Tutor Profile

Andrew

Private Chemistry and Physics Tutor in Newcastle upon Tyne

I help students of all abilities achieve the grades they need at GCSE or A-Level, and for their first choice university. I do this through structured teaching that builds deep understanding on top of strong exam technique. I also support students with university entrance exams, academic competitions, and first-year university modules that build on A-Level foundations. I am a full-time A-Level specialist for Chemistry, Physics and Maths with over 13 years as a Cambridge-educated professional tutor and more than 12,000 hours of tutorials delivered.

From one student: "I have noticed an astronomical improvement in the way I approach problems in general which has helped me get awards in logic related problems"; and a parent: "Andrew has a natural gift of explaining difficult concepts with ease... Without Andrew, I don't think my son would be anywhere near where he should be."

Exam Board Specific Exam Technique: I have analysed almost every past paper and mark scheme from the major exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Cambridge and IB. I teach students the precise techniques, keywords, and phrases that examiners are looking for. This prevents students from losing marks despite their efforts.

Focused, Friendly and Enjoyable: I am friendly, patient, have many ways of explaining things and bringing even the driest of topics to life. No pupil will ever feel alone, worried or stuck, especially near exam time. As well as keeping my lessons highly focused, I also make sure they are enjoyable. My pupils look forward to my lessons.

Academic Qualifications in full: • BA/MA in Physics (Natural Sciences) from Cambridge University • BSc/MChem in Chemistry from Newcastle University • PhD in Computational Physics/Chemistry from Newcastle University • STEP Mathematics (Grade 1 - Excellent) • S-level Physics & Chemistry (Grade 1 - Distinction, highest grade) • Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC) • Member of the Institute of Physics (MInstP)

Teaching Experience

As a dedicated tutoring professional, this is my only focus - there is no other job or research to distract me. My deep understanding of maths, physics and chemistry allows me to explain each topic clearly, simply and in a number of different ways - I will always be able to find a way of explaining something to you so that you finally 'get it'. I have vast experience of all the major exam boards, including AQA, OCR (A and B), Edexcel, International Edexcel, Cambridge and IB. I have been an online tutor for pupils based all over the world. I am used to dealing with different time zones, and software and internet limitations of different countries.

Elite University Entrance Specialisation: As a specialist in preparing students for the UK’s most demanding entrance exams, I guide students through requirements that most tutors cannot handle. Having personally achieved Distinction (grade 1) in the former S-level Physics and Chemistry exams - the scholarship-level qualifications once required for Oxbridge offers - and an excellent grade 1 in STEP Mathematics, I understand exactly what these institutions seek.

My expertise extends to competitive exams and university preparation: • Oxford PAT & Cambridge Natural Sciences entrance exams • STEP Mathematics & Oxford MAT • Cambridge Engineering Admissions Assessment • British Physics & Chemistry Olympiads • UK Maths Challenges (Intermediate & Senior) • 16+ entrance exams • First-year university chemistry (medical students)

Tutoring Approach

Teaching Style: My teaching style is understanding first. We'll cover the topic concepts, then work through past paper questions to apply them - usually from the first lesson. I fully cover exam technique: command words, common questions, mark schemes. But I make sure you understand what's happening, not just memorise patterns. Pattern recognition breaks down when exams include novel questions.

I ask small questions as we go to check you’re keeping up, clarifying or explaining in a completely different way if needed. For advanced problem-solving skills, we go beyond memorising facts. The highest-grade questions require applying what you know to new situations. I’ll teach you techniques I’ve developed to increase speed and accuracy, reduce careless mistakes, and tackle different question types - from long explanations to multiple choice.

Lesson Structure & Planning: • Before the first lesson, we will discuss and agree on your exact requirements. • In the first lesson I run a quick but comprehensive diagnostic to check strengths and gaps. • In subsequent lessons we typically start by reviewing homework set in the previous lesson. • Cover any problems you’ve had with what you are doing at school. • Prepare for any tests you have coming up. • Move onto teaching new material in the order set out in your personalised learning plan. • You’ll learn exam techniques using past paper questions: how to score marks, avoid common mistakes and manage timing. • Homework is set taking into account your workload.

