Paul

I am a fully qualified, DBS certified secondary school teacher with 30 years experience teaching and tutoring maths (up to Higher level GCSE) and business studies (GCSE and A-level). I currently work part-time in an independent school in Northampton where I am Head of Business Studies and I tutor in my other spare time (online or in person).

Most of my teaching has been in independent schools where standards and expectations for achievement are high, and I take great pride in helping students achieve their full potential. I have a patient, friendly approach to tutoring which has been very successful over the years and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for maths and business studies. The best way I have found to teach or tutor is to focus on building confidence in my students. I understand that many topics can often be very challenging, but my aim is to make students feel comfortable approaching any question that they are faced with.

With 30 years teaching in secondary schools, I have built up an in‑depth knowledge of exam specifications, mark schemes, and what examiners are really looking for. This allows me to help students develop effective exam technique, avoid common pitfalls, and maximise marks.

My approach is largely discussion-based; we work through problems together step-by-step to dissect exam questions and secure those "lightbulb moments," rather than just demonstrating methods. I use teaching methods such as using/modelling examples, to make sure students understand the content first, and supporting this with notes, videos and additional guidance if needed. Once I feel students have the understanding and confidence, I ask ask them to complete questions independently, after which I provide feedback on what they did well, and any areas of weakness to work on. Of course I am happy and flexible to adapt my teaching and resources to whatever works for the individual's learning style and areas of weakness.

I have experience of tutoring a range of ability levels, from those aiming for just a 'pass' at GCSE, all the way up to students aiming for the top grade 9/A*. I have also helped to tutor maths to SEND students or other neurodivergent students who are home schooled, or are not attending school all the time due to other reasons.

Please note that the rates shown for '1 to 1' tutoring are for either 'in person' at my home in Duston, Northampton, or online. If I travel to your house or a public venue (e.g library or community centre) the 1:1 rates will be £5 higher.