Nick
Bedford School Teacher | Former Edexcel GCSE Examiner | Expert English Tuition | Warm & Approachable
About
Hey there! I'm Nick, a teacher at Bedford School and former Edexcel GCSE examiner. Until its unexpected closure in 2026, I held a top-ranked profile on First Tutors, the UK's largest tutoring platform.
New platform launch rate - £30 for first 3 lessons while I establish my profile here. My standard rate is £60.
I specialise in Year 9–11 GCSE English preparation, confidence, and fast grade improvement.
What parents and students say
"With Nick's help over 6 months, my son's grades improved from potential Grade 5s to very strong 8s. Amazing! Plus my son actually enjoyed the lessons!"
"Following just 3 sessions, my son's Year 11 mock exam results for English Language improved from Grade 5 to Grade 7. He said: 'I knew I understood this. I just didn't know how to show it.' Nick's highly focused, tactical approach has given my son confidence as he prepares for his summer exams."
"Within a term Nick managed to help my daughter go from 5/6 in English Language to an 8 in her mocks, and from 4/5 in English Literature to a 6+. Truly remarkable. Most importantly, she is now interested in the topics and always says she enjoys her lessons."
A brief introduction
I believe my job as a tutor is to:
· Teach
· Reinforce basic learning
· Mentor
· Coach
I often work with students who have the ability but have been overlooked in large class sizes, or who have lost confidence in English due to low grades and lack of individual guidance. Confidence plays a massive part in success in the exam period, and that's something I always instil in my pupils.
I see myself as an exam coach, mentor, and older brother: personable, trustworthy and knowledgeable. My students are genuinely important to me, and I do whatever it takes to help them not only reach their target grades but exceed what they believe they're capable of.
Lesson format for 2026–27
For all students, sessions run in a 60 minute intensive format: focused, energetic, and efficient. To make sure progress continues between lessons, I set targeted weekly tasks and provide marking and feedback so students always know exactly what to improve next. The aim is simple: high-impact work in the session, then progress locked in through structured practice between lessons.
While enrolled, students also have access to me daily via Microsoft Teams — so help is never a week away when they need it most.
Students also get access to my GCSE video support library: 150+ videos and 150,000+ views. Support is there all week, not just during the session.
Who I work best with
I work especially well with students who are capable but underperforming due to confidence, structure, or exam technique — as well as motivated students aiming for the top grades who want sharper analysis and more precise writing.
What you'll get each week
· A focused 60-minute intensive session
· A clear weekly plan and targeted practice
· Marking and feedback with specific next steps
· Daily access via Microsoft Teams between sessions
· Access to my GCSE video support library while enrolled
About me
Outside tutoring, I create GCSE English teaching content online and have built a community of over 2,000 subscribers, with 150,000+ views across 150+ GCSE videos. I've also successfully launched and run a student-led podcast — which reflects the same thing parents value in my tutoring: clarity, motivation, and getting teenagers to actually engage.
Subjects & pricing
English
£60/hr
- GCSE — AQA · Edexcel · OCR · WJEC
English Literature
£30/hr
- GCSE — AQA · Edexcel · OCR · WJEC
English Language
£30/hr
- GCSE — AQA · Edexcel · OCR · WJEC
Drama
£30/hr
- GCSE — AQA · Edexcel
- BTEC Level 3 — Edexcel
Languages
- English Native
Qualifications
Higher education
- BA (Hons) Acting · Guildhall School of Music and Drama · 2:1 (Upper second) · 2009 Guildhall School of Music and Drama · 2:1 (Upper second) · 2009
Reviews
No Tutorperch reviews yet. Students can leave a verified review here after a lesson.
Reviews from First Tutors
Imported from Nick's First Tutors profile before the site went dark. Shown separately from Tutorperch reviews — today they don't feed this tutor's Tutorperch rating or ranking.
How we verify these
Each imported review went through admin review. The tutor proved ownership of the First Tutors profile via one of two paths:
- Photo match. The First Tutors avatar matched the tutor's identity-verified Tutorperch photo, confirmed by admin.
- Cryptographic email check. The tutor uploaded an original First Tutors email (.eml). We verified the DKIM signature against First Tutors' signing keys and cross-checked the embedded tutor ID against the claimed profile.
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.
- imported from First Tutors
Bryony
Nick is very friendly and has quickly built up a trusted working relationship with my daughter. He clearly knows the GCSE AQA syllabus well and gives constructive, meaningful feedback to her.
