Dumfries and Galoway Tutors & Dumfries and Galoway Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a fully-qualified professional teacher with more than 30 years of teaching and tutoring experience, both in the UK and abroad. I regard myself as a friendly and approachable tutor, as well as honest and conscientious, and I pride myself on being able to communicate with students of all ages, from pre-teen to pensioner.

I am the father of two boys, and we live in the Sutton area. My wife and I successfully tutored our sons for Sutton's grammar schools (WCGS), and they have since both graduated from top Russell Group universities. My hobbies are limited to reading these days, and I am particularly fond of English Literature. Dickens and Hardy are two of my favourites, but I am also keen on modern and less serious writers, such as Tom Sharpe and the two Rankins - Robert and Ian.

Teaching Experience:
After obtaining my first degree in Spanish with Politics and Economics, I started teaching abroad; first in Spain, then in Turkey, and later in Central Asia and the Middle East. Since retraining as a teacher of English, I have taught for more than 15 years in the UK and almost 15 years abroad, where I was Head of Department at an Institute of Higher Education for three years.

Most recently I have taught English at an independent school in Sutton, and previous to that I taught Academic Writing for East Anglia University for several years. Nowadays my tutoring is split between English for the 11+ and Common Entrance (13+) exams, English for KS2 and KS3 SATs, and English, Spanish, Economics and Politics & Government for the GCSE and A-level exams (all boards).

11+ and 13+ (Common Entrance)
I am very happy to report that all but one of my twelve Eleven Plus tutees passed the SET (Selective Eligibility Test) for Sutton's grammar schools last September. Of these, 100% of them passed the second stage exam and obtained their first choice of grammar or independent school. I use a selection of published materials and those of my own creation, and insist on a high standard of weekly homework in reading, writing and language knowledge. For 11+ pupils I start tutoring in Year 4 or 5, whereas 13+ pupils begin in Year 7 or 8.

KS2 and KS3 SATs
I usually start tutoring for the KS2 SATS in Year 5, and in Year 8 for the KS3 SATs. I tend to use a mixture of focused texts and past papers.

GCSE and A-level
I am equally happy to report that all of my most recent GCSE and A-level students have passed well, with top grades from B to A* (A-level) and 6-9 (GCSE). The majority of those have gone on to their first choice of further and higher education institutes, and in most cases this has been achieved by my insisting on regular homework done to a high standard. For GCSE pupils I prefer to start tutoring at some time in Year 10, whereas A-level students typically begin around Year 12.

I also provide individual tutoring in ESSAY WRITING and STUDY SKILLS, as my experience has taught me that many students at GCSE, A-level and undergraduate level face real problems in these areas. By working together on your essays, substantial improvements can be made in style, organisation, argument, presentation, and much more. This way, I can teach you how produce more effective and mature essays, and thus help you to obtain better grades and increase your confidence in producing written work.

Tutoring Approach:
With every tutee I carry out an initial assessment of his/her needs and abilities, and my teaching begins from there. Typically I work on improving their weaknesses and consolidating their strengths, and this essentially involves them producing high-quality homework on a regular basis. I use both established published materials and those that I have created myself over the years. This approach appears to be successful, and I can provide references.

Over the past twelve years I have successfully tutored students for the following schools and universities:

Schools: Sutton Grammar, Wilsons, Wallington County, Wallington High, Nonsuch, Whitgift, Trinity, Wimbledon High, Kings School, City of London, Reigate Grammar, Caterham School, St John's, Westminster, Epsom College, Ewell Castle, and many others.

Universities: Manchester, Warwick, City, East Anglia, St Martins, Lincoln, Kings, LSE, UCL, Nottingham, Reading, Birmingham, Bournemouth, and several others.

Please note that my fees are very affordable, bearing in mind that I travel to your house and offer a personalised tutoring programme.

I currently charge between £45 and £50 per hour, depending on subject and level.

NB: Any tutoring that involves more than 6 miles travel (round trip) usually incurs a small extra charge.

