The Profs is an online tutoring company founded in 2014 in London. It offers one-to-one tutoring and admissions consulting for students worldwide. The platform claims high-quality tutors and outstanding student outcomes – e.g. 98% of school-aged students met their target grades. In this article we review The Profs through 2025, covering real user feedback, pricing details, competitor comparisons, and company info to help students and parents decide. We also highlight alternatives like My Engineering Buddy (MEB) for comparison.
“The Profs” Reviews and Testimonials
The Profs has won industry praise and awards. For example, founder Richard Evans noted it earned the “Best Tuition Business for Customer Support” at the 2022 National Tutoring Awards. The company claims top Trustpilot scores (around 4.9/5) and calls itself the “highest rated tutoring company on Trustpilot”. Customer quotes on review sites are mostly positive: students praise “expert academic guidance” and “exceptional support” improving their grades. One student review says the tutors’ “professionalism and timely delivery were impressive,” and another notes “results were phenomenal”. The company’s own site shows similarly glowing testimonials. However, some users report issues: for instance, one review complained about “delays in responses and updates” and poor communication. Scam-alert blogs and student comments sometimes accuse The Profs of high prices or rushed work.
Overall, The Profs is generally regarded as a legitimate, award-winning tutoring provider. There is no evidence it is a fraud. The Profs has a track record of successful graduates and many positive testimonials. Still, some users note trade-offs: the service is not cheap and occasional reviews cite slow customer support. In summary, most feedback is positive – students and tutors praise the qualified instructors and results – but a few complaints about cost or communication exist.
“The Profs” Pricing
Pricing Range
The Profs uses a marketplace model where individual tutors set their hourly rates. While The Profs does not publish fixed prices, local UK information suggests typical tutor fees in the £50–£60 per hour range. For example, one family-info site lists “£60 per hour” as a reference cost, and another lists “50 per hour”. In practice, rates vary with tutor qualifications, subject, and level of study (A-level vs. master’s, etc.). Higher-demand tutors and advanced subjects command higher fees. Because each tutor negotiates rates, the effective range can extend above £60/hr for expert PhDs or niche topics.
What students say about “The Profs” Pricing
Student opinions on price are mixed. Some families feel the service is pricey. One reviewer complained that The Profs’ “prices are not competitive” and warned the cost “can suck [your] pocket dry”. Others note that higher rates reflect the tutors’ credentials (e.g. university professors or industry experts). There are fewer public comments praising low cost; most satisfied clients emphasize value rather than bargains. Some students use testimonials to justify the expense, saying the grade improvements were worth it. In short, many users acknowledge The Profs is more expensive than budget tutoring sites, but few accuse it of outright overcharging.
Hidden costs
The Profs does not appear to levy hidden fees on top of tutor rates. Tutors are paid per session and students are billed directly; there is no subscription or surcharge beyond the agreed hourly rate. We found no mention of registration fees, material fees, or other add-ons. However, as with any marketplace, additional charges (e.g. travel for in-person sessions) could apply if arranged. Students should clarify with The Profs that the quoted rate is the all-inclusive session fee.
How pricing works (methods, discounts, packages, promo codes)
Payments are typically handled through The Profs platform. Students pay by credit card or bank transfer after each session. There are no public details of standard discounts or packages. The founders have explained that pricing is flexible: “tutors set the rate they want, and students set the rates they can afford” through negotiation. Thus, unlike some sites there are no fixed-price bundles; you pay hourly as needed. We did not find any active promo codes or standard package deals on The Profs site or partner sites. The service emphasizes one-off sessions, though long-term arrangements can likely be arranged by negotiating with your tutor. In practice, any discounts would be arranged case-by-case with the tutor or The Profs support, rather than through a published promotion.
Free Trial
The Profs does not explicitly advertise free trial lessons. We found no evidence of a formal trial or credit. This is unlike some competitors: for example, Wyzant (US) offers a “first hour free” guarantee. The Profs does highlight satisfaction: an unofficial source claims unsatisfied students can request a new tutor or refund (see below). But as of 2025, expect to pay for your first session if you book a tutor, and clarify any refund possibilities in advance.
Refund policy (with links and user opinions)
The official refund policy is not clearly stated online. One overview suggests The Profs offers a satisfaction guarantee: “If [a tutor and student] don’t match, you can always get a refund or request another session”. However, user reports vary. Some students claim refunds are hard to obtain: for instance, one reviewer said he paid over $200, got poor quality, “messaged [The Profs] with evidence and they lied and wouldn’t give me any refund at all”. In practice, it seems The Profs may allow tutor swaps or refunds in certain cases, but success may depend on individual circumstances. Prospective clients should ask The Profs directly about their refund/cancellation terms before committing. In summary: be aware that unlike rigid guarantees, refund approval may not be automatic, and always keep records if disputing a session charge.
