Tutor profile - Jamie

Jamie is a qualified teacher with a PhD from Exeter University, twenty years school experience, and a proven track record of success. He has tutored 11+ students into grammar schools, boosted GCSE students beyond their predicted grades, coached A level students into university, and taught undergraduates how to navigate the demands of academic essay-writing. He began his career at the renowned King’s Boys Grammar School in Lincolnshire, teaching history, English and geography. Here he often helped prepare students for Oxbridge entrance tests and interviews. He left King’s to advance his career, taking up various school leadership roles and rising to the position of Assistant Headteacher. Still teaching full time, Jamie’s students continue to achieve top grades and regularly surpass their targets. Jamie is also a GCSE and A level examiner, and knows very well the tricks of the trade required to squeeze students’ answers into the next grade boundary.

Jamie was made an Advanced Skills Teacher in 2012, and ever since he has delivered CPD on teaching and learning for other teachers at neighbouring schools. In this capacity, he was also a visiting lecturer on the history PGCE course at Exeter University between 2011 and 2016. Jamie has taught A level history for many years, and has coached students onto Russell Group and Oxbridge history degree courses. He has also provided tuition services for A level and undergraduate students with essay-writing and NEAs.

Jamie’s approach to tutoring emphasises the joy of learning. He believes that learning should be something enjoyed by both student and teacher, and this is the key to success. A friendly and collegial atmosphere is fostered from the first meeting, and specific goals are discussed with both the tutee and parents. Beyond this basic, fundamental rule, however, Jamie also looks to help students unlock their own individual potential. This involves him working with each student to identify their particular strengths and, importantly, the areas they need to develop. Once identified, bespoke learning plans can be constructed: some students may need to practise the techniques that will allow them to write coherent, well-structured exam answers; others may need to learn the detailed knowledge that will give depth to their extended writing. Jamie believes that every student is different, and that the identification of specific needs is essential to enabling individuals to make rapid and sustained progress.

Jamie is results-focused. This means students will receive regular assessment and feedback to enable them to build confidence and a familiarity with the exam process. Regular assessment provides a feedback loop, allowing the teacher to adapt and amend the learning to fit students’ changing needs as they improve.

Jamie also specialises in coaching students with SEN needs, particularly those with ASD and ADHD. As an assistant headteacher overseeing the pastoral team, Jamie regularly worked directly with students in need of emotional and educational support, and his own experience as a father of an ASD student have reinforced his belief in the value of this provision.

While new to this particular platform, Jamie would be very happy to provide testimonials from previous clients.