Stuart

A specialist in academic improvement.

The tutoring I offer is a focused, usually short-term service aimed at delivering a substantial improvement in performance. This normally occurs over three to six months. This helps tutees gain the grades they need to enter into the most competitive universities and schools/colleges.

As a well-qualified, experienced and results-focussed tutor, I am proud to say that my students normally improve between two and four grades at GCSE and two grades at A-level. Proof can be found in the feedback below.

Many of my tutees have been able to gain scholarships to prestigious private schools in England, as well as to enter some of the world's finest universities. In recent years, tutees of mine have gone on to read medicine at the University of Cambridge and History and Politics at the University of Durham, among others. A number have also gained entrance to state grammar schools such as Lancaster Royal Grammar School and Urmston Grammar School.

In the worlds of tutoring and teaching, I offer a unique combination of quality and value. Combining first-class education and professional qualifications with a very personable approach, I am a very effective tutor in English, maths, modern and classical languages and for entrance examinations.

Educated at some of the world's finest institutions, including the Universities of Oxford, Durham and Warwick, I can help all tutees reach their full potential. In their time with me, many tutees improve two or three grades at GCSE or A-level, or make very fast progress in earlier stages of education.

My strength as a tutor comes from being both highly academic and very much concerned with the human obstacles that often face students, such as lack of confidence or, among children, peer pressure or lack of motivation.

Tutoring Experience

With thirteen years' experience of teaching and tutoring in both the private and state sectors (and five years' full-time tutoring experience) and at all levels from primary to undergraduate level, you can be confident in my ability to gauge and address your child's needs.

As a qualified teacher, I am thoroughly versed in the common problems that face tutees, both academic and non-academic. I have also worked for AQA, a leading exam-board, as both a visiting examiner (for MFL oral exams) and an examiner. I am also an examiner for Pearson Edexcel.

My sucess, experience, research and professional experience was recognised by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (UK) in 2022 by my being made a Chartered Linguist (as well as a Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists). I am also a Member of the Chartered College of Teaching. I am studying for a professional doctorate in education.

Tutoring Approach

My approach to tutoring is enjoyable, based upon my own deep enjoyment and knowledge of my subjects. This is a dialogue with the tutee. I have a patient and very pleasant manner which is nonetheless focussed and I am determined to do the best for any tutee of mine.

My approach does focus on examinations and how candidates can improve their performance in view of their knowledge, skills and personal characteristics. I provide monthly written feedback linked to expected outcomes to parents.

At present, I offer both online and in-person tutoring. Please note that in-person tutoring is usually available in the evening on Monday to Thursday and on the weekend. These can be either for individuals or small groups (group rate negotiable).

I do not currently offer homeschooling nor do I work in schools or tutoring centres.

NB: I do not tutor primary pupils below Year 5 age and I do not offer free or "taster" lessons, although there is a discount for the first lesson broadly covering the finder's fee. Other than for adults (18+) taking English, maths or MFLs, I will not usually provide tutoring where a learner is not enrolled on an appropriate course (whether at school, college or by distance-learning).

Cancellation policy: Sessions may be charged in full where less than 24 hours' notice is given of cancellation of a lesson, or where there are multiple cancellations. I am happy to rearrange lessons occasionally where possible to fit around other commitments (eg sport or music).

Lessons are contracted through my own company and parents are invoiced on a monthly basis. Payment is by bank transfer or, if preferred, by cheque. The contract, after the initial lesson, is on a month-by-month basis, ie parents can cancel by giving notice before the month's end. The first lesson is an assessment and introductory lesson. I possess full public and professional liability insurance.

I offer lessons in the normal school term. I sometimes can arrange for lessons during the holidays, but this is only by mutual agreement and the undiscounted hourly rate (£60) will apply.

I am experienced in supporting students with a range of additional needs, including dyslexia, ADHD, and mild autism. I adapt lessons to suit individual learning styles and aim to build confidence as well as academic progress. Where students have significant needs requiring specialist provision (for example, those with extensive EHCP support), I may not be the best fit, and I will always be honest with families if I feel specialist services would serve a student better.