Bala Philosophy / Critical Thinking Tutors and Bala Philosophy / Critical Thinking Tuition

Personal Description:
After leaving school, I studied at Nottingham University for a BA in Music, then for a MA in Theology from the London School of Theology. Having worked for a while at an inner-city secondary school, I went on to complete a research masters and a PhD in Biblical Studies, whilst working as a teaching affiliate at Nottingham University. I have since moved to Stourbridge to work in a local church whilst continuing academic research and writing. My own interests are principally in theology, philosophy and politics, but also the arts and culture. I am married, have five children, and am a keen football fan (Manchester United).

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at secondary school (Religious Studies) and at several Universities; I have also worked as a private tutor for over a decade with students of all abilities.

Tutoring Approach:
I'm happy to be flexible in my approach depending on the particular needs of each student. I'm happy to concentrate on what is needed to get good grades, but alse believe that education is about more than being able to pass exams! I have worked hard for my qualifications and belive in disciplined, productive study; however for some students getting the highest possible grade is not necessarily the most important thing. Each person is an individual with different strengths, weaknesses and aims, so I try to structure how I teach around individual needs and goals. When teaching I also believe that giving people self confidence, an ability to think critically and an enjoyment of the subject is an important part of helping them to improve.

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Personal Description:
I am a professionally trained actor. I have written for numerous publications, with stories and poems published regularly. I am confident with public speaking, since I have been performing in diverse venues for nearly 10 years. I have an MA in Acting and an MA in Theatre & Performance Studies. I have professional training in elocution, pronunciation as well as accent and dialect work.

I am a keen footballer, and believe in the importance of keeping fit and eating healthily. I also love travel, gardening, fixing computers and watching and critiquing films and theatre.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a private Tutor since 2007, and am a member of a number of private tutoring companies. I have tutored in English Language, English Literature, Speech, Drama, Acting, Philosophy, Entrance Exams, and most primary subjects. I have tutored Students from all ages and abilities; including adults and teenagers, as well as younger pupils, and pupils with learning difficulties

From Aug 2009 to May 2010 I was a Learning Support Assistant, DeBeauvoir School, Hackney, London.

Main duties included ensuring that students with learning difficulties are both kept up to speed with the general classroom environment, and that this does not disrupt the other students.

Other duties include:
- To provide full time academic and pastoral support to individual learners with learning difficulties, and/or behavioural and social problems.
- To provide academic and pastoral support to all other learners when required.
- To encourage learners to pursue further academic or vocational education.
- To provide behavioural support in class and to teaching staff at all times.

July 2009 - August 2009 I was SEN Assistant at Kentish Town CE School, London

Main duties include ensuring that students with physical and/or cognitive complications are given the extra support they require within the general classroom environment, and that this does not disrupt the other students.

Jan 2009 - June 2009 I was a Cover Supervisor, Neat Education & Select Education, Sheffield

Responsibilities are that of a Supply Teacher, being responsible for the learning and conduct of a whole class of students. Maintaining discipline and focus as well as being at all times a strong leader and role model were essential at all times.

Other duties include:
- Academic and pastoral support to all other learners when required.
- Monitoring attendance of learners and set appropriate targets.
- Invigilating examinations and mark work.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that Tutoring is first about personal connection. Any learning can only be achieved given a certain level of trust, which must be established in order to create a solid platform from which further learning can then flourish. Younger students are most open to absorbing information and should have the chance to take academic information and guidance from a range of people. This enhances the educational experiences and broadens the horizons of a student.

Having myself struggled with poor teachers, or unwieldy subject matter, I know that, with the right teachers, such areas can come alive. More clinical approaches to tutoring further separate students from the learning process. Having experienced one-to-one tuition myself, I have seen the many positives and potential pitfalls the system can bring. These experiences galvanize me and help me in my own tutoring. I relish taking what I have learnt, and the exciting methods by which I have learnt it, and passing that on to other students.

Regardless of the level taught, it is impossible to make real progress unless the student first has engagement and interest in the subject. I see my task as tutor as a process of invigorating the material for those studying.

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Personal Description:
I provide one-to-one and group tuition via Skype or Zoom. Most students are very comfortable with this method of learning., I also travel to student's home's within a reasonable distance.

I am a very experienced teacher, head of faculty, head of sixth form, examiner and writer. I have recently worked for one of the major examination boards on the new specifications for both G.C.S. E. and A-Level.

