Maths tutor & more · Leigh
Philip W.
Personalised Maths tuition that diagnoses barriers, builds confidence and equips GCSE, A-level and IB students to solve unfamiliar problems.
Maths tutor & more · Leigh
Personalised Maths tuition that diagnoses barriers, builds confidence and equips GCSE, A-level and IB students to solve unfamiliar problems.
About
It's not just about learning maths; it's also about learning how to think mathematically!
My degree in mathematics opened the door to a career in finance and strategic consultancy. I was surrounded by maths the whole time — in the risks we weighed and the numbers behind every decision — yet I rarely needed the advanced techniques I had learned. I drew on the thinking that the subject had trained in me: how to identify what matters, make sense of a difficult problem, and keep looking around when the answer isn't immediately clear. That is what I now pass on to my students.
It is also what modern maths exams increasingly reward. The toughest questions do not look like the examples in a textbook. They now expect students to figure out how to approach unfamiliar problems in the exam. Practised methods are essential, but they are not enough on their own.
Personalised approach: My first task is to work out what is holding a student back and what will make the greatest difference. One student may have gaps in earlier knowledge, so the topics built on it are harder to grasp. Another freezes when they don't immediately recognise what a question is asking. Yet another understands the maths but, annoyingly, loses marks through avoidable errors.
At GCSE, students face more than a hundred sub-topics! Success depends on recognising what a question is testing and knowing how best to approach it.
At A-Level and Further Maths, quality of thinking and time management become increasingly important. Students need a secure command of the core techniques, the fluency to connect ideas across the course and the judgement to work accurately at pace.
IB Mathematics takes this further. Students must interpret more complex situations, which demands the confidence to think independently under exam conditions. Tough work, but the perfect grounding for university studies. Preparing students for the challenge is some of the most rewarding work I do.
What lessons involve depends on the student. Take one approach I teach that students rarely meet in school: most see the Formula Booklet as a list of formulae they don't need to memorise. I show them how to read it as a source of clues — a pointer to where a question wants them to begin, and a check against avoidable slips. It stops being just a reference sheet and becomes more of a companion in the exam room.
More broadly, a lesson might include revisiting a topic from a different angle until it makes sense, revising for a test using actual exam questions, or getting ahead of material before it is taught at school. The aim is not only to remember a method, but to understand when to use it, and how and why it works.
What to expect: Every session should leave a student with a clearer understanding of mathematics and greater confidence in tackling problems independently. I want a student to move from "I can't do this" to: "I haven't seen a question like this before, but I know enough to make a start."
My aim is not to instil a love of maths, though that would be nice; it's to prepare the student to achieve the highest possible exam grade and, later, as a bonus, use the critical thinking skills in whatever direction they subsequently pursue.
I am available for tuition Monday to Wednesday and at weekends. I offer online tuition and face-to-face sessions in Leigh, with home visits available around Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells at weekends for an additional travel charge.
£45–£50/hr · 3 subjects · 6 levels
Subjects & pricing
Languages
- English Native
Qualifications
Higher education
- BA (Hons) Mathematics · Royal Holloway College, University of London · 2:1 (Upper second) · 1978 Royal Holloway College, University of London · 2:1 (Upper second) · 1978
How Philip teaches
Structured or Responsive. Philip: Responsive. Adapts each session to that week’s work. No reviews yet.
Individualised or Standardised. Philip: Individualised. Uses materials tailored for each learner. No reviews yet.
Scaffolded or Discovery-based. Philip: Discovery-based. Gives prompts and space to work things out independently. No reviews yet.
Session-focused or Homework-integrated. Philip: Homework-integrated. Sets work between sessions. No reviews yet.
What Philip says How teaching style works
Reviews from Tutorperch
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Reviews from First Tutors
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- Jan 2026 ·imported from First Tutors
Kelly
Daughter has had 2 lessons so far and she is very pleased with the way Philip teaches and feels like she is already progressing. If something is unclear, Philip takes the time to find another way to teach to ensure understanding… thank you so much… cannot recommend enough!
