English tutor & more · Brighton and Hove
Simon A.
Cambridge grad with 13 years' tutoring experience
English tutor & more · Brighton and Hove
Cambridge grad with 13 years' tutoring experience
About
I graduated in 2013 with a first-class degree in English from Cambridge University, where I was a scholar and academic prize-winner in my final year. I'm 35, love the theatre, and spend much of my own time writing.
Teaching Experience
I have 13 years' tutoring experience ranging from pre-GCSE to degree level. Whether it's exam technique and essay-structuring that's holding you back, or difficulty getting your head around a particular author or coursework topic, I'd be happy to help.
I have also helped students prepare for entrance exams (11+, 13+) through multiple tutoring agencies in South London and Sevenoaks, and am TEFL-qualified to teach English as a foreign language.
Approach
I have a non-dogmatic approach to sessions, seeking to cultivate in tutees a confidence in the validity of their own views, while addressing areas of technical weakness. Through open discussion, practical exercises, and close attention to written work, I am able to channel their strengths into a methodology that will be appropriately rewarded by examination mark schemes. I have an adaptable style of tuition that can as comfortably accommodate the frustrations of those seeking to gain a pass at GCSE as it can stretch the ambitions of those with their sights set on an Oxbridge interview.
£40–£60/hr · 6 subjects · 36 levels
Subjects & pricing
from £40/hr
from £40/hr
Languages
- English Native
Qualifications
Higher education
- BA (Hons) English Certificate checked · Cambridge University · First-class (1st) · 2013 Cambridge University · First-class (1st) · 2013 Certificate checked
- MA (Cantab) Certificate checked · Cambridge University · 2017 Cambridge University · 2017 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.
- Jan 2026 ·imported from First Tutors
Katie
With only one session in, I can already see why it’s hard to get a session with Simon - he’s brilliant! By simply setting out a way to work and study that a 16 year old boy can relate too, has already had a positive impact on how my son studies for his GCSE English. Looking forward to many other sessions.
- Oct 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
Natasha
Simon has instantly connected with our 15 year old daughter and she is enjoying her lessons with him. He is very supportive and encouraging, uses language that she understands and breaks down what she is meant to be doing. His friendly nature means she is relaxed during the lessons and hopefully her confidence in her ability will build. We've had great communication with him from the outset and he has been flexible and accommodating with lesson planning. In brief: answers emails quickly, punctual, reliable, friendly, flexible, brilliant with our daughter, we would definitely recommend him.
- Aug 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
m
Simon tutored my daughter for several months in advance of her A level English. We were both very happy with his teaching and insight, helping polish and prepare her. The end result was an A grade, which we were delighted with.
- Jan 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
Navdeep
I contacted Simon to to enquire about starting tuition for my teenage son. Simon was prompt with reply. Discussed requirements and we started the weekly sessions. I have found Simon to be professional, flexible and accomodating. Simon has managed to engage a teenage boy who really did very little reading. I think its abit early to tell if the tution has had a impact on school grades.
- Dec 2023 ·imported from First Tutors
Dawn
From the outset Simon put both me and my daughter at ease. Not only with answering all our questions but also very quickly getting a sense of what was needed. It was incredibly helpful that Simon could come to us for face-to-face tutoring. Simon is personable, calm, funny and engaging. We would definitely use him again should the need arise.
- Sept 2023 ·imported from First Tutors
Simon
Simon is a FANTASTIC Tutor. knowledgeable / friendly and / engaging. Exactly what I have been looking for. My daughter was having allot of anxiety regarding the subject but with Simon’s tutoring she is starting to grasp and understand the subject and how to approach the exams. Simon is very accommodating with lessons timetabling and I would strongly recommend anyone luckily enough to be taken under his wings. FIVE STARS all round !! UPDATE!!! - my daughter has just received her GCSE grades ! … before we started with Simon she was looking at a Grade 5/6 … well, within 12 months Simon managed to get her upto a GRADE 9 !!! and not use a scrap through!! Paper 1 97% Paper 2 ( which was the main focus for Simon’s tutoring ) 100% … I personally will be using Simon again in a couple of years for my Son’s revision as he is by far the best tutor a parent could wish for
- Oct 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
Marcela
All very positive! Simon is always prepared for the lesson, on time and makes lessons interesting. My son said that the lessons made him think out of the box, improved his vocabulary and writing structure. What's more lessons are never tense or boring; quite opposite actually, my son said Simon was very patient and had a great sense of humour. Keep that up, please!