During my career as a teacher I have taught English, philosophy and religious studies to Advanced level and English, history, religious studies, geography, and citizenship to G.C.S.E. I also specialise in developing study skills and examination techniques in a range of subjects. I have prepared VI form students for university and UCAS application, including Oxbridge, and acted as a mentor to new entrants to the teaching profession.

I am also a freelance writer specialising in education, social, religious and moral issues. I have written and designed e-learning resources for two international educational e-learning-platform providers.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience at Key Stage 3 & 4, G.C.S.E. and Advanced level has been extensive. I am an examiner for two major exam boards and have diverse experience of creating original teaching resources tailored to the needs of pupils both individuals and classes.

I have spent most of my career teaching across the ability and age range in 11-18 comprehensive schools although I have also taught in a Sixth Form College and the independent sector.

I have also been a part-time on-line tutor for one of the Oxford colleges and also tutor on-line. This has included online tuition for a premiership football academy!

I have served on several school boards of governors as a foundation, teacher and parent governor. I am currently Chair of Governors at a local primary school.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that the key to success for most pupils is to develop their skills and self-confidence to enhance their ability to successfully complete their examination by developing study skills and examination techniques.

My first session with a tutee and their parents is to establish their needs and goals. Together we draw up a plan of the work which we will pursue. This plan will be reviewed regularly and a progress report compiled.

Each of the subsequent sessions comprises of:
review of any homework set
review of any problems which have occurred that week
lesson on a topic previously decided upon

My primary aim is to help my tutees overcome any difficulties which they are having with their work and to help them to achieve their goals both in the short-term and the long term. Secondly, I aim to give my tutees confidence in their own abilities and to help them develop their skills necessary to succeed in their examinations.
Relevant homework is set as a means of reinforcing the development of skills since assessment and feedback procedures largely rely on this.

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Personal Description:
I am an Oxford Classics graduate with experience of teaching children and adults.

Teaching Experience:
I have seven years experience of teaching a range of ages up to 18, both private tutoring and school teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring programme designed according to the student's needs and aims,

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Personal Description:
I am a full-time specialist tutor and experienced teacher with a PhD in English Literature and philosophy. Informed by over a decade's experience in the secondary and undergraduate classroom, my tutoring practice stimulates student independence and confidence when encountering challenging texts. I work with students studying KS3 Literacy, GCSE English Language and Literature, A Level English Literature, and undergraduate English, Literary Theory and Philosophy. I also work with students confronting the challenges of 11+ and 13+ examinations and GCSE and ALevel students engaged in homeschooling.

A recent client review (with many more available on request):

'It has been a revelation for my 12 year old to be tutored by Tom in English Literature. He is an exceptionally gifted teacher. He is qualified to teach at a much higher level than key stage 3 and the depth of his own relationship with the subject matter really shows. It is matched by his talent for allowing the student the time and space to arrive at their own understanding of the texts he teaches. His patience and understanding have been a tremendous benefit to my child and it has been wonderful for me to watch her confidence and her sense of herself grow as Tom has listened to her. I should mention that Tom knows his way around the exam system very well, and can teach tools for exam performance. However my opinion is that his true value is in his willingness also to set those types of goal aside, and model a true love of literature to his pupil.'

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored and homeschooled online and in person since 2012 in KS2 Literacy and Literature, 11+ & 13+ examinations, KS3 literacy, and GCSE/A Level examinations in English Language and English Literature across the full range of exam boards. From September 2017 to June 2024 I worked in London as a secondary teacher of English Literature and Language, RSE and Citizenship from KS3 to GCSE, with an 100% pass-rate at 7 (A) and above.

Between 2011 and 2016 I worked as a teacher of undergraduate English Literature and Literary Theory at the University of Glasgow (2012-2016), teaching over 300 students overall across a wide range of undergraduate modules. This work included course design and delivery, marking, feedback and administration, and the development of bespoke lectures and workshops in poetry. More recently, I worked as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing and Literary Theory at the University of Essex (2017-18). In 2015 I was nominated for a University of Glasgow Student Representative Council Student Teaching Award in the category 'Best Postgraduate who Tutors'.