Philip W. replied
Thank you, Kelly. I am pleased to see the progress your daughter is making; her confidence is increasing, and she has a mature approach to the tutoring. I am sure she will do very well!
- Feb 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
Darren
Philip provided valuable tuition for our son Dan in the lead up to his A Level exams. As there was limited time before the exams, Philip focused mainly on exam skills and understanding what the exam questions were asking to ensure Dan could apply his knowledge whilst also explaining easier ways to answer the questions. As a result, Dan achieved an 'A' grade from a position where he was worried he wouldn't get the necessary grade for university! Thank you Philip!
Philip W. replied
Thank you Darren, your feedback is appreciated. It was certainly an interesting assignment with so little time to work together but Dan brought energy and focus to the sessions so we could maximise progress and he got a well-deserved result
- Jan 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
Jane
Philip has responded to all emails promptly and took the time to chat to me first to find out about my daughter. The sessions on [contact details hidden — unlock to view] work very well allowing her to record and then rewatch. Philip has explained things clearly and given lots of revision tips and methods for answering questions. A great support!
Philip W. replied
Thank you, Jane; it is a pleasure working with your daughter, who is keen to learn and has responded perfectly to the opportunity. I am sure she will get great results!
- Jun 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
Jo
What can I say - what a find! Philip's knowledge and guidance through Year 13 has been invaluable to my daughter. I am so grateful for his calm and supportive approach with all things Maths. I would recommend Philip without hesitation - and am beyond grateful for his tuition.
Philip W. replied
What can I say—that's very kind of you, Jo! I am delighted that I was able to help your daughter. She is so easy to work with—bright, mature, and engaged. I am sure that she will get an excellent grade in her maths and be a success in whatever comes next.
- May 2023 ·imported from First Tutors
Kevin
Philip is the best Maths tutor we have ever had. He provided a high level of teaching and caring. Under his guidance, my son improved significantly in mathematics and became actively involved in mathematics classes at school. I highly recommend Philip if you need help with A-level Maths to achieve an A or A* grade.
Philip W. replied
That's very kind of you, it has been a pleasure working wth Kevin and seeing him grow in confidence and results. I am sure that he will do very well in both Maths and Further Maths A Levels!
- Jan 2023 ·imported from First Tutors
Marina
Philip is very competent and exactly the person my son was looking for to help him bridge the gaps in his A level maths knowledge. Philip’s teaching methods are great and according to my son, his explanations are clear and concise and he makes the information very easy to understand. Philip is flexible and nothing is too much trouble for him. I would highly recommend him for Maths tutoring.
Philip W. replied
Thank-you Marina, your kind comments reflect the way that I like to work. It is a pleasure supporting your son, who is always keen and ready to learn!
- Aug 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
Balasubramaniam
Philip has helped my daughter improve her grades drastically. He ensured that she thoroughly understood the topics that she was unsure about and challenged her with hard exam questions to make sure she performs at her maximum ability. Overall, Philip is a great tutor - I would definitely recommend him!
Philip W. replied
Thank-you Balasubramaniam, it was a pleasure working with your daughter, she deserves every success!
- Jul 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
Nigel
Philip helped my son with his GCSE Maths revision, and he did a superb job. My son thoroughly enjoyed his revision sessions and homework feedback he went into his exams with renewed confidence. I would certainly recommend Philip, he is a superb tutor.
Philip W. replied
Thank you Nigel, it was a pleasure to work with your son who deserves every success in his results
- Jul 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
Michelle
A friendly, reliable and experienced Tutor. My son needed extra help with his A’Level Pure Math subject and met weekly with Phillip for a 2/3 months. Alex was able to understand areas of the subject that he had previously struggled with and he gained in confidence by practising old papers. I am really happy with the help and confidence that Phillip gave my son. Thank you.
Philip W. replied
Thank you, Michelle, I am pleased that I was able to put your son back on the right track, he was a pleasure to work with!
