Tutor profile - Jamie

Jamie is an experienced teacher and tutor with a proven track record of success. He holds a PhD from Exeter University and a broad range of tuition experience, having coached 11+ students into grammar schools, boosted GCSE students beyond their predicted grades, helped 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 English, history and geography, often helping to prepare A level students for Oxbridge entrance tests and interviews. Since then he has taken up various school leadership roles and risen to the position of Assistant Headteacher. Still teaching full time, Jamie’s students continue to achieve top grades and regularly surpass their targets. It is also worth noting that he is an examiner, so knows very well the techniques required to squeeze students into the next grade boundary.

Jamie was made an Advanced Skills Teacher in 2012, and since then he has delivered CPD on teaching and learning for teachers at neighbouring schools. In this capacity, he was also a visiting lecturer on the PGCE course at Exeter University between 2012 and 2016.

Jamie has tutored numerous students for the 11+ entrance exam and has a 100% success rate. In all cases the students he tutored went on to attend the school of their choice. These include Stretford Grammar School, and both Altrincham Grammar School for Boys and Altrincham Grammar School for Girls.

Jamie’s approach to tutoring emphasises the joy of learning, and a friendly and collegial atmosphere is fostered from the first meeting. Here, specific goals are discussed, and from this basis Jamie works with each individual to uncover their particular strengths and, importantly, the areas they need to develop. Bespoke learning plans are key to this process: 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 tutoring students with SEN needs, particularly those with ASD and ADHD. As an assistant headteacher leading the pastoral team, Jamie regularly worked directly with students in need of emotional and educational support, and his own experience as the father of an ASD student have reinforced his belief in the value of this provision.

While new to the Owl Tutors platform, Jamie is a very experienced private tutor and would be very happy to provide testimonials from previous clients.