I'm also a specialist in editing, proof-reading and academic writing more broadly. I was a regional editor of The International Journal of Badiou Studies for a number of years and I recently co-edited a special issue of the Journal of British and Irish Innovative Poetry. My book of philosophy, 'Badiou, Poem and Subject', is published by Bloomsbury (January, 2020). I continue to review prospective philosophy manuscripts for Bloomsbury. I am also a published poet with five published collections and numerous publications across a range of independent journals and magazines including Granta.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring practise is about building relationships: it's hugely important to me that I offer a non-institutional, supportive and lively space in which I can respond not only to a student's individual challenges and ambitions but also to what they find most stimulating and pleasurable in their work. I deliver bespoke tutorials designed to foster enthusiasm, confidence and pleasure-seeking in reading and writing; but I also prepare those of my students sitting exams to be canny, to 'play the game' with expertise.
In person, I work with a wide range of resources tailored to the needs of individual students, whether they're preparing for their GCSE or A Level English exams, struggling to read poetry for the first time or experiencing problems in their undergraduate coursework. But I'm also a strong advocate for online learning: my online tutorials are lively and collaborative, using Google docs to create vibrant shared documents full of live feedback.

I have a huge amount of experience in exam preparation across the full range of exam boards. I also offer structured tutorial series to help students become acquainted with the nuances of 11+ and 13+ examinations, including elite comprehension and creative writing coaching.

My KS3, GCSE and A-level students benefit from approaches and methodologies used in the study of philosophy, literature and creative writing at undergraduate level.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced and enthusiastic tutor with a passion for learning. I have over 10 years experience as a maths and science tutor. I studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University and subsequently completed an MSc in the History and Philosophy of Science at the London School of Economics. I am fascinated by the natural world and by scientific enquiry. When I'm not teaching or learning I enjoy foreign cinema, playing squash and strumming the guitar.

Teaching Experience:
After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked as a full-time teacher at d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form College, Oxford. During this four-year period, I taught A-level Philosophy, Sociology and Religious Studies (all AQA examining board). More recently, I have worked as a teaching assistant at Canterbury High School, focussing on struggling students and helping them achieve their potential. Concurrently, I have also worked as a private tutor teaching GCSE and A-level Maths, GCSE Chemistry and Physics as well as providing 11+ Maths preparation.

Tutoring Approach:
Once I understand exactly what a tutee hopes to achieve (e.g. A* Maths GCSE, or simply understanding algebra) I have three main priorities as a tutor:

i) to identify a students strengths and weaknesses through short tests

ii) to provide a course of study and assessment that will focus on the weaknesses and monitor progress

iii) to give the student belief in themselves and their abilities and to instill a love of learning!

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Personal Description:
I am a postgraduate researcher in the Department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology at the University of Exeter, where I am funded by a HASS grant to research the effects of AI technologies on the structure of subjectivity. Previously, I was an associate tutor and postgraduate researcher in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Warwick. I am an examiner for AQA and have been teaching AQA A-Level philosophy since 2014. I also provide tuition for OCR and Eduqas courses.

I have a first-class honours degree from the University of York in philosophy, a masters with distinction in social and political theory for the University of Birmingham and I passed my MPhil viva in philosophy at the University of Warwick without corrections.

Teaching Experience:
In my work teaching A-Level philosophy and religious studies I've seen that most students drop marks for AO2, which covers analysis, evaluation and critique. I've developed innovative strategies and techniques for correcting this. I can help you feel confident before your exams and give you exactly the tools you need to reach your full potential.

For university students, I can provide you with the support and feedback you need to significantly improve your grades.

Please feel free to get in touch for a free trial lesson.

Tutoring Approach:
I have excellent communicative and interpersonal skills. Philosophy is hard, we will look at things together that some of the greatest minds of the last two and a half thousand years have struggled to grapple with, so although I can never make it easy, I can certainly make it *easier*. I want to help you appreciate the satisfaction of understanding and working with something that was originally very challenging.

In short, work with me if you want someone:

- Professional
- Reliable
- Experienced
- Results driven
- Passionate
- Knowledgeable

We will work on understanding, essay writing, and exam technique. I will also help you to think in a more critical, rigorous manner. I offer a high-quality service that will maximise your chances of success and bring you the highest intellectual return. My excellent reviews attest to this.

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Personal Description:
Dr Fouzia has been supporting students studying Bachelor's, Master's and PhD for over 14 years, across a range of UK universities (for example, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, Warwick) and international universities (for example, Harvard, MIT). Thus, she has extensive experience in working with UK and overseas students, including students from China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and America. Her work covers the following areas: university pre-sessional courses, sociology, psychology, business, criminology, nursing, health and social care (both at college and university level), childcare, teaching, paramedical science, and beyond.

As an Examination Board Assessor, Fouzia has experience working with a myriad of examination boards, such as C&G, EDEXCEL, AQA, OCR, WJEC, NCC, CIE, ICAAE.