“The Profs” Alternatives
Many students compare The Profs with other tutoring platforms, either to find lower prices or different features. Common alternatives include major tutoring marketplaces or specialty sites. Below are a few leading competitors and how they stack up:
Wyzant
Wyzant is a large US-based tutoring marketplace. Tutors set their own rates (averaging about $35–$60/hr) and students pay per lesson. There are no membership fees or packages: you “only pay for the time you need”. Wyzant offers a 1-hour satisfaction guarantee (first hour free if you’re unhappy) and has a wide range of subjects. Compared to The Profs, Wyzant’s pros are flexibility and large tutor pool across K–12 and college levels, plus its money-back guarantee. The Profs’ advantage is its focus on high-level university and career subjects and UK admissions guidance. In general, Wyzant may be cheaper and easier to sample (no upfront commitment), but The Profs aims for very high tutor qualification and UK-centric support.
My Engineering Buddy (MEB)
My Engineering Buddy is a tutoring/homework help platform based in India, serving US, UK, Gulf, and other markets. It specializes in STEM and engineering courses, plus full “homework help” and assignment services. MEB advertises 24/7 support and transparent pricing (no hidden fees) Many customers praise MEB’s fast response and affordability. Compared to The Profs, MEB’s strengths are on-demand homework help and lower prices (due to a large tutor pool). MEB is more specialized (mostly engineering and math), whereas The Profs covers all subjects including humanities. Students who need instant project help or are on a budget often choose MEB. However, The Profs emphasizes one-to-one mentoring and UK admissions consulting, areas where MEB is less focused. (See FAQ below for more on The Profs vs MEB.)
Tutorful
Tutorful is a UK tutoring site (formerly tutora.co.uk) that connects British tutors with students. It covers many school subjects from primary to A-level. Tutorful’s model is similar to Wyzant: tutors set rates and students book by lesson. Its advantage over The Profs is localized focus on UK school curriculum and frequently updated availability. On the downside, Tutorful is generally aimed at secondary-school tutoring, not higher education or professional levels. The Profs, by contrast, has a stronger focus on university-level, adult, and career-driven tutoring. If you are a UK student needing GCSE/A-Level help, Tutorful may be cheaper; for university or specialized subjects, The Profs offers more targeted expertise.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors is a major US tutoring company offering online and in-person services. It tends to be more structured (with packages and private instruction programs) and often costs more. They provide background-checked tutors for many subjects, including test prep and certifications. Compared to The Profs, Varsity Tutors has a broader commercial footprint and offers instant help, but often at higher rates. Its services are similar in quality though, and it may have faster matching in some regions. For UK students, however, The Profs’ content and tutors may be more relevant, while Varsity Tutors is more US-centric.
Superprof
Superprof is an international tutoring marketplace (founded in France) where tutors advertise themselves. It covers an enormous range of subjects (even hobby courses like music or cooking). Students purchase a monthly “pass” to message tutors, then pay tutors separately. Pros: Superprof has almost any subject, and you can try contacting many tutors. Cons: Many users report hidden subscription fees and unresponsive tutors. Unlike The Profs, Superprof lacks a quality vetting process. The Profs does not require a subscription pass, focuses only on academic tutoring, and claims thorough tutor vetting. In short, Superprof might offer more variety, but The Profs emphasizes curated quality.
How it Works?
For Students
- Sign up and fill in a profile: Provide your academic level, subject need, and background.
- Request help: Describe the topic or exam for which you need tutoring.
- Match with tutors: The Profs will suggest qualified tutors (PhDs, professors, etc.) for your subject.
- Schedule sessions: Arrange convenient times (online or possibly in-person for London).
- Take lessons and track progress: Meet 1-on-1, get homework help, and monitor your grade improvement.
- Pay per lesson: After each session, you pay the tutor through The Profs’s system.
This process is similar to other online tutors. The Profs emphasizes personalized matching and flexible scheduling. Students report the platform is easy to use, but response times can vary – one review noted “communication was lacking” at times. If a tutor isn’t a good fit, The Profs claims you can switch tutors (see FAQ).
For Tutors
- Apply online: Tutors submit an application on The Profs website, typically including CV, degrees, and references.