If you are looking for a fully-qualified, highly-experienced and versatile tutor, you need look no further. Here are a few messages from some of my most recent successful tutees:

Hello Jeff, I just got my IELTS results and I FINALLY passed it! Listening 8, Reading 7.5, Writing 7, Speaking 7.5 and it's 7.5 overall. I would like to THANK you sooooo MUCH for your help and all advice you have given me! It would not be possible otherwise. (Vanja)

Sam got into Wilsons and we are pretty sure that his English performance carried him through. Sam said we ought to say 'thanks' to you as you made a massive difference to his standard of English in a very short period of time. Not sure how, but you made something click in his brain where his school teachers had failed! (Cathy)

Hi Jeff, hope you are well. I am extremely delighted to tell you that Rick has a place at Westminster, and we are going ahead with that. He has also had offers from HABS, KCS and RGS Guildford. Thank you so much for all your support. (Animesh)

Hi Jeff, just to let you know that Dillon got a place at Sutton Grammar on Monday. He also received places at Whitgift, Trinity and Epsom. We have decided to accept Sutton Grammar, and thank you for all your help and time.
Thanks - Paulomi and Dillon.

Dear Jeff! Thanks you so much for tutoring me last year. You have helped my English greatly and without your advice and guidance I would have had a nervous breakdown when I was given the task of an essay. You taught me about causal connectives, signpost words, paragraph structure and much more vital strategies of writing an amazing essay.
Finally, I am happy that I got a place at Wilsons and know I would have failed the English language test without what you taught me. I am very grateful that you gave up your time to help me pass.
Yours Sincerely, Makar

Hi Jeff, I hope you're well. I just wanted to let you know that Andriy got offered a place at Whitgift and we have accepted it. Thank you very much for helping and recommending this great school to us. Andriy is really excited about it and cannot wait to start.
(Oksana)

Dear Jeff, sorry for the delayed reply as we are in India. Rishi has done well, has received English Language 9 and English Literature 7, and scored 8 in six other subjects. He could achieve good results only because of your support. Thanking you.
(Chandra)

Hi Jeff, I am pleased to inform you that Mahati cleared the 2nd round. Her cut-off score is 354. We hope she gets into either of the two schools. Thanks a lot for your support throughout.
(Sassi)

Hi Jeff, Tamana's results have come in for the Sutton Stage 2 test. She has passed with a relatively good score of 315, and based on last year's stats, she should get in comfortably to Nonsuch or Wallington. Thanks for all your lessons that significantly helped her in the preparations.
(Vedant)

Hi Jeff, hope you're doing good. We have got the exam outcome, and Samrudha is able to apply for Nonsuch. Her score is 309, and the highest total score is 389. Secondly she has cleared Tiffin's Stage 1 test and has been invited for Stage 2 on November 11, and we would like to take your help whenever possible.
(Kirthi)

Hi Jeff, I just wanted to let you know that Ed passed the entrance exams for all three schools. Thank you so much for all your support! (Emma)

Hello Jeff, I hope you are well. Vivaan passed the exams for Wilson's, Wallington and Sutton. He also got through Tiffins Stage 1. Thanks very much for your help and support! His English improved massively under your guidance.
Kind regards
Jyothi

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Personal Description:
I have a degree in Modern Languages from Oxford University and have also trained to teach English as a Foreign Language. Having done a variety of jobs over the years I currently work part-time as a private tutor of Italian, French and English as a Foreign Language. I also offer entrance exam preparation in literacy, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning for children seeking entrance to selective secondary schools.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English as a Foreign Language abroad and, more recently, at Keele University for 2 years.
I have taught Italian both at FE college and privately. I now focus on private lessons, offering Italian, French and EFL. I have supported a large number of students through a range of exams including GCSEs and IELTS.
I am also an experienced 11+ tutor, tailoring tuition both to the individual needs of students and the requirements of a range of local selective schools, including St Joseph's, Newcastle High, Newport Grammar, Adams Grammar and Denstone.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly and enthusiastic tutor who aims to create a warm and supportive environment for students.
I usually begin with a discussion about the student's needs and aims, and then, if appropriate, carry out a diagnostic test. Tuition is then tailored to each student's requirements.
I usually ask students to buy at least one coursebook (for the 11+ there may be several), and I also provide homework between sessions.

