Biology tutor & more · West Horsley
Daniel D.
Cambridge Science and Maths Tutor - 12 years' full-time experience
Biology tutor & more · West Horsley
Cambridge Science and Maths Tutor - 12 years' full-time experience
About
About Me
Friendly, positive and supportive tutor with 12 years’ full-time experience.
First-class Cambridge Natural Sciences graduate with a Master's degree, teaching science and maths from GCSE to A-level.
Experienced in university and Oxbridge applications, school and university entrance tests, interviews and undergraduate teaching.
I strive to build confidence and independence in academic work for exams and beyond.
Most meaningful to me is when I feel I am making a difference: forming supportive and meaningful relationships with students, where their confidence improves and they recognise their real potential.
Experience and Services
GCSE and A-level sciences and maths (all major boards, including international)
IB Science
Undergraduate chemistry and biology
School entrance tests (including Winchester, Eton and Westminster)
University applications: personal statement and interview (including Oxbridge)
University entrance tests (ESAT/NSAA, BMAT)
Essay writing
Prepared syllabus-specific and concise science notes for revision
Thinking and scientific skills beyond the syllabus
Long-term academic mentoring
Examples of Success
Guiding many students to secure places at Oxford or Cambridge.
Preparing student for the Winchester Election, securing a scholarship and the best science mark in his cohort.
Advising two students on their essays for the Peterhouse College Essay Prize, with both winning awards.
Teaching student the entire IGCSE physics syllabus, achieving grade 9.
Helping student who did not enjoy the sciences move from a grade 5/6 in his Year 10 mock exams to a grade 9 in his IGCSE exams, before teaching him A-level physics and maths.
My Approach
I tailor my approach to the needs, goals and personality of each student
I explain difficult ideas clearly, breaking them down without oversimplifying
I use encouragement and praise generously, because confidence is central to academic progress
I help students build resilience, self-belief and a more positive attitude towards learning
For approaching exams, I focus closely on the requirements of the exam board and teach students how to answer questions in a way that scores marks
When exams are not approaching, lessons can involve deeper discussion of scientific ideas, helping students develop curiosity, communication skills and critical thinking skills
Homework is provided on request, often to consolidate the lesson content
I advise on study skills, revision methods and independent learning strategies
I am available via email and messaging in between lessons to answer any questions
Mentoring
I offer a more involved, long-term mentoring role for students who would benefit from broader academic support
This includes guidance on study habits, organisation, motivation, subject choices, university preparation, wider reading and confidence in academics
£50–£90/hr · 11 subjects · 72 levels
Subjects & pricing
Group £35/hr ·from £60/hr
- Group £35/hr ·£60/hr
- 13+Group £35/hr ·£65/hr
- GCSE — AQA · CCEA · Edexcel · OCR · WJECGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- IGCSE — Cambridge · Edexcel · oxford-aqaGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- AS-level, A-level — AQA · CCEA · Edexcel · OCR · oxford-aqa · WJECGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- EPQ — AQA · Edexcel · OCR · WJECGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- Group £35/hr ·£75/hr
- UniversityGroup £35/hr ·£90/hr
Group £35/hr ·from £60/hr
- KS3, 13+Group £35/hr ·£60/hr
- GCSE — AQA · CCEA · Edexcel · OCR · WJECGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- IGCSE — Cambridge · Edexcel · oxford-aqaGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- AS-level — AQA · CCEA · Edexcel · oxford-aqa · WJECGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- A-level — AQA · CCEA · Edexcel · OCR · oxford-aqa · WJECGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- EPQ — AQA · Edexcel · OCR · WJECGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- IB — ibGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- Pre-U — CambridgeGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- UniversityGroup £35/hr ·£75/hr
- AdultGroup £35/hr ·£65/hr
- BTEC — EdexcelGroup £35/hr ·£60/hr
Discount
After trial lesson, I can provide a discounted rate for initial payment of a group of lessons, based on number and frequency of lessons.
Languages
- English Native
- German Conversational
Qualifications
Higher education
- MA (Hons) Natural Sciences Certificate checked · University of Cambridge · First-class (1st) · 2010 University of Cambridge · First-class (1st) · 2010 Certificate checked
- MSci Natural Sciences Certificate checked · University of Cambridge · 2011 University of Cambridge · 2011 Certificate checked
Other
- Biology Olympiad - Gold Certificate checked · 2007 2007 Certificate checked
Reviews from Tutorperch
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Reviews from First Tutors
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The review text is the original reviewer's own words, quoted as-is. We verified the tutor's ownership of the profile, not the truth of what each individual reviewer wrote.