- Jun 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
Sinead
Philip is punctual and well informed.
Philip W. replied
Thank you; I hope we have the chance to keep going after our initial meeting
- Aug 2020 ·imported from First Tutors
Kate
Great so far thanks. My daughter has only had one session but found Philip to cover material at just the right level to support her A level studies.
- Feb 2020 ·imported from First Tutors
Genevieve
First day of tutoring my daughter says he is very good
- Jul 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
Tanya
Cannot recommend Philip more highly. Competent, highly knowledgable, flexible, approachable yet firm. Flexible. Philip is supporting my son improve his level with his Higher IB maths. He also really cares about his student, and I cannot underestimate the importance of empathy when learning. I would recommend this tutor to any learner given his adaptability and long-standing experience.
Philip W. replied
Very many thanks for this feedback Tanya. It has been a pleasure working with your son; he is a fast learner who can make real progress with a little support. I am sure he will succeed!
- Jul 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
Benjamin
Made my objectives clear at the beginning of our time together and are getting through my work at a good pace. Highly recommend.
- Jul 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
Arthur
I think your tutoring input with Jasmine was hugely beneficial. Although you recognised her capabilities from the outset, her efforts at school had been somewhat undermined by her teachers although I am sure that was not their intention. Your support rebuilt her confidence, and I need no further proof of that than her success in gaining a place at Cambridge on their Natural Science Course. I would be very happy to recommend your services to other students. I hope you are both well and continuing to enjoy life in the village. Doubtless we will see you round and about. Best wishes Arthur
Philip W. replied
Thank-you for your kind words Arthur. It was a pleasure working with Jasmine, she is an excellent student who deserves every success and just needed a nudge in the right direction to take off! I was delighted to see her again, to support her in the Cambridge prep, where she responded so well to the extra stretch.
- Feb 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
Helen
Philip put my daughter at ease and she found him patient, encouraging and understanding. He consolidated her learning and identified and focused on areas that needed more practice. She achieved a very good A level result. Thanks so much Philip for your help.
Philip W. replied
Delighted to help and support your daughter getting into her engineering degree where I am sure she will do very well.
- Jan 2017 ·imported from First Tutors
Katharine
Philip has been working with my son, Rob, since October and we have found him to be an outstanding tutor. Rob is aiming to complete AS and A2 maths in one year using a distance learning course. I'm not sure this would be possible without Philip's help. He is well-prepared for tutorials and sets appropriate homework, which is always marked before the next tutorial. He is able to explain and demystify the many difficult concepts students tackle as part of A level maths. He sets an appropriate pace for tutorials so we are confident that all topics will be reviewed thoroughly before the exams in May. We would highly recommend Philip as a tutor.
Philip W. replied
Many thanks Kate. It is a pleasure working with Rob who is always keen and committed despite having to motivate himself. I have enjoyed meeting all the family too; excellent hospitality!
- Dec 2016 ·imported from First Tutors
Yvette
Philip was an excellent tutor for my two children, one studying IB maths and the other GCSE maths. They both achieved good results and grew in confidence and ability under his tutelage. I would highly recommend Philip as a tutor. Mrs T
Philip W. replied
Many thanks for the feedback, it was a real pleasure working with your daughters and great to meet such a lovely family! Philip
- Nov 2016 ·imported from First Tutors
Sarah
Having Philip as a tutor for our son studying IB Higher maths was the best decision we could have made. His patience and good humour coupled with his extensive knowledge of the IB curriculum meant that our son achieved a grade a great deal higher than would have been the case without his help! We have no hesitation in recommending Philip.
Philip W. replied
That's very kind Sarah. I very much enjoyed working with such a lively, bright student. We had a lot of positive challenging and fun along the way. I am delighted that your son got the result he needed. Thank-you!
- Sept 2016 ·imported from First Tutors
Laura
Hourly rates
£45–£50/hr
Varies by subject. See breakdown above.
- 50% off first lesson