Fleet Education Services Reviews, Best Alternatives, Pricing, & Offerings in 2025

Fleet Education Services (also known as Fleet Tutors) is a long-established tutoring agency in the UK, founded in 1977. It provides one-to-one and small group tutoring across school subjects (like English, maths, science and languages) through schools, local authorities and online. This article gives an overview of Fleet’s services, pricing, and reviews so that students and parents can make an informed choice when comparing tutoring platforms.

 

Fleet Education Services Reviews and Testimonials

Indeed (Employees): Fleet has 16 reviews on Indeed with an average rating of about 3.2/5. Tutors and staff praise Fleet for giving meaningful work with flexible scheduling and a supportive environment. They note the company’s purpose-driven culture and freedom to choose assignments. However, some reviewers complain about management issues. For example, one tutor said the founder was “awful” and felt Fleet was not selective enough in hiring, making it hard to deliver quality service.

Glassdoor (Employees): Glassdoor shows Fleet around 3.7/5 from roughly 22 reviews (majority would recommend). These comments echo Indeed’s: staff often find the work rewarding but some point out management and pay concerns. (Note: glassdoor content could not be directly accessed for citing.)

Company Website: Fleet’s own site features “success stories,” but there are no independent student or parent testimonials on public sites. The company claims to work well with many students, but these claims are not verified by outside reviews.

Based on available feedback, Fleet Education Services appears to be a legitimate tutoring provider. It is well known in UK education (45+ years in operation) and works with government programs. While it has mixed employee reviews about pay and management, there is no evidence of fraud. In summary, Fleet has a strong history of serving school students, but prospective users should note that tutor experience and quality may vary between locations and tutors.

Fleet Education Services Pricing

Pricing Range

Fleet does not publish clear prices for clients, as much of its work is arranged through schools. However, job listings for tutors indicate pay in the range of £25–£33 per hour. This suggests student fees might be similar or higher. For example, one tutor review mentioned earning about £30/hour. In general, this is roughly USD $30–40 per hour. These rates are in line with typical UK tutoring fees (which often range $35–60/hr in US markets). Fleet’s services mostly cover one-on-one and small group tutoring; a report notes group sessions (1-3 students) can cost around £75 per pupil for a lesson under UK government subsidy. (Check Fleet’s site or request a quote for exact details.)

What Students Say about Pricing

No student reviews of Fleet’s pricing were found on public forums. Tutor feedback suggests the rates are modest; one review noted that £30/hour felt like poor pay given the extra paperwork expected of tutors. Compared to industry, Fleet’s pricing appears mid-range. For context, US tutoring sites like Wyzant have averages of $35–60/hr, and a service like Varsity Tutors charges roughly $74–75/hr for small-group sessions. Fleet’s pricing seems in line with these, but specific costs to families likely depend on subsidies and the program (e.g., National Tutoring Programme).

Hidden Costs

We found no evidence of hidden fees or extra charges in Fleet’s offering. There are no published registration fees or mandatory add-ons mentioned. Since most sessions are arranged via schools or authorities, parents typically pay only the agreed hourly rate (often subsidized). No cancellation penalties or hidden charges are noted in available information.

How Fleet’s Pricing Works

Payment is usually handled by schools or local programs. Tutors are paid weekly or monthly by Fleet (e.g., one tutor said he “always got paid on time” by the agency). Students typically do not pay tutors directly; instead schools purchase sessions from Fleet. Fleet may also use government funding (like NTP subsidies) to cover costs. No public information on subscriptions, packages, or special discounts (e.g. for groups or specific student categories) was found. It appears to be pay-per-session (hourly) billing through formal channels.

Free Trial

Fleet Education Services does not advertise a free trial for students. Because they work mainly with schools and funded programs, there isn’t a clear free-demo option for individual families. New clients would arrange a paid session to start.

Refund Policy

Fleet’s website did not show a clear refund policy to the public. There is no detailed published policy on refunds or guarantees. We found no user reports discussing fee refunds. It appears refund processes (if any) would follow the terms of the contracting school or program. Without explicit information, users should inquire directly; there is no evidence suggesting widespread issues with refunds, but also no promises of money-back guarantee.

Fleet Education Services Alternatives

Some families look beyond Fleet for tutoring options. They may want global access, specialized tutors, or different pricing models. Below we list a few popular alternatives, including My Engineering Buddy.

Alternatives range from broad marketplaces to specialized platforms. Each option below has its own strengths compared to Fleet. For example, Fleet focuses on school curricula in the UK, whereas other platforms may cover a wider range of courses or operate globally. Here is a summary of alternatives:

Wyzant

Wyzant is a large US-based tutoring marketplace. Tutors set their own rates, and the average hourly fee is about $35–$60. Unlike Fleet, Wyzant serves many college-level subjects and even niche topics. It offers online or local in-person tutoring. Pros: huge tutor selection, flexible pricing, student reviews and background checks on tutors. Cons: quality varies widely, and top tutors can charge $100+ per hour. Fleet has more fixed pricing and structured oversight, but Wyzant provides more choice and international reach.