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Personal Description:
I am Spanish native speaker, friendly and approachable person who loves teaching and find it very rewarding. Having learnt other languages I can identify myself with the students I teach.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working and enjoying teaching Adults and children for 10 years. I am a qualified Spanish teacher from Brighton University, currently teaching Spanish in an Adult College at different levels, supporting Spanish GCSE in secondary school and teaching Spanish to young children at nurseries.

Tutoring Approach:
The teaching method I use vary according to the students needs and knowledge of the language, the main goal for students is usually to speak and communicate well with the Spanish speakers. In the lessons the four learning skills (listening,writing, reading, speaking) are implemented to develop student's confidence. Cultural aspects of Spanish speaker countries are part of learning a new language.

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Personal Description:
I am an Anglia Ruskin Graduate in Communication, since graduating I have been perusing a career in Teaching Assisting. I am passionate about arts and crafts which I have been able to apply to the Brownie Club I co-run. I am experienced in working in a busy out of school club where I have gained valuable experience being responsible, entertaining and educating young people.

Teaching Experience:
I currently volunteer as a teaching assistant at a city primary school, where I have a multitude of responsibilities including small group work & offering alternative provision for students who are unable to participate in main activities.

Tutoring Approach:
I can provide a structured work time table given different needs and time frames for your child. I am patient and understanding and provide clear and well thought out examples and explanations. I am a sociable,kind, good humored person who is well loved by the children I work with.

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Personal Description:
I was born in Hamburg, Germany, am 28 years old and moved to Cardiff in 2013 to study towards a Master of Music degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. I completed a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Aberdeen in 2013 and graduated with 1st Class Honours.

Since 2015, I have been running the International Music School Cardiff as Director, where private music tuition in all instruments of the highest quality is offered to children and adults alike.

I am an active performer, accompanist and composer, which I believe is very important in order to be able to speak from experience when teaching your instrument.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching piano and music theory for the past ten years, both privately and at school and university. I have worked with children, university students as well as adults, ranging from early beginners to grade 8 standard and beyond.

I have prepared my students for school exams, graded exams, concerts and competitions and all of them passed and had successful performances.

Tutoring Approach:
I use various teaching resources which I have both collected and created myself to cover all areas of piano playing, i.e. sight-reading, theory, scales, technical exercises, duo and ensemble playing. I find it more important (especially for a young person) to develop a natural relationship with the instrument and to learn to love the sound of it by making it and listening to it rather than to merely focus on achieving grades as quickly as possible.

I believe that music should be a social activity. This is why I encourage all of my students to perform in front of each other at regular informal concerts as well as festivals and competitions, if the student feels ready.

Working with students and passing on my knowledge and skills is the most rewarding experience and based on the good relationship I have with all my students and their families as well as my students' successes in performances and competitions I am confident to say that they are having an enjoyable and rewarding time under my tuition.

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Personal Description:
I am a dedicated, creative and hard-working teacher/tutor. I enjoy making my lessons fun and accessible to students, and to this end I create a bank of my own resources to support and facilitate learning for any student at any level.

With the breadth of qualifications that I possess in English, I am truly a specialist in my field.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified teacher of English (secondary trained), with a degree in my subject. I have eight years experience of teaching English up to Key Stage 5. I also possess an MA in Creative Writing, as well as a CELTA qualification to teach students with English as a second/foreign language.

I possess qualifications from Russell group universities, Queen Mary University of London (BA English - 2.1) and King`s College London (PGCE English 11-18) in addition, my MA is from Birkbeck University of London.

I have worked as a marker for NFER and AQA - I therefore know what examiners are looking for at SATs and GCSE level. Exam specifications I have taught include AQA, Edexcel and OCR at GCSE level, and Edexcel at Functional Skills level. I have up to.date knowledge of the new 9-1 GCSE English specification, as I regularly mark for AQA.

