Best IB Physics tutors in the UK & online

Oxford's Engineering Science offer names two grades: a 7 in HL Physics and a 7 in HL Maths. Students in Kent, London, Surrey, Oxford and elsewhere in the UK work towards grades like these with Lanterna's experienced DP Physics teachers, specialists and graduates who scored a 7, at SL or HL, one to one and online. Lessons cover mechanics, fields, waves, nuclear physics and the investigation, on UK time, from £58 an hour.

Expert IB tutors & teachers
700+
Starting price per hour
£58
Avg. Physics grade lift with Lanterna
+2.0
Would recommend us
96%

IB Physics tutors available to UK families

Physics marks go missing in the unfamiliar contexts of Paper 2 and the data of Paper 1B as often as in gaps in content. Choose a tutor below, or tell us your child's last test result and we will suggest one.

Graham

Graham

IB specialist

IB Physics Tutor15 years' IB teachingHL students average above 6

I’m Graham, a Programme Leader and experienced Physics teacher with over 26 years in education, including 15 years teaching IB Physics in international schools across China, Portugal, Peru, and Brazil. I hold a Physics degree from the University of Sheffield and a PGCE from the University of Exeter. I’ve taught GCSE, A-level, and IB Physics, and led a thriving department where over 60 IB students achieved an average HL score above 6. I’m also an IB examiner for both the Internal Assessment and Paper 2 components, giving me deep insight into how students can succeed in assessments. My lessons are fully interactive and tailored to each student’s needs. I use engaging presentations, simulations, and problem-solving tasks to build understanding and correct misconceptions through careful questioning. My relaxed and supportive teaching style encourages students to ask questions, explore ideas, and grow in confidence. Outside of teaching, I’m passionate about outdoor education and adventure travel. I’ve taken students trekking in Nepal, India, and Pakistan, and cycled across Patagonia, Brazil, and from London to Istanbul. I speak Portuguese and basic Spanish, and love sharing my curiosity and global perspective with students.

  • Physics
  • Internal Assessment
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Amad

Amad

IB specialist

IB Physics Tutor20+ years' teaching

I’m Amad, an experienced IB Diploma Physics teacher and examiner with over 20 years of teaching experience in international schools across Qatar, UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. I hold a Master’s degree in Physics and have extensive experience teaching both MYP and DP Physics. As an IB examiner and member of the IB Educators Network (IBEN), I have deep insight into assessment criteria, Internal Assessments (IA), and exam expectations. I have supported many students in improving their grades through structured guidance, targeted practice, and clear conceptual understanding. My tutoring approach focuses on simplifying complex ideas, identifying gaps in understanding, and building strong problem-solving skills. I emphasize exam techniques, past paper practice, and effective revision strategies, while also guiding students in IA writing, data analysis, uncertainty calculations, and graphing tools like Logger Pro. I aim to build both confidence and independence in my students. Outside of teaching, I enjoy exploring real-world applications of physics, mentoring students, and staying engaged with educational innovation.

  • Physics
  • Internal Assessment
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Jonathan

Jonathan

IB specialist

IB Physics TutorFormer DP coordinator20+ years' teaching

I’m Jonathan, an experienced IB educator and examiner with over two decades of international teaching and leadership experience. I specialize in helping students excel in IB Physics, Mathematics, and Theory of Knowledge through a thoughtful, individualized approach. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve served as IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, Physics/Mathematics Teacher, and TOK Teacher/Examiner at leading international schools in China, Sri Lanka, USA, Dominican Republic, and Senegal. I’m also the founder of SmartSmith Educational Consultants, where I guide students toward academic confidence and top IB results. I hold a Master of Science from Oregon State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from the University of Colorado. My tutoring focuses on clarity, curiosity, and confidence. I break down challenging concepts into simple, practical steps while connecting them to real-world applications. I emphasize critical thinking and conceptual mastery—skills that empower students beyond the classroom. Outside of tutoring, I’m an avid mountain climber, musician, and artist. I love exploring how science, creativity, and human curiosity intersect—both in my own life and in my students’ learning.

