Tutor Profile

Xin

(5 reviews)

Xin

Hi, I'm Dr. Xin. I’m a private Maths and Science tutor with nearly 7 years of teaching experience, working with students from 11+ and GCSE all the way to A-Level and university level.

My academic background is in Materials Science and Engineering, and I completed my PhD at the University of Manