English tutor & more · Sutton
Jeffrey B.
Very Experienced Tutor of English, Spanish, Economics, Politics & Government in Sutton
English tutor & more · Sutton
Very Experienced Tutor of English, Spanish, Economics, Politics & Government in Sutton
About
Personal Description:
I am a fully-qualified professional teacher with more than 30 years of teaching and tutoring experience, both in the UK and abroad. I regard myself as a friendly and approachable tutor, as well as honest and conscientious, and I pride myself on being able to communicate with students of all ages, from pre-teen to pensioner.
I am the father of two boys, and we live in the Sutton area. My wife and I successfully tutored our sons for Sutton's grammar schools (WCGS), and they have since both graduated from top Russell Group universities. My hobbies are limited to reading these days, and I am particularly fond of English Literature. Dickens and Hardy are two of my favourites, but I am also keen on modern and less serious writers, such as Tom Sharpe and the two Rankins - Robert and Ian.
Teaching Experience:
After obtaining my first degree in Spanish with Politics and Economics, I started teaching abroad; first in Spain, then in Turkey, and later in Central Asia and the Middle East. Since retraining as a teacher of English, I have taught for more than 15 years in the UK and almost 15 years abroad, where I was Head of Department at an Institute of Higher Education for three years.
Most recently I have taught English at an independent school in Sutton, and previous to that I taught Academic Writing for East Anglia University for several years. Nowadays my tutoring is split between English for the 11+ and Common Entrance (13+) exams, English for KS2 and KS3 SATs, plus English Language and Literature, Spanish, Economics, and Politics & Government for the GCSE and A-level exams (all boards).
11+ and 13+ (Common Entrance)
I am very happy to report that all but one of my twelve Eleven Plus tutees passed the SET (Selective Eligibility Test) for Sutton's grammar schools last September. Of these, 100% of them passed the second stage exam and obtained their first choice of grammar or independent school. I use a selection of published materials and those of my own creation, and insist on a high standard of weekly homework in reading, writing and language knowledge. For 11+ pupils I start tutoring in Year 4 or 5, whereas 13+ pupils begin in Year 7 or 8.
KS2 and KS3 SATs
I usually start tutoring for the KS2 SATS in Year 5, and in Year 8 for the KS3 SATs. I tend to use a mixture of focused texts and past papers.
GCSE and A-level
I am equally happy to report that all of my most recent GCSE and A-level students have passed well, with top grades from B to A* (A-level) and 6-9 (GCSE). The majority of those have gone on to their first choice of further and higher education institutes, and in most cases this has been achieved by my insisting on regular homework done to a high standard. For GCSE pupils I prefer to start tutoring at some time in Year 10, whereas A-level students typically begin around Year 12.
I also provide individual tutoring in ESSAY WRITING and STUDY SKILLS, as my experience has taught me that many students at GCSE, A-level and undergraduate level face real problems in these areas. By working together on your essays, substantial improvements can be made in style, organisation, argument, presentation, and much more. This way, I can teach you how to produce more effective and mature essays, and thus help you to obtain better grades and increase your confidence in producing written work.
Tutoring Approach:
With every tutee I carry out an initial assessment of his/her needs and abilities, and my teaching begins from there. Typically I work on improving their weaknesses and consolidating their strengths, and this essentially involves them producing high-quality homework on a regular basis. I use both established published materials and those that I have created myself over the years. This approach appears to be successful, and I can provide references.
Over the past twelve years I have successfully tutored students for the following schools and universities:
Schools: Sutton Grammar, Wilsons, Wallington County, Wallington High, Nonsuch, Whitgift, Trinity, Wimbledon High, Kings School, City of London, Reigate Grammar, Caterham School, St John's, Westminster, Epsom College, Ewell Castle, and many others.
Universities: Manchester, Warwick, City, East Anglia, St Martins, Lincoln, Kings, LSE, UCL, Nottingham, Reading, Birmingham, Bournemouth, and several others.
Please note that my fees are very affordable, bearing in mind that I travel to your house and offer a personalised tutoring programme. I currently charge between £45 and £50 per hour, depending on subject and level.
NB: Any tutoring that involves more than 6 miles travel (round trip) usually incurs a small extra charge.
