Sebastian

Experience

I began my career as a Classics teacher in 2015 at Calday Grange Grammar School (my old school). During this time, I really enjoyed inspiring my students and helping them to foster a love of the subject I am passionate about. Seeing the tangible success of students doing well was hugely rewarding.

Since 2016, I have been working as a freelance tutor and in 2022 I joined Keystone as a Professional Tutor. In recent years 80% of my work has focused on school admissions (mostly English and Maths) including: the ISEB Pre-Test; 11+ written papers; interview practice; 13+ written papers and Common Entrance.

I am very experienced with online tutoring and have worked with many international families, particularly in Hong Kong, China and Singapore. I have successfully prepared students for the following schools: Eton (King's Scholarship); Westminster; Harrow; Radley; Charterhouse; Uppingham; St Albans; Habs; Shrewsbury; Francis Holland; St Edward’s, Oxford; King’s, Canterbury; Haileybury; Bradfield; Berkhamsted; Merchant Taylors’; UCS; Dulwich; St Paul’s; City; Tonbridge; Sevenoaks and Wellington.

Biography

I was born and brought up in Cheshire and attended Calday Grange Grammar School where I studied A-Levels in English Literature, Latin and Geography. I took my Maths GCSE and AS-Level both a year early and was very involved in the Combined Cadet Force.

I went on to read Classics at Liverpool University where I was awarded the Thomas Hornby Scholarship (2013 and 2014) for best performance in Greek; the Postgate Prize (2014) for the highest overall mark in Part I examinations and the Dawson Turner Prize (2015) for the highest overall mark in finals. After graduating, I taught Classics at my old school for a year and then read for a second undergraduate degree - this time Theology at Oxford University. At Oxford I received the second highest overall mark in my College.

In 2021-2022 I was awarded the Lord Bowen Scholarship (top award) from Lincoln's Inn but decided not to pursue a career in law. Instead I moved to Athens and studied Modern Greek at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. After tutoring on a part time basis for 7 years, I decided to work full time as a tutor in 2022.

Personal Approach

There are two elements which define my approach to tutoring: inspiring passion and building confidence.

I know from my own experience at school that students want to study those subjects for whom they have good and inspirational teachers. Enthusiasm for a subject can be infectious and students who enjoy their subject will always perform far better than those who do not.

Related to this, I also focus on building confidence. Students have many things to worry about throughout their educational journey and I aim to take the pressure off my tutees by focusing on one thing at a time. I monitor my tutees' performance very closely but make sure that in our lessons they feel comfortable and are able to apply themselves fully to the topic at hand. I gradually introduce other elements, once the student feels confident.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I spend most of my free time writing, sketching and learning new languages.

Testimonials

''I am an A level student who has just finished their year 13 exams and have had help from Sebastian for a couple of months. In this short space of time, my confidence in Classical Civilisation has increased dramatically, going from the subject I struggle most at, to being my favourite. Sebastian is a patient and enthusiastic tutor who goes above and beyond to help his students. I highly recommend him!'' (A-Level Classical Civilisation student)

''I got a 9 in GCSE Latin! Thank you so much for all your help Sebastian!'' (GCSE Latin student)

''Many thanks for your excellent teaching! It was invaluable for my entry into the University of Cambridge.'' (A-Level Latin student)

''Sebastian is a brilliant tutor, he is tutoring my son. He is patient, kind, and very experienced. I highly recommend him. A great all-round teacher and motivator.'' (Mother of an English as a Foreign Language student)

''I think you really helped me get comfortable with writing 8 markers [in GCSE Latin] especially which was never my strong suit and now after all my GCSEs I’m feeling quite confident in all of them as well as the language comprehensions thank you so much for your great help!'' (GCSE Latin student)

''We are delighted to share that [my daughter] was accepted to Francis Holland Regents Park :-) with an honorary music scholarship! We will be in touch when if/we need more support and will be sure to recommend you.'' (Mother of a 13+ student)

''Thank you so much for all the preparation, we are delighted that our son got a place at both of his target schools!'' (Mother of a 13+ student)

''Thank you for all your amazing work with [my son] and I’m certain you made a big difference. I really appreciate your efficient and dedicated tutoring.'' (Mother of a 13+ student)