Moreover, her deep understanding of pedagogical principles helps guide her tutorship. Students can reach out to Fouzia out of lesson times via telephone, WhatsApp or email for any queries, progress conversations, target setting and more.

Teaching Experience:
Dr Fouzia offers face-to-face and online guidance for university students at all levels. Her work includes:

Professional editing and proofreading academic assessments for structure, style, logical coherence, clarity, and critical analysis
Proofreading of manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
Paraphrasing
Formatting
Reference management
Critical thinking
Critical appraisal of evidence and evidence-based practice
Research topic selection and identifying research gaps
Planning and structuring essays and dissertations
Shaping writing to make it crisp and concise, and reducing wording to reach desired word count
Guidance on report writing and creating PowerPoints for course work
Interpret and perform literature, systematic reviews
Research proposals across all subject
Data collection and analysis for both qualitative and quantitative methodology (manual and electronic analysis ie SPSS/ NVIVO).
Dissertation/ thesis design and methodology
Academic poster presentations
PhD Viva preparation
Time and stress management
UCAS applications
UCAS personal statements
Interview techniques and mock interviews for university/ employment applications

Tutoring Approach:
Dr Fouzia provides a personalised one-to-one service, meeting individual needs of students (incl. ASD, dyslexia, etc) which enables them to actively engage in their lesson, and boost confidence. She is punctual and offers a high standard service, and this is evident in the reviews received from previous students. Her holistic approach has resulted in excellent pass rates (Merits & Distinctions). In addition, being a lecturer, research supervisor, examiner, and interviewer, places her in an ideal position to support you or your child with medical school applications.

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Personal Description:
I have over 20 years' teaching experience. I am a retired A Level teacher but continue with private tuition. I teach both the OCR and AQA new specifications at A Level, in Philosophy, Ethics and Christianity, for Year 1 and Year 2. I have testimonials which show that most of my tutees go on to attain A grades. As a mother, I know well the anxieties which accompany these important school years. I aim for academic excellence, bringing out a student's confidence, alongside teaching important critical thinking skills and exam technique. If the student is willing to learn, higher grades are guaranteed.

Teaching Experience:
27 years tutoring privately; 15 years teaching in Further Education; OCR and AQA A Level mostly. I'm very familiar with the specification.
I can supply many testimonials ftom students upon request.
The latest one is from a student who came to me at a low C and attained an A* at OCR A Level 2025 (available on request).

Tutoring Approach:
I tutor by ZOOM mostly these days, as it so successful. Many of my past tutees I have never even met yet they have gone on to achieve As and A*s, last year one going to Oxford, another two to Newcastle... testimonials are available. I work very closely with the specification, using resources for each topic which I attach for the student before the session. I give detailed feedback on essays I set, which most find extremely useful. With other essays asked for, there is a small charge. I keep individual progress records e.g. weak areas etc to build on. I am also only a phone call or email away for students in between tutorials as this is an important element in confidence-building, I feel. Here, you will find testimonials:
Helen
Durham
A levels Summer 2025
OCR Philosophy

At the end of lower sixth mock exam results were graded as a C grade . Essays during lower sixth regularly came back at approximately 17/40 despite effort. There was a feeling of frustration and despondency .

We found Louise through tutor websites. We were attracted by the fabulous reviews , the extensive experience of the OCR paper /subject as well as the option of online or face to face tuition ( as we are local to Louise ) .

Online sessions were started in August 2024 with one hour a week . In September 2024 we increased to 2 separate hours a week and continued with those sessions until April 2025 .

These sessions were invaluable. They were well structured and helped to focus on knowledge as well as technique. Louise gave advice on essay structure and was happy to undertake additional marking as required .

As such confidence going into the exams was much higher /preparation was excellent .

Delighted to have increase by 3 grades ( during the time with Louise) and achieved A* in A level exams in 2025 . Actual essay marks (across the 3 papers ) were 306/360. Accepted into first choice of University .

