Blacon Tutors & Blacon Tuition

Personal Description:
I have tutored a variety of GCSE, A-level, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, as well as young adult and adult learners for over 30 years.
I HAVE A LONG-ESTABLISHED PROVEN TRACK-RECORD OF DELIVERING SUCCESS FOR MY TUTEES!
MY KEYNOTE RESULTS ARE:
1. my tutee L.W.(Egham):
~ Sat AQA Hist A2 Unit 3 Opt.B (HIS3B) The Triumph of Elizabeth 1547-1603 in June 2013: RESULT 88%. A*

2. my tutee T.S. (Guildford):
~ Resat AQA Hist AS 1041 Unit 1 Opt.A (HIS1A) Crusading Movement & the Latin East, 1095-1204 Jan 2012: RESULT 86%. A (Original Mark June 2011 = 68% B)
~ Sat AQA Government & Politics GOVP2 Unit 2 "Governing Modern Britain" in Jan 2012: RESULT 88%. A*

3. my tutee M.Y. (Horsell):
~ Resat Edexel AS Unit 2 (6H102A) Brit Depth Stud; Opt.A1 - "Henry VIII; Authority Nation & Religion 1509-1540" in Jan 2012: Result 90% A* [original mark 68%]

4. My tutee A.C. (Knaphill):
~ Resat Edexcel AS Unit 2 Opt A (6H102A) "Henry VIII; Authority Nation & Religion 1509-1540" in Jul 2011: Result A* (90%) [original mark June 2010 = 69%].
~ Sat A2 Unit 3 Opt A JUL 2011: Result A* (100%). ~ OVERALL A-LEVEL RESULT: A* [351/400]

~ I am a well-established academic historian and have published many books and articles.
~ I am a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and have been a member of Council of the Society of Army Historical Research.
~ During 2004-2008 I was chariman of the Prestigious Templer Medal Historical literary prize selection Committee. ~ Over the past 20 years I have had a wide variety of tutoring, teaching and lecturing posts in the field of history and military history.

~ My tutorial style is enthusiastic and engaging, and is tailored to the individual needs of the student.
~ I can use my expertise to enhance a tutee's essay writing and exam technique, their analytical and writing skills, and their coursework, to maximise the impact of their answer's on the examiner.

~ I have a valid CRB and MOD Security Clearance.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Assistant, History, King's College University of London (1992-94)
Assistant Lecturer, History, King's College University of London (1995-96)
Associate Lecturer, Dept of European and International Studies (1995-96)
Senior Lecturer, Ministry of Defence (1996-present)
Tutor in History/Politics for Home Tutors, London (1990-1997)
Tutor in History for Premier Student Conferences (2004-2005)
Tutor in History/Politics for UK Tutors, First Tutors GCSE, AS/A2, Undergarduate (2008-present)
Tutor in History (Independent) at GCSE, AS/A2, Undergraduate, Graduate & Doctoral Level (1991-present)
Tutor/Lecturer in History, various American University Summer Schools (2001-2009)
Visiting Lecturer in History, The University of Birmingham (School of Continuing Adult Studies)
External Examiner, University of Wolverhampton (2004-2008)
External Examiner, University of Birmingham (2009-)
Examiner for Edexcel (2005)
Student seminars in History:
The University of Wolverhampton; The University of Salford; The Universty of Birmingham
I am a Parent Governor at the local primary school (2009-)

Tutoring Approach:
I will hone your essay writing/question answering skills so that your responses have the maximum impact on the examiner.
I will respond to the student's individual needs.
You will get a carefully structured approach that suits your abilities and individual objectives.
I aim to make learning fun.
You will get considered feedback to help you develop your skills.
I will, if required, develop your essay writing skills so that you obtain better marks with whatever subject-matter knowledge you possess.
I will, if required, develop your analytical skills.
I will, if required, develop your background knowledge and subject-matter understanding.
I wil, if required, assist with revision programmes.
I am flexible with regard to frequency, timing, duration and scope of individual sessions.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I believe it is very important for children to have a knowledge of a modern language,and that anyone can learn a foreign language, as long as they put enough work into it.I love my teaching work and my subject,and am currently studying for the Diploma in Translation.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a private tutor now for eighteen years,mainly to GCSE and 'A'-level students,.although I have also taught adults in a family environment.Before working as a private tutor,I spent nine years teaching my subject in secondary education.Over the years I have been able to improve students' exam grades,so that they are able to continue with their studies,or,in the case of 'A'-level students,gain entry to University.I am happy to supply recent references.In recent years, I have come to specialize in helping GCSE pupils with their speaking and writing tasks for their controlled assessments, which many find daunting. In the majority of cases I have been able to achieve a significant improvement in the final grade.

