James

James is a highly academic tutor who has been helping students since 2016. He now tutors alongside teaching at Cambridge and much of his educational style is informed by the Cambridge supervision system.

James teaches: GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Maths, GCSE Physics, AS/A Level Biology, AS/A Level Psychology, Undergraduate & Graduate Academic writing, Undergraduate & Graduate Biology bioscience, Undergraduate & Graduate Dissertation, Undergraduate & Graduate Essay, Undergraduate & Graduate PHD, Undergraduate & Graduate Psychology, Undergraduate & Graduate Statistics, Special Educational Needs, English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Oxbridge Preparation

''I really enjoyed James’ Psychology teaching. James made the sessions very interesting and gave me a lot of time and advice. His teaching was really helpful for the exams, as was his support during my preparation. This paid off in the exams. Thank you!''

Cambridge Psychology undergraduate student

About James:

Experience
Biography
Approach to Tutoring
When not tutoring

Experience

- GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Maths & Physics

- A Level Biology & Psychology

- Undergraduate & Graduate Biology bioscience

- Undergraduate & Graduate Psychology

- Undergraduate & Graduate Statistics

- Academic Writing

- English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

- Oxbridge Preparation

I continue to teach at Cambridge, using the ‘tutorial’ format which lies at the core of the Oxbridge education. I have taught over 80 undergraduates across three departments, and have also supervised research and dissertation projects. My teaching is both subject specific and study skills focused. I have also organised and lectured at various summer schools in Oxford, Cambridge and London; on diverse topics from AI to History. I am also passionate about disseminating my research, and have delivered numerous talks and lectures at Cambridge, Oxford, other universities, and schools.

Since 2016 I have provided private tuition to a range of pupils, mostly from elite public schools. This is across a range of ages, subjects, and goals. I assist with anything from subject specific exam preparation, to study skills, to extension learning which goes beyond the school curriculum.

Finally, I was also entrusted with interviewing students applying to Cambridge; giving me unique insight into both sides of the Oxbridge admissions process. I have also provided admissions assistance through several tutoring companies.

Biography

I was educated at Dulwich College in London. I was always interested in a broad range of subjects, and at A level took Maths (A*), Biology (A*), German (A*) and Latin (A), as well as AS level Further Maths (A) and Italian (A). I then went to Cambridge, to study Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, where I achieved a Double First and the highest mark in my year. Following my undergraduate degree, I stayed in Cambridge and completed a research Master's and then a PhD. My unusually broad research focus spans Cognitive Science, Psychology, Biology, Linguistics, and Archaeology; among others. Over my time at Cambridge, I was awarded 12 scholarships and prizes, including for music and lecturing. I graduated from my PhD in the summer of 2025, and am now pursuing various tutoring and teaching roles as I transition to the next stage of my career.

Approach to Tutoring

My approach to tutoring is mostly informed by the supervision system at Cambridge. I firmly believe that interest is the best motivation to learn, and consequently aim to inspire curiosity and engagement above all. I promote both these and deeper understanding of the subject matter through an interrogative and conversational approach. This allows the student to to be led by their interest, while at the same time being challenged at appropriately. I use questions to lead students to linking increasingly disparate bodies of knowledge. This both stretches students', and allows them to develop analytical skills which are broadly applicable in their education and wider life. A non-judgemental and conversational approach also enables us to identify and flexibly respond to areas of weakness.

When not tutoring

Having recently completed my PhD, I am seeking to build my tutoring base to enjoy interesting work. This is to support me while I pursue my other goals, namely developing my academic profile through publishing more of my PhD thesis, and applying for research funding. I am also exploring writing a book. I therefore have a flexible schedule which I will be able to build around my tutoring work.

What clients say about James:

"James was a very supportive tutor while I was preparing for my GCSE Maths. He helped me identify and strengthen my weak points, and kept my focus by making the sessions interesting. I got a 7 in my mock, but after James’ tuition achieved a 9 in the real exam, and am very grateful for his support in doing this."

Maths GCSE student, King’s College School

"I was supervised by James in Biological Anthropology during my first year at Cambridge. He was an engaging and supportive tutor who explained complex concepts clearly and encouraged me to think independently. His teaching significantly shaped my early academic development and encouraged me to pursue human evolution further during my studies."

Cambridge Biological Anthropology undergraduate student

‘James was incredibly clear and technical with his session and covered multiple different topics, providing specific feedback on each one after we had finished the mock interview. He covered questions on graphs, deeper thought considerations and also tables with numbers which I had never seen before in my previous mock interviews. James was also very helpful and supportive and made me feel more prepared for my upcoming interview!’

Psychology Interview Preparation Student

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