Side hustles for teachers UK: 12 ways to earn using your skills

Use your subject knowledge

1. Private tutoring. GCSE and A level maths, English and sciences are in highest demand, and qualified teachers can charge more than student tutors. See how to become a tutor.
2. Online tutoring platforms, which find students for you in exchange for a commission.
3. Exam marking. The exam boards recruit teachers as examiners each year, usually for marking in the summer. It is paid per script and done from home.
4. Coursework moderation, also for the exam boards.
5. Writing revision guides or textbooks for educational publishers.

Sell what you have already made

6. Teaching resources. Lesson plans, worksheets and revision packs can be sold on resource marketplaces. Make sure you own the rights: resources made for your school may belong to your employer, so check your contract.
7. Courses and workshops for parents or other teachers, online or in person.

Holiday work

8. Summer schools and English language schools, which hire teachers for July and August.
9. Activity and residential camps as a leader or tutor.
10. Exam invigilation, at a different school or college during exam season.

Other skills you already use

11. Proofreading and editing. See proofreading from home.
12. Freelance writing about education for websites and magazines.

Check your contract first

Most teaching contracts allow outside work but may ask you to tell your head teacher, avoid conflicts of interest, and not tutor pupils from your own school privately. Teachers' pay and conditions also cover working time, so do not let a side hustle eat into planning and rest.

Tax for teachers with side income

• Your salary is taxed through PAYE. Side income is not.
• Exam marking may be paid through payroll by the exam board, so tax is taken off. Check your payslip.
• Self-employed income such as private tutoring is covered by the £1,000 trading allowance, rising to £3,000 from April 2027. Above that, register for Self Assessment.
• Many teachers are basic rate taxpayers, so side profit is usually taxed at 20%. If your salary is close to £50,270, part of it could be taxed at 40%.

Free toolSide hustle tax calculatorSee how much tax and National Insurance you owe on side income, and what to set aside each month.→

Common questions

Can teachers do private tutoring?

Yes, most contracts allow it, but many schools do not allow you to privately tutor pupils you teach. Check your contract and staff handbook.

How do I become an examiner?

Apply directly to the exam boards when they recruit, usually in the months before the summer exam series. You normally need relevant teaching experience in the subject.

Do teachers pay tax on tutoring income?

Yes, if your total tutoring and other self-employed income is over the trading allowance: £1,000 in 2026/27, £3,000 from April 2027.