Andy

Professional Keystone Tutor

Andy holds a BA (double first) and a PhD, both from the University of Cambridge, and an MA from King’s College London. He is an experienced tutor in English, Philosophy, Religious Studies and academic writing skills. Since joining Keystone in 2015, he has taught over 6,600 hours with Keystone and helped over 270 families.

Andy is a professional Keystone tutor. This means Andy:

✔ Engages with Keystone's bespoke professional development programme
✔ Works exclusively for Keystone on a fully employed basis
✔ Is committed to tutoring as a career and profession

We believe these factors combine to make a unique difference to the level of commitment we can assure, as well as the quality of teaching that our professional tutors offer.

Andy teaches: GCSE English, GCSE R.S., AS/A Level English, AS/A Level Philosophy, AS/A Level R.S. and Ethics, IB English, IB Philosophy, English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT), Philosophy Test, Undergraduate & Graduate Academic writing, Undergraduate & Graduate Dissertation, Undergraduate & Graduate English, Undergraduate & Graduate Essay, Undergraduate & Graduate Philosophy, Undergraduate & Graduate Theology, Oxbridge Preparation

“My son couldn’t speak highly enough of Andy and not only has progressed enormously under his guidance but also enjoyed his sessions enormously. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending him to any other students.”

Parent of A Level English student

About Andy:

Experience
Biography
Approach to Tutoring
When not tutoring

Experience

• Undergraduate English

• Undergraduate Philosophy

• ELAT (English Literature Admission Test)

• Philosophy Admissions Test

• A-level English (OCR, AQA, Edexcel, CIE)

• A-level Philosophy (AQA)

• A-level Religious Studies (AQA, Edexcel, OCR; covering Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics, Developments in Christian Thought, and Developments in Buddhist Thought)

• Pre-U English

• Pre-U Philosophy & Theology

• International Baccalaureate English Literature

• iGCSE and GCSE English Literature (CIE, AQA, Edexcel, OCR)

• iGCSE and GCSE Religious Studies (CIE, AQA, Edexcel, OCR)

I have taught undergraduates studying English at the University of Cambridge in one-to-one tutorials and small groups since 2012, and am especially experienced helping students with study skills, essay writing, and revision skills.

As well as face-to-face tutoring in the UK, I have extensive experience working online with students in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Switzerland, Chile, and the United States.

Biography

I was born in London and grew up in Surrey. I attended Tonbridge School in Kent, gaining ten A*-grade GCSEs, and four A-grade A-Levels in English Literature, History, Spanish and Art.

I took my first degree at Jesus College, Cambridge from 2004 to 2007, graduating with a double first in English.

I then studied for a Master's degree (pass with distinction) in Environment, Politics, and Globalisation at King's College London, which led to my first job as Communications Officer for the New Economics Foundation, an independent think-tank and research organisation, from 2008 to 2011.

In October 2011, I returned to academia to write a PhD in English at Darwin College, Cambridge, on the novels of Samuel Beckett. I completed the thesis in 2014. I have taught undergraduates at Cambridge since 2012, and, in 2014, completed the year-long Teaching Associates qualification, accredited by the Higher Education Academy.

Approach to Tutoring

My teaching philosophy is student-centred: my aim is always to create a supportive, friendly and exciting environment for learning to thrive. I respond dynamically to the needs of each student I teach, shaping my teaching style so that it best serves their personality and interests.

I am particularly keen on making my tutorials as practical as possible. My students are invited to hone their skills in writing, critical reading, research, note-taking, and articulation from the get-go. Through learning how to formulate original ideas and express themselves clearly, my students are able to develop greater confidence in themselves and gain a deeper sense of autonomy and initiative towards their school work.

When not tutoring

When I'm not tutoring, I am often pursuing academic research on literature, and continue to write and publish articles on Beckett and other authors. My book 'Still: Samuel Beckett's Quietism' was published by Ibidem in 2020.

I'm a keen hiker and camper, and enjoying finding ever wilder parts of the British Isles to roam around with friends. My other great passion is insight meditation: I spend several weeks a year in silent retreat at a beautiful former convent in Devon.

What parents say about Andy:

"I really enjoyed all of our lessons, and really value the insights you gave me. I feel I improved my writing style but most importantly honed my love of English. Again, thank you for everything – you’ve been a great teacher."

Oxbridge applicant in English Literature (ELAT)

“I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for your efforts with my daughter. She absolutely adores you and her sessions with you and you always make her calm and confident. You are just a gift to us.”

Parent of A Level Philosophy student

“Andy explained things to my daughter in a really clear way that she completely understood - she felt he tuned into her wave length very quickly. She said it was a real light bulb moment and is super-excited to start putting it into practise. Thanks very much to him."

Parent of A Level English student

“Thank you so much for all your guidance, wisdom, patience and kindness towards her! You have been such a huge influence in her love for literature. From lighting that spark when she first started lessons with you in Year 9 to guiding her to an Oxford offer. We are truly grateful for all this.”

Parent of Oxbridge Applicant in English Literature (ELAT)

“Andy teaches in such a unique way so perfectly suited to the AQA A Level Philosophy course. I particularly enjoy his original analogies for complex philosophical ideas. He thoroughly teaches all of the content and makes sure I understand it all with routine quizzes but he also allows me to come to my own conclusions about philosophical debates.”

A Level Philosophy student

“Andy was extremely specific in his feedback for my writing, which really helped me pinpoint what I needed to improve on. His explanations of theories and philosophers also really helped clarify what was blurry and confusing in class. I would absolutely recommend his services to any future IB Philosophy students!”

IB Philosophy Student

“My daughter’s first lesson with Andy was an instant success: she found him thorough and his steer and tips for structuring her essays as well as knowledge very helpful.”

Parent of A Level Religious Studies student

“I genuinely really enjoyed our lessons and it was great to study everything in a way that I found it so interesting. I can’t overstate the difference from doing it at school. I’m also really happy with the way you taught me to write essays, I feel like it’s made a massive improvement.”

Oxford Philosophy & Theology applicant

“Just wanted to say a huge thank you - you have been such a fabulous influence and inspiration for her love of Philosophy. Igniting a love of a subject is one of the biggest gifts a teacher can give and I know she feels really grateful.”

16+ and IB Philosophy student

“Not only have you helped me to understand many topics far better, you’ve also helped me to find enjoyment in the subject. I am now more engaged than ever by Philosophy & Theology and I think I will enjoy studying it at university more now.”

A Level Religious Studies student

“She really has had a fantastic time working with you. After each session she’s emerged buzzing with ideas and enthusiasm. She’s felt challenged but also supported by you and as a result both her analytic skills and her confidence have improved immeasurably.”

Parent of A Level English student

“Andy is super intelligent and lucid, and understands the exam boards in great detail. He was a huge help to my daughter, who hadn’t really learned how to construct an essay at all, in all her school years. With Andy’s help she was able to do this. He is empathetic, sympathetic, and encouraging. I would recommend him without reservation.”

Parent of A Level English student

“Andy has been a godsend as he knew how to keep her calm and focused on her work during the A-levels two years and exams.”

Parent of A Level Philosophy Student

“Thank you again for ALL your incredible help. No matter what the outcome I am taking so much away with me and am really grateful for the confidence you have instilled in me and the reminder your sessions have been of how much I love the subject.”

Oxbridge applicant in English Literature (ELAT)

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