Tutor profile - Rahul

Having qualified as an 'Outstanding Teacher' from the prestigious TeachFirst programme, Rahul currently works as a PhD researcher in Politics and Children's Wellbeing at Strathclyde's Institute for Inspiring Children's Futures.

In over 10 years as an Entrance Exam specialist and History tutor, he has successfully prepared students for the Maths and English components of the 7+, 11+ and 13+ entrance processes at top London schools including Dulwich College, Alleyn's, City of London, JAGS, and Bute House. He offers History at Common Entrance, (I)GCSE, A Level, IB and Undergraduate level, with a particular emphasis on structure, clarity, and coherence of argument.

He holds a First Class Honours degree in History from Durham, and an MPhil in Political Thought and Intellectual History from the University of Cambridge. In 2021, Rahul graduated with Distinction from his Postgraduate Diploma in Education. His approach to planning and delivering bespoke tuition programs is therefore informed by the latest research on pedagogical best practice, as well as his wealth of experience.

Rahul believes that getting to know the young person behind the student is key to understanding how best to engage their interest in the material. From the outset, he creates a friendly atmosphere that emphasises the importance of dialogue to the teaching process. Students are encouraged to actively ask questions and not be afraid to make mistakes. This develops their confidence, as well as nurturing their intellectual curiosity and passion for the subject. Rather than lecturing them (and quickly losing their attention!), he tries as far as possible to guide their understanding from what they already know to more challenging material – encouraging them to share their own thoughts and ideas. He challenges them to explain what they think and why they think it, offering constructive feedback throughout this learning process. This Oxbridge-style tutorial format leads to deeper understanding of assessed material, as well as developing the crucial ability to think critically.

Beyond rote learning, the key to success (especially on assessment days!) is often confidence and academic maturity; and Rahul specialises in cultivating a sharp, creative and adaptable mindset in your child. Helping them become inquisitive and independent thinkers lays strong foundations for long term success not just in academia, but in life.