Tutor profile - Tim

Throughout academic study, Tim has continually set himself high expectations: he achieved nine A* grades at GCSE and completed the International Baccalaureate, enabling him to meet his offer to study English Literature at the University of Exeter. He fully applied himself at degree level, enjoying the diverse and challenging modules (including a year in Canada where he focused on North American literature), and he was very pleased to graduate with First-Class Honours. Shortly after graduation, Tim was accepted onto the widely respected Teach First Leadership Development Programme, and this teacher-training opportunity allowed him to share his enthusiasm for English in a challenging school. With invaluable experience and a PGCE in hand, Tim moved down to Sevenoaks School where he taught from Year 7 entry level up to Year 13 IB Higher Level. He then spent two terms teaching English at St John's School in Surrey before moving on to teach at Dulwich College in London for two years. Tim currently teaches at Colfe's School, where he oversees the KS3 English curriculum and runs the academic enrichment programme for more able students.

Tim’s teaching and tutoring style very much revolves around unlocking each student's potential; whilst Tim does indeed have high expectations of his tutees, he is very experienced at tailoring the pace and level of work to the needs and demands of the individual, and he has a proven track record of doing so. At Key Stage 3 level, his teaching centres on textual comprehension and appreciation, and as this moves into Key Stage 4 and IB/A level, he begins to encourage closer analysis through informed discussion. This pedagogical approach not only meets the requirements for examinations and summative assessments, but also encourages curiosity and self-confidence. Tim is also a fastidious marker, and ensures that every practice essay is comprehensively marked in time for the feedback session.

Through tutoring, Tim hopes to continue sharing his passion and his enjoyment for the subject, and looks forward to helping more young people achieve their objectives (assessed or otherwise). He is a keen reader (of course!), an amateur musician and enjoys city breaks.