First Tutors Reviews, Pricing & Best Alternatives (For Physics) in 2026

First Tutors (www.firsttutors.com) is a UK-based tutor marketplace that has been connecting students with private tutors since 2005. It operates across multiple countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, and covers hundreds of subjects — from GCSE physics to A-level maths and beyond.

This article provides an in-depth look at First Tutors — its reviews, pricing, legitimacy, and how it compares to other platforms — so that students and parents searching for a physics or STEM tutor can make a well-informed choice.

Reviews & User Feedback for First Tutors in 2026

Across major review platforms, First Tutors receives largely positive feedback, especially from tutors who appreciate its no-commission model. Students are generally satisfied when they find the right tutor, though a vocal minority flag concerns about the non-refundable finder’s fee and inconsistent tutor quality. Physics-specific feedback is limited but mirrors the overall pattern: when a match works, it works well; when it does not, getting a refund is difficult. Employee sentiment on platforms like Glassdoor is moderately positive, though outlook scores are low.

Trustpilot

First Tutors on Trustpilot holds a strong rating with over 4,800 reviews. Customers highlight the ease of finding tutors, the transparent one-off fee structure, and responsive customer service. Many long-serving tutors — some with 9–10 years on the platform — praise its fair model compared to commission-based competitors.

For physics specifically, one parent wrote: “Arranged A-level physics tuition for my son through this site. Very easy to do. Instructions were clear and the site is easy to use.” However, negative reviews point to occasional tutor profile inaccuracies and refund disputes. One reviewer noted that the tutor they found for GCSE physics was actually teaching a different regional syllabus, and First Tutors refused to refund the finder’s fee.

Sitejabber

First Tutors on Sitejabber shows a much lower score — 1.7 out of 5 stars from 45 reviews. This platform skews heavily toward negative experiences, as dissatisfied customers are more likely to seek out consumer review sites.

Common complaints include unclear fee disclosure (some users were unaware the finder’s fee is paid in addition to lesson costs), tutor profiles that do not match their actual offerings, and refusal of refunds. One physics parent specifically reported paying the finder’s fee for a tutor advertised for GCSE physics, only to learn later the tutor covered a different regional syllabus entirely.

Reviews.io

First Tutors on Reviews.io shows a high volume of reviews — over 8,800 — with a generally positive tone. Positive feedback praises reliable, experienced tutors and a professional service. Negative reviews echo Sitejabber: tutor quality concerns, account suspensions without clear communication, and customer service that some find difficult to reach for resolution.

Review Centre

On Review Centre, feedback is mixed. Positive reviewers call the platform easy to use and note the fast tutor responses. Negative reviewers flag the same recurring issues: unclear fee structure, unsatisfactory customer service, and the difficulty of resolving tutor disputes. One tutor also reported their account was abruptly suspended due to a system error, with no adequate response from support.

Glassdoor

On Glassdoor, First Tutors holds a 3.6 out of 5 rating based on around 30 anonymous reviews. Positive points include remote working flexibility and an employee-focused culture. However, only 10% of reviewers believe the company has a positive business outlook — a notably low figure that may reflect the competitive tutoring market and the company’s small staff size of around 5–10 employees.

Is First Tutors legit?
Yes, First Tutors is a legitimate and established tutor-matching platform operating since 2005. It conducts ID and reference checks on all tutors and has been covered by The Guardian and the Daily Mail. It was acquired by Varsity Tutors (now Nerdy) in 2017, further validating its standing. Some users have raised concerns about its strict no-refund policy, but there is no evidence that First Tutors is a scam.

First Tutors Pricing, Refunds & Policies in 2026

First Tutors uses a one-time finder’s fee model. According to its About page, students pay a single fee of £9.99–£34.99 (variable, based on the tutor’s hourly rate) to unlock the tutor’s personal contact details. There are no monthly subscriptions, no per-session commissions, and no hidden charges to the platform itself after that point.

Users generally appreciate the simplicity and transparency of this model. Many reviewers note that because First Tutors does not take a commission from each lesson, tutors can charge more competitive hourly rates. One tutor wrote that this structure makes it genuinely cheaper than commission-based rivals “in the long run.” Some parents, however, note that the fee does feel steep when you have not yet confirmed the tutor is a good fit — particularly since you cannot access the tutor’s contact details before paying.

Free Trials

First Tutors does not offer a free trial. Students can message tutors through the platform’s private forum before paying — which helps with vetting — but no lesson or introductory session is provided for free. The platform lets you discuss your requirements with multiple tutors before committing. Only after both parties agree does the finder’s fee apply.