Would highly recommend Louise to anyone looking for help in OCR Philosophy

Sent from my iPhone



Email testimonial from Umamah, Bristol:
I got AAA*, an A in RS which is a relief because even though I worked as hard as I could have, I was worried I didn't execute well on the day. Like I said before, thanks for everything, I know it's your job to help me - but I honestly I couldn't have gotten an A without your constant marking and introduction to content I hadn't come across before.
Kind regards,
Umamah
C
Caroline
Georgina's mother-- see below for Georgina herself:
Hi Louise
Yes I'm so very proud of her. An A is brilliant and in one of the papers (can't remember which one) she got 100/100!
She is heading to De-Montfort Uni, her first choice, to begin her degree course in Textile Design.Thank you once again for all your help. There is no way she would have achieved this without your help. Caroline
G
Georgina
Louise encouraged me to think more creatively and as a consequence my confidence grew. By the time I entered the exam period,I really enjoyed the subject, as Louise's continual repetition and empathetic approach helped me overcome the challenges of dyslexia. I'm delighted to say that I achieved an A in the end, as well as an A in my AS resit, and wouldn't have been able to do it without her :) :) I got 100% in my AS resit,and I think 88% in philosophy and 84% in Ethics, I was ecstatic!!!


Hi Louise,
I got an A in EP and an A in ethics and ABB overall which means that I am into my first choice university. Thank you so much for all of your help!! I couldn't have done it without you! I've found your tuition very helpful and detailed. Plus, the notes you've given me provided me with ideal revision material that I would not have had otherwise!
Z
Zena
I had just under 2 months before I had to sit my Ethics exam. I was predicted a D. Louise's warm approach allowed me to feel comfortable to ask her more questions. She would always ask what I thought of something, rather than telling me what I should say. It felt more like a discussion then somebody teaching me. I finally understood topics I had struggled with, with one of them even coming up in the exam! I really felt as if she believed in me, and I ended up getting a B thanks to Louise.


TESTIMONIAL from 2nd yr A Level student (Hannah, from Stanley, Durham) who is now going on to study LAW at Northumbria:
Hi Louise,
Here's my testimonial:
Louise helped tutor me for both my resits at AS Level and A2 Level in Religious Studies. Throughout this time, Louise helped to build my confidence and improve my essay writing skills. Louise provided me with extra knowledge around the subject in order to impress the examiners with the vast variety of information. Thanks to all the support I received and knowledge gained, I was able to achieve my desired grade of an A overall.

TESTIMONIAL from Georgia (Sussex), a PRE-U student who went on to get the second highest grading this new exam offers (for those who might not be familiar with it, the PRE-U is being offered as an alternative to A Levels and allows for an A** rather than an A*- as you will see from Georgia's words below, I had a lot of work to do on this as it was my first time teaching it!). Georgia will now go on to study Art History and Business at Warwick Univ.
Hi Louise,
Here is your testimonial:
Louise was very useful as regards supporting me through my Philosophy Pre-U course. It was quite challenging for both of us as we had both not studied this specific course before. However, I have found that Louise really went the extra mile as regards getting all the resources and material that would help me succeed in this tricky subject. She was very patient and clear when teaching, me along with being supportive. I am very grateful that she took on the challenge and I really do feel that her tutoring has helped me get me to get my desired grade. Thank you for being an excellent tutor Louise!
I hope that this is okay. Best wishes,
Georgia




Testimonial from Michael (Durham City) who achieved an B in Philosophy (coming from a D) and a B in Ethics (coming from a D) and an A in English Literature (coming from a D/E)
Although he does not state it here, Michael then went on to achieve a 2:1 in History at Lancaster Univ; he is presently (2015) in 2nd year of a Master's at York.
Michael - If you're at school and finding it hard to communicate with teachers or peers, or even have a learning disability, bear in mind that I could have held myself back a whole academic year as some people with dyspraxia have done, but with tutoring I found ways to keep going, and it will inspire you to keep going when everything at school is left behind and it's just you vs the world.