Tutoring Approach:
Every student is different,and I will always try to adapt my teaching methods to the needs of each student.I use both computer technology and up-to-date textbooks as teaching aids,as required.I believe that each lesson should be carefully planned as part of an overall programme of development and study.I cover the syllabus and examinations of all the National Awarding Bodies, and provide any assistance with coursework.I believe that establishing a good rapport between tutor and student is important in order to improve standards.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Tim and I'm based in the Caerphilly area. I am happy to work anywhere in Caerphilly, Cardiff, Newport or the Valleys. I am a primary school teacher and have 24 years experience working with children within the age range 6-11.
I have worked in London and in South Wales and have taught in a range of primary schools, teaching children from many different types of background. I have a current CRB check and can provide excellent references.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a primary school teacher since 1986 and have worked across the age range from 6 to 11. I have a good deal of experience teaching children in Year 6 and preparing them for the step up to secondary school. I am able to give tuition in any primary subject but have a specialism in maths as I have been maths co-ordinator in more than one school and have an in depth knowledge of how children learn in this subject and how they can be helped to enjoy their work here and achieve good results. I also have experience of tutoring children in individual sessions and have always been able to help them to improve their standards and become more confident across the curriculum.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very friendly tutor who has always been able to establish a good rapport with children of primary age. I am extremely patient and calm in my approach as a teacher and believe in using humour to help children relax and enjoy learning. I take into account the preferred learning style of the child and tailor all lessons to their needs. I will try to include an element of challenge in all sessions to help children build up their confidence through success on progressively more difficult tasks. I have a huge range of resources I can use to help make sessions interesting and am prepared to be flexible in terms of rates, location of sessions and times.

Subjects

Personal Description:
David has over 25 years professional experience working with computers in industry. He has worked in software development and project management for U.K.'s Racal Electronics Group, and later for Aeroflex - a U.S. organisation.

He holds an MSc degree in Computer Studies & a BSc Honours in Electronic Engineering.

David is also a registered tutor with Age UK, Bucks (including the usual checks and CRB clearance).

Teaching Experience:
For ten years David has successfully run a personal tuition service and website in the south Bucks area.

He provides one-to-one tuition for people wanting to learn how to use the computer, as well as offering more advanced tuition for people looking for a higher level of skill and confidence with specific software packages.

Subjects can include Word, Excel, Photoshop, Powerpoint, Outlook, web design, Windows 8, Windows 10, iPad, email, network setup, and more.

Tutoring Approach:
David specialises in training adults and seniors who are new to computers and the internet, but also deals with more advanced subjects for those of you that want to improve your understanding or your computer skills.

Each learning session is tailored to suit your needs. Depending on your requirements, he can cover specific topics or broader areas of interest.

With many years experience in this field, the aim is to set out clearly and simply the services on offer so that you can easily find what you are looking for - we want you to have the highest confidence and the least uncertainty.

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Personal Description:
Hello and welcome :-)

I'm Craig and I have been teaching languages for almost 15 years now. I am a relaxed and patient teacher and will be well suited to anyone who needs to learn at their own pace or who needs things explained well and carefully to them.

I am also well qualified for the job with a BA Honours degree with triple distinctions in Spanish, Italian & French as well as Teacher Qualified Status and a CELTA. I have also lived, worked and studied in Spain, Italy, France and Greece.

I have studied a lot of languages myself. I've studied over 30 languages over the years. I have achieved fluency in the languages I teach, but I have also reached a fairly good standard in some other languages or have acquired a basic knowledge of many others. I will use some of the methods I have used to learn these languages to help teach you.

I will help you, step by step, to begin speaking and understanding your chosen language.

I am also DBS (previously CRB) checked for your security.



Here are a few a reviews from my customers:

I thoroughly recommend Craig to everyone as an excellent Spanish tutor. He is kind, patient and commited to his students.
My daughter, who had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) had an hour`s lesson every week for eighteen months, after her secondary school was unable to offer Spanish lessons. She achieved an A* grade in her GCSE exam (Review by Kerrie, Sittingbourne)

I thoroughly recommend Craig if you are looking to learn a foreign language. I spent my teenage years completely adamant that a second language was beyond me. German was my weakest subject and I sat at the back of the class applying my make up! I am now working towards conversational Spanish, and after just over 3 months I am able to hold a Facebook messenger conversation with my South American friends! Not only has Craig taught me enough grammar to achieve this, he also anticipates difficulties English speakers may have with certain language constructs and works through those too. I always look forward to my lessons each week, and enjoy doing the practice questions I`m given for homework. (Review by Emma, Chatham)

