
| Item | Agreed details |
|---|---|
| Subject or service | ____________________ |
| Student level or year group | ____________________ |
| Lesson format and location/platform | ____________________ |
| Lesson duration and frequency | ____________________ |
| Start date and end date | ____________________ |
| Fee per lesson/hour | ____________________ |
| Payment method and due date | ____________________ |
| Cancellation notice period | ____________________ |
- Services. The Tutor shall provide private tutoring services in the subject and format described above, using reasonable skill and care.
- Schedule. Lessons shall take place at the agreed times. Any requested change is subject to mutual agreement and the Tutor’s availability.
- Fees. The Student or Parent/Legal Guardian shall pay the agreed fees by the due date using the stated payment method.
- Cancellations. A party cancelling a lesson must give the notice stated above. Where insufficient notice is given, the Tutor may charge ____________________.
- Student responsibilities. The Student shall attend punctually, participate appropriately, and provide relevant information needed for the tutoring services.
- No guaranteed outcome. The Tutor does not guarantee particular grades, examination results, admissions outcomes, or academic performance.
- Confidentiality and privacy. Each party shall treat personal and educational information received through the tutoring arrangement with appropriate confidentiality, except where disclosure is required by law.
- Termination. Either party may end this Contract by giving ____________________ written notice, subject to payment of all fees properly due.
- Governing law. This Contract shall be governed by the law of ____________________.
Signed by the Tutor:
Signature: ____________________
Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Signed by the Student:
Signature: ____________________
Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Signed by the Parent/Legal Guardian (if applicable):
Signature: ____________________
Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________
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Fees, Scheduling, and Cancellations
The payment clause should state whether fees are charged per session, per hour, per term, or in another way. It should identify any deposit, the due date for invoices, accepted payment methods, and whether reasonable late-payment charges may apply where permitted by law.
Setting a workable cancellation rule
A fair cancellation policy generally gives both parties reasonable notice. It may allow rescheduling subject to availability and explain whether a late cancellation, no-show, or missed online session remains payable.
- State the hourly or session-based tutoring fee.
- Specify the standard lesson length and start time.
- Set the minimum cancellation notice period.
- Explain whether prepaid lessons are refundable or transferable.
- Confirm how online access problems will be handled.
Use a cancellation period that you can apply consistently, and record any agreed exception in writing before changing a fee or lesson date.
Responsibilities and Professional Boundaries
The tutor should provide services competently, prepare reasonably for sessions, and maintain appropriate professional boundaries. The student or guardian should provide accurate information relevant to the tuition, including learning needs, availability, and emergency contact details where appropriate.
For online tutoring, the parties should agree on a suitable platform and a safe, quiet learning environment. A tutor should avoid holding or sharing unnecessary personal information and should only use student information for the agreed educational purpose.
Using the Template Effectively
Review the agreement with the other party before signing and ensure that all blank fields are completed. Each party should receive a signed copy, whether in paper or electronic form, and any later changes should be confirmed in writing.
- Enter the tutor’s and client’s full contact details.
- Describe the tutoring services, subject, level, and delivery method.
- Complete the fee, payment, schedule, and cancellation provisions.
- Sign and date the agreement, then retain a copy for each party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tutor guarantee improved grades?
No. A contract may describe the tutor’s services and teaching commitment, but it should not guarantee examination results, grades, admissions decisions, or other outcomes beyond the tutor’s control.
Should a parent sign for a minor student?
Usually, yes. A parent or legal guardian should sign when the student is a minor, particularly where that adult is responsible for payment and consent matters.
Can the contract be changed after it is signed?
Yes, if both parties agree. Record any change to fees, lesson times, scope, or cancellation terms in writing and keep it with the original agreement.