Testimonial from mother of a YEAR 6 KS 2. pupil of mine (Warrick, Chester le Street, Durham). This little boy in Year Six was moved from the bottom into the top set in school just at the beginning of Yr 6- after approx. 10 months tuition. A hearing defect combined with shyness had prevented him from speaking out in class when he did not hear or understand something and so he fell behind. Now, with individual attention, his confidence boost is amazing and he is flying ahead at top level 5! His mum:
"My son had really given up on Maths, it was a constant source of upset. Louise was wonderful at explaining and encouraging him. His progress was amazing, after 14 months he achieved 96% in his SATs. Maths is now his favourite subject and his teacher described his progress as "Outstanding". His school report now makes reference to his "excellent mathematical brain". We are delighted with the turnaround Louise's tuition has brought."
I have photographed the Maths section from his school report so you can see how amazed they were with his progress - I have probably read it twenty times!
Thank you once again.
Andrea
Testimonial from Freddie (Darlington) who achieved a B in Religious Studies: Philosophy & Ethics (coming from a U)
Freddie went from an overall U the previous year to the required B for entrance to his university of choice (Newcastle) where he has now embarked on a degree in Agri Business.
His own words: "I started undertaking tutorials in March 2014 with an overall D grade in my AQA religious studies a level (a U at A2). Whilst on my gap year and having not learnt any of the course content for well over a year I planned to re sit 2 of my poor performing modules in June 2014 in order to improve my overall grade for university entry. When I first met Louise I had little background knowledge, questionable exam technique and was also lacking in the depth needed to successfully achieve the top grades. After 4 months of 4 hour weekly sessions I managed to gain a real interest into a subject I previously thought I had little interest in. Louise provided me with the structure, skills and state of mind needed to turn my D grade into a B grade within such a short period of time.
I could not recommend or praise her enough, she is an outstanding tutor Thank you so pleased a U to a B still can't believe that A2 result" Freddie McBain, Darlington
And another, Melissa (from Durham School). Melissa is one of two AS Level students who came to me twice-weekly for six weeks only (a last minute panic) and whose grades initially sitting at B and C went to As.:
"Thank you so so much for the tutoring, I definitely wouldn't have passed without your help! I think Gina told you I got a B but I actually got a high A instead, so I am absolutely thrilled!. Here is my testimonial. Louise is a very friendly tutor with great subject knowledge and makes learning Philosophy much easier as I found it difficult without her. She teaches the course very thoroughly and makes sure we fully understand before moving on to another topic. Definitely could not have gotten an A without her! Thanks again!" Melissa, Durham.

Katie - Testimonial

I started studying philosophy and ethics as a new subject for my AS levels this year. I found I enjoyed philosophy immensely but my weakness was the ethics aspect of the course, especially when it came to learning and applying theories. I took my mock AS examination in March and my overall grade was disappointing due to receiving an E grade in my ethics and a B grade in Philosophy. With a few months until my external examination, I sought help from Louise as I was beginning to despair with Ethics.
Louise showed great patience with me and took me through the ethical theories step by step encouraging and helping me to develop my understanding. She changed my whole approach when it came to applying the theories to competently answer the questions. Louise also increased my understanding in Philosophy encouraging me to develop my critical thinking and helping me to structure my essays to a higher standard. I am pleased to say I have just received my AS level results and I received a B grade for ethics side of the course, with only two marks off an A and a A grade for Philosophy. I will now go onto my A level in Philosophy and Ethics with a lot more confidence, understanding and reassurance that I now need to produce the same marks to gain a good overall grade. with the guidance of Louise I hope to achieve good marks.

Katie, Durham
AS Philosophy & Ethics student


OLIVIA Manchester who achieved an A*
Louise,

I got an A* in RS!! I can't believe it, I looked at the grade boundaries and they were so high so thought I wouldn't have a chance haha! Thank you so much, I couldn't have done it without you!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a philosophy student at Roehampton University. I am from the South Downs in Hampshire, where I lived until I was 18. I have been studying here in London since September 2017. Back home I am the oldest of four, and this had enabled me to be able to understand how to make learning fun for a wide range of ages, as our ages vary from 8 to 20 years. My hobbies include playing football, listening to music, and reading. I was previously employed as an after school nanny so have a DBS check that is valid.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching assistant every Wednesday for an academic year at the infant school in my home town.
Shadowed History department at my secondary school the year after I left.
Working as a nanny I had to help the boys I looked after with their homework. They were 6 and 8 so was helping them learn very basic skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I have always been naturally able to write especially well, and am enthusiastic about the subjects I study. I have found it easy to pass on this enthusiasm for learning to younger people, and I especially am able to connect with younger kids on tasks they would usually struggle to find fun. I am basically happy to tutor any subject at GCSE level apart from maths, science (natural, computer, etc). Social sciences are my particular strength.

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Personal Description:
Hi I'm passionate about teaching and supporting students to learn

Teaching Experience:
I'm an experienced teacher who has worked in FE and HE . I have taught 11plus Sociology, Study Skills and Critical thinking. I have a PGCE and have taught ALevels and GCSE and in FE and HE

Tutoring Approach:
I'm very interested in listening and am very flexible but also can create a structure programme of support

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Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A Cambridge graduate and a very experienced maths tutor - with over twenty years of helping pupils to really understand what maths is and why it works. I am also a full time story teller and infuse my lessons with stories, that embed maths in its own history - and make the dry problems of today sing with the stories of the past.
I specialise is helping pupils to really understand how to use paper, and how being a mathematicians is like being an artists or a poet, it is a method of writing as much as a means of reckoning - and there are always more ways than one to under stand and draw a problem.

