HOW TO HIRE · LESSONS & TUTORING · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
How to hire an english as a foreign language (ESOL) in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.
An english as a foreign language (esol) in Ireland costs €25–€55 per hour, typically around €38. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.
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THE 60-SECOND VERSION
Hiring an english as a foreign language (ESOL) in five steps
- Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?No register covers english as a foreign language (ESOL) work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — exam Preparation — many ESOL programs prepare students for language proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- How does tutor's experience change the price?The better known the provider, the less they need to discount. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does lesson location change the price?City rates reflect what it costs to work there. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does length of the course change the price?A booked block of time costs less than the same hours spread out. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- What is not included?ESOL tutoring typically does not include materials such as textbooks or additional online resources unless specified — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a english as a foreign language (ESOL) job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Check before you book
No register applies
NO REGISTER APPLIES TO PRIVATE TUTORS. Anyone may advertise as one. Where the student is under 18 the thing that matters is Garda vetting, obtained through an organisation under the National Vetting Bureau Acts 2012–2016 — and a parent cannot apply for it on a tutor's behalf, so the only practical check is to ask the tutor to show you the disclosure they hold and to read its date. A qualified teacher will also be on a teaching register, which is checkable.
Look for the trader badge and the ID-checked badge on the Locufy profile — both are checked by us, not claimed by the provider.
What to check instead
Garda vetting, shown to you, with its date; A subject qualification, and how much of their work is this subject at this level; Whether lessons are one-to-one or shared, and where they happen; For online lessons, whether sessions are recorded and who holds the recording; Cancellation and payment terms in writing — block-paid lessons are the commonest dispute; Two references from current families.
Ask for each of these before you agree a price, and get the answers in the same message as the quote.
Insurance
Expect public liability, and professional indemnity if they advise on exam strategy. From a company, ask for the insurer, the limit and the VAT number, and ask who actually attends: the team that turns up may be employed, subcontracted or both, and only one of those is supervised by the firm you are paying.
Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.
Trader or private seller
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 a trader must tell you they are a trader, and your consumer rights — work carried out with reasonable skill and care, and a cooling-off period on a contract agreed in your home or online — apply to traders and not to private sellers. On Locufy the trader status is shown on the profile.
Look for the trader badge on the Locufy profile, and ask anyone else for it in writing before you agree a price.
VAT
No VAT: this service is exempt, so there is none to add and none to reclaim. A quote that adds it is wrong. A trader under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge it; one over it must, and must show it separately.
Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →
A good answer: No register covers english as a foreign language (ESOL) work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — exam Preparation — many ESOL programs prepare students for language proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL.
A good answer: The better known the provider, the less they need to discount. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: City rates reflect what it costs to work there. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: A booked block of time costs less than the same hours spread out. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: ESOL tutoring typically does not include materials such as textbooks or additional online resources unless specified — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a english as a foreign language (ESOL) job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
A good answer: Expect public liability, and professional indemnity if they advise on exam strategy — listening Comprehension — ESOL courses frequently include listening exercises to improve comprehension.
A good answer: A written scope and a price before the english as a foreign language (ESOL) starts, and an itemised invoice after — grammar and Writing — lessons typically cover essential grammar rules and writing techniques.
Getting the quote right
- Tutor's experience — the better known the provider, the less they need to discount.
- Lesson location — city rates reflect what it costs to work there.
- Length of the course — a booked block of time costs less than the same hours spread out.
- Frequency — it is one of the first things you will be asked about.
- In writing before anyone starts — a message on Locufy counts
- What is NOT included, named
- Who actually attends, and whether they are employed or subcontracted
- The VAT number, and whether it checks out on the Revenue register
Walk away if
- They will not talk about it: tutor's experience — the better known the provider, the less they need to discount
- They will not talk about it: lesson location — city rates reflect what it costs to work there
- They will not talk about it: length of the course — a booked block of time costs less than the same hours spread out
- A price for the english as a foreign language (ESOL) before anyone has asked the size, the access or the condition of what they are working on
- Cash only, or a large deposit before anything at all has started
- No written quote, or one that moves once the english as a foreign language (ESOL) has begun
What an english as a foreign language (ESOL) costs: €25–€55 per hour
Most english as a foreign language (ESOL)s quote the job rather than the hour; the hourly rate is what the small jobs are priced from. Individual tutoring and Group classes each carry their own band. English as a Foreign Language (ESOL) price guide →
Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE
English as a foreign language (ESOL)s near you, with the badges that matter shown
ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you, or book by the hour.
- Look firstTutor's experience — the better known the provider, the less they need to discount — that is what the english as a foreign language (ESOL) is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
- Agree what is being doneLesson location — city rates reflect what it costs to work there — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
- The work itselfLength of the course — a booked block of time costs less than the same hours spread out — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
- Check it togetherFrequency — it is one of the first things you will be asked about — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the english as a foreign language (ESOL) is still there.
- What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, duration of sessions — longer bookings let the provider finish without a second trip.
- Conversational Practice
- ESOL lessons often focus on improving speaking skills through conversational practice.
- Grammar and Writing
- Lessons typically cover essential grammar rules and writing techniques.
- Listening Comprehension
- ESOL courses frequently include listening exercises to improve comprehension.
- Exam Preparation
- Many ESOL programs prepare students for language proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Group Classes
- Small group sessions that foster interaction among learners while covering essential language topics.
- Business English Training
- Specialised lessons aimed at improving English communication skills in a professional context.
AFTER
When the job is done
Hiring an english as a foreign language (ESOL): questions people ask
The cost of ESOL lessons can vary based on the tutor's experience, lesson location, and the length of the course. For instance, private tutors may charge more than group classes, and specialised exam preparation may also incur higher fees.
Most ESOL lessons last between one to two hours, depending on the needs of the student and the structure of the course. Some intensive programs may offer longer sessions to cover more material in a shorter timeframe.
Same-day availability for ESOL lessons can be limited, particularly with popular tutors. It's best to book in advance to secure a time that fits your schedule, although some tutors may offer last-minute slots.
Yes, many tutors offer the option to schedule multiple lessons in advance, which can often lead to discounted rates. This approach is beneficial for students looking to accelerate their learning process.
ESOL tutoring typically does not include materials such as textbooks or additional online resources unless specified. Additionally, lessons generally focus on language skills and may not cover cultural integration or specialised business English training.
NO REGISTER APPLIES TO PRIVATE TUTORS. Anyone may advertise as one. Where the student is under 18 the thing that matters is Garda vetting, obtained through an organisation under the National Vetting Bureau Acts 2012–2016 — and a parent cannot apply for it on a tutor's behalf, so the only practical check is to ask the tutor to show you the disclosure they hold and to read its date. A qualified teacher will also be on a teaching register, which is checkable.
MORE GUIDES