Jacob

Experience

• A2, AS, GCSE and IB Economics (CIE, OCR, AQA, Edexcel)

• A2 and AS Politics (AQA, Edexcel)

• A2, AS, IB and Pre-U Philosophy (OCR, AQA)

• A2, AS, GCSE and IB Business Studies (CIE, OCR, AQA, Edexcel)

• A2, AS, GCSE and IB History (OCR, AQA, Edexcel)

• Undergraduate and A-level Sociology (AQA)

• 16+ preparation in Economics (Harrow, Winchester, Wellington, others)

• Oxbridge application preparation

I have worked as a private tutor since December 2013 for a number of agencies as well as on a freelance basis. I have taught approximately 50 students in total, most for GCSE and A-Level and equivalent examinations, either as a long term tutor or for revision courses. I have guided students through entry to high-profile independent schools such as Harrow, Wellington and Rugby.

Biography

I grew up in Oxfordshire and graduated from Exeter College, Oxford in Philosophy, Politics and Economics in 2016. I have lived in Uganda, China, and Morocco, where I worked as an English language tutor. I hope to study the traditional religious disciplines in the future.

Personal Approach

I believe that the most important virtue in a tutor is the ability to empathise with a student's cognitive position. When teaching I aim to guide a student through the mental steps needed to accomplish the goal of the lesson.

I typically spend much of a lesson in dialogue with the student. I break this up with exercises to embed and reinforce key points, but I always end the lesson with a call to reflection on what the student has learned. I emphasise that knowledge is open-ended and interconnected.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am currently learning Arabic. I spend time reading and researching academic work in topics that interest me, and I run a blog where I write about philosophy, culture, and current affairs. I also enjoy visiting galleries and museums and working out at the gym.

Testimonials

I am pleased to say my son got three A’s and secured a place to study international relations and economics at Birmingham Uni - his first choice! Many thanks to Jacob for all his support. (Mother of A Level student)

""I’m still trying to peel my son off the ceiling. He got 3 A*s! His politics marks were ‘off the chart’ and his papers are being used as exemplars for next year; he has been advised by his politics master that his marks for Paper 2 were 84/84...he is thrilled with the achievement and we would like to thank you for helping him achieve it"

Mother of an A-Level Student

"Jacob was a great help for my son during his A-level studies. He was able to make the topics simple and easy to understand and had a wealth of knowledge in the subject, which he communicated with patience and empathy. My son was very pleased with his final grade."

Mother of an A Level Student

"Jacob was a tremendous help with my son's A Level Politics. He had been predicted poor grades by his teachers and was feeling extremely confused at the feedback he had received. Jacob was able to help him organise and structure his revision and make the essay-writing process clear and transparent. I am delighted that my son was able to get an A in his final exams with Jacob's help."

Mother of an A-Level Student

"[Our son] was predicted a C to begin with - and then an aspirational B and with your outstanding tutoring - received an A! It was one of ours and his highlights of 2019!

We have spoken to Edinburgh and they said his A-levels (AAB) were def. strong enough to now get an offer at Edinburgh.

Again, thank you for all your help! We have 2 more boys coming up the ranks and will def. be reaching out again for your tremendous tutoring."

Parent of an A-Level History student

"I really do not know how to thank you enough. I have never done so well in Politics; I am truly over the moon. You did not just help me achieve this but you also made me develop a passion for it, I have grown strong convictions for my views and am able to justify them...I am forever indebted to you"

A-Level Student

"Jacob tutored myself and my friend together. We would not have been able to get into our chosen university without him! He had a wealth of knowledge and communicated it brilliantly to help us ace the exams needed for admission. Thanks again!"

University applicant

"Jacob has a fantastic knowledge of the UK education system and his advice is invaluable. He was a great help in securing places for my son at his first choice of the most exclusive schools, and he really understands the subtle things that distinguish a good candidate from a great one".

Mother of applicant to elite schools at 13+

"Jacob took the time to understand our son's needs in the context of the schools we are applying for and their entry requirements. He did an excellent job at filling the gaps in our son's knowledge and boosting both his academic attainment and his confidence. Not only did our son receive offers from all three top tier schools that we applied for, but he is now thriving at school. Jacob was instrumental in helping our son achieve this."

Parent of applicant to several elite schools at 13+

''We have been very pleased indeed with the work [Jacob has] organised and carried out with Chris both in his subjects for A Level and in his application to read PPE at Oxford.

We have been lucky to have met [Jacob] and we appreciate enormously the work he has provided and the manner in which he provided it.''

(Father of Oxford applicant)

''Jacob provided focused, engaging mentoring in preparing for my son's Oxbridge application, and in helping him finish an essay to be entered in a major competition. He found Jacob's lessons to be extremely stimulating and greatly enjoyed talking to him. I would very much recommend.'' (Mother of Year 11 student)

''Jacob reliably prepared well-planned and creative lessons for my four children, and was an invaluable help in preparing them for 13+ scholarship, GCSE, A-level, and undergraduate exams. I would very much recommend!''

(Mother of four students of different ages)

''Jacob really helped with analysis of sources and developing a critical argument for my pre-university History dissertation and had a range of academic sources at his fingertips'' (A-level history student)

''Angelika has really been enjoying her lessons with Jacob – she has made huge progress, and received an A in her recent exam. We are very thankful to Jacob for his dedicated and enthusiastic tutoring. Thank you!''

Parent, London

''Jacob has been the most amazing, and inspiring tutor for my daughter for her A-Level Economics. I cannot recommend him highly enough for his total dedication and ability to tutor in an encouraging and confidence-building way. Anna seems to really enjoy their sessions and even asked for more sessions over the holidays. I really believe Jacob is going to push her toward A* in her final exam this year.''

Mother of an A-level student, London

''Jacob has been helping my son with his personal statement this year. His feedback and comments were very valuable, and I found Jacob to be a very conscientious and knowledgeable tutor. He has given my son so much helpful information regarding the application process and interviews that now my son feels much more confident. Jacob put in a lot of effort and we are now waiting for the last offer from university!''

Parents of A-levels student, London