Oliver Lamford
Location: East London
I predominantly teach: 11+ English, English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
My general subjects: English, Maths, Interview Practice, Literacy, Oxbridge Preparation, Study Skills
Keystone Summary: Ollie is a very experienced 11+ English tutor. He is enthusiastic and methodical: he enjoys lifting students' confidence with a mixture of positive praise and a simple approach to exam technique.
I have attended Keystone's: Study Skills Training
Experience
I've been teaching 11+ and 13+ English and Maths for over three years now, helping students develop their literacy and numeracy, with a particular focus on close reading, plentiful maths practice, and good essay work.
I am particularly proud of helping a severely underperforming boy get from a poor 23% mock grade up to scoring 68% in his eventual ISEB maths Common Entrance, which allowed him to secure a musical scholarship to his chosen school. I have helped students gain entry to St Pauls, City of London Boys, and Dulwich, among others.
I have also taught English as a Foreign Language to a prominent Russian businesswoman, and while living abroad taught EFL at one of Japan's top private schools.
Recent Keystone Work:
13+ English, 13+ Maths: Maths and English - year 7 (Started: February 2011)
13+ Maths: 13+ Maths (Started: March 2011)
GCSE English: GCSE English (Started: March 2011)
11+ English: Eton Pre-Test, Winchester Pre-Test (Started: September 2011)
Non-Verbal Reasoning, 11+ Maths : 11+ Maths and non-verbal reasoning (Started: September 2011)
11+ Maths : Dulwich College 13+ (English), Consortium 11+ (English), SPGS 11+ (English), Wycombe Abbey 11+ (English) (Started: September 2011)
11+ English, English as a Foreign Language (EFL): English Language and Literature support (Started: October 2011)
Non-Verbal Reasoning, 11+ Maths : Maths and Non Verbal Reasoning for top London school entrance (Started: October 2011)
13+ Maths: Maths for Westminster test in November (Started: October 2011)
Biography
After gaining a 1st class BA in English Literature from Oxford University, I studied Japanese on a year's scholarship in Japan. Since then, I've been working in Feature Film Development, in London and in Paris.
Personal Approach
Personal mentoring is the side of tutoring that I relish: it's not just about teaching information, it's about instilling a passion for the subject, and the skills for personal study. Hard work is essential, but it shouldn't be a chore.
I also work as a Script Reader for a number of top Film companies (helping to find next year's best releases, today), and this involves a search for the best stories, told in the most engaging way. I teach essay writing with that aim in mind, with a focus on directness, clarity, interest, and formal strength - all aspects essential for a great film script.
What I do when I am not tutoring
I currently have eight clients, including Maths and English students for 11+ and 13+ students (aiming for St Pauls, Harrow, Eton, among others). I'm also teaching EFL, and undertake pro bono work for a couple of clients who cannot afford the fees.
Alongside tutoring, I currently work freelance as a Script Editor and Reader, and also as a photographer for Film and Theatre.
Testimonials
21/11/2011: Ollie is working out very well and our daughter is enjoying working with him (Mother of 11+ student)
04/01/2011: Everything is going very well with Oliver tutoring my daughter. We would like to continue using him in the New Year (Yasmin, mother of 11 year old).
Passport: Keystone Tutors has a copy of Oliver Lamford's passport and therefore can confirm that Oliver Lamford is a UK / EU national or has the appropriate visa to be eligible to work in the UK.