Nick replied
Thank you so much Bryony!
- imported from First Tutors
Anna
My son was struggling with English ahead of his GCSE exams. Over the last nine months Nick has tremendously improved his level in both English Language as well as Literature. Nick has very good knowledge of the curriculum and the marking schemes and has been able help him to understand how to prepare and tackle the exams. Nick has sound knowledge of the subject and had a well-structured and focused approach to the lessons. Additionally, he made the lessons enjoyable so that my son really looked forward to the sessions. We both feel that his knowledge and understanding of the subject and exam techniques has improved significantly. This has been reflected in the recent mock results. Personally, I have found Nick very professional, yet approachable and flexible. Nick is an excellent tutor, and I would recommend him without any hesitation!
Nick replied
Thank you so much for that lovely feedback, he’s been an absolute joy to teach!!
- imported from First Tutors
Clare
I am really inpressed with Nicholas's knowledge of the GCSE syllabus and marking schemes. He has a positive approach to learning and my daughter enjoys her weekly English sessions.
Nick replied
Thank you so much :)
- imported from First Tutors
Naveen
Nick replied
Thank you so much for the 5 stars!
- imported from First Tutors
Annette
I asked Nick to give my daughter some last minute GCSE English Literature tuition and he has been brilliant. He is incredibly enthusiastic, knows the curriculum inside out and has helped her focus on what matters in this late stage. I thoroughly recommend!
Nick replied
Thank you so much!
- imported from First Tutors
Shahd
Very good teacher, provides the student with perfect notes and tips when answering GCSE questions
Nick replied
Thank you so much!
- imported from First Tutors
fabiana
Nick is honestly the best teacher I ever had, he is so intelligent and the way he explains the subject is just amazing! The methods he uses to teach are the best and they will prepare you for the exam! I went from an F to an A because of his lessons and I really thought that it wouldn't be possible, especially because English is not my first language. He is just brilliant and I'm so grateful that he was able to take me on as a student. Thank you so much!
Nick replied
That's amazing to read Fabiana! I've enjoyed every minute helping you and can't wait to see your result later this year!!!
- imported from First Tutors
Alison
Nick has been working with my son for over a year now, helping him to prepare for his English Lit and English Language GCSEs. We looked for help because, although the feedback from my son's English teachers was that he was enthusiastic and very capable in classroom discussions, this wasn't reflected in the marks for his written work. Nick has really helped my son to understand what he needs to do to satisfy the requirements of GCSE questions and pick up those all-important marks, and we have seen a clear improvement in his grades. Nick has kept him engaged and seems to achieve a great balance of being encouraging while calling out when my son hasn't applied himself as much as he could. The fact that my son has been happy to keep going with these sessions I think speaks volumes for Nick's knack for dealing with teenage boys. We're very happy that we chose Nick.
Nick replied
Thank you for the lovely feedback Alison. I really appreciate it and love working with you guys!
- imported from First Tutors
Samila
Nick has been teaching my son for the last few months and has proven to be the best tutor we have had so far. His communication is excellent and seems to engage our teenage son in an effective manner. He is extremely focused and knows exactly what is required for the different exam boards. My son, now enjoys English and approaches tasks without apprehension. Nick has engaged our son well and makes the lesson enjoyable for him. He is clear with his instructions and tailors each lesson to his needs. He is an efficient, punctual and knowledgeable tutor who makes the effort to feedback to parents after each lesson. We are extremely happy with his teaching and would definitely recommend him!
Nick replied
Thank you so much Samila, that’s so kind! It’s such a pleasure to be helping!
- imported from First Tutors
Mathew
Excellent Tutor ! He has reached lots to my daughter and I can clearly see the improvement on her performance in school . He is an exceptionally helpful tutor . My daughter always tells me how he he is very helpful as you can ask him questions or any doubts very easily . I highly recommend him as a English tutor .
Nick replied
Thank you so much Matthew! I really appreciate your kind words!
- imported from First Tutors
Dorota
Nick is an outstanding tutor and mentor. I have no words to describe how lucky we are to have him. He shows a real passion for his subject and has a great rapport with his students. My son enjoys and looks forward to every session. If you are looking for great results, without a doubt we recommend Nick.
- imported from First Tutors
Kathryn
After disappointing CAG's in the 2020 GSCE's my son was determined to sit both English exams in the Autumn. Ten weeks with Nick and he has completed his exams full of confidence. More importantly, he has rediscovered his passion for English. The turnaround in such a short space of time has been incredible and he has taken those skills with him into his A Level courses.