Teaching Experience:
And am a fully qualified maths teacher with for twenty five years experience in teaching kids in small groups and home education.

Tutoring Approach:
For so many maths can be so daunting. My approach always and at all elves is to demystify maths, and make it feel possible and fun. As such I use stories, I use rigours writing strategies, I use humour to allow my pupils to understand how maths made the modern world, and hw they are part of that story,

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi guys, to start off with my academic background: I studied at Winchester College and Cambridge University.

I was generally a straight A* student at Winchester, and in my final exams I received some of the highest Cambridge Pre-U grades in the UK for my subjects of Philosophy & Theology, Russian and French (these were D1, D1, D2 - which translates in A-Level terms to A**, A**, A*). At Cambridge I studied a mix of Theology and Philosophy, with a focus on philosophy (ethics and metaphysics), history and literature papers.

In terms of my personal background: I was born in London and have lived in Islington most of my life. I've travelled a great deal, and in my gap year I spent stretches of time living in and travelling around America, Italy, Malta, Russia, Jordan and Pakistan.

In my free time I like classic cinema (Hitchcock especially) and novels (Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Dickens are my favourites) but I'm curious about everything really, and I read books of any kind whenever I have the time - especially those relating to History (classical and modern), Philosophy, Theology, Politics, and Literary Analysis.

For most of my professional life so far I've worked as a salesman, lawyer and corporate strategist. I like theatre and stand-up and sketch comedy - Dylan Moran and John Cleese are my favourite comedians - and at Cambridge I performed in a couple of sketch comedy shows alongside members of the Footlights.

I'm friendly, good-humoured, energetic and I love teaching more than anything else!

Teaching Experience:
I've received excellent feedback on my tutoring so far. Here are some quotes I've received from former students who've been kind enough to supply written references for me (I can provide these and their contact details to you on request) :

- "the best teacher I have ever had the pleasure of learning from"

- [different student] "I can say without any doubt that he is the best tutor I have ever had."

- "thanks to Jasper, my school results became much better."

- "I can talk endlessly about how much I loved having meetings with Jasper"

- "His ability to convey complex historical concepts with clarity and engagement is a superpower."

- "Jasper's professionalism is also worth highlighting. He is highly organised, punctual, and dependable. He never came to a session unprepared, his teaching materials were always well-structured and insightful."

- "I must give a massive word of praise"

- " I truly hope he will have more students to teach, as he is very talented and truly deserves to be recognised. I wish everyone had a chance to have such a wonderful and supportive tutor."

Please note: The website format unfortunately limits the numbers of subjects I can list; I shall therefore add three more here. In addition to Philosophy, Theology, English, History, Russian and French I am also capable of tutoring up to and including GCSE Latin, basic (ab initio) German, and Debating.

More generally, I am also happy to advise on academic interview performance for elite boarding school or Oxbridge admissions.

Tutoring Approach:
1. So first of all we'll have an introductory session to determine what your interests, strengths/weaknesses and ultimate aims are. If you like me then we can have another session!

At the end of this I'll set an assignment for you to work on before our next session. The assignment may be easy, it may be tricky, it may be normal, it may be quite unusual! It will depend on what your aims and interests are and what I can come up with etcetera.

I'll also try to recommend some valuable learning resources and techniques for you to work with as you prepare that assignment.


2. In our second session we'll go through and discuss the assignment and your answers to it, focusing on different ways of looking at the issue and thinking around it, or effective ways to internalise that knowledge. This will take the form of a dialogue and a conversation that I hope you'll find stimulating and rewarding.

Note: You are welcome to stop sessions with me at anytime; it's entirely up to you and I won't be offended at all. But if you let me, I truly hope to teach you as much as I can.


- In summary the fundamental idea is to make the ideas as fun as possible, to assist you in learning them effortlessly and wanting to learn more. Education is always self-motored; the trick is helping you to fall in love with it. It is also to expose you to a wide array of alternative perspectives to broaden your bank of wisdom. Finally, I can recommend books and podcasts and resources to you that can have enduring value for you far beyond our own sessions, perhaps even for your entire lifetime.

I believe in sparking creativity and helping students make the ideas their own. My aim is to ignite imagination and enthusiasm as I put your intellect to the test, because only then will you really enjoy learning, and only then will you truly do well. Therefore I'll do my very best to generate an enthusiastic but rigorous atmosphere.

My enthusiasm can be pretty infectious... I promise you our conversations will be the opposite of boring!

