Nick

I was born and raised in Somerset, where I attended the local comprehensive school. My interest in computing began in Year 9 when I bought a Sinclair Spectrum and taught myself programming. From that moment, I was hooked — and after university, I went on to spend 22 years working as a software developer for a range of companies in retail, vehicle leasing, and insurance. It was a fast-moving, creative, and rewarding career.

In 2011, I decided to follow in the footsteps of my father and sister and move into teaching — something I never expected to love quite as much as I did. Over the past 14 years, I’ve taught students from Year 7 to Year 13, helping them develop not only strong technical and problem-solving skills but also genuine confidence in their ability to think logically and independently.

My lessons are calm, structured, and engaging, with a strong focus on clarity and understanding. I enjoy helping students of all abilities — whether they need to strengthen the basics, prepare for exams, or deepen their enthusiasm for Computer Science.

Every child learns differently, and I make it a priority to identify the most effective learning style for each tutee within the first few lessons. I use regular, low-stakes assessments to check understanding and ensure that topics are fully mastered before moving on.

Computer Science can sometimes seem abstract or ‘dry’, so I aim to make lessons engaging and enjoyable by incorporating quizzes, games, and interactive challenges — for example, CISCO’s Binary Game, which never fails to get students hooked!

Drawing on my many years as a professional programmer, I break down programming into clear, achievable steps, helping students build confidence and genuine fluency in writing and understanding code.

I’m married with three daughters, and spending time with my family is one of the greatest joys in my life. Outside of teaching, I’m a keen club cyclist and enjoy challenging rides and tours with friends — next June, we’re cycling all the way from Watford to the Pyrenees!

Since semi-retiring, tutoring has allowed me to continue doing what I love most — helping students learn and grow — without the full-time pressures of classroom teaching.

I also have a passion for travel. This year alone, my wife and I have visited Kenya, the Madeira, Cyprus, and enjoyed a two-week cruise around the Greek and Italian islands. After Christmas, I’ll be heading to India — another adventure I’m really looking forward to.