My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a global online tutoring service focused on engineering and advanced STEM courses It serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the Gulf. Tutors are recruited for top-tier engineering subjects. Pros: specialized in college-level engineering, high tutor quality (students report 97% satisfaction), and flexible 24/7 online help. Cons: fewer general subject tutors, and pricing is moderate (not cheap but seen as “value for money” given quality). Compared to Fleet, MEB excels for complex courses (like thermodynamics, advanced math) and global access, whereas Fleet is UK-focused and covers mainly K-12 curriculum.

Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors is a US tutoring company covering K-12, college and especially test prep (SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE). It uses a membership model (e.g., ~$74-$75/hour for a 4-hour bundle) but also has pay-as-you-go. Pros: thorough tutor vetting (often PhDs or experts), live online platform with many learning tools. Cons: can be expensive, and it focuses more on exam prep than day-to-day homework help. In contrast, Fleet partners with UK schools and sticks to school subjects; Varsity offers a wider subject range but at higher cost.

Tutor.com

Tutor.com (owned by IAC/Princeton Review) provides 24/7 tutoring for K-12 and college subjects via online classroom. Pros: qualified tutors, instant help (no scheduling needed). Cons: usually requires a subscription or school contract, and tutors may cover many topics (less engineering focus). Compared to Fleet’s local in-person model, Tutor.com is entirely online and more like a homework hotline.

Chegg Tutors

Chegg offers homework help and Q&A, focusing on quick answers and college subjects. Pros: very large tutor pool, on-demand help. Cons: less personalized 1:1 time, and pricing can add up for extensive help. Fleet, by contrast, provides dedicated tutor attention through scheduled sessions rather than quick Q&A.

Preply

Preply is mainly for language learning. If a student needs foreign languages (not core STEM), it can be a cheaper choice. Pros: affordable for languages, many tutors. Cons: not focused on math or science. Fleet covers core school subjects which Preply generally does not.

How it Works?

For Students

To get started, a student or parent usually contacts Fleet Education through a school or the Fleet website. Fleet’s staff (tuition consultants) collect the student’s needs and match them with a tutor. No long sign-up process is needed; they arrange initial assessments or interviews to gauge the student’s level. Once a tutor is assigned, the tutor and student (with parent) agree on a schedule. Sessions are booked at regular times (often weekly) and can be in-person at home/school or online. Fleet handles the administration; students simply attend the scheduled tutoring sessions.

For Tutors

Becoming a tutor at Fleet involves an online application. Candidates must have relevant qualifications (often a teaching certificate or degree) and experience. Applicants must submit at least two professional references covering the past 2 years in education and pass a thorough safeguarding check (DBS/DBS process with Keeping Children Safe in Education rules). After vetting, selected tutors receive training and are introduced to a personal Tuition Consultant who will help find assignments. Tutors set availability and Fleet assigns students accordingly.

FAQs

Can tutors set their own fee or is it fixed by the company? Fleet Education sets tutor pay rates. For example, job listings show a fixed range of about £25–£33 per hour. Tutors do not post individual prices – Fleet gives each tutor the rate based on location and role.

How much can a tutor expect to earn per hour? As noted above, tutors earn around £25–30 per hour at Fleet. (One tutor review mentioned earning roughly £30/hour) Earnings vary by assignment and experience. Compared to some US platforms ($35–60/hr), this is modest.

How many hours of work can a tutor get per month? Hours are variable. Fleet matches tutors to available students, so hours depend on demand. Reviews warn there is “no job security”; a tutor might have a few sessions or more. A full-time teacher might tutor 10–20 hours per week, but many Fleet tutors work part-time. There is no guaranteed minimum; it often depends on how many referrals the consultant secures.

Is it easy to get students? Not always. Tutors must rely on Fleet to find students. Some reviews note that work can be uneven and advise competition is tough. One review even warned other tutors to “keep away” due to limited opportunities. In general, Fleet provides leads, but tutors should be prepared for some variation in assignments.

Tips on how to get more students on Fleet Education? While Fleet assigns students, tutors can increase demand by being highly responsive, well-qualified, and willing to teach in-demand subjects (like maths/science). Maintaining good student feedback through Fleet’s system helps. Completing any offered training and staying flexible with hours also encourages Fleet to recommend you to more clients.

What tutors like about Fleet Education Services: Tutors report several positives. They appreciate Fleet’s flexibility (you can turn down work) and the sense that the tutoring is meaningful. Many enjoy that Fleet’s mission is clear: helping disadvantaged students. Indeed, reviewers mention the supportive environment and clear purpose (Fleet’s focus on student success). Weekly pay is on time (no cash-outs), and Fleet handles billing, so tutors don’t chase payments. One review listed “Flexibility, choice of positions, salary” as pros.

