Free template · Education

Tutoring agreement template

Short answer

A tutoring agreement sets out the subjects, lesson times, fees and cancellation rules between a private tutor and a student's parent or guardian. This template is free to fill in and download, and Sign PDF can send it for e-signature with the boxes placed for you.

Updated 25 October 2026

What's in this tutoring agreement

The full text. Words in brackets are filled in from the form above.

1. The parties. This agreement is between [Parent or guardian name] (the Parent), the parent or guardian of [Student name] (the Student), and [Tutor or business name] (the Tutor).
2. Lessons. The Tutor will teach the Student [Subjects and level]. Lessons take place [Lesson schedule], [Where lessons happen].
3. Fees and payment. The fee is [Lesson fee]. The Tutor will invoice monthly in advance and the Parent will pay within seven days. The Tutor may review fees once a year with at least one month's notice.
4. Cancellations by the Parent. The Parent may cancel or move a lesson by giving at least [Cancellation notice] of notice. Lessons cancelled at shorter notice, or missed, may be charged in full. Lessons that run late because the Student arrived late will still end at the booked time.
5. Cancellations by the Tutor. If the Tutor cancels a lesson, it will be rearranged at a time that suits both or the fee will be credited.
6. Online lessons. For online lessons, the Parent will make sure the Student has a working device, internet connection and a quiet space. Lessons will not be recorded unless the Parent agrees in writing.
7. Safeguarding. For lessons with a Student under 18, a responsible adult will be at home during in-person lessons, and the Tutor will communicate about arrangements with the Parent rather than privately with the Student. The Tutor will hold any background check that local rules require for working with children and will show it if asked.
8. Progress. The Tutor will give the Parent regular updates on the Student's progress. The Tutor will do their best to help the Student improve, but no particular grade or exam result is promised.
9. Homework and materials. The Tutor may set work between lessons and will provide or recommend materials. Any books or resources bought for the Student will be agreed and paid for by the Parent.
10. Confidentiality and data. The Tutor will keep information about the Student and family confidential and will store contact details and progress notes securely, using them only for tutoring.
11. Ending the agreement. Either party may end this agreement with two weeks' written notice. Fees paid for lessons after the end date will be refunded.
12. Governing law. This agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing law], and the courts of that place may hear any dispute about it.
13. Entire agreement. This document is the whole agreement between the Parent and the Tutor about its subject. It replaces anything said or written before it, and any change must be in writing and agreed by both.
Signed by: the Parent or Guardian, the Tutor, each with a signature, printed name and date.

When to use a tutoring agreement

Use it when a family books regular lessons with you, whether in person or online, for school subjects, exam preparation, music or languages. It agrees the fees and cancellation rules up front so you are not chasing payment for lessons that did not happen.

For adult learners, change the parties so the student signs for themselves.

What the key clauses do

The template keeps to what parents and tutors usually need settled before lessons begin.

Cancellations by the Parent charges late cancellations and no-shows, which is the most common tutoring dispute.
Safeguarding sets sensible rules for lessons with children and points to the checks local law may require.
Progress commits to updates without promising a grade.
Online lessons covers equipment and recording.

How to adapt it

If you sell blocks of lessons, put the block price in the fee box and say whether unused lessons expire. If you work through an agency, check your agency terms first so the two documents do not clash. Rules on background checks for people who work with children vary, so check what applies where you teach.

This template is a starting point and not legal advice.

Getting it signed

Download the completed agreement, upload it to Sign PDF and send it to the parent. The Parent or Guardian and Tutor boxes are placed for you, and the parent can sign from their phone.

Questions people ask

Who should sign a tutoring agreement for a child?

The parent or guardian who is paying and responsible for the student. The template names the student but has the parent sign.

Can I charge for a missed lesson?

Yes, if the agreement says so and the notice period is reasonable. Twenty-four hours is common, but choose what suits your timetable.

Do I need a background check to tutor children?

It depends where you work. Some places require one for anyone working with children, and many parents ask for it anyway. Check local rules.

Is this template legal advice?

No. It is a plain-English starting point that a small business can adapt. Laws differ between countries and states, so have a lawyer check it before you rely on it for a high-value job or anything regulated.

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See every signature, initial and date box placed before you sign up. Sending starts at $5 a month, monthly, cancel any time.

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