If you are looking for a fully-qualified, highly-experienced and versatile tutor, you need look no further. Here are a few messages from some of my most recent successful tutees:
Hello Jeff, I just got my IELTS results and I FINALLY passed it! Listening 8, Reading 7.5, Writing 7, Speaking 7.5 and it's 7.5 overall. I would like to THANK you sooooo MUCH for your help and all advice you have given me! It would not be possible otherwise. (Vanja)
Sam got into Wilsons and we are pretty sure that his English performance carried him through. Sam said we ought to say 'thanks' to you as you made a massive difference to his standard of English in a very short period of time. Not sure how, but you made something click in his brain where his school teachers had failed! (Cathy)
Hi Jeff, hope you are well. I am extremely delighted to tell you that Rick has a place at Westminster, and we are going ahead with that. He has also had offers from HABS, KCS and RGS Guildford. Thank you so much for all your support. (Animesh)
Hi Jeff, just to let you know that Dillon got a place at Sutton Grammar on Monday. He also received places at Whitgift, Trinity and Epsom. We have decided to accept Sutton Grammar, and thank you for all your help and time.
Thanks - Paulomi and Dillon.
Dear Jeff! Thanks you so much for tutoring me last year. You have helped my English greatly and without your advice and guidance I would have had a nervous breakdown when I was given the task of an essay. You taught me about causal connectives, signpost words, paragraph structure and much more vital strategies of writing an amazing essay.
Finally, I am happy that I got a place at Wilsons and know I would have failed the English language test without what you taught me. I am very grateful that you gave up your time to help me pass.
Yours Sincerely, Makar
Hi Jeff, I hope you're well. I just wanted to let you know that Andriy got offered a place at Whitgift and we have accepted it. Thank you very much for helping and recommending this great school to us. Andriy is really excited about it and cannot wait to start.
(Oksana)
Dear Jeff, sorry for the delayed reply as we are in India. Rishi has done well, has received English Language 9 and English Literature 7, and scored 8 in six other subjects. He could achieve good results only because of your support. Thanking you.
(Chandra)
Hi Jeff, I am pleased to inform you that Mahati cleared the 2nd round. Her cut-off score is 354. We hope she gets into either of the two schools. Thanks a lot for your support throughout.
(Sassi)
Hi Jeff, Tamana's results have come in for the Sutton Stage 2 test. She has passed with a relatively good score of 315, and based on last year's stats, she should get in comfortably to Nonsuch or Wallington. Thanks for all your lessons that significantly helped her in the preparations.
(Vedant)
Hi Jeff, hope you're doing good. We have got the exam outcome, and Samrudha is able to apply for Nonsuch. Her score is 309, and the highest total score is 389. Secondly she has cleared Tiffin's Stage 1 test and has been invited for Stage 2 on November 11, and we would like to take your help whenever possible.
(Kirthi)
Hi Jeff, I just wanted to let you know that Ed passed the entrance exams for all three schools. Thank you so much for all your support! (Emma)
Hello Jeff, I hope you are well. Vivaan passed the exams for Wilson's, Wallington and Sutton. He also got through Tiffins Stage 1. Thanks very much for your help and support! His English improved massively under your guidance.
Kind regards
Jyothi
£46–£50/hr · 4 subjects · 10 levels
Subjects & pricing
Languages
- Dutch Conversational
- English Native
- Russian Conversational
- Spanish Fluent
Qualifications
Higher education
- BA (Hons) Spanish & Political Science Certificate checked · Kingston Polytechnic · 2:1 (Upper second) · 1989 Kingston Polytechnic · 2:1 (Upper second) · 1989 Certificate checked
- PgCert ESOL and Spanish Certificate checked · Wolverhampton University · Merit · 1994 Wolverhampton University · Merit · 1994 Certificate checked
- PgDip Teaching English Certificate checked · Sheffield Hallam University · Distinction · 1997 Sheffield Hallam University · Distinction · 1997 Certificate checked
Other
- Diploma in Translation Certificate checked · Institute of Linguists, London · 1991 Institute of Linguists, London · 1991 Certificate checked
Reviews from Tutorperch
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Reviews from First Tutors
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- Apr 2026 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff has been providing economics tuitions to my son for the past few months. He explains complex ideas in clear, structured way and link them to real-world examples, which has made a big difference in understanding challenging concepts. He also uses textbooks to further my son's knowledge, helping him build a stronger foundation in economics. He makes the subject approachable. He tailors the lessons to the areas that need the most support and takes the time to explain. My son has seen improvement and build his confidence thanks to his guidance. I would strongly recommend Jeff to anyone looking to improve their understanding of economics.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks for the encouraging remarks - much appreciated! I am enjoying tutoring Remi, and fully expect him to rise well above the E that he was predicted.
- Mar 2026 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff was good but not a good match for our son.
Jeffrey B. replied
You have, for some strange reason, decided to leave this comment more than two years after our short-lived attempts at tutoring your idle son came to an end. Perhaps your memory does not stretch to recalling how we had only three sessions, and your son failed to produce a single piece of homework? I guess you might be trying to explain his ongoing lack of success by putting the blame on others, whereas the truth lies a lot closer to home.
