Dr Andrew L.

I help students of all abilities achieve the grades they need at GCSE or A-Level, and for their first choice university. I do this through structured teaching that builds deep understanding on top of strong exam technique.
I also support students with university entrance exams, academic competitions, and first-year university modules that build on A-Level foundations.
I am a full-time A-Level specialist for Chemistry, Physics and Maths with over 13 years as a Cambridge-educated professional tutor and more than 12,000 hours of tutorials delivered.

Teaching Style:
My teaching style is understanding first. We'll cover the topic concepts, then work through past paper questions to apply them - usually from the first lesson. I fully cover exam technique: command words, common questions, mark schemes. But I make sure you understand what's happening, not just memorise patterns. Pattern recognition breaks down when exams include novel questions.

From one student: "I have noticed an astronomical improvement in the way I approach problems in general which has helped me get awards in logic related problems"; and a parent: "Andrew has a natural gift of explaining difficult concepts with ease... Without Andrew, I don't think my son would be anywhere near where he should be."

Exam Board Specific Exam Technique:
I have analysed almost every past paper and mark scheme from the major exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Cambridge and IB. I teach students the precise techniques, keywords, and phrases that examiners are looking for. This prevents students from losing marks despite their efforts.

Focused, Friendly and Enjoyable:
I am friendly, patient, have many ways of explaining things and bringing even the driest of topics to life. No pupil will ever feel alone, worried or stuck, especially near exam time.
As well as keeping my lessons highly focused, I also make sure they are enjoyable. My pupils look forward to my lessons.

Academic Qualifications in full:
• BA/MA in Physics (Natural Sciences) from Cambridge University
• BSc/MChem in Chemistry from Newcastle University
• PhD in Computational Physics/Chemistry from Newcastle University
• STEP Mathematics (Grade 1 - Excellent)
• S-level Physics & Chemistry (Grade 1 - Distinction, highest grade)
• Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC)
• Member of the Institute of Physics (MInstP)

Tutoring Experience:
As a dedicated tutoring professional, this is my only focus - there is no other job or research to distract me.
My deep understanding of maths, physics and chemistry allows me to explain each topic clearly, simply and in a number of different ways - I will always be able to find a way of explaining something to you so that you finally 'get it'.
I have vast experience of all the major exam boards, including AQA, OCR (A and B), Edexcel, International Edexcel, Cambridge and IB.
I have been an online tutor for pupils based all over the world. I am used to dealing with different time zones, and software and internet limitations of different countries.

Elite University Entrance Specialisation:
As a specialist in preparing students for the UK’s most demanding entrance exams, I guide students through requirements that most tutors cannot handle. Having personally achieved Distinction (grade 1) in the former S-level Physics and Chemistry exams - the scholarship-level qualifications once required for Oxbridge offers - and an excellent grade 1 in STEP Mathematics, I understand exactly what these institutions seek.

My expertise extends to competitive exams and university preparation:
• Oxford PAT & Cambridge Natural Sciences entrance exams
• STEP Mathematics & Oxford MAT
• Cambridge Engineering Admissions Assessment
• British Physics & Chemistry Olympiads
• UK Maths Challenges (Intermediate & Senior)
• 16+ entrance exams
• First-year university chemistry (medical students)

Tutoring Approach:
I ask small questions as we go to check you’re keeping up, clarifying or explaining in a completely different way if needed.
For advanced problem-solving skills, we go beyond memorising facts. The highest-grade questions require applying what you know to new situations. I’ll teach you techniques I’ve developed to increase speed and accuracy, reduce careless mistakes, and tackle different question types - from long explanations to multiple choice.

Lesson Structure & Planning:
• Before the first lesson, we will discuss and agree on your exact requirements.
• In the first lesson I run a quick but comprehensive diagnostic to check strengths and gaps.
• In subsequent lessons we typically start by reviewing homework set in the previous lesson.
• Cover any problems you’ve had with what you are doing at school.
• Prepare for any tests you have coming up.
• Move onto teaching new material in the order set out in your personalised learning plan.
• You’ll learn exam techniques using past paper questions: how to score marks, avoid common mistakes and manage timing.
• Homework is set taking into account your workload.

Progress Monitoring:
Regular reviews such as mock exams and mini-tests keep everything fresh and allow me to measure your progress.
I track how you’re doing on every topic and keep detailed notes from each lesson. I’m always happy to chat with you or your parents about progress, what’s going well, and what we’re working on next.

Professional Online Setup:
Hard-wired 800Mb internet, professional writing tablet, and interactive whiteboard make lessons smooth and effective.
You can also write on screen, and all lesson boards are automatically archived and accessible afterward.
My library of over 10,000 questions, specifications and past papers means I can instantly find the perfect questions for any topic we’re covering. You get permanent online access to all these files.
Pupils can contact me for emergency help between lessons via or email.