  • Physics
  • TOK
  • Maths AA
  • ESS
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Peter

Peter

IB teacher

IB Physics TutorFormer IA moderator35 years' IB teachingFormer school principal

I’m Peter. I have been teaching IB Physics for 35 years, working as a teacher, Head of Department, Vice Principal and Head of School in 7 different countries. I used to be a moderator for IA.

  • Physics
  • Internal Assessment
  • TOK
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Laura

Laura

IB graduate

IB Physics Tutor42/45 IB graduateUCL

I'm Laura, and I study Physics at University College London. I got a 42 overall in IB, with a 7 in Physics HL, and I have been tutoring since 2022. I also did my EE in Physics, for which I got an A and also won first prize in The Norwegian Young Researchers Contest. As a tutor, I bring enthusiasm to our sessions, and focus on identifying gaps in knowledge, addressing common mistakes, and building confidence through practicing with questions. Outside of Physics I enjoy reading, and this year I am also learning to kickbox!

  • Physics
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Celina

Celina

IB graduate

IB Physics Tutor44/45 IB graduateTU Delft

My name is Celina, I graduated the IB with 44 points in 2021, and I am now working on my master's degree in aerospace engineering at TU Delft. I received 7s in HL Physics, Math AA, and Music, and I have tutored students with Lanterna for around 2 years now. I am also a teaching assistant for several courses at my university. I guide students in the same way I learn difficult subjects myself: ensuring a solid foundation with basic concepts, and slowly building upon it to avoid attempting to understanding too many ideas at once. I am a firm believer that everything can be explained in terms that are easy to understand if simplified correctly. I developed this simplification skill to be able to understand complex topics during the 3 years it took to obtain my bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy Track & Field, beach volleyball, martial arts, hiking, skiing, and sailing. I am also classically trained in singing, piano, and violin – hence why I enjoy teaching IB Music – and I try to practice my instruments whenever I get the chance.

  • Physics
  • Maths AA
  • Music
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Engineering in the UK

The Physics grades UK engineering offers name

Top UK engineering courses ask for Physics and Maths at HL, and several name the grade in each. Oxford's Engineering Science wants 7s in both, Imperial's Mechanical Engineering makes typical offers with 7s in both (its minimum is 6s), and Cambridge Engineering needs both at HL with Maths taken as Analysis and Approaches. Edinburgh is more flexible: Maths AA plus one science at HL, with applicants with Physics preferred. Oxford's and Cambridge's overall IB rules are on our Oxford page, Imperial's on our London page.

Engineering offers for 2027 entry, as each course page states them (read 14 November 2026)
CourseIB offerPhysics and Maths
Oxford, Engineering Science40 including core, 7, 7, 6 at HL7 in each at HL
Imperial, Mechanical Engineering40 (typical and minimum)Typical 7 in each at HL; minimum 6; AA preferred
Cambridge, Engineering41–42 of 45, 7, 7, 6 at HL (minimum)Both at HL; Maths as AA
Edinburgh, EngineeringRecent range: 37 with 6, 6, 6 to 34 with 6, 5, 5AA at 5 plus a science at 5; Physics preferred

The ESAT

Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and UCL use the ESAT for engineering, physics and natural sciences; it has no pass mark. Oxford and Cambridge applicants sat it on 12–16 October 2026, with results due on 16 November. Applicants to Imperial or UCL can still take the January sitting on 4–8 January 2027, booking by 21 December 2026 (£78 in the UK); each applicant sits once per cycle.

The TMUA, used for maths and computer science, is covered on our Maths AA page.

Results

How many Physics HL candidates reached a 7 in May 2025

Worldwide, 19.2% of Physics HL candidates were awarded a 7 in May 2025, more than were awarded a 6 (17.9%). The grade an Oxford or Imperial engineering offer names is within reach of strong students, and the marks that decide it tend to sit in multi-step problems that can be practised.

Physics HL grades worldwide, May 2025
Physics HL grades worldwide, May 2025. Global average grade 4.9.
IB gradeShare of candidates
10.3%
24.8%
315%
419.8%
522.2%
617.9%
719.2%
HL only, 17,984 candidates worldwide (0.9% received no grade). Source: IB final statistical bulletin for the May 2025 session.
Average grade lift after Lanterna tutoring
+2.0points

From a 3.5 average before tutoring to a 5.5 after tutoring with Lanterna.