- Interview and vetting: In the early growth phase, founders personally interviewed each tutor:contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39} to ensure quality. Today a staff or automated process handles vetting, but tutors still need top credentials.
- Get approved: Accepted tutors join The Profs network. They can then set their hourly rates and availability.
- Find students: The Profs connects tutors with students needing help; tutors can also bid or advertise on student requests.
- Tutor and get paid: Conduct lessons (using the BitPaper whiteboard tech if online) and submit invoices. Tutors report fast, weekly payments for hours worked (some Glassdoor posts praise prompt pay).
The Profs promotes a supportive environment for tutors: it won “Best Customer Service” at the 2023 National Tutoring Awards. Tutor reviews (Glassdoor) rate the company very highly for work-life balance and culture. Tips from tutors include building rapport and customizing each lesson for the student. Some tutors note that consistent work is available but competition is high, so excellence is required.
“The Profs” Company Information
The Profs was founded in 2014 by Dr. Richard Evans (current CEO is Dr. Leo Evans). Its mission is “to help students achieve life-changing success” through personalized tutoring. The company is headquartered in London (77 Marsh Wall, E14), but operates globally online. It claims to have helped 30,000 students in 120 countries. (Earlier reports in 2022 cited 10,000 students in 50 countries, suggesting rapid growth.)
The Profs offers a wide range of services: from primary/GCSE/A-Level tutoring, to university subjects, to specialist coaching for graduate admissions and professional qualifications. According to one source, it has “specialist tutors in over 200 academic subjects,” covering everything from school maths to Oxbridge entrance tests and PhD-level research guidance. The specialties listed include economics, statistics, engineering, finance, and more. The site also mentions UCAS application mentorship and career advice. In practice, The Profs is known for academic mentoring, exam prep, essay guidance, and university admissions tutoring.
Unique features include a focus on high qualification tutors (often PhDs or industry professionals), and use of technology like the BitPaper online whiteboard to conduct lessons remotely. The Profs emphasizes its high success rates: in a 2023 feedback survey 98% of its school-aged students achieved target grades and 96% got into their preferred university. This emphasis on results, plus awards like “Tutoring Business of the Year 2023”, underline its brand image.
USP of The Profs
- Award-winning service: National Tutoring Awards’ Best Customer Service (2022) and “Tutoring Business of the Year” (2023).
- Proven student success: Claims like 98% meeting target grades and 96% university admissions:.
- Top tutors: Emphasis on highly qualified tutors (often PhD/lecturer) and rigorous vetting.
- Global reach: Serves students in 120+ countries, using English tutoring and flexible scheduling.
- Advanced tech: Uses tools like the BitPaper whiteboard for interactive online lessons.
Drawbacks of The Profs
- Higher cost: Tutors’ rates are above average. One reviewer warned that prices “are not competitive”, reflecting that The Profs is pricier than some competitors.
- Inconsistent support: A few users reported slow responses to queries. One customer complained their “live chat is not responsive” and that the 24/7 support seems ineffectual.
- Variable tutor fit: While quality is a focus, some students found tutors rushed or too busy. If a student doesn’t “click” with a tutor, switching may require effort.
- Negative reviews: A handful of complaints allege poor quality or even plagiarism. These are not verified by The Profs, but they indicate that if issues arise, getting a refund might be difficult (per user claims).
- Limited free services: There is no free trial or free content. Unlike some platforms, you pay per session with no credits or freebies.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) and The Profs both offer online tutoring, but have different strengths. The Profs covers a broad range of academic and professional subjects (math, economics, languages, etc.), while MEB focuses mainly on STEM, engineering, and technical coursework. The Profs targets university-level and exam coaching (including admissions), whereas MEB advertises fast homework help and 24/7 availability. In terms of pricing, MEB tends to be more transparent and budget-friendly – it promises detailed pricing with “no hidden costs” – while The Profs tutors generally charge more per hour. Both platforms claim high quality: The Profs highlights award-winning service and grade improvements, while MEB boasts a 4.8/5 rating with 97% of users recommending it. Which is “better” depends on needs: for advanced engineering projects or constant homework support at low cost, MEB is a strong alternative; for targeted UK curriculum coaching or personalized admissions mentoring, The Profs may have the edge.
