Stairfoot Tutors and Stairfoot Tuition

Personal Description:
I have a degree in Theology from Cambridge and I have been tutoring RS and philosophy full-time since 2010. Feedback from my students emphasises my friendliness, understanding of the specification and my ability to teach exam technique. They particularly like my digital resources, including exemplar essays!

In August 2024, several of my tutees who were predicted a D or C when I started with them achieved A and A*s. No student of mine has achieved below a B in the last three years. Letters of recommendation are available on request.

Book me for a free one-hour trial session and we can take things from there! Online tuition is preferred.

Extracts from letters of recommendation (available in full on request):

"James is an extremely capable and sensitive tutor… he managed to turn things around completely for my son, and got him to really start enjoying theology again."
Mother of RS (OCR) A-Level student
Grade received: A

"My daughter got a D in her mock earlier this year ... You immediately set about lifting her spirits and inspiring her with high-quality one-to-one tuition. But for her to get an A really was at the top end of our expectations. You have made a big difference to one very happy 18 year old."
Father of A-Level RS (Edexcel) student
Grade received: A

"I cannot recommend James highly enough. He is punctual and thoughtful and I would not hesitate to hire him again in the future."
Mother of Religious Studies (Edexcel) student
Grade received: A

"James immediately established a very good working relationship with my daughter which encouraged her to really engage with the subject…I would highly recommend James as a tutor."
Mother of Religious Studies (OCR) student.
Grade received: A

"James was brilliant. Despite tutoring my two twin daughters at the same time, he adapted his teaching style to suit both of them differently…. he boosted their confidence and increased their essay writing skills. He provided a large amount of digital handouts which they also found useful. Both girls ended up with very high As in all the topics he taught them in."
Mother of twin daughters taught in Religious Studies (OCR) and Philosophy (AQA).
Grades received: A

RATES
If there is a results-based bonus I am happy to negotiate the hourly fee.

Teaching Experience:
I have thousands of hours of tuition experience built up over ten years of full-time tutoring. Some of the specific subjects I have taught include:

Cambridge Pre-U Theology & Philosophy
Philosophy A Level (AQA, OCR and Edexcel)
Religious Studies (OCR, AQA and Edexcel) GCSE, A Level
Government & Politics (Edexcel and OCR)
Theology and Religious Studies at degree level (I have helped six different students receive good grades for third year RS dissertations)
Oxbridge applications and interview practice

Tutoring Approach:
Receiving tuition can be a bit daunting at first, so I try to make sure my students feel I`m on their side and there to help them with anything they might not feel able to figure out at school.

My approach to tuition is to assess what specific needs a student has and then to organise the sessions around those needs. Some students need essay technique help and some have a specific set of topics they want to go over. Others might need an entire course taught to them as they have left school or are being home educated.

In my years of tuition, I have built up a cloud-based digital archive of hundreds of handouts which can help a student get back on track and achieve the highest possible grade.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a retired Professor of Mathematics. I have the capability to explain even the "difficult" topics in a very simplified manner. I know how to communicate Maths.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 45 years of experience of teaching Mathematics. I have been teaching Engineering Mathematics to engineering undergraduates of various technologies like Electrical, Mechanical, Civil and Chemical Engineering etc. I have also been teaching Business Mathematics to Business and Management Studies students. I have also been tutoring GCSE and A level students of London and Cambridge boards for the last 15 years.
My students have always been showing very good results.

Tutoring Approach:
In the first meeting I observe the students. I note down the weaker areas. Then I focus on those areas first. The students start picking after a very few meetings.

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Personal Description:
A qualified teacher with a bachelors degree from the University of Warwick. A hard-working dedicated teacher of Maths currently head of faculty in one of the most successful schools in Nottingham.
Guaranteed to achieve the best possible results for all different boards in:
- GCSE
- AS, A2, A Level, etc.

My preference is for online tutoring but please get in touch if you'd like to discuss this further.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 10 years experience teaching maths in secondary schools in the Nottingham area. I'm currently the Head of mathematics at a very successful secondary school in Nottingham.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that for tutoring to be effective, the student must be motivated and have a desire to spend the time doing it. I take quite a relaxed approach and respond to the needs of the student dealing with any problems or difficulties understanding as they arise.

I prefer to work through a number of examples with the student addressing any misconceptions that may exist, before supporting them toward independent practice of questions around a given topic.

Above all, I want to create a relaxed atmosphere where the student can reach their full potential.

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Personal Description:
I have been working in the Graphic Design industry for the past 18 years as an IPA Practitioner in Advertising and graphic design agencies with many blue chip clients such as Dr. Martens, Barclays Bank, Duetsche Bank, Eidos Interactive game graphics (Tomb Raider) and many more.

I have a thorough knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Adobe Muse website software.

I am also qualified to HND level and Award in Education (PTILLS)

Teaching Experience:
Worked with students in graphic design workshops, helping them navigate in Adobe Creative Suite and other design software including websites and design for print.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a helpful relaxed approach in teaching across all areas of Graphic design from layout, typography through to website and print setup.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Maths tutor for KS3-KS4 students.
I am a qualified teacher and have experience of working in a range of schools with a variety of different pupils.

