Jessica W - Tutors - Keystone Tutors

• A Level History of Art: Edexcel (Pearson)
• A Level/IB History: AQA, CIE, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC
• I have supported students to prepare successful applications for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of subjects, from anthropology and law to history, management and finance. My clients have been offered places at leading universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, LSE and King’s College London.

I have worked for Keystone since 2018 as both a tutor and educational consultant. During this time, I have worked with students of all levels and backgrounds seeking support or stretch with writing in a range of subjects, as well as those preparing to apply or study at leading universities. My areas of expertise lie in the subject areas of history of art and history, undergraduate and postgraduate university consultancy, writing in all subjects and interview skills.

To my work in academic support and writing, I bring a sound understanding of the syllabi and marking criteria of all major exam boards with qualifications in history of art and history, as well as the criteria applied by university markers. Additionally, I have extensive experience helping students to master essay writing technique and research skills for numerous subjects, from religious studies to management.

To my work with university applicants, I bring a detailed knowledge of the application processes for British universities, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. I also have a strong familiarity with the key admissions criteria and the most effective strategies for meeting these in written application materials and at interview.

I grew up in south-west Cornwall and completed my secondary schooling with A-Levels at top grades. As an undergraduate, I achieved a First Class degree in History of Art from the Courtauld Institute before going on to do an MA in Cultural and Intellectual History, for which I achieved a Distinction. After working in the book trade in London, I did a PhD in History at the University of St Andrews, where I also taught undergraduates and tutored privately, focusing on writing, as well as interview and communication skills.

In 2018, I began working for Keystone. I have two key areas of expertise:

1) as highly experienced tutor in academic writing, History and History of Art; and

2) working as a university application consultant and tutor, supporting applicants to a broad range of subjects to develop effective, compelling application materials that fully reflect their potential, experience, aims and interests.

My approach is based on two principles: individualisation and method.

Individualisation: All students are individuals who engage more quickly and work more effectively if they know that the work that we are doing is supporting them to reach their particular goals. Therefore, I adapt my overall approach and strategy, as well as individual sessions, to the goals, timeline and circumstances of each individual with whom I work.

Method: I believe that all tasks, topics and skills can be mastered with a methodical approach and consistent work. For this reason, I plan individual sessions and long-term programmes of work with clear short and long-term objectives. I communicate these objectives clearly and work closely with my clients to reach them, whilst always remaining flexible to adapting our plans and approach.

Outside of consultancy and teaching, I research, write and speak on the history of culture and politics.

I published my first history book, on the Roman Inquisition, in 2020. My most recent book, City of Echoes (2023), is a popular history of Rome and the popes and was published in the UK, USA, Italy, Poland and elsewhere. I occasionally write about history for popular magazines and papers and speak on podcasts, and have appeared as an expert on national radio and TV.

The rest of my spare time is devoted to my family and my naughty Jack Russell, Ludo.