SL or HL

Physics SL or HL for a UK application

Both levels study the same five themes, from space, time and motion to nuclear and quantum physics, and write the same investigation of up to 3,000 words. HL adds rotating rigid bodies, special relativity, thermodynamics, electromagnetic induction and quantum effects such as the photoelectric effect.

Standard Level

Physics SL

Teaching
150 h, including 40 h of practical work
Exams
Paper 1 (sections 1A and 1B), then Paper 2; 1 h 30 each
Assessment
Papers 80%, scientific investigation 20%
May 2025, worldwide
14,442 candidates, mean 4.2
For UK engineering
Not enough: the offers above ask for Physics at HL
Higher Level

Physics HL

Teaching
240 h, including 60 h of practical work
Exams
Paper 1 in 2 h, Paper 2 in 2 h 30
Assessment
Papers 80%, scientific investigation 20%
May 2025, worldwide
17,984 candidates, mean 4.9
For UK engineering
Named by Oxford, Imperial and Cambridge

Unsure whether your child's level fits the courses they want? Ask us in a free consultation.

Reviews

What IB families say about their tutors

Grade 3 to 5
“Mr Amol doesn't just tell you the answer. He makes you think about the concept and explains why the answer is correct. This has helped me understand Physics much better and remember things for longer.”
Mathijs W., student International Ermitage school · Class of 2026 · Physics
“We have been extremely impressed with the service provided by Lanterna. They were quick to respond when we requested a tutor, and we were matched with Omar, an HL Mathematics tutor. Omar has been fantastic, always available to help our son, who was struggling significantly with mathematics. Thanks to Omar's dedication and expertise, our son managed to score a 7 on one of the papers of his exam in just two months! Thank you so much!”
“We have been extremely impressed with the…” Mathematics
Grade 4 to 6
“What I liked most about the lessons is that we did't just study the theory. Sir also taught me how to approach IB exam questions, how to show working and how to avoid common mistakes. This helped me feel much more prepared for exams.”
Melina N., student EF Academy · Class of 2026 · Physics

The leading IB tutoring platform, trusted by 20,000+ IB students

All of these come from families we have taught; many more are on our testimonials page.

Free resources

Reading for future engineers and physicists

All free IB resources
FAQs

IB Physics tutoring in the UK: what parents ask

How does a Physics tutor help an applicant who needs 7s in Physics and Maths for engineering?

By practising the questions that separate a 6 from a 7: unfamiliar set-ups on Paper 2, the experimental-data questions of Paper 1B and multi-step problems that mix several themes. A Lanterna Physics tutor sets them weekly, marks them against IB mark schemes and keeps track of the themes still dropping marks. No one can guarantee a 7.

Can Physics lessons fit around boarding-school prep time?

Yes. Lessons are online and booked on UK time, so a boarder can take one in a free period, after prep or at the weekend, and keep the same tutor in the holidays. Tell us the times that work and we suggest a tutor who teaches then.

My child understands the physics but loses marks in the algebra. Can a tutor work on both?

Yes. A Physics tutor fixes the algebra where it bites, inside past-paper questions on fields, decay or motion, so the method sticks to the physics it serves. If the problem runs deeper than rearranging and logarithms, a tutor from our Maths AA team can take the maths on separately, which also helps with the Maths grade engineering offers name.

When should an engineering applicant start Physics tutoring?

Ideally in DP1. Schools set predicted grades before the UCAS deadlines, and for Oxford and Cambridge that deadline falls in mid-October of DP2, so DP1 tests and mocks shape the prediction. Starting later still helps the final grade, which the offer depends on; the full UCAS timetable is in our guide to the IB in the UK.

What help can a tutor give with the Physics investigation?

Tutors help students choose a question that will produce enough reliable data in a school lab, talk through uncertainties and error bars, and explain how the criteria are applied. The experiment, the analysis and the report remain the student's work, and the IB's line on outside help is explained on our internal assessment page.

How much does an IB Physics tutor cost in the UK?

Lessons start at £58 an hour. What you pay is set by the kind of tutor and the number of lessons, both covered in a free consultation.

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