My teaching experience encompasses whole class teaching, as well as small group/intervention work and one to one tuition. I have worked with primary school children in Key Stages 1 and 2 (for maths and English), as well as secondary and students in further education, including adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor my tuition sessions to suit my tutees. The first thing I do is find out their learning style, as well as carry out a diagnostic assessment. That way, I am able to ascertain the tutee's strengths and weaknesses, and we can both decide on the best way forward, with targets to be reviewed every lesson.

I believe sessions should be engaging and fun; moreover, it is vital that learning takes place. I will customise my lessons to the learner and set follow-up work, however the onus is also on the learner to put in the effort, and ask for clarification/additional help, as and when necessary.

Please note, for online tuition, full payment must be made BEFORE any lessons can take place.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified secondary school and college Maths teacher with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). I have Degree and Masters, Msci, in Mathematics from university of London(QMUL).
I have one year secondary school, five years College, Leyton Sixth Form(GCSE/AS/A2) and 14 years private tutoring experience.
I am currently an active Edexcel examiner with experience in marking GCSE/AS/A2 papers. I mark at the end of each exam period for Edexcel. I teach both, Statistics and Mechanics units for any exam board.
I only teach from year 10 and above for this academic year.
I will travel to you.

Pricing per visit:
£70 1hour and 30mins

Teaching Experience:
As well as having over ten years tutoring experience, I have four years GCSE/AS/A2 level teaching experience in a college. This means I am familiar with the mathematics syllabus. I am also Edexcel examiner with experience in marking GCSE/AS/A2 papers.

Tutoring Approach:
I invest towards instilling student's confidence and interest in the subject so that they have ownership of their learning.
I constantly assess students, like testing, questioning, given regular homework and asking for detailed explanations. I try to motivate my students with a constant interaction in my teaching.

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Personal Description:
Need a top grade for university?
Struggling with the basics?
Help is here.
I'm an Ex-Head of Science and Head of Chemistry from a top Bedfordshire Upper School.
36 years A level chemistry teaching & examining experience.
Testimonials:
"He delivered the content with passion and skill, I'm now at medical school thanks largely to him."
"Dave always taught chemistry in a memorable, relevant way, and it felt like we didn't just do everything for the exam. I had a great time with him as my teacher."
"He teaches in a way which makes us learn and remember. He makes us write down his hip-hop "chemical raps" in the back of our books,"
"I regularly still rap the second law of thermodynamics. Typically on a first date. Hasn't worked yet, but boy do I remember it. Thanks Dave for all your work!"
​"You were an inspirational teacher, and your enthusiasm carried me all the way to my PhD! If you're half as good a tutor you'll do just fine. Good luck!"
"You were my inspiration as a PGCE student!! All the very best in your retirement!"
"He managed to get me a B grade at A level which I doubted was anywhere near possible....
He is highly knowledgeable, patient and most of all able to make science both fun and accessible. Making the concepts come alive made learning more fun but they also stuck around long enough in my grey matter for me to make the grade; far exceeding my expectations! I still remember the physical representation of entropy as he leapt from bench to floor! Immense! HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND I AM NOT EASILY IMPRESSED!!!"

Teaching Experience:
Ex-Head of Science and Head of Chemistry from a top Bedfordshire Upper School. A highly experienced school chemistry teacher with over 36 years of experience in schools in UK, Australia and in one-to one private tuition. I offer online or face to face lessons at home.

Tutoring Approach:
Online skype lessons:

Tutorials usually last an hour and are on a one-to-one basis to cater for your individual situation. In this way we can make the best, most productive use of our time on line together. If it helps I can also set and mark homework that will also help you along.

Small print: Our relationship is non-contractual you can discontinue at any time.
Cancellations > 48 hours prior incur no charges ( I can often find others to fill your slot)
You have no obligations to commit to any number of lessons. However cancellations < 48 hours prior and "no shows" incur full fees.

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Personal Description:
I am an english foreign language teacher and have been working for 2 years in the industry. I enjoy travelling and experiencing different cultures. I teach online because I am travelling at the moment.
My previous work experience is related to business, law and finance.