Refunds

According to First Tutors’ own response to a Trustpilot reviewer, the finder’s fee is refunded only if: (a) the tutor cancels before the first lesson, or (b) the tutor’s contact details are incorrect. In all other cases, the platform offers a free replacement tutor referral rather than a cash refund. This policy has generated significant negative feedback. Multiple reviewers — including physics parents — report being refused a refund even when the tutor’s advertised subject coverage turned out to be inaccurate. As stated on its FAQ page, First Tutors does not manage the ongoing tutoring relationship, which limits its ability to intervene in lesson quality disputes.

Hidden Fees

The platform itself does not charge hidden fees. However, a source of confusion for some users is that the finder’s fee is paid to First Tutors separately from the tutor’s hourly lesson rate — which is paid directly to the tutor. Some reviewers, particularly on Sitejabber, expressed that this dual-payment structure was not clearly communicated upfront. First Tutors maintains that its About page and FAQ clearly explain the model, and the company has responded to such complaints by directing users to its help documentation.

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“First Tutors do not charge a penny to their clients unless and until they have discussed with a potential tutor their exact requirements, and find someone in whom they have confidence.”

First Tutors — Trustpilot customer review

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Alternatives to First Tutors

First Tutors is a well-known tutoring directory, particularly in the UK market, but it is far from the only option for physics students. Several platforms offer similar or complementary services, ranging from structured managed tutoring to free self-study tools. Below is a comparison of the most relevant options across paid platforms, specialist services, and free resources.

My Physics Buddy

My Physics Buddy (MPB) is a specialist online tutoring and homework help service focused entirely on physics and closely related subjects such as calculus, engineering mechanics, and mathematics. Unlike First Tutors, which is a broad directory, MPB offers a managed 1:1 tutoring experience with dedicated subject experts. This makes it particularly well-suited for college-level students or anyone needing consistent, structured support in physics rather than a one-off search for a local tutor.

For physics specifically, MPB’s narrow subject focus means students are connected with tutors who have deep domain expertise — not generalists. This is a meaningful advantage for advanced physics topics. The managed model also means that if a session does not go well, there is a clear point of contact for resolution, unlike directory-based platforms where post-introduction responsibility falls entirely on the student.

Tutorful

Tutorful is a UK-based tutoring platform that competes directly with First Tutors. It manages payment through the platform and charges a commission from each lesson rather than a one-time finder’s fee. This means there is no upfront cost, but lesson prices factor in the platform’s cut. Tutorful has strong reviews and offers a structured matching process with profile vetting. For physics, Tutorful has a good selection of GCSE and A-level tutors, though pricing tends to be somewhat higher than direct-market rates because of the commission model.

MyTutor

MyTutor is a UK-focused platform that specialises in GCSE and A-level tutoring and uses university student tutors. Pricing is generally lower than other platforms. The managed session model provides structured lessons with scheduling, materials sharing, and a whiteboard tool. For physics at GCSE and A-level, MyTutor has a solid tutor pool. However, for college-level or university physics, the tutors may have less depth than specialist platforms.

Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors is the US-based parent company that acquired First Tutors in 2017. It operates a much larger, technology-driven platform with on-demand tutoring, live classes, and AI-assisted matching. Physics tutors are available for a wide range of levels, from high school to AP and college. Pricing is on the higher end — often $50–$150 per hour — but the platform’s scale and technology are more advanced than First Tutors.

Khan Academy (Free)

Khan Academy is a free, non-profit online learning resource with comprehensive physics courses covering mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and more. It also includes AP Physics preparation materials. While it does not offer live tutoring, its video explanations and practice problems are widely considered among the best free resources available for physics students at high school and early college level. A useful supplementary tool alongside any paid tutoring.

Local Tutors and College Resources

For students on a tight budget, local tutors found through community notice boards, university tutoring centres, or departmental study groups remain a practical alternative. Many universities offer free or subsidised tutoring for enrolled students through their academic support services. These options lack the convenience of a searchable online platform, but can provide highly personalised, contextually relevant help — especially when the tutor knows your exact course syllabus.

Winners by Category

Quality of Physics Tutors: My Physics Buddy (specialist subject focus, managed 1:1)
Pricing: First Tutors (one-time finder’s fee, no per-lesson commission)
Quality of Customer Care: Tutorful (managed platform with clear post-booking support)
Ease of Use: First Tutors (simple search, contact before paying, straightforward process)

How It Works

For Students

Using First Tutors as a student is straightforward. Visit the homepage and search by subject, level, and location. A list of matched tutors appears, each with a profile showing their experience, qualifications, hourly rate, and feedback from previous students. You can message multiple tutors for free through the private forum to discuss your needs before committing.

Once you agree to proceed with a tutor, click the “Release Details” button and pay the one-time finder’s fee. First Tutors then sends the tutor’s personal contact information by email. From that point, you arrange lessons directly — scheduling, payment, and format (online or in-person) are all handled between you and the tutor. As of 2026, the site is accessible 24/7, and support is available via email during office hours.