- Jul 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
- Jul 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff had tutored my daughter for a few months and made positive progress. Jeff was reliable and a very good tutor.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks very much. Your daughter is hardworking and quick to absorb new ideas, so I am sure that she willl perform very well in her GCSEs.
- Mar 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff is a good teacher. However, having three lessons with my child and after assessing Jeff, I personally think he is not the right person for my child at this moment. I might consider him in future.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks for the backhanded compliment. After three lessons, I had to inform you that your boy was not suitable for 11 plus preparation. If you had told me at first that he was only ‘working towards expectations’ in his school report, I would not have considered him for the 11 plus, suggested focusing on his SATs instead, and we would not have wasted each other’s time.
- Feb 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff has been my daughter’s tutor since October last year. He is preparing her for her upcoming GCSE exams. I have seen a massive improvement as before my daughter was working at a grade 6 and now is working towards a grade 8. I highly recommend him for GCSE English Language and Literature tuition.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks very much. I am sure that Nicolette will get the highest grade and go on to do English at A level, as she wishes. She is hardworking and quick to absorb new information.
- Feb 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff tutored our daughter for a short period in the lead up to her mock gcse and for a while after. He managed to get through a lot of groundwork in a short space of time giving her more confidence in lessons and in her exam. Her school teacher saw an improvement in her work and her grade came in better than projected.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks very much. I have enjoyed tutoring Lara, and am happy that her teachers have noticed her improvements.
- Jun 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
We contacted Jeff to help my daughter with her English GCSE in the last minute. Jeff has been very supportive and professional. He was flexible and worked with my daughter by helping her improve her confidence in both Literature and Language. I am quite pleased with him overall and would definitely recommend him.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks very much for your kind comments. i have enjoyed tutoring your elder daughter, and feel that she is now much better prepared for her final English exams. Now that I am tutoring your youngest daughter for the 11 plus, I believe that she is now able to make the very best of her talents and get the pass that she deserves!
- Jun 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff has been tutoring my son Devan for a few months now. I have always found Jeff to be calm, patient and proffessional in his approach. We have also appreciated the effort he has put into adapting his lessons to include what Devan is studying at school and supporting him with his analytical writing. Devan has become more confident in using a broader range of vocabulary both verbally and in his writing. Thank you Jeff for the time, energy and humour you bring to the lessons. Satty
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks so much. We have been making some progress together over the past few months, and I am confident that he will reach a higher level soon.
- Jun 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff us been assisting my son with the run up to his GCSE English exams. He has provided invaluable help and has made a real difference. He has been excellent at identifying areas of concern and delivers the lessons in a calm and structured way. Highly recommended.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks very much! I have enjoyed tutoring Ricardo, and feel sure that he is now able to get the grades that he deserves.
- Jan 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
We’re not happy with Jeff because of his Highly disappointing behaviour & attitude.
Jeffrey B. replied
To be frank, I was very disappointed with your attitude too, and I am surprised that you have even had the audacity to leave a comment, as WE NEVER EVEN HAD A LESSON! This was because, after extensive communication about your son’s needs, during which I bought special materials because your boy is doing the Cambridge GCSE syllabus, you then dropped me a text informing me that you were having second thoughts, and that you would let me know if you decided to go ahead. How kind of you! So naturally I told you that you were no longer top of my list, to put it mildly, and should refrain from wasting my time in future. In short, I find both your behaviour and attiitude extremely disappointing .
- Feb 2021 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff is tutoring our 8 years old son. We are very impressed with Jeff’s ability to adapt/tune his style to best benefit our son. Although Jeff’s style might seem casual (probably to encourage our son) – we can see that there is a lot of structuring, experience and strategy behind this appearance. In only 3 months since we’ve started tutoring, we can see our son’s progress and also a boost in his confidence and his ability to focus. We would recommend Jeff to anyone looking for an experienced tutor who is also able to inspire his students to go beyond their limits
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks very much! I have needed to make a few changes to my teaching style in order to accommodate your boy, but I too feel that it represents the best way for us to progress towards the 11+.
- Nov 2020 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
We are really pleased with Jeff. My daughter responds well to his teaching style and she finds the sessions really useful. I would definitely recommend him.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks very much. I am enjoying the sessions too, and feel sure that she will pass with a top grade next year.
- Mar 2020 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff is helping my son for 11+ and I am quite pleased with him overall. He is punctual, flexible and understands the pace at which my son has to learn which is keeping his interest high and increasing his confidence to learn more. Hoping for my son to reach a good level by11+ exam time.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks Rohit. Your boy is hard-working and conscientious, and I fully expect him to pass - as long as he keeps his head down right until the end! Jeff
- May 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff has been tutoring our son for Eng Lit A level for 2+ months and has helped improve his work, build his confidence and clarify what the examiner is looking for. He has shown patience and understanding with a sometimes reluctant, student and kept him focussed on what he needs to do to improve his grade. Thank you Jeff for working with our son.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks very much. Your son has been a bit of a challenge, but I have tried to focus on making the most of his visible skills. I feel sure that he will have made the required improvements by exam day!