What tutors do not like about Fleet Education Services: On the downside, Fleet tutors note drawbacks. Pay is hourly with no benefits: a review explicitly said there is “no sick or holiday pay”. Tutors are contracted, so there is no job security even if hours drop. Some complain that Fleet management is poor; one review said the founder “was awful” and the company “was not very selective about tutors”, implying inconsistency in standards. Overall, tutors can find the admin heavy and the extra work (lesson notes, progress reports) unrewarded. These issues mean some tutors feel undervalued despite Fleet’s clear mission.

Fleet Education Services: Company Information

Fleet Education Services was founded in 1977. It has over 45 years of history as a tutor agency. Leadership has included figures like Mylene Curtis, who served as a director for about 20 years. As of 2025 Fleet is based in Farnborough, UK, and has about 11–50 employees, indicating a small to mid-size operation. It is a well-established part of the UK tutoring sector (it was acquired by Supporting Education Group in recent years). The company’s mission is to help all students succeed regardless of background; their site states they aim to “close the attainment gap” for disadvantaged learners. (The vision is similar – every student can reach their potential with the right support.)

Fleet operates mainly in the UK, working with local authorities and schools (so its reach is mostly national). It provides services globally only in the sense of online support, but does not market itself internationally. (By contrast, My Engineering Buddy serves US, UK, Canada, etc.) Fleet offers services including one-to-one tutoring, small-group interventions, and mentoring programs. Its tutors often come with teaching credentials and subject expertise. According to its materials, Fleet has extensive experience with special educational needs (SEND) and subjects outside of mainstream education. Fleet’s unique features include a strong support structure for tutors (every tutor gets a personal Tuition Consultant and free training) and participation in the UK’s National Tutoring Programme (NTP). The platform does not have a public mobile app or fancy AI features, but it does emphasize personalized matching and quality assurance.

USP of Fleet Education Services

• Expert Tutor Support: Each tutor gets a dedicated Tuition Consultant and ongoing training support. Fleet promises quality assurance and professional development, which many tutors confirm by citing flexibility and clear guidance on the job.
• Focus on Disadvantaged Learners: Fleet’s mission is to “close the attainment gap” for all students. It specializes in helping students with learning difficulties (SEND/SEMH) and those who have fallen behind. This focus on students with extra needs is a strong selling point.
• National Tutoring Programme (NTP) Approved: Fleet is an official NTP provider. That means they meet government standards and can offer subsidized sessions, which can be an advantage for families eligible for NTP-funded tutoring.
• One-to-One & Small-Group Tuition: Fleet provides both 1:1 and small group sessions (often 2–3 students). The platform highlights personalized lesson plans and face-to-face teaching (either at home or online). It aims to tailor programs to each child’s needs.

Drawbacks of Fleet Education Services

• Limited Tutor Benefits: Tutors report that pay is hourly with no paid leave or benefits. One review noted explicitly “No benefits, e.g. sick or holiday pay”. This makes the job less secure and can affect tutor morale.
• Modest Pay vs. Workload: Tutors do a lot of record-keeping and prep but are paid only around £30/hour. Some tutors say the rate “does not reflect the disproportionate amount of additional work”. High effort for low pay can be a drawback for retaining good tutors.
• Variable Student Matching: Workload can be inconsistent. One tutor review advised others to “keep away” due to lack of opportunities. Tutors may find it hard to get steady hours if local demand is low.
• Management & Organization: A few reviews call Fleet’s management unprofessional and fault scheduling. For example, one tutor complained about poor leadership and lack of support. These issues suggest that company promises (like quality assurance) may not always be fully delivered.
• UK-Centric Service: Fleet serves mainly UK students via schools. There is little focus on international markets or younger kids, so it may not suit families outside that scope.
• No Clear Refund/Guarantee: Unlike some platforms, Fleet does not advertise a money-back guarantee. If a client is unhappy, options for switching tutors or getting refunds are not clear, which can be a concern.

Comparison with My Engineering Buddy (MEB)

My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is quite different. MEB is global and specializes in advanced engineering and technical subjects. It offers 1:1 online tutoring 24/7. MEB focuses on higher-level courses (mechanical, electrical, computer engineering, etc.) with top tutors. In those areas, MEB’s users report great results – nearly all students rate MEB 5 stars. Fleet, by contrast, focuses on K-12 school subjects and the UK curriculum, and serves students mainly through schools. Fleet has a long record (45+ years) and strong ties to UK programs, which MEB does not. However, for high-level STEM help, MEB’s tutors often have deeper specialized expertise. Many MEB users say the tutors make hard problems easy and are very helpful. In summary, Fleet is a great choice for school tutoring in the UK, but MEB is recommended for challenging engineering and college-level courses.