For Tutors

Tutors register for free on First Tutors. There is no cost to list a profile or receive enquiries. After submitting identity verification documents and two references — both reviewed by First Tutors’ compliance team — your profile goes live. You set your own hourly rate, subjects, and availability.

When a student contacts you, you exchange messages through the secure forum. Once you accept the student’s request, First Tutors charges the student the finder’s fee and releases your contact details to them. You then arrange and conduct lessons independently, collecting payment directly from the student. There are no ongoing commissions. Tutors with consistently good feedback rank higher in search results, which generates more enquiries over time.

First Tutors Company Information

First Tutors was established in 2005 in the UK with the aim of helping families find local tutors. It positioned itself as the first service of its kind in the UK and quickly grew into what its parent company later described as “the largest tutoring marketplace in Europe.” The company is headquartered in Preston, Lancashire, and operates under the legal name EduNation Limited.

Co-founder Anita Lee was quoted at the time of the 2017 acquisition, saying: “First Tutors is excited to bring premier on-demand online instruction to Europe and beyond.” No founder LinkedIn profiles were publicly accessible at the time of research for this article.

In September 2017, First Tutors was acquired by Varsity Tutors in what TechCrunch reported as the US platform’s “first major international expansion.” Varsity Tutors itself is now owned by Nerdy Inc. (NYSE: NRDY). The acquisition terms were not publicly disclosed. According to PitchBook, First Tutors has approximately 5 employees as of recent data, reflecting its lean, platform-based business model. At the time of the acquisition in 2017, First Tutors had made over 220,000 tutor-student matches and listed 150,000 tutors. Current scale data beyond this is not publicly available.

First Tutors’ core USP is its no-commission model. Unlike most tutoring platforms, it charges only a flat finder’s fee and does not take a cut of every lesson. This keeps tutor rates competitive and is frequently praised in reviews. The main drawback, also well-documented in reviews, is the strict refund policy: once a finder’s fee is paid, it is rarely returned, even if the match proves unsuitable. Customer support is available by email during stated office hours, with a claimed response time of one hour. The platform covers the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the US.

Future Plans and AI

First Tutors has not made any public announcements about planned AI integrations as of the time of writing. Its parent platform, Varsity Tutors, has developed AI-powered tools such as lesson plan generation and adaptive matching algorithms, but these have not been publicly confirmed as rolled out to First Tutors specifically. First Tutors has published a blog post acknowledging the rise of AI in education and noting that many of its tutors use tools like ChatGPT for lesson preparation. Given the ownership by Nerdy Inc., AI integration into the First Tutors product is plausible in the medium term, but no timeline has been stated publicly.

FAQs

What is the First Tutors finder’s fee and is it refundable?

First Tutors charges a one-time finder’s fee of £9.99–£34.99 to unlock a tutor’s contact details. According to First Tutors, refunds are only issued if the tutor cancels before the first lesson or if contact details are incorrect.

Does First Tutors have physics tutors for university students?

Yes, First Tutors lists physics tutors across multiple levels including GCSE, A-level, and undergraduate. Tutor coverage and expertise vary, so reviewing each profile carefully before paying is recommended.

Is First Tutors available outside the UK in 2026?

Yes. First Tutors operates in the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the US. Finder’s fees and currency vary by country, but the model is the same across regions.

How does First Tutors compare to My Physics Buddy for physics?

First Tutors is a broad tutor directory with a low finder’s fee. My Physics Buddy is a managed, specialist service focused solely on physics and related STEM subjects, which may suit students needing deeper, ongoing academic support.

Who owns First Tutors, and is it a legitimate company?

First Tutors is owned by Nerdy Inc. (parent of Varsity Tutors) following a 2017 acquisition. It was founded in 2005 and has been covered by major media. It is a legitimate, registered business operating under the legal name EduNation Limited.

Conclusion

First Tutors is a well-established, legitimate tutor-matching platform best suited for students in the UK and other English-speaking markets who want a self-directed, low-cost way to find a local or online tutor. Its no-commission model and large tutor database are genuine strengths. However, the strict refund policy and the lack of managed post-match support mean it works best when the right tutor is found on the first try.

For physics students specifically, the quality of tuition through First Tutors depends entirely on the individual tutor selected. As of 2026, there is no subject-specialist vetting — tutors list their own subjects, and quality can vary considerably. Students needing consistent, expert-level support in physics or related STEM subjects may benefit from comparing specialist alternatives like My Physics Buddy before committing to any platform.

This article is based on publicly available data, reviews, and official sources, last verified in 2026. My Physics Buddy is listed as an alternative and reviewed using the same criteria as competitors.