Vaughan

Head of Computing at a leading London girls' day school and formerly at Haberdashers' Boys' School. Also, former Director of Studies successfully supporting numerous applicants to Oxbridge and leading Russell Group universities.

Most recently, I have taught part-time whilst completing my PhD in Education and Big Data at the University of Cambridge (2022). In that time I won numerous prizes for my academic excellence. Accordingly, I know the Oxbridge system well.

I am passionate about education and computer science. That enthusiasm and my deep understanding of how to inspire learners, build motivation and to support rapid progress, has lead to exceptional results sustained over 20 years of teaching: Over my career the most common grade achieved by my students has been A/A*. More importantly, my students routinely make outstanding progress and exceed their GCSE or A level predicted grades, sometimes by two or three grades.

Part of my success comes from the fact that I am a trained school counsellor and understand that a holistic approach to learning yields the best results. I also know well how to support neurodiverse students and students with additional learning needs.

The benefits of my approach is demonstrated by many of my A level students going on to study computer science at Russell Group and American universities (including: Cambridge, Imperial, Kings, Edinburgh, Stanford, etc.)

Tutoring Experience

20+ years of teaching Computing, ICT and Physics in top London day schools. In this time, I have taught numerous exam boards at GCSE and 'A' level. I know the exam boards' requirements well - such insight helps my students to maximize their marks in public exams.

With a background in Social Sciences, I can also teach sociology, psychology, public health, epidemiology and related subjects.

Over many years, I have advised and supported students through the UCAS process, with many gaining offers from their preferred universities, including Cambridge, Imperial, and UCL.

Since leaving full-time teaching, I have completed a PhD at Cambridge. In this time, I have provided support for post graduate students in statistical methods and thesis writing. Most recently, I assisted a client to successfully apply for PhD study at UCL.

Tutoring Approach

I offer a holistic approach, built on years of practical experience, a knowledge of exam board requirements, and a deep appreciation of the psychology of learning and the importance of mental wellbeing.

Building confidence, motivation, and student agency are key foundations to learning. A sense of fun also goes a long way. Based upon these supports, acquiring core knowledge and mastering exam technique leads to quick gains at GCSE and A level. Knowing how to write exam answers in an examiner friendly style leads to a significant boost to students' exam mark.

Having worked in top attaining London schools, I am particularly good at stretching those aiming for the top tier of academic excellence, building their intrinsic motivation and preparing them for ongoing study.

This approach has served my students well, as demonstrated by rising enrolments and outstanding exam results. Over the years, many of my students have gone on to study at Oxbridge, Imperial College, and other Russell Group universities.