I am giving my Italian lessons with Craig a 5 star rating. I began my lessons as a complete novice and now feel confident enough to be going on holiday to Italy to stay in a non-English speaking village. Craig is a highly-skilled professional. I recommend him to anyone who wants to learn a language (he speaks and teaches many!) whether a beginner or with some existing knowledge, for holidays, for work or to reinforce their language learning. (Review by Amanda, Maidstone)

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching languages since 2004 and have worked as a full time language tutor since 2010.
I have also taught in language schools in the UK and abroad as well as in public schools.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very patient and will guide you step by step towards speaking your language of choice. I use a mix of my own course designed by me and materials from other sources such as course books, grammar books and realia.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an Arabic linguistics PhD student at the Language and Linguistic Science Department of the University of York, UK. I hold a BA in English literature and linguistics as well as an MA in translation studies. My study makes me familiar with written Arabic and spoken Arabic in its different forms (dialects). This is why I am quite familiar with Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Gulf and Sudanese Arabic. In addition, I am also a CELTA-trained teacher and an Assistant Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English as a foreign language for 10 years at Minia University, Egypt. I also taught Arabic to adults as well as young people for 5 years in England. I teach face to face and online.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching depends on immersing you in enjoyable daily-life situations so that you can easily imitate and, after not too much effort, read, write and speak Arabic/English like a native speaker. Culture cannot be separated from language. So, I also immerse you in the main cultural aspects of Arabic/English-speaking countries in general and offer a brief background to language as reflected in culture. Also, I try to compare Arabic and English (as a language) and the culture represented by it with other languages, including French and German (languages that I am familiar with).

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Personal Description:
I am a native German speaker. I have a BA (Honours) degree in French, German and English Linguistics and a Cert HE in Teaching and Learning Support. I can teach French up to KS3 and German up to A Level/Adult. I also offer English language lessons for speakers of other languages. I enjoy Yoga, being creative, listening to live music and travelling.

Teaching Experience:
I worked as a German language assistant for 8 years, preparing pupils for their GCSE and A Level exams. I ran speaking practice sessions, grammar workshops and supported learning in class. I have extensive experience working in Education, including SEN.
I have been a freelance private tutor since 2013

Tutoring Approach:
ONLINE & F2F lessons available!

Due to the current COVID situation, I encourage online lessons via Skype (or other online platforms on request).

My approach to tutoring is student-centred.

Depending on the age and requirements of the student, I can adapt my teaching approach to the individual's needs. I am happy to teach groups of up to 5 students. It would work out less expensive!

Primary level would be teaching through songs and games in a fun way. Lessons usually last 30 mins, which will cost £20 per pupil for a one-to-one session. I am happy to teach a small group of pupils and the cost can be shared between them to make the lessons less expensive (£10 per pupil for 4 pupils in one session).

GCSE and A Level would be focusing on exam preparation and speaking practice, supporting the student to become more confident. I would base my teaching on supporting the subject teacher.

Adult teaching would be tailored to the individual's needs. Some students just want to improve their speaking, therefore I would tailor the lessons to accommodate their need. Some may just want to learn some basic phrases for a holiday in Germany, I would plan lessons based on that need.

I can also run grammar, conversation and writing workshops in German.

I now offer English (as a foreign language).

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a warm, engaging individual who loves working with a variety of people. I am currently a secondary school biology teacher, so am well used to working under pressure in a busy working environment. I have excellent creative and organisational skills; I currently plan and prepare lessons that meet every point on the specification from the exam board, whilst also tailoring it to my pupils' individual needs and attitudes.
I am self-motivated, enthusiastic, and self-aware - I deliver engaging lessons to my pupils, and help them find the world around them as interesting as I do.
I motivate and empower my pupils to achieve the very best they are capable of, adapting the lesson and resources to meet their individual needs. A key part of my role is providing quality and timely feedback to enable my pupils to progress in their learning, through a variety of methods. I am committed to continuing professional development, and regularly take part in CPD in my current role.

Teaching Experience:
Three years teaching science in both city and county schools.

• Teacher of science for ages 11-18, preparing and delivering content according to the national curriculum and/or the exam board specification, with a focus on pupils learning through questioning.
• My passion and skills lie in forming positive working relationships with my pupils.
• Managing behaviour through high expectations and following the school's behaviour policy consistently.
• Assessing learning throughout, with regular feedback during lessons, as well as tests and dedicated reflection lessons where pupils are encouraged to improve upon their work.
• IT use - creating and showing resources, IT lessons for research or revision, data entry. I am proficient at using Microsoft Office, SIMS, and Go4Schools, and am very capable of learning how to use any additional software/hardware required.
• Attending school meetings and acting on any new information given.
• Communicating with other members of staff, for example to share resources and to liaise regarding any additional needs that may arise for pupils.
• Communicating with parents through parents' evening, email, and over the phone to update them on positive behaviour or attainment, as well as when a pupil is struggling.
• Year 10 form tutor, working with head of year to deliver PSHCE content as well as cover any pastoral needs.

