Leo

Experience

• 11+ English & Maths: ISEB and public school entrance exams and pre-tests

• GCSE/IGCSE English: AQA, CIE, Edexcel and OCR

• A-level English: AQA, CIE, Edexcel, IB, OCR and WJEC

I have taught in a range of secondary schools and have tutored pupils towards passing the 11+, ISEB pre-test, UKiset and similar entrance tests for a number of selective schools, including Eton, Harrow, Westminster, Radley, Graveney, Watford Grammar School for Girls, Henrietta Barnett and Dame Alice Owen's. I have also tutored pupils towards success in GCSE English.

Biography

I am a retired Headteacher and schoolteacher of 30 years' standing, most recently leading one of the most prestigious British international schools in the world. I taught and examined Key Stage 3, GCSE and A level English. For many years, I have also been a successful tutor of Maths at primary and 11+ level, as well as English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning at all levels.

Personal Approach

One-to-one tuition allows me to work very closely with individual pupils and develop a highly personalised approach, identifying and plugging any learning gaps and building steps that bring rapid progress. I use resources that are targeted closely at the tuition's goal, and deviate from these as necessary to maintain high levels of engagement and interaction. My method is to fully engage pupils in their own learning as far as possible, rather than lecturing, so that they are able to fully and progressively process and internalise the knowledge they acquire.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am a true family man and try to make as much time as possible to spend with my wife, children and dogs. I devote as much time as I can to listening to new music, and have a monthly show on an internet radio station.

Testimonials

''The lesson with Leo was great. I have already learnt so much and he helped me so much to understand it in a more specific way. Thank you so much for finding him.'' (Year 9 student)

''My son really enjoys his lesson sessions with Leo. Actually I feel like he is the best English teacher my son has ever had. Leo really encourages him. They have a good energy while studying together and my son says he learns a lot of new things from Leo. He is a great chance for us.'' (Father of Year 11 student)

"I believe my son's first lesson with Leo was a real success. Leo very kindly sent a thorough report through and my son himself really enjoyed the lesson, and the way it was taught. He was engaged throughout." (Mother of Year 5 student)

"My son loves Leo’s lessons very much and has learnt a lot from him, especially in areas which he seldom comes across in his school in Hong Kong." (Mother of 11+ student)

"My lessons with Leo couldn't be better, I'm extremely happy with his tutoring. His lesson are super efficient and when I finish I feel like I really learned something new. He has taught me how to write creative pieces and helped me with grammar. I really enjoy them and I would recommend him 100% as a tutor to anybody that needs one." (Year 11 Student)

Leo Gilbert tutored my son for 2 months, during which time he progressed most noticeably in both Maths and English. This was reflected by the increase in his grades at school. He always made sure that my son understood a particular concept instead of just memorising it. He persevered and never got frustrated when my son didn’t quite get something at first. It was clear that he had genuine enthusiasm for what he was teaching.

I would like to say thank you. Thank you very much for help Alex during his 11+ examination. I could not describe how grateful I am. The best wishes to you!

Jack has definitely improved with your tutoring so we are grateful for everything you have done.

Just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thank you for all the work you’ve done with Harry over the last few months. He’s always enjoyed the sessions and never once whinged about doing them. Harry was certainly well prepared and the sessions with you gave him (and us) a lot more confidence.

Just a quick note to let you know that Harry got 4 out of 5 offers. It was very competitive and a lot of bright boys from Harry’s class missed out so thank you for all your help. We’re obviously delighted and very appreciative of your assistance.

He did very much enjoy his lessons with you. Indeed we all learnt so much from you ear wigging into the lessons! I know he still has some work to put in, but you really have put him in great stead and there have been noticeable improvements in both his ability and confidence.

I want to thank you so much for your efforts and kindness in all times. It is a pleasure and we are very lucky to meet with such a person and such a teacher like you.

We are extremely grateful for everything you've done for Etienne. His progress has been astonishing, and we are all very impressed with what he has accomplished in this short time under your guidance. We are really grateful for everything you've done for Etienne. He has learned so much from you.

Hi Leo, thank you for teaching me this past year I have learned a lot and it really helped me get 2 nines in my English GCSE.

We just wanted to share the good news with you today. Flavia received three school offers today, two of which came with academic scholarships. Frankly, we were delighted and astounded in equal measure. Her ISEB score must have been outstanding. The two little words 'thank you' don't quite convey our gratitude for your endeavours and all the encouragement and tutelage that you imparted to Flavia.

Himanc got the offer letter from Harrow !!!!! It would not have been possible without you ..... thanks ??

Leo, I would like to thank you personally for everything you have done for Jacques and for what he has achieved with your expert tutoring and guidance. Also you have I firmly believe helped to raise his confidence level both with regard to school and with regard to his personal life outside of school. I thank you for both aspects of this improvement in his overall confidence and abilities most sincerely. It will I think hold him in good stead for the rest of his adult life. And I mean what I say in this. You have made a difference for Jacques and for his future. So thank you for that.

I miss our weekly lessons and I have to say that despite the hard work I really have enjoyed working with you Leo. I am sure that the skills you have given me will hold me in good stead for my future. So I just wanted to express my gratitude to you for helping me with all of this, with my writing and English skills, and for being such a considerate and understanding teacher. I really do appreciate your help Leo.

Thank you so much for your help over the past year. I would have never even thought that I would be close to a grade 9 2 years ago, let alone 2, and now I have achieved them! I cannot thank you enough for your help.

Thank you for all your help and wonderful instruction a few months ago. I don’t think we would have made the reserve list without your help.

Yohan got the offer from Eton. Many thanks for your excellent teaching! Yohan has got the offer from Westminster 11+ And Queen Elizabeth school. Yohan's current school also offered him the best scholarship to keep him. Just want to say thank you! You have done great help to improve Yohan's English and overall skills! Millions of thanks for your excellent teaching!

You are an excellent teacher and your professionalism is impeccable. You are an exceptional human and academic teacher and thank you again for everything you gave to our children, especially to Yiannis!! We were lucky to have you.

Leo is a highly attentive and thorough personal tutor. He grasps the strengths and weaknesses of his student quickly, and provides clear and honest feedback as to how they can improve. His lessons are engaging and enjoyable, and he sets an appropriate amount of homework which he provides detailed feedback on. Through Leo's help and encouragement, my daughter's ability and confidence increased exponentially.