- imported from First Tutors
Sue
Nick is great, my son really enjoys his sessions with him and feedback from the school is that he has come on leaps and bounds, which we put down to the support from Nick. My sons self confidence in his own abilities has improved too. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Nick as a tutor, he’s great on exam technique as well as the subject and really builds up a great rapport with his student.
- imported from First Tutors
MARIA LOUISE
Nick has been fantastic for my son Oliver, who is commencing Year 11 in the next couple of weeks. Nick has tutored Oliver for well over a year as Oliver struggled with English beforehand and had very little confidence in his own ability. Suffering trom ADHD, he lacked focus and concentration. Nick has been extremely patient with him, inspiring confidence and covering all areas of his GCSE syllabus. Through lockdown, after a short break, they began online lessons to keep momentum going. In recent weeks they have been back, having face to face lessons to keep Oliver fresh, ready for his return to school. After 6 month's of no school, I have no doubt Oliver will be much better placed than many of his classmates and will be able to tackle the important year he has ahead. Nick guides him as to where extra marks can be gained and they work through old test papers. Nick is very professional, approachable and just 'gets' Oliver and I truly believe Oliver will obtain his best potential through Nicks help.
Nick replied
Thank you so much for the feedback Maria! Looking forward to seeing Oliver's development through the school year with his head start!
- imported from First Tutors
Don
Nicholas helped my son to achieve the highest grade. I am very happy about his teaching and I would recommend him to parents who need their children to achieve the best. He's very good at identifying the student's weak points and helping them to get good marks.
Nick replied
Thank you so much for your comments! It’s been a great 2 years working with you all! :)
- imported from First Tutors
Bee
We decided to engage Nicks services as an english lang and Literature tutor based on the feedback on here. Having barely a couple of weeks to Mocks. The success was proven by a jump in grades. We continue to have Nick as a tutor in the lead up to actual gcses. My son absolutely loves his teaching style. Nick is puntual, reliable and we will certainly use him for the other 2 when the need arises. I will give Nick a 5 star rating and reccommend him to anyone who needs an english tutor.
Nick replied
Thank you so much for you’re kind words. Fisomi is a pleasure to teach!
- imported from First Tutors
Joanna
It would be difficult to find a better tutor then Nick. He is very professional, organized and enthusiastic about English. Highly recommend to anyone who is looking for not 'just' a tutor but THE BEST tutor for a child. Many thanks for the work you're doing!
Nick replied
Thank you very much for your kind words! It means so much.
- imported from First Tutors
Nicole
We feel lucky to have found Nick. He is passionate about English Language & Literature and his enthusiasm is infectious. My son has now been studying with Nick for 5 months in preparation for his GCSE's and really likes him and the lessons. Nick knows what the examiner is looking for so he works with my son on deciphering and analysing text /poetry and structural techniques for comparing stories and writing answers that will gain maximum marks. They also work through past papers. Delighted. Mrs M My son is in Year 11 and due to do his GCSE’s the summer of 2019. He started having lessons with Nick from September 2018 to prepare for his mocks and for his final exams. He seems to have excelled with Nick and the school have noticed a difference in his school work after such as short time. Nick is reliable, organised and most importantly enthusiastic which rubs off. Mrs W Bedford Nick has turned a boy who has always disliked English because he was failing it, to a boy who feels confident with his GCSE English and would even consider continuing with it as a subject. Mrs R
- imported from First Tutors
Sian
You will not find a better tutor no matter how hard you look. Nick is so professional, passionate about his subject and delivers in a way that made my 15 year old son enthused and engaged. I can’t speak highly enough. Over and above subject matter expertise he gave my son confidence and a 6 when he had been predicted a 3.
Nick replied
Thank you so much Sian. So pleased I could get Lucas the grade he deserved! All the best to you and the family!
- imported from First Tutors
Jackie
Nick has made a big impact on my son's confidence and knowledge in just a few sessions. In my son's words, "I feel I've learned more with Niçk than I have in the last year at school." He has also commented that he actually "likes English now." This is of particular importance as he is taking his GCSE's this year. Nick has always been very personable and works hard with my son, giving lots of constuctive criticism balanced with plenty of praise and encouragement. I would not hesitate in recommending Nick to anyone looking for an English tutor!
Nick replied
Thank you very much for that lovely feedback! Glad i've been such an influence :)