Tutoring Approach:
I love working with children, and this respect and appreciation is mutual within my lessons. Every pupil is an individual, and I respond to them as such. I often reflect on how I could approach a scenario differently in the future, or how to continue a positive relationship, and will approach other teachers for advice if I have not found the right approach for a certain child yet.
I expect every pupil under my care to achieve to their own full potential, and to take responsibility for getting themselves there.
I love trying new things and I am very willing to change my approach if a pupil is not understanding, or already has mastery of what I had planned. This flexibility was vital in my previous role as a supply teacher, and continues to be a key part of differentiating lessons for different abilities and enthusiasm levels.

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Personal Description:
I have experience of working in one of the big 4 Accounting firms as well as industry as a qualified Accountant. Tutoring comes natural to me,with years of experience under my belt . I have done classroom teaching of A level students on a part time basis where i taught Accounting, i have also done one on one tutoring for subjects like Maths , English at primary level. I have experience teaching students from primary level from year 4 to year 11 up to A level as well as professional level. I also provide learning for Accounting professionals doing AAT, degree and CIMA

Growing up my parents were both in the teaching field and i acquired skills of learning and how to share knowledge with others. I endeavour to deliver the best and create a comfortable learning environment for my students. They should free to ask questions and there wont be such a thing as a silly question in other words an environment where the students can express themselves without feeling judged. I aim to get all my students to pass with flying colours and achieve their career goals.

I am available Saturdays from 10am till 6pm and weekdays after 6pm till 9pm.

Teaching Experience:
I have had over 3 years worth of experience teaching and supporting students from A level to Master degree level.

Tutoring Approach:
I use a combination of providing learning materials and also using the students learning resources. I am open to mainly online tutoring but can also do in person in areas around Leeds UK.

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Personal Description:
I am a dedicated Maths teacher with over 15 years of classroom experience, including 8 years as Head of Department. Throughout my career, I have supported students of all abilities, helping them build confidence, strengthen core skills, and achieve their academic goals.

As a fully qualified and GTCW-registered teacher, I bring a strong understanding of the curriculum, effective teaching methods, and the ability to tailor lessons to individual learning styles. I also hold a current CRB check for your peace of mind.

Whether you're looking for support with core concepts, exam preparation, or boosting overall mathematical confidence, I provide clear explanations, structured guidance, and a positive learning environment to help every student succeed.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Mathematics in schools across South Wales and Bristol, bringing over 15 years of classroom experience, including 8 years as Head of Maths. My career has allowed me to work with a wide range of learners, helping them develop strong mathematical foundations and achieve their personal academic goals.

I currently teach secondary Maths in South Wales, covering all levels up to and including A level. I have delivered the full A level Mathematics syllabus and have a strong track record of guiding students through both the content and the exam demands with clarity and confidence.

At GCSE level, my results have consistently been excellent. I have successfully supported high-achieving pupils in securing A* grades, as well as helping C/D borderline students gain the crucial C grade they need. My approach focuses on building understanding, developing effective exam techniques, and creating a positive, supportive learning environment.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring centres on building confidence. Every pupil is different, so I tailor my teaching to each individual's needs and to where they are on their learning journey.

I focus on ensuring that students develop a clear, practical, and comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts. We begin by strengthening procedural knowledge, making sure the foundations are secure. From there, we move on to reasoning and problem-solving questions, allowing students to apply what they've learned in more complex and meaningful ways.

This structured progression not only deepens understanding but, above all, builds confidence-helping pupils feel prepared, capable, and ready to succeed.

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Personal Description:
Lessons will take place in Twickenham in a bright and airy room with a café area for parents to wait comfortably, right in the heart of Twickenham with parking nearby.

I am a dedicated primary maths and English tutor who believes every child can succeed. I create a calm, supportive, and joyful learning environment, making lessons fun, creative, and engaging while building strong foundations, boosting confidence, and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

Teaching Experience:
My journey in education began overseas, teaching English to children and young adults in Thailand and New Zealand. That experience inspired me to train as a primary teacher, combining my love of working with children with my passion for helping them grow into confident, capable learners. Since then, I've taught in both state and independent primary schools across New Zealand and London, led the maths department at a leading London prep school, and taken on leadership roles that have deepened my understanding of how children learn best.