In my experience the benefits of one-to-one tuition are incomparable. When teaching a student I am able to tailor the teaching to address their specific questions and misconceptions, whilst covering topics at a far greater depth and speed than is possible in a class of 30.

By far the biggest benefit of tuition I have seen in my students is a vast increase in their confidence and to see them realise and believe that they can understand different topics and are fully capable of achieving high grades.

Teaching Experience:
Pearson - Maths tutor
Vision for Education - Tutor/mentor
Optimal Tutors - Maths and English tutor
ICT Teacher
Abraham Moss High School - Trainee IT Teacher
Walkden High School - Trainee IT Teacher
The Tutor Trust - Maths, English and Science Tutor
Crumpsall Lane Primary School - Voluntary Work

Tutoring Approach:
I am an approachable, caring and understanding individual with the keen interest of helping people to achieve. I have an excellent ability to break down difficult topics to make them easier to understand. I am an honest and hardworking person who takes great delight in seeing pupils make progress.

I have the ability to differentiate work to cater for different individuals and make learning fun. I am creative and have the experience to use every environment as a teaching tool. I can guarantee you will make progress with my support and hope to be able to offer my services.

My main interest is in creating an enjoyable and comfortable working environment that draws up from the students personality and employs a variety of different learning type activities and lateral thinking exercises to obtain not only improved subject results but a greater awareness and confidence within their subject matter.

My tuition sessions are bespoke and are structured around the needs of the student. Throughout my teaching I place an emphasis on understanding why particular methods are used and how topics link together. I also ensure students are exposed to a wide variety of questions styles from across exam boards to develop their ability to apply these skills to unfamiliar styles of question. Above all, I aim to raise the confidence and expectations of my students and to see them enjoy learning.

During the first introductory session I will make an assessment of your ability and discuss what you wish to achieve e.g. a certain grade/better understanding of a particular area, or develop exam technique. I will then use this information to create an individual learning plan and tailor my tuition accordingly as we work together to help you achieve your goal.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Margaret! I am a Software Engineer, and have recently graduated with a first class honours in MEng Software Engineering. My degree also included a placement in a locally-based software engineering company, and now I work full time as a software engineer in Belfast.
I have previously completed a HND in Computing and Systems Development with distinctions in every module, and achieved A* grades in GCSE and A level ICT, using technologies such Microsoft Access, Netbeans and Visual Studio. I have experience developing in a number of programming languages, including Go, TypeScript, Python, Java, C#, JavaScript, HTML, CSS and SQL. I am also an ISTQB certified tester with a Foundation Level (CTFL) qualification. I have experience with both coursework and theoretical aspects of these courses and would be more than happy to help!

Teaching Experience:
-As a high-performing student at Queen's University Belfast, I have been employed as an academic demonstrator. This involved supporting students during practical sessions and answers questions via email.
-During my time at Queen's University Belfast, I was involved with the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EEECS) as a peer mentor, providing help primarily to first and second years studying Computer Science related degrees.
-Hosted a 'Code Club' in Holy Rosary Primary School for the academic year 2016/2017, teaching children the fundamentals of programming through Scratch
-Experience delivering tuition to individuals and small groups through workshops delivered in the Apple Store, Victoria Square
-Delivered a series of Apple "Summer Camps" to children aged between 8-13 through the summer of 2015.
-Experience delivering coding classes and talks to peers.
-Tutored peers through A Levels and HND in regards to coursework and theory work.

Tutoring Approach:
This depends on whether the student needs support with the practical (coursework) side or the theory. With the theory, I often look through past papers with the student to establish common questions and work to get the most succinct and correct answer. With practical problems I would often set a smaller, simpler challenge related to the problem which can help the student understand, and then apply to their own coursework. I aim to make the students complete the challenges themselves as much as possible - it is not my intention to create solutions for coursework/assignments for students to use as their own. All work is done as a collaboration between myself and the student.

Please note that I cannot assist University students with the creation of their final year projects.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced personal assistant with excellent communication skills. Currently, I am working part-time. Therefore, I would like to make myself useful and tutor students that require some Computer Study guidance. With more than 10 years of experience of operating a computer system, I will be able to provide the best understanding for the students. I received my pedagogical qualification while studying at the for the Bachelor Degree.

Teaching Experience:
My only teaching experience was during my volunteering activities back in university.

Tutoring Approach:
My method is to first asses the current knowledge of the student. Secondly, I will set a precise goal that has to be achieved. Finally, I will proceed with teaching by combining the strong and weak parts in student's comprehension skills.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified Primary Teacher experienced with making Primary English and Maths fun!
Primary English and Maths coaching.
Maths for fun, Creative Writing for Children and short Summer courses.

HALF TERM ENGLISH /MATHS COURSE



Lessons available one to one or online.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Primary English and Maths, violin and piano to pupils from 5-75 years of age. I am a former Head of Department .