Progress Monitoring: Regular reviews such as mock exams and mini-tests keep everything fresh and allow me to measure your progress. I track how you’re doing on every topic and keep detailed notes from each lesson. I’m always happy to chat with you or your parents about progress, what’s going well, and what we’re working on next.

Professional Online Setup: Hard-wired 800Mb internet, professional writing tablet, and interactive whiteboard make lessons smooth and effective. You can also write on screen, and all lesson boards are automatically archived and accessible afterward. My library of over 10,000 questions, specifications and past papers means I can instantly find the perfect questions for any topic we’re covering. You get permanent online access to all these files. Pupils can contact me for emergency help between lessons via or email.

Availability

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Qualifications

PhD Computational Chemistry/Physics

Doctorate · University of Newcastle Upon Tyne · 2014

MChem Chemistry

Masters · University of Newcastle Upon Tyne · Honours 2:1 · 2009

BSc Chemistry

Bachelors · University of Newcastle Upon Tyne · 2008

MA Natural Sciences

Masters · University of Cambridge · 1998

BA Natural Sciences

Bachelors · University of Cambridge · 1994

Reviews

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First Tutors

I have had Andrew as my physics tutor for the past few months and he has been great at building both my skills in this subject but also confidence. In our lessons, we are able to go through topics I didn’t understand in class but also revision tips and exam technique which has been helpful for doing my midterms in school. The lessons he provides are both informative and fun and my ability to answer questions has improved as well as my overall understanding of the subject!

Tutor response

Hi Isabel, Thank you for the lovely review, so glad you're finding my lessons so helpful. Here's to getting those top grades!

First Tutors

My daughter has had three sessions with Andrew for A level chemistry. After each session she has been enthused with how Andrew has been able to explain concepts (and contextualise them) in a way that is completely comprehendible. So impressed thus far.

Tutor response

Hi Jennie, Hearing that she understands what we’ve covered, and is enthused about our lessons, is just what I needed on a rainy Monday morning! My goal is always to build fundamental understanding, so great feedback. I’m really enjoying working with her.

First Tutors

Our son has been having sessions with Andrew for a couple of months now, and we've been really impressed with the progress he's made. Already he is getting better grades in his Physics and Further Maths classes, and he says he understands the material a lot better than he used to. He had even been wondering whether he should drop Further Maths A-level, but now he feels much more confident and definitely wants to go ahead with it! He says that Andrew is friendly and encouraging, and really explains the subjects in an interesting way. Honestly we are really grateful for all the help that Andrew has given our son; it's making a big difference to him.

Tutor response

Thanks for taking time to leave me such lovely feedback! Hearing about his progress and confidence has made my day. Looking forward to helping him get the top grades he deserves in the exams.

First Tutors

Andrew has been tutoring my son for A level physics - he’s been very responsive and reliable and my son thinks he’s great. According to my son ‘he really knows his stuff’ and has a good way of approaching the sessions. High praise indeed from a 17 year old!!

Tutor response

Hi Rachel, thanks for taking time to leave me some feedback. I've enjoyed working with Finn, he's a great student and I'm glad to hear it's mutual. Looking forward to working with him and supporting him however I can.

First Tutors

Andrew has been professional, knowledgeable and punctual. It is his teaching style that did not suit my daughter’s requirements.

Tutor response

Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback. I'm sorry we weren't a great fit. I wish you all the best for the future.

View all of Andrew's reviews
Tuition onlineTuition at tutor's homeDBS checked
  • The highest level of qualification that this tutor has provided us with a copy of is a Doctorate (or equivalent)
  • This tutor has an average feedback rating of at least 4.75/5 from 20 or more reviews.
  • This tutor has a history of responding extremely quickly (avg < 1h)
  • This tutor is a Professional (self-declared)
  • This tutor offers a 50% discount on their first / introductory lesson.
  • This tutor is happy to teach online
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