- Feb 2026 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Dan has been a great tutor supporting my daughter with extrance exams, interview prep and Chemistry more generally. He is super organised, explains the subject in detail and really helped with opitmising the approach to be successful. All the support has been super appreciated.
Daniel D. replied
Thank you so much for this, Chris. I enjoyed working with Sophia from the first lesson, and she will now go on to have great success in the future I’m sure!
- Jan 2026 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Daniel is an exceptional tutor who goes beyond the call of duty to help your child. He helped my son achieve an A* in A level Chemistry by exhaustive coverage of the curriculum and rigorous question practice. He also provided invaluable support in my sons successful Oxbridge application including detailed guidance with his personal statement and useful ideas in expanding his knowledge beyond the syllabus in particular areas of physical chemistry. He also helped us as parents with any questions we had with the process. We recommend him in the highest regard.
Daniel D. replied
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Dini! It has been an immense pleasure to work with you all from the start. And so happy with the final result, with a very bright future now ahead to look forward to!
- Jul 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
My daughter didn't have a great time at school and ended up being homeschooled on and off from Year 8. After her very poor experience with quite a number of teachers, I can safely say that Daniel is by far the best tutor my daughter has ever had! And she really likes him! Dan is efficient, extremely understanding and is never in a rush to finish the lesson. He goes over and above what any tutor normally does and will take extra time to speak with me, as the parent, as well as with my daughter. My daughter and Dan have created an excellent rapport and she has enjoyed every lesson with him. My daughter had already taken 3 A levels but then decided she wanted to do Medicine which meant she needed to take another 2 A levels (Bio & Chem) in just one year as well as apply via UCAS for university. A lot of work but achieved comfortably, due to Dan's diligent planning and excellent guidance in each and every way. My daughter is awaiting her results but I feel confident she will be able to achieve her dream of studying Medicine - with a conditional offer at Cambridge, and her back up as Imperial College London. Unusually, my daughter wants to keep in touch with Dan going forward and we have already met up with Dan and enjoyed a lovely out together! Thank you so much Dan for looking after our daughter so well! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Daniel D. replied
Thank you so much, Katie, for your extremely kind review! It goes without saying how much I have enjoyed working with Serena, but most rewarding of all is how this has led to such a great relationship with you both. I truly value that we continue to stay in touch and look forward to seeing you both again soon!
- Jun 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Dan is a wonderful tutor!5 stars definitely!My son needed help for GCSE’s exams in Science and Mathematics and Dan helped him to get very good grades.Also he knows how to make the student feels confident and comfortable during lessons.Now my son is working with Dan for A levels and I trust they will do a great job together!Thank you,Dan!
Daniel D. replied
Thank you, Roxana! From the very start it has been a genuine pleasure working with Rares, and I look forward to continuing over the summer with his A-level studies!
- Jul 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Daniel has been an excellent Biology tutor for my daughter who is in her Sixth Form. He has a very personable style of teaching and tailored the lessons around my daughter's ability. He is clearly knowledgeable and thorough in his teaching. Would highly recommend.
Daniel D. replied
Thank you for your kind review, Grace! I have very much enjoyed working with Lisa on her EPQ-style assignment, and look forward to continuing to work with her on her personal statement, as well as other aspects of the university application process. Thanks again!
- Jun 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Dan was a fantastic tutor for my daughter who had been struggling with anxiety and school attendance. We started using Dan for GCSE maths and physics and later added chemistry as well. He was amazing at creating a work and revision plan and helping managing these competing priorities for her, sending and marking homework “out of hours”. He built her confidence and provided encouragement with a gentle and understanding demeanour along the way. I would highly recommend Dan to anyone.
Daniel D. replied
Thank you, Stacy - it has been a joy working with you and Reese from the start. It helped immensely that Reese was so receptive to everything we went through together, and I look forward to helping next year in any way I can.
- Jun 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Dan tutored my daughter in Combined Science and Maths GCSES . He has the knack of explaining the concept to her in a way that it is easy for her to understand, she said to me that she thought she would never get Physics but when Dan explained it to her, she did. Dan is professional and knowledgeable, he has helped my daughters Science and Maths tremendously.
Daniel D. replied
Thank you, Hana! Lily has been a delight to teach: her mature and focussed approach allowed us to make full use of the lessons we had together. She also did brilliantly to learn all of the notes so quickly. I have enjoyed working with you all, and look forward to helping further in any way I can next year.
- Feb 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Daniel has been fantastic. He has worked so patiently with our daughter, keeps us updated on progress and nothing is too much trouble. Our daughters maths has improved due to Daniel working with her and helping to build confidence in herself and her ability to do maths. I would recommend Daniel to anyone!