Tutoring Approach:
I have a nurturing and encouraging approach, building confidence.
I love making maths fun and engaging children with Creative Writing projects.
My pupils love my lessons!

*HALF TERM MATHS/ENGLISH COURSE - A FEW SPACES STILL AVAILABLE *

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Personal Description:
I am a Masters student at Swansea university. I did my undergraduate in Classics achieving a 2:1, I also won the Alfred Moorhouse award for most proficient at Latin and Ancient Greek in the year. In my spare time I love to exercise and play video games and spend time outdoors!

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored online before with a student from Hong Kong in Ancient Greek. Also I taught kids in Tanzania about their rights and sanitation for 10 weeks.

Tutoring Approach:
When it comes to learning languages repetition is key, but this can also be fun. I aim to help you learn through repetition and practice, the benefit of this is the more you retain the more it makes sense causing learning to become fun rather than troublesome.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified maths teacher with experience of classroom teaching in schools. I live in Crewe, Cheshire.
I am very passionate about teaching Maths and I specialise in secondary teaching and can offer tutoring service to KS3 and GCSEs. This also includes work with children with special educational needs.

Teaching Experience:
I am in fourth year of my teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that a strong mathematical foundation is very important for every child. I am passionate about helping students exceed their ability and build their confidence. I tailor my approach to each individual's needs and devise a personal plan based on their level of understanding and knowledge. Students learn differently and I always patiently work with them to determine what is best for them.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a friendly, supportive, knowledgeable and dedicated tutor, I have a good sense of humour and I am very patient, qualities which helps me communicate well with my students and create a safe learning environment where they can learn without feeling intimidated or unduly pressured.
I am adaptable, I listen to students comments and feedback in order to reflect and improve the quality of their learning experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a Teaching Fellow at Lancaster University since Sept 2011, prior to this I was a Teaching Fellow at Bath University and an hourly -based language tutor at Bristol university.
I have also taught privately (groups and individuals in company) and I am currently teaching as an hourly based tutor for Lancaster languages ,Lancaster .

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very dedicated and sensitive language tutor with years of experience, I enjoy teaching and get a great satisfaction out of seeing my students progress and become proficient.
I know how to adapt my teaching methods to individual requirements. My teaching style is student-focused, I use the target language mostly, but I am flexible enough to use some English for the more demanding grammar points. My lessons are very interactive, oral practice and listening feature highly in my lesson plans. Although I prefer to use a coursebook such as Facon de Parler to structure my teaching, I also include a number of mixed medias and online resources (videos, audios, films) to complement the programme. To me, culture is important too, so I include documents such as films, news items and material relating to everyday life in France and current affairs (traditions, tourism, multiculturalism, institutions, politics). I set regular homework and additional tasks online in order to create a full teaching environment for the student for the duration of their course.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm an art & craft design tutor with a passion for keeping traditional techniques alive while blending them with contemporary creativity. With 9 years of experience in textiles and craftsmanship, I specialize in Indian handwork such as chikankari, zardosi, aari embroidery, kalamkari, bobbin lace, carpets, and rugs.

As a tutor, my goal is to share skills, inspire creativity, and encourage hands-on learning. Whether it's teaching intricate stitches, design concepts, or craft-based storytelling, I love guiding learners of all levels to explore their artistic potential.

For me, art and craft are not just skills - they're a journey of patience, culture, and self-expression.

Teaching Experience:
Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching art, craft, and textile design to learners from different age groups and backgrounds. With 9 years of professional experience in textiles and craftsmanship, I bring both practical industry knowledge and hands-on artisan skills into my teaching.

I have conducted workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one mentorships that focus on:
• Traditional Indian crafts like chikankari, zardosi, aari work, kalamkari, and bobbin lace
• Textile techniques including carpet weaving and rug design
• Creative design development, material exploration, and storytelling through craft

My teaching style is interactive, patient, and process-oriented. I believe every student should not only learn a technique but also understand its cultural heritage, design value, and potential for innovation.

What excites me most about teaching is watching learners gain confidence, skill, and creative freedom while connecting deeply with handmade traditions.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, my focus is on creating a balanced learning experience that combines technical skill, creative freedom, and cultural understanding.

✨ Hands-on learning - I believe the best way to learn crafts and design is by doing. Every session includes practical exploration with materials, tools, and techniques.

✨ Personalized guidance - Each learner has a unique pace and style. I adapt my teaching to individual strengths, encouraging both beginners and advanced learners to grow with confidence.

✨ Connecting tradition & innovation - I emphasize the heritage of crafts like chikankari, zardosi, aari, kalamkari, and weaving, while also showing how these techniques can be reimagined for modern design.

✨ Process over perfection - Craft is a journey of patience and practice. I guide students to enjoy the process, experiment fearlessly, and develop their own artistic voice.

✨ Creative mindset - Beyond skills, I nurture curiosity, problem-solving, and storytelling through design - helping learners see craft as both an art form and a career path.

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