At the same time, many of you will have real goals : to get better grades on your essays, to pass a crucial academic interview, or to smash your final exams. I believe utterly in studying carefully how to do that, and devising a strategy, so you can work "smart", not just "hard", and achieve your goals. I did this with great success for my own exams, and for many former students. I'm a former corporate strategist at an industry-dominating company! This is a real passion of mine.

Finally I also promise you that I'll also prepare carefully in advance of every session you have with me, to ensure you get the most out of me that you can. I have immense respect for my responsibility to you and your development.

Feel free to try a preliminary session with me!

I so look forward to talking with you,

All the very best,

Jasp

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a Music Graduate, and will soon be a Philosophy Graduate [Edinburgh Napier University and University of Wales TSD, respectively]. I work in the third sector covering off humanitarian needs in Africa, Animal welfare in Asia and the care environment/Homelessness in the UK.

At the moment I manage volunteering contracts with Goldman Sachs, National Grid, Moorhouse Consulting, Visa and Prysmian Group.

I'm quite relaxed about most things, I do some consulting with small charities and I play a lot of music!

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching music and English language periodically for around 20 years. I have taught privately, at Music Workshop Bath and Bath City College. I taught English language at a number of summer schools in Edinburgh, Bournemouth and at Cardonald College in Glasgow.

Tutoring Approach:
My style prioritises the needs of the student. Sometimes this is in relation to their immediate curriculum and is supplemented with a view to future study, if there is expectation that future study is probable. Sometimes, if the focus is solely on lifting a grade or working on soft skills around the subject - research/focus etc. then I make that the priority. All in agreement with the student.

In short - student focused.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a master's level qualified practitioner with many years of teaching experience. I currently teach at the Royal College of Art, Loughborough University and UAL.

Teaching Experience:
Exams
Portfolios preparation
Portfolio Review
Assessments
Briefs
Crits preparation
Presentations review

Tutoring Approach:
Individual and tailored approach for every individual to achieve really strong and critically engaged outcomes.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A mature and serious postgraduate with international experience and vast repertoire of skills to impart to young learners and future academics, I seek to significantly improve confidence, performance and achievement.

In my approach I study the challenges with the client and together set out a plan with a guiding timeline to reach goals and targets.

Having worked in student services, course administration and tutored/mentored at University, I have become well rounded in the field of education.

Coming from an ethnic background I understand cultural sensitivity and tact when dealing with sensitive matters and for most young students I easily build a rapport to gain their trust and respect.

During my work experience I have acquired excellent time management skills, as well as interpersonal, relationship building and communication skills (written and oral), not to mention a keen eye for detail.

The ability to digest complex and technical information was harnessed during my academic career. The ability to focus, work to competing deadlines and prioritize workload were part and parcel of the roles which I have successfully carried out.

Teaching Experience:
8 years teaching undergraduates Academic skills and EFL.
5 years tutoring GCSE and A level students in social sciences and history.
2 years experience teaching online.

Tutoring Approach:
Student centred, thematic and dynamic.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello. I am Harjot, a specialist Mathematics, Aptitude and Critical Thinking coach. I focus entirely on preparing candidates for high-stakes, timed exams where rapid calculation, spatial logic and speed strategy make the difference between passing and failing. Having personally cleared 12 elite competitive exams, served as a Government Bank Manager and worked as an engineer, I know exactly what it takes to beat the clock under intense pressure. With over 10+ years of teaching experience, I bridge the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and practical, real world execution.

Teaching Experience:
I bring a wealth of diverse academic and professional teaching experience. I have served as a University Lecturer, delivering structured, high-yield quantitative principles to advanced students. In my 10+ years of teaching experience, I have successfully guided students across multiple specific streams: standard school excellence (11+ Grammar, GCSE and A-Level Maths), Armed forces entrance filters (Royal Navy/Royal Marines DAA, RAF CBAT and Army AOSB) and high-tier professional screenings (UK Civil Service Fast Stream, UCAT reasoning subtests, Arctic Shores Assessment and corporate graduate scheme psychometric testing).

Tutoring Approach:
My approach eliminates slow, traditional, long-form formulas. Instead, I focus on equipping you with powerful non-calculator shortcuts, rapid mental arithmetic tactics, and systematic elimination frameworks. We don't just study the material-we study the exam architecture itself. Your first 30-minute trial session is entirely free. During this time, we will evaluate your baseline speed, target your specific exam board or assessment constraints and construct a personalized, step-by-step roadmap to achieve maximum marks in minimum time.

Subjects