Teaching Experience:
Two years of teaching english as a foreign language.
10 years of working in the finance and insurance industry during this time i have trained and developed staff as part of my role.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a friendly and relaxed approach to teaching. I can develop materials around you and if you have a specific subject in mind or one which relates to your studies I can create a lesson plan to help you in this area.
If you are looking to improve your english language skills in order to advance your career or pass a university exam or a citizenship test I will help you to achieve your goals.

Lessons can be 30 minutes or 60 minutes depending on your needs and preference.

I will give you feedback to help you make the most of our lessons together and to improve your grades.
If you are looking to advance in your career and need a tutor to help you improve your speaking skills we can work on that too. If you need help to improve your reading skills my method will show you how to read words and make it easy to pronounce.

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Personal Description:
Firstly. I am photographer, therefore I am. It is my raison d'etre. Having practiced as a commercial and creative arts photographer, studio and gallery owner for over 15 years, and in working with some of the most exceptional people in the creative and visual communication industries, I have voluminous, real life experience.


My personal development is fluid. Ensuring that my photographic and visual communication skills, knowledge and experience are ever developing, I have attained a Master of the Arts degree in Photography, the Certificate in Education and further solidified my academic experience by becoming a published academic in December 2018.

In 2020 I wrote & published the book 'The obfuscation of photography' which is available on Amazon.

Teaching Experience:
I am an highly experienced tutor of all things photography and visual communication.
I have a Master of the Arts Degree in Photography; I am a Qualified Teacher with 20 plus years of photography industry experience.Putting my ever-expanding and vast experience to further use, I have managed and taught on undergraduate Photography and Creative Media Production courses for the last decade.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching ensures that my students feel empowered by the information, instruction and support that they recieve.

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Personal Description:
I am Spanish and I am an online teacher.

I hold a BA Honours degree in languages, a TESOL diploma and have experience as a teacher of English, Spanish and Portuguese. I have lived in the three countries and worked for an American aviation company for more than 20 years which gives me a sound experience of the working world. Teaching has always been my early passion to which I am now fully dedicated. Most of all I enjoy teaching and meeting a variety of enthusiastic people willing to share and learn a foreign language.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching has always been my early passion to which I am now fully dedicated. I am more inclined to teaching young adults studying for exams, pursuing new careers, or adults that need extra skills in languages for their working careers. I have worked for an American aviation company for more than 20 years which has given me sound training and experience of the working world.

Tutoring Approach:
I am Spanish and I am an online teacher. I adapt to your learning needs of the language and level and follow the objectives you may have. I can go through the syllabus for exam preparation or work at a corporate level or merely for personal improvement.

My classes are ideal to practice speaking as well as improving grammar, any doubts you may have or bring to the session. We can work on increasing vocabulary and I can indicate where you can practice for self-study if you want extra work and improve your knowledge of the language. We will be looking at articles, listening to videos and podcasts of your interest, using interactive games and above all ensure dynamic and varied contents to enjoy.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching Economics and Business for over 16 years as Head of Economics and Business in three high performing independent schools. This followed 19 years working in commercial roles in the fast moving consumer goods industry, after which I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Business Education) at the University of Roehampton in London.
I am taking early retirement at the end of 25-26 academic year so I will be a full time tutor available whenever I am not on holiday!

Teaching Experience:
Having retrained as a teacher in 2010 I have been teaching Advanced Level and GCSE Economics and Business. I have experience across all major exam boards: Pearson Edexcel, AQA, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas and International Baccalaureate Organisation.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is very much based upon the needs of the individual. I identify the curriculum areas and exam technique that they wish to develop confidence in and work with tailored practice exercises that meet these goals. I help to deliver much improved exam and very often the confidence they need to approach external examinations with a positive mindset. I am used to working with a range of abilities in my private tutoring ranging from those who are very confident in their understanding but wish to improve exam skills to those who seek much greater clarity of the fundamentals of Economics or Business.

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