For me, great teaching is about more than just covering the curriculum. It's about knowing each child, recognising their strengths, and giving them the tools to overcome challenges. I believe that when children feel safe to take risks, proud of their progress, and inspired to explore, they can discover abilities and potential they never knew they had. That's why my sessions focus on building strong foundations, boosting confidence, and developing independent learning skills, while fostering a joy of learning that will carry children through life.

Every session is an opportunity for children to explore, grow, and be challenged in a way that feels exciting and achievable. Seeing the children embrace new concepts, solve problems with creativity, and leave with a sense of accomplishment is what makes learning so inspiring.

Tutoring Approach:
Our approach is built around three guiding pillars:

*Curiosity* - sparking wonder and a love of discovery.
*Confidence* - building self-belief and the courage to take responsible risks and tackle challenges.
*Joy* - celebrating progress and making learning fun.

With extensive experience teaching across the UK curriculum in both state and independent schools, I have led the maths department at a top London prep school and held various leadership roles that have shaped my approach to education. I am experienced in preparing children for 7+, 8+, and 11+ examinations, ensuring they not only master the required content but also develop the confidence and mindset to succeed.

Maths:
My maths programme blends Singapore Maths mastery with White Rose Maths resources, fully aligned with the UK National Curriculum. Children develop number fluency, reasoning skills, and a love of problem-solving.

Each 1-hour lesson follows the CPA approach (Concrete → Pictorial → Abstract), helping children understand concepts through hands-on manipulatives, visual representations, and written methods.

Times Tables: Dedicated practice with a clear progression from basic doubles to all tables 1-12, including fun games and short tests to track progress and celebrate achievements.

English:
My English programme helps children become confident, creative communicators.

Reading: We use the VIPERS framework to strengthen comprehension through Vocabulary, Inference, Prediction, Explanation, Retrieval, and Summarising.

Writing: We guide children through creative and descriptive writing, helping them plan, draft, and refine their work, with supportive tools such as word banks, sentence starters, and prompts to spark ideas and build confidence.

Handwriting & Spelling: Ten minutes of cursive practice plus spelling tailored to year groups (Years 1-2 phonics-based; Years 3-6 statutory lists).

Grammar: Engaging, nature-inspired activities from The Natural Curriculum, linking learning to wildlife and the environment.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a calm, supportive environment where learning is a joy. I combine strong subject knowledge with creative, engaging lessons that make even the most challenging topics feel approachable and enjoyable. My aim is always to build solid foundations in maths and English while nurturing essential lifelong skills such as problem-solving, resilience, and curiosity.

Over the years, I've seen children flourish when they feel believed in, inspired, and challenged in the right way.

Each child follows their own bespoke learning plan as part of a small group and works at a level and pace that is appropriate for them. The student to tutor ratio is a maximum of 5:1.

We're excited to offer free trials so you can experience how we can support your child.

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Personal Description:
I'm 55 years old, married with two children and three grandchildren. I'm patient and personable, relaxed and professional. My hobbies currently revolve around entertaining my young grandchildren, and reading and gaming when I have time. I am also a part-time pastor of a small Christian church in Southport.

I attended Liverpool John Moores University as a mature student and was awarded a first class degree in English Literature and American Studies. I subsequently completed a PGCE course at the University of Liverpool and qualified as a secondary school teacher in 2000.

Teaching Experience:
For 23 years, I was a member of the English Department at Sacred Heart Catholic College (now Academy) in Crosby, Liverpool. In that time, I taught students from 11-18 and gained experience in whole class teaching and individual and small group tuition. I helped develop schemes of work and lesson plans, and was also a head of year for three years. For many years, I ran after school clubs including a role playing group and a school fiction magazine.

Since 2023, I have been working as a supply teacher at a range of schools in the area, including a year-long stint at Meols Cop High School in Southport from September 2024-July 2025.

Tutoring Approach:
I have had limited experience of private tutoring, but my approach is to assess tutees' strengths and weaknesses through fairly straightforward baselining and focused questioning. Once areas for improvement have been identified, more specific activities will be designed depending on the needs of the tutee. These will invariably involve practice of some kind - whether of writing or reading skills - followed by a discussion of how to improve.

English is a more skills-based than knowledge-based subject. In my experience, most students are well aware of the areas in which they need more help, but struggle with how to develop those areas - precisely because they are not something which can be addressed simply by acquiring or reinforcing knowledge. Having a tutor to talk to helps - to identify and improve those skills which students need to succeed. My aim is to provide practical, easily understood advice, tailored to the tutee's unique circumstances and structured to give them confidence in the subject.

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