Christopher

I have been aiding students with their 11+, GCSEs and A-Levels for over a decade; which means I have had the pleasure of seeing old mentees graduate from their dream schools, dream universities and onto their dream jobs.

I work as a professional writer and performer, but teaching supplements my desire to educate and learn in a way theatre and film just can't. I am a Masters graduate from the University of East Anglia, as well as having received my bachelors from The University of York.

I don't believe you ever stop learning, it's imperative that any vocation doesn't become stagnant. Teaching is unique in that fact that you have such a diverse array of pupils, no day is ever the same.

I am from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, and so I bring with me equal doses of seaside positivity and strong work ethic.

I am a keen athlete and have completed a marathon and several half marathons. I have a great passion for art and culture - it's integral for me that my students learn beyond the textbook and get a sense of what was creatively driving the authors they are studying. I am also a published playwright with Bloomsbury and have appeared in multiple video games!

Tutoring Experience

During my fourteen years as a tutor, current and ex-students have gone on to some of London's top selective schools. (In 2025 my two 11+ students received multiple offers to private schools, deciding to accept offers at Channing & South Hampstead). Former pupils of mine have gained places at Oxford and other Russell Group Universities; but most importantly, so many have surpassed expectations as far as their grades are concerned.

I work mostly with 11+, GCSE and A-Level English students, from a variety of different backgrounds. I have a firm grasp of the majority of key texts and exam boards' work schemes. I am particularly proficient in teaching poetry, Shakespeare and creative writing.

My time working on the 11+ means I am proficient in teaching maths and non verbal reasoning for students hoping to achieve places in selective schools.

For the last two years I have taught at the prestigious Oxford Tradition program, leading an intensive four week course at Pembroke College, Oxford University.
I spent three years teaching at City Lit and have worked as a visiting lecture for both Fordham and Syracuse Universities, lecturing in Shakespearean verse. As well as my lecturing work in London, I was a visiting teacher at Scarborough 6th Form College.

While working at Sir George Monoux College in Walthamstow as a Learning Consultant the college received an overall 'Good' by OFSTED, my particular department received an 'Excellent'. While at George Monoux I worked with several children with learning difficulties, whether it was dyslexia or students on the autism spectrum; all the students showed improvement in their grades and attitude after they had worked with me.

My TEFL certification means I am in a great position to work with students for whom English isn't their first language.

I have been fortunate enough to create lasting bonds with a lot of the families I have worked for, some even attended my wedding last year. A main character from one of my plays is name after a student's wonderful mother!

References:
"Chris is an absolute asset - extremely likeable, reliable, and very gifted at working with children. I have no reservations in recommending him for any teaching position, I am confident he would be a wonderful addition to any learning environment." Abby H.

"The results speak for themselves. My daughter scored an A+ in English Language and is now in the final year of her degree at Oxford. I would recommend Christopher without reservation." Vishnu B.

"I would unreservedly recommend him as a tutor - he communicated well, was punctual, polite, and totally reliable." Vanessa A

Tutoring Approach

My approach to tutoring is very simple, it has to be engaging. My manner is relaxed and jovial, the reason tutors are effective is because they offer an infinitely more bespoke service than students' school teachers.

I try to make my sessions as personable as possible, taking on a seminar format, as opposed to you paying me to watch them write for an hour.

I am however incredibly competitive and I pride myself on my results. I always ask my students to push themselves to the best of their ability - more than anything, it is effort that I will commend, not grades.

When it comes to English, I hope to expand a student's verbal and written skills, while also developing a sense of the culture and socio-political themes that surround a text.

It is so important to me that a student learns skills beyond their exams. I want students to develop communicative skills that will endure throughout their working lives.