Oliver

Experience

I've been teaching 11+ and 13+ English, Maths and Reasoning for many years now, helping students develop their literacy and numeracy, with a particular focus on close reading, plentiful maths practice, and good essay work.

I've helped students at all levels of ability. Some recent experiences of which I'm particularly proud include: helping a severely underperforming boy get from a very poor 23% mock grade up to scoring 68% in his ISEB maths Common Entrance in just three and a half weeks; boosting a very worried boy's confidence to turn his results around; and helping a talented boy achieve his place at Eton. I have also helped students gain entry to St Pauls, City of London Boys, Harrow, Dulwich, and many others.

A large strand of my work is with international students preparing for a move to the UK system. I'm well used to identifying curriculum gaps and targeting EFL issues or catch-up topics, and have good experience of the particular needs of students from Hong Kong, China, Japan, Singapore, Spain, France and the USA.

Biography

After gaining a 1st class BA in English Literature from Oxford University, I studied Japanese on a year's scholarship in Japan. Since 2009, I have worked as a tutor for a wide range of students, both in London and abroad. Since moving out of London, I now focus exclusively on online tutoring.

In previous residential work, I've tutored in Barbados, Kiev, Singapore, the Costa Brava, Cannes, Tuscany, and the Alps.

Personal Approach

Personal mentoring is the side of tutoring that I most enjoy: 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 should be engaging, not drudgery.

My work as a tutor is all about working with an individual to understand what they need most to move forwards. Whether that means targeted practice to build their skills and subject knowledge, or working to develop their confidence and self-belief, it's all about close focus and educational insight.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am a full-time tutor, focussing exclusively on online education in my work.

Testimonials

"My son said that the sessions he did really helped him as similar questions to the ones he worked with Oliver on came up. I think it also really helped him to be calm on the day of the test and quell any nerves. Prior to the tutoring he was very reluctant as he just saw it as more work, but after the initial session he enjoyed working with Oliver and was more positive. I observed some of the session and thought it was excellent." Mother of successful 11+ student

''I should let Isabelle send you a note as well - but have just had a text from her - she got a 73 in Maths - 5th in the class - teacher said its the biggest improvement of any in the class!! Considering she got a 49 - lowest score in the class in January - I guess!!

Looks like your sessions really worked - thank you so much! I knew she could do it - you were just able to help her unlock her capability.... needless to say she is soooo happy about the result.''

(Mother of 13 year old girl)

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''Just to let you know that he did really well in Common Entrance, straight As across the board, including English obviously. We are all very pleased. Thank you for all your work with him, as this was not what we were looking at two years ago. It is even more of a fantastic result when you remember he has dyslexia and the written word does not come easily to him.''

Mother of 13-year old boy, successful entrant to CLSB

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Prior to the tutoring Leo was very reluctant as he just saw it as more work, but after the initial session he enjoyed working with Oliver and was more positive. I observed some of the session and thought it was excellent.

Many thanks for your support and we would be happy to recommend and/ or use your service in the future.

(Mother of 11+ student)

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''Just to let you know that Latymer came up with a Year 8 offer for my daughter, and she has decided to go with that. So, all sorted. Happy children. Happy parents!

Thanks again for your time and effort''

(Father of 12 year-old)

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''I wanted to say thank you again for all your help with Lorenzo. He did very well in his exams, getting mostly As and passing the maths. The math exam was very tough but Lorenzo managed to get to the end of it. Thanks to you he made huge progress but you also, most importantly, helped restore his confidence. ''

Mother of 13+ scholarship student