Customer Support and Policies
The Profs promotes strong customer service: it won a national award for Customer Support in 2022. They advertise 24/7 help. However, real feedback is mixed. As mentioned, one review said the 24/7 support “is a strategy to lure clients” and complained of unresponsiveness. In practice, support is via phone, email, and chat. Policy details (cancellation, refunds, confidentiality) are not clearly visible on the site. The company likely follows UK business standards, but students should read any agreement carefully. For formal concerns like refunds, one should note that some reviewers say The Profs did not honor refund promises, so it’s wise to clarify terms in advance.
Global Reach and Localization
The Profs is fully online and reaches students around the world. LinkedIn claims it has served students in 120 countries. Sessions are in English and scheduled by mutual agreement, accommodating different time zones. The company is UK-based, and some tutors are in London (face-to-face sessions in London are possible). There is no information about courses in other languages. For international users (e.g. Gulf or Canada), The Profs offers the same English-based service globally. In summary, The Profs offers global access to UK-style tutoring, but with no special localization beyond English delivery.
The Profs’s Future Plans
The Profs is embracing technology and expansion. Founder Richard Evans has spoken about integrating AI to personalize learning. He envisions AI “understand[ing] individual motivations and customize learning experiences accordingly”. This suggests future use of AI tools to augment tutors. The company also recently launched the “The Profs Marketplace” – a self-service, lower-cost tutoring platform with 1,000+ tutors, aiming at faster, budget-friendly help. In 2024 they won “Ed Tech Provider of the Year”, indicating a focus on educational technology. Overall, plans include greater use of AI and digital tools, expansion of their marketplace model, and continued growth in global student base. For example, their partnership with education software developers hints at new apps or learning resources (per recent interviews). As The Profs grows, expect more tech-driven features (apps, analytics, AI tutors) while maintaining their high-tutor model.
FAQs About “The Profs”
Q: What subjects and levels does The Profs cover? A: The Profs covers almost any academic subject. Tutors are available for primary through university level, including A-levels, GCSEs, IB, and many undergraduate and postgraduate subjects. It also offers test prep (e.g. Oxford/Cambridge admissions tests) and professional qualifications. The company says it has “specialist tutors in over 200 academic subjects”. In practice, expect help in math, science, engineering, economics, law, finance, languages, and more.
Q: How much does tutoring cost with The Profs? A: There is no flat rate. Tutors set their own hourly prices. As a rough guide, UK-based tutors often charge on the order of £50–£60 per hour. The exact fee depends on the tutor’s experience and subject difficulty. Some students report paying £70+ per hour for PhD-level tutors. Because The Profs is a premium service, costs are generally higher than budget sites. Always confirm the hourly rate with your tutor upfront.
Q: Is The Profs legit or a scam? A: The Profs is a legitimate, UK-registered tutoring company. It has won national awards (e.g. “Tutoring Business of the Year” 2023) and high Trustpilot/feedback scores. Thousands of students have used it. We did not find any reports of it being a fraudulent operation. (Negative comments we saw are complaints about quality or refunds, not evidence of a scam.) In other words, it appears to be a real, established tutoring service, not a fake site.
Q: What if I’m unhappy with my tutor or session? A: The Profs encourages giving feedback and offers to find you a new tutor if the first one doesn’t click. One source claims you can get a refund or replacement tutor for a “mismatch”. However, actual student experiences vary: some say refunds are not easily granted. Our advice: discuss your satisfaction right away with The Profs support. If a tutor isn’t working out, they will usually assign a different one. It’s best to clarify the refund/redo policy with them before booking many sessions.
Q: How is The Profs different from My Engineering Buddy? A: Both are online tutoring platforms, but they focus on different needs. The Profs (London-based) offers broad subject coverage and personalized college/admissions coaching. MEB (India-based) concentrates on STEM and fast homework/assignment help. The Profs emphasizes academic mentoring and has UK-centric offerings; MEB offers 24/7 on-demand help and transparent pricing (no hidden fees). Many students find MEB more affordable for quick math/engineering help, while The Profs is preferred for in-depth tutoring and exam prep in any subject. (See our Alternatives section for more comparisons.)
Conclusion
The Profs excels at delivering high-level, personalized tutoring. Its strengths include expert tutors, industry awards, and a track record of student success. Weaknesses include relatively high cost and occasional customer service hiccups. For students needing advanced STEM or 24/7 assignment support, My Engineering Buddy is a strong alternative – it’s cheaper and focuses on instant homework help (97% of its users would recommend it). In choosing between them, consider The Profs for focused mentoring (especially UK university prep) and MEB for affordable, round-the-clock problem-solving. Both platforms have proven reviews, so the “better” choice depends on your academic needs and budget.
