Tutoring Philosophy

The top schools are looking for pupils who are both interested and interesting, and I try to show my students that those things are one and the same. Tutorials are relaxed and fun, although I ask my students a lot of difficult questions. I’ve been tutoring a long time so I’m quick to identify problems, and ways to solve them. Likewise I take care to look at what they’re already doing right and praise good work fulsomely. I get on well with my students because I treat them with the same respect as I would an adult. Rapport is really important.

 

Tutoring Successes

Two-thirds of my Winchester and Eton candidates are successful, which means my help doubles their chances, roughly speaking. There are two reasons my candidates consistently beat the odds: my knowledge and experience of these schools; and my ability to convey to students the joy of disinterested learning. These schools are above all seeking children who love to learn things for their own sake, and not for extrinsic, instrumental reasons like grades, praise, rewards or even these coveted places themselves. Ironically, the only reliable driver of success in these exams and interviews is a love of disinterested learning. And this is what I teach.

 

How it works

Everything can be tailored to suit a student, and their needs. I specialise in English, Maths, Latin, pre-tests, interview practice, creative writing, essay writing, exam technique, and scholarship General Papers. I love setting homework and I’ll mark anything one of my students writes. 

‘He’s the man parents call to get their children into Eton’ - The Times

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Client testimonials

  • “Joe spent a few sessions to brush up our son for Winchester College assessment. Joe is truly inspirational in that he was able to spark a curiosity for learning through interesting lessons. We got an offer from Win Coll last night and my son said, "Joe put me into 5th gear". I think, it really helped our son's confidence to deal with assessment day. Highly recommended for targeted tutoring.”

    Vikram

  • “Our 13-year old son was due to take the Challenge scholarship exam at Westminster School but his English grade was not award level. Over a course of a few sessions, Joe succeeded in igniting his interest in poetry and creative writing, while also providing him with a set of practical tools. Joe managed to propel his grade to an "A". Whether taking scholarship or entry exams to a top academic school, if a capable child needs an edge in his/her performance to set them apart, Joe is the perfect tutor.”

    Marina

  • “Joe helped our son with admissions tests for Eton, Winchester & Harrow. Our son, who is normally, a quiet, shy character, blossomed under his tutelage and we saw him grow in confidence and consequently was in a better position when attending admissions interviews. Joe has immense patience and quickly formed a rapport with our son.”

    Abi

  • “Joseph was tutoring my son towards the scholarship examination at Winchester College. Joseph helped my son tremendously in a short period of time, unlocked his potential, stimulated his independent thinking and worked with him on essay writing and exam technique. He was a very supportive and inspirational tutor. My son achieved great results working with Joseph and was awarded a scholarship. We couldn't have done it without him.”

    Client

  • “Just a few sessions with Joe helped our son gain two academic scholarships to Eton and Brighton College. I was drawn to his laid-back style of teaching as the last thing my son wanted was constant past paper drilling. They spoke… current events, literature, politics, moral dilemmas. Intertwined with advice on pitfalls to avoid during exams, effective answer technique and how to cut to the chase for maximum effect, it made for sessions my son enjoyed and actually looked forward to. Past papers were done in our own time and Joe gave comprehensive feedback. We were thrilled with Joe before we even knew the results. Many thanks.”

    Lorraine