Daniel D. replied
Thank you, Emma! Elizabeth has made and continues to make really good progress. It’s been a pleasure working with you all from the start.
- Jan 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Dan has been an outstanding tutor, greatly assisting Angel in biology and the university application process. His guidance has been invaluable, significantly contributing to her academic success. We are very thankful for his dedication and support."
Daniel D. replied
Thank you, Echo! I wish Angel all the best at university. She clearly has a passion for neuroscience, and I have no doubt she will now go on to have a brilliant experience at university. It was a genuine pleasure working with her from the start. Thanks again, Dan
- Sept 2023 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Dan has been a life saver for my son supporting him with his university chemistry resits this summer. He has been incredibly flexible around sessions and gone the extra mile to support him during the exam period also. He quickly identified the gaps in my son's learning and supported him in both knowledge but also exam technique. I only wish we had found Dan earlier!
Daniel D. replied
Thank you, Lisa! Working with you and Oli has been a massive pleasure from the start. I have everything crossed for his exam results. I have very much enjoyed getting to know Oli, and anticipate him having a great coming year at university!
- Aug 2023 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Daniel has really been an amazing tutor. He has helped me prepare for and achieve a Gold in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. He motivates me in my studies and guides me in making a competitive chemistry application at university from crafting the personal statement to exploring super-curricular materials. It’s always really fun to do chemistry with Daniel, he encourages me think from many different angles and develop my problem solving skills!
Daniel D. replied
Thank you for your kind comments! I have really enjoyed teaching Sunny, and look forward to continuing together in preparation for her chemistry interview at Oxford!
- Jul 2023 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Amazing tutor always able to simplify the more difficult concepts. Highly recommended.
Daniel D. replied
Thank you, Alessandro. Working with your son through the IB chemistry syllabus and helping with his chemistry IA project was a genuine pleasure. I am very happy for his acceptance to Imperial and wish him the best of luck for the future!
- Jun 2023 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
This is a second time we have asked Daniel to help my son with preparation for his GCSE maths exam. (first time it was for my older son - chemistry and maths). Our son has really gained confidence in his ability to grasp the different aspects of maths undoubtedly due to Dan's high knowledge in maths and understanding the process of examination. Thanks very much Dan for all your efforts - we would highly recommend you!
Daniel D. replied
Thank you, Marcela. Zemko showed an excellent, mature approach to his work which puts him in a great position for his A levels. I wish him all the best for the future!
- Jun 2023 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Daniel has been a fantastic help for my son. He really struggled with science exams but Daniel has shown him how to effectively revise and it has made such a difference. He has also been a great motivator and gets on very well with my son.
Daniel D. replied
Thanks, Lauren. My lessons with Jack have been a pleasure!
- May 2023 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
- Dec 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Daniel has been fantastic helping my son with some assignments he has found very difficult.
Daniel D. replied
Thank you, Ryan - it has been a pleasure working with Owen on his university biology assignments.
- Jul 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
We are so pleased to have Dan to tutor my daughter on Maths during her Year 9. Dan is so experienced in engaging and motivating her that she has achieved substantial improvement in her grade within the first two months of tutoring! Dan always ensures that she has a good grasp of the knowledge and he also teaches her how to prepare for revision/examination. All these have built her confidence tremendously. We feel assured that she will continue to have great support from Dan through her journey to the GCSE examination.
- Jul 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
The main reason we sought Dan out is to plug the gap in our year 10 daughter's Physics following a dip in her results after lockdown home-schooling. We might possibly switch to the other 2 sciences after a while as science in general is a problem area for her. While he was here we also sought his advice on our Year 12 daughter who wants to secure a B in A level Biology and he's been able to include her in his schedule and tutor both of them on the same . They've already reviewed her recent Year 12 Mock paper and it's made a huge difference to her understanding of how to answer the questions and where she dropped marks. It's still early s on our journey with Dan but so far so good and we are very pleased.
Daniel D. replied
Thank you, Edel. Teaching Alice and Lily has been and continues to be a pleasure.
- Nov 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Daniel tutored my daughter in physics GCSE last year. He has been fantastic - professional, methodical, structured. She had to cover the entire course in one year (she was not studying it at school) and Dan delivered the curriculum in good time and she got a great score. He now helps her with Biology and Chemistry IB - an excellent tutor for several subjects and levels. I would highly recommend him.
- Jun 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Daniel is very professional, always punctual and very friendly and easy going. He is very knowledgeable and patient and has helped my son greatly in just a few lessons. They have a good rapport. I can highly recommend Dan as an A-level maths tutor.