- Mar 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff has been supporting our son with GCSE English revision and we have been pleased with the progress made which has been evidenced by his improved grades at school.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks Nikki. James has been making steady progress and should now be able to meet the grade requirements without a problem. Well done, James!
- Mar 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff has been working with my son for a couple of months now, focusing on developing his language, literature and reasoning skills, in time for the 11+. He’s providing my son with the tools to enable him to write descriptively whilst also making use of a number of different grammatical options. He’s also helping him how to properly understand what a question is asking before tackling the answer! My son has definitely increased in confidence since Jeff has been working with him, and his school have also noticed a continual improvement in his work. Thanks Jeff!
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks very much, Louise. I am enjoying tutoring Charlie, and am glad that his progress has been noted at school.
- Mar 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff has been a great tutor for my daughter, inspiring her with the confidence that she clearly lacked. Her predicted grade has now risen from a C to an A, all in the space of one term. Thanks very much indeed, Jeff!
Jeffrey B. replied
Many thanks, Judith. I am enjoying tutoring Ursula, and feel that she can go even higher still. Keep up the hard work!
- Feb 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Apologies for this feedback it is important to make use of feedback system. I have hired this tutor to help my son to teach English subject from Oct’18. The class went on for weeks and I realised and expressed my concern that bring the printout and making him to do and marking the papers with red pen is not going to help him. Because there are plenty of study material available online which we our self can do so I have informed the tutor that our expectation from him is to teach the technique and gave some example as what our expectation is, unsure whether he liked it or not. Which is fine it is my responsibility to tell me view. Couple of weeks moved forward, every week end of the class the feedback is kind of neutral. “doing okay needs more work to” and recent last class got the same feedback but very next day got a text mentioning “time has come to realise he is not suitable for grammar school, slow learner … etc… ” and all sudden he decided himself to stop the session. Indeed, I have responded not to worry about the result, but we haven’t received a go ny further response. Understand through different parents that time slot is being offered to different student. It is fine it is his business. As a parent this created very mush distress and boy doesn’t understand what’s happening around him even. My whole purpose this feedback is to mention “Success or failure is not decided by individual, it is time which decides.” We are very upset with this lack of professionalism, he just gained fees and we gained distress and non-motivation. Still my sincere thanks to him. ****** Thanks for comments: again such a motivational message. Believe it or not we haven't gave this feedback because of frustrating that's wrong imagination. we are not concerned about the end result. It is all about the way you informed about your decision. if you are so much concerned about the student why you didn't discussed with us, just sent a text and quit. That shows how a tutor shouldn't do. You made your own decision and stopped without speaking or informing us the real situation. I am not going to give comment each of your comments. (but I can if required). All my prayers and best wishes other 18 children and future successors. God bless and good luck.
Jeffrey B. replied
I imagine that It is always frustrating to be told that your child is not suitable for grammar school, but most people accept it. It can be a humbling moment, but in this case the parent thinks that she knows my job better than I do and proceeds to blame me for her (and her own son’s) shortcomings. This shows great immaturity, in my view, and her muddled and inaccurate remarks do her few favours either. I did my best for her child, the same as I do for the other 18 children that I currently tutor for 11 plus, and the hundreds that I have taught in the past. I gave regular homework tasks, provided feedback, and embarked on a programme of extended reading and vocabulary development. Yet after three months it was clear that it was not working, and the boy would not make the grade. So I decided that enough was enough, for his sake as well as mine. In doing so I have saved his parents much unnecessary cost, saved the boy a lot of unnecessary stress, and stopped wasting my own time. However, I imagine that this parent will force her poor son to do endless more hours of tutoring, subject him to endless numbers of practice papers, and generally squeeze the life out of the poor soul until he fails the exam and collapses in shame and exhaustion. Yet the burden of shame here should lie squarely on the misguided parents’ shoulders, and not on the unfortunate child’s.
- Nov 2015 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Jeff started teaching our son since September this year. He is helping my son to build his writing skills with his assignments and to prepare him to get the highest grade for his GSCE exam. We are very happy with the way he teaches our son and we already see some improvement. Every week Filip is looking forward to have a lesson with Jeff. I would definitely recommend Jeff as an English teacher.
Jeffrey B. replied
Thanks very much Lucy. I am enjoying the sessions with Filip too, and am confident that he is able to get one of the highest grades in English. Jeff