- Oct 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
Liz
Simon prepares well and explains things very clearly and his sessions are enjoyable. Very quick and efficient response to initial enquiry. Friendly, easy to communicate with and very helpful. Would definitely recommend to others.
- Jun 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
Karen
My son has always disliked English, he would do anything to avoid it. Revising for his English GCSE was proving difficult, especially after his interrupted learning due to COVID. We found Simon with 2-months to go before his exams, he has really enjoyed his lessons, found Simon extremely helpful, and even said 'he's a really nice guy' … the first time he has said that about an English teacher! Communication and organising sessions has been great. We highly recommend Simon.
- Apr 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
Jie
My daughter said you are the best English tutor she ever met! Highly recommend!
- Jun 2019 ·imported from First Tutors
Kirsty
We have been really pleased with my son's progress under Simon's guidance. He brought an animated and interesting dialogue to lessons and my son became far more engaged in the subject as a result. He helped my son broaden his ability to argue points within English Literature texts and was very helpful at assisting him with approach to essay structure and answering sample questions. All these tools helped my son be more confident when it came to taking his GSCES.
- Apr 2018 ·imported from First Tutors
Douglas
Simon Has been excellent
- Feb 2018 ·imported from First Tutors
Ian
I cannot recommend Simon highly enough. He is working with my daughter for her English GCSE and is having an incredibly positive impact. Simon quickly developed a learning environment where my daughter feels comfortable discussing texts and expressing her viewpoint. My daughter's confidence in her own ability is growing - which is fantastic to see! Simon is always extremely well prepared, reliable and trustworthy. Lisa
- Oct 2017 ·imported from First Tutors
Zoe
Having gone through the process of searching for a tutor for my English phobic daughter, I fully appreciate how important reviews are. Simon is a great tutor and has already made a difference. He manages to balance intellectual rigour with a light touch which makes the hour whizz by. Teenagers are a discerning bunch and Simon has an intuitive understanding of the wry humour that appeals to this age group. He's always on time, well prepared, asks searching questions and gives praise where appropriate. My daughter's attitude has begun to change and will now tackle essays with more confidence. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Zoe
- Jun 2017 ·imported from First Tutors
Lynn
Simon has been working with my son for a few weeks now, and he is already having an excellent impact on his progress and understanding of the GCSE syllabus. His ability to relate to my son and teach him at a level that is accessible and understandable make the sessions enjoyable and constructive. He is reliable and trustworthy and I highly recommend Simon. Additional comment at the end of a full academic year: Simon's help has proved invaluable, his encouragement and technique in teaching GCSE level English is superb. We have seen a steady improvement in my son's academic progress over the year, and what was very helpful was my son's calm, confident demeanour going into exams, which was a very welcome improvement!
- Apr 2017 ·imported from First Tutors
Karolina
Simon is a great teacher, very patient! He can explain English grammar in a very simple way… I'm really grateful to meet him. I hope that our cooperation will be as good as it has been so far.
- Mar 2017 ·imported from First Tutors
Ronald
Simon is a professional and patient tutor. He is well prepared in each lesson and my son has learnt a lot after several lesson. Strongly recommended to parent looking for a reliable tutor. Definitely no regret choice.
- Dec 2016 ·imported from First Tutors
Emma
Fantastic - thank you.
- May 2016 ·imported from First Tutors
Carole
Efficient, polite, organised and so far it is all looking good. First session eagerly awaited.
- Jan 2016 ·imported from First Tutors
Turkan
His teaching style is very clear and is at my child's level. Since his input coursework and exam technique has significantly improved. I would definitely recommend.