John

I'm a professional tutor with a unique breadth of experience across a two-decade career: Associate Professor at Durham University, teacher at a top London independent school ("Excellent" rated), published novelist, archaeologist, academic researcher.

I offer tutoring in:

• English (GCSE, A Level)
• History (GCSE, A Level, University)
• Politics (A Level)
• Classical Civilisations/Ancient History (GCSE, A Level)
• Latin (GCSE, A Level)

I also offer advice and feedback on UCAS applications, especially personal statements. I still have places available for the 2023-24 academic year.

I have particular experience tutoring students who are retaking their A Level exams, and do not otherwise have regular teaching at school or college.

For me, tutoring does not stop with passing exams, vital as that is. Just as important is learning how to push intellectual boundaries, encourage creative thinking, and expand the imagination. I want my tutees not just to realise their full potential at A Level, but to be ready for the challenges that await them beyond.

My rates reflect both my experience and the bespoke tutoring experience that I offer. This is based on each tutee's specific needs, with concrete targets and an approach that will engage, challenge and inspire. I prepare custom resources carefully prior to each lesson and offer detailed feedback on written work.

A few testimonials from former clients:

"John has tutored my daughter during the Sixth Form and helped her success in gaining an offer to study PPE at Oxford University. In Politics, particularly, he has boosted her confidence and provided invaluable coaching on exam technique. Because he was so knowledgeable and great at explaining, he also engaged her in discussions on topics which she had otherwise struggled to embrace and understand. Also his manner and kindness helped her to enjoy and flourish from his teaching. He is an excellent tutor, and we are very grateful for all his teaching and expertise."
- Parent of A Level Politics student

"John’s enthusiasm for the Ancient World is very clear but his ability to understand the needs of his student is what sets him apart from others. John delivers clear and memorable lessons. He takes the time to engage and check M’s understanding of the topic in a way which makes him feel more confident about his own abilities. […] John genuinely wants M to succeed. Towards the end of the summer, they will visit the British Museum together and this is an example of John’s commitment to his student."
- Parent of GCSE Ancient History and Latin student

"John is a superb tutor with the special gift of being interested in every student he helps. His kind and conscientious approach to teaching creates a really safe and welcoming environment in which to learn – both in a group session and 1:1 tutoring. His in-depth knowledge of his subjects is incredibly impressive, and his passion is infectious. All of this combines to create a really empowering way of learning that motivated me to make significant progress independently too. I can’t recommend him highly enough."
- Creative Writing student

"Dr Clay has been working with my daughter for the best part of a year. In that time I have seen her A-level grades go from strength to strength with his help. In that time he has been very accommodating and flexible when needs be. I would not hesitate to recommend him as a tutor."
- Parent of A Level Politics student

"Thanks for everything! You’re actually so wholesome, you make History even better than it already is. Literally everyone in the class adores you, thank you for helping us all, we’re very grateful for you."
- GCSE History student

Tutoring Experience

For ten years I was an Associate Professor in Durham University's History Department. I gave lectures, seminars and supervisions at every level, from first-year undergraduates to postgraduate researchers, as well as having pastoral and admissions responsibilities. I remain an Honorary Research Fellow of Durham and an active researcher in my field. I've appeared as an expert on several BBC documentaries and podcasts, and as a guest speaker at the BBC Radio 3 Free Thinking Festival.

My other passion has always been creative writing. I've had two novels published with Hodder & Stoughton, and - when time allows! - I am working on my third. I delivered creative writing lectures and tutorials in the English Department at Durham University, and appeared at literary and historical festivals across the UK. I also offer creative writing tutoring for all ages and abilities, so please do get in touch if this is something you're interested in.

Later I moved into school teaching, and spent three years teaching History and Politics at an ISI "Excellent"-rated independent school in southwest London. I have a detailed understanding of the specifications and marking criteria for English, History and Politics at GCSE and A Level. I have taught and tutored students of all abilities, and have developed strategies for bringing out the best in all of them.

My career path has given me unique experience of teaching before, during, and after A Levels. I understand the student experience from both perspectives. I have seen the pressures and demands of GCSE and A Level study, and as sixth form tutor have guided dozens of students through the UCAS process, including multiple successful Oxbridge applications. My experience as a Durham University admissions tutor taught me that, when it comes to the most competitive universities, the personal statement is very often the deciding factor. My experience as a writer means that I can help my tutees sculpt their perfect application, one that showcases academic skill while bringing out their uniqueness and passion.

Just as important, I understand the transition from school to university, and all the challenges it brings. During my time at Durham University I also served as pastoral tutor to first-year undergraduates, which involved helping students make the (often difficult) jump to a new level of independence and academic demands. For tutees about to take their A Levels, part of my package is therefore to help them prepare mentally and practically for that transition.

One of the great things about my varied career track has been the chance to live and work in other countries, with all the mind-expanding experiences that brings. Before my doctorate I also worked as a professional archaeologist. Over the years I have pursued historical and archaeological research in the USA, Mexico, Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland. Feel free to ask me about the time I found a 5,000-year-old skeleton...

Tutoring Approach

Every student is unique. They have their specific talents and strengths, their own skills and needs. I well understand the heavy demands of the classroom, and the frustrating reality that a teacher cannot always tailor their approach or devote enough time to tap the potential of every single pupil. If you are reading this, you have likely come to the same conclusion.

Hence my starting point is always to learn about my new tutee. What motivates them to study their subject? How do they perceive their own strengths and weaknesses? What do they want to achieve? And what methods do they find get best results for them personally?

Then we work out a plan, and decide how to implement it. Along the journey I aim to inspire and enthuse, to broaden their perspectives, to encourage with compassion and understanding. This will be alongside specific skills:

• How to structure effective arguments tailored to the marking criteria
• How to write fluently, persuasively, and concisely
• How to organise study and revision for maximum efficiency
• How to extend knowledge and understanding beyond the curriculum

The last skill is vital, not just for writing better essays, but for bringing such wider knowledge into the classroom. It will enhance the student's enjoyment of the subject, impress their teachers and peers, and help instil a lifelong love of the subject.