Jeremy

I read English Language & Literature at Worcester College, Oxford University, graduating with a Double First in 1979 (so you can work out my age!). I have since had a career that has included close engagement with the education sector, as Chief Operating Officer of Universities UK, as part of collaborative project teams with numerous individual universities and as a school governor.

Tutoring Experience

I have had a lifelong commitment to the study and teaching of English literature, speaking and writing book reviews (in Times Higher Education etc), and coaching A Level students. I have conducted numerous mock interviews for Oxbridge with one candidate saying "Jeremy's help with my Oxford interview was invaluable. I doubt that I would have been able to make it without him; he filled me with confidence. I found him patient, helpful, supportive and inspiring." Another of my recent A Level tutees said "Thank you so much for supporting me through my course, you have taught me an incredible amount, and have really helped me develop my writing and analysis skills...I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of our sessions". Another said "Thank you for all your help and support - I have learnt so much in a really short space of time!"

Tutoring Approach

I aim to find ways for students to understand and enjoy the true meaning and emotion of a text, rather than starting with a pre-conceived critical theory. The views of established critics are sometimes helpful, but only in so far as they provide fresh insight, which can then guide a reader to their own appreciation of what the author is trying to convey, and the means they employ to achieve that. I specialise in practical literary criticism, within the context of the overall themes or shape of a work - for exams, interview preparation or simply for the pleasure of experiencing great literature.