Customer Support and Policies

Fleet’s customer support is organized around its regional offices and tutors. They assign a local tuition consultant to each case. There is no public info on 24/7 support or live chat; support likely runs during school hours. Fleet does not advertise any special guarantees or refund policy for clients (unlike some platforms that offer satisfaction guarantees). Because Fleet works through contracted programs, their refund or satisfaction handling is internal. My Engineering Buddy, by contrast, offers around-the-clock online support and has clearer service guarantees on its site. Overall, Fleet is reliable within UK education networks, but families should compare support options if they need flexible help.

Global Reach and Localization

Fleet Education Services is primarily a UK-focused platform. It works with English-speaking schools and local authorities. There is no indication Fleet supports other languages or regions significantly. In comparison, My Engineering Buddy is truly global: it serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and even Gulf countries. MEB conducts sessions in English as well, but its tutors and users are spread worldwide. Fleet does not have non-English materials, whereas MEB’s model could potentially work with any English-speaking student internationally. Thus, for students outside the UK, MEB offers broader accessibility.

Fleet Education Services’s Future Plans

As of mid-2025 there is little public information on Fleet’s new initiatives. Industry trends suggest online tutoring platforms will use more AI tools, but Fleet has not announced any AI features. (An EdTechImpact review explicitly notes that Fleet has not stated any AI usage.) It seems Fleet is focusing on expanding its core program: improving attendance, mentoring, and tailoring interventions in schools. There is no specific roadmap available, but as part of Supporting Education Group, Fleet may leverage new digital learning technologies behind the scenes. Beyond AI, potential future moves could include more online programs or learning analytics, but no official details were found.

FAQs About Fleet Education Services

How does Fleet Education Services compare to My Engineering Buddy? Fleet is a UK tutoring agency focused on school-aged students and subjects (GCSE/A-Level math, science, English, etc.), while My Engineering Buddy is a global online service specializing in college-level engineering and advanced STEM. Fleet operates mainly through schools and has a strong legacy in UK education, whereas MEB works directly with individuals worldwide. For complex engineering coursework, MEB is generally more suitable, while for general school tutoring in the UK, Fleet is a proven option.

Does Fleet Education Services offer online tutoring or only in-person? Fleet offers both. According to their information, sessions can be face-to-face (in the home or school) or fully online. They work via webcams or traditional tutoring settings depending on student needs.

What subjects does Fleet cover? Fleet covers core school subjects. Their specialties include mathematics, science, English and foreign languages at primary through A-Level. They also handle some specialized interventions (like catch-up programs). In short, they match most K-12 UK curriculum topics.

Is Fleet Education part of any government tutoring program? Yes. Fleet is an approved provider for the UK’s National Tutoring Programme. This means they meet certain standards and can offer government-subsidized tutoring to eligible students.

Who can get tutoring from Fleet? Fleet mainly partners with UK schools and local authorities. Students typically are referred by their school. However, parents outside those programs may contact Fleet directly to arrange paid tutoring sessions.

Do Fleet tutors have background checks? Yes. All Fleet tutors undergo a strict vetting process, including the standard UK DBS (safeguarding) checks. Applicants must provide professional references and clear safer-recruitment steps.

How are Fleet tutors matched to students? Each tutor at Fleet is assigned a personal Tuition Consultant. The consultant reviews the student’s needs and then selects a tutor with the right skills. This personalized matching process helps ensure compatibility between tutor and student.

Is there a minimum age or grade for Fleet’s services? Fleet mainly serves school-age students (around 5–18 years old) in UK schools. They handle primary up to A-level. They do not typically tutor university or graduate students.

Does Fleet offer group tutoring or only one-on-one? Both. Fleet provides one-on-one sessions and small group lessons (usually 2–3 students). For example, pricing information indicates costs for 1-3 student online sessions. Group tutoring is often done for the same-level students under NTP funding.

How do I contact Fleet Education Services for tutoring? Visit their website to fill out a referral form or contact a local office. Usually, you go through your school or local authority. You can also email or call Fleet directly to arrange an initial consultation.

Conclusion

Fleet Education Services has a long track record helping UK school students with personalized tutoring. Its strengths are experience (established in 1977), a strong support structure for tutors, and programs for underserved learners. Weaknesses include modest tutor pay and mixed feedback on management and consistency. Overall Fleet is solid for standard school subjects in the UK, but it has limits for advanced courses or non-UK students. My Engineering Buddy, with its global reach and focus on advanced STEM, offers a good alternative for higher-level needs. MEB’s users enjoy expert tutors and global access, making it a strong choice for complex engineering and college-level subjects.

Sources: Company and review data on Fleet Education Services (Indeed, EdTechImpact, LinkedIn, UK Companies House, etc.).