John

I am just celebrating 25 years as a full-time tutor, specialising in A-level and GCSE subjects. In addition to these, I now also provide guidance for public school entrance and scholarship examinations.
At 75, I remain enthusiastic and fully engaged in my work. I hold a long-standing degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Sussex. More recently, I completed a second B.Sc. through the Open University, graduating with a 2:1 after nine years of part-time study.
My professional career began at Rolls-Royce Aero Engines in Derby, where I worked for 31 years, retiring from a management position. My time there was both rewarding and formative—I made lifelong friends and developed the valuable skill of communicating effectively, even with the most reluctant audiences.

Outside of tutoring, I enjoy reading, working on history projects, and photography. Until recently, I also organised an annual revision weekend for undergraduates studying science and mathematics. Above all, I am passionate about one-to-one tutoring, where I can help motivated young adults reach their full academic potential.
I now devote my time to my hobbies and my continued interest in mathematics and the sciences.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
John
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Tutoring Experience

During my career at Rolls-Royce, I was responsible for designing and delivering numerous training courses across a wide range of technical and managerial subjects. These sessions were consistently well received—I’ve often been told I have a persuasive and engaging teaching style. This experience contributed to my becoming a full Member of the Institute of Quality Assurance.
My long association with the Open University kept me current with modern teaching methodologies and the latest developments in mathematics and the sciences. I always aim to make these subjects enjoyable and accessible. And when formulas become overwhelming, I have a range of physics gadgets on hand to bring concepts to life in a more tangible, memorable way.
Over the past twenty-five years, I’ve had the privilege of tutoring many young adults and have been grateful to receive some truly positive feedback and references. On occasion, local schools have invited me to support students who would benefit from additional guidance, which I’ve been more than happy to provide.

Teaching remains a genuine passion for me. I take great pride in helping students grow in confidence and achieve the grades they need—whether that’s for entrance to a public school, university, or a specific career path. It’s incredibly rewarding to play a role in their success.

Unlike those who offer tuition casually, I approach this work as a dedicated professional. Education is too important to be treated as a sideline.

If you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I would be delighted to answer any questions and provide reassurance to both students and parents.

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Tutoring Approach

While I have a deep passion for Mathematics and Physics, I’m fully aware that my primary role as a tutor is to help students achieve the grades they need in their exams. With examination specifications evolving, this task is becoming increasingly complex. However, I firmly believe that when a student is willing to learn, meaningful progress can always be made.
I dedicate as much time as necessary to address individual challenges, especially in cases where schools may have moved through topics too quickly or where time pressures in school, college, or work environments have hindered understanding. I actively encourage ongoing feedback from students, parents, and schools to ensure that tuition remains focused on each student’s specific needs.
While I acknowledge that Mathematics and Physics can be demanding subjects, I also believe this makes success in them all the more rewarding. Through hard work and tailored support, students not only gain better exam results but also experience the genuine satisfaction and confidence that come from understanding complex topics. Confidence, after all, is one of the best ways to reduce exam anxiety.
A strong emphasis is also placed on exam technique, as many students lose marks not through lack of knowledge, but due to misunderstanding what an examiner is really asking. We’ll spend time demystifying this and practising how to approach exam questions effectively.
Homework can be set if requested, and while it’s optional, I strongly encourage it to reinforce learning between sessions. I also offer additional support outside of regular lessons and am happy to assist with questions via email, telephone, Google Meet or FaceTime.
Rescheduling or cancelling tutorials isn’t a problem—life happens. Provided I’m informed in advance and it’s not a regular occurrence, no fee is charged if a lesson doesn’t take place.
That said, I do expect a serious commitment from my students. Tutoring is most effective when the student genuinely wants to improve and is willing to put in the necessary effort. If at any point you feel the arrangement isn’t working for you, just let me know—there are no long-term contracts or commitments. You’re free to stop lessons at any time.
Finally, while I cover a broad range of exam specifications—19 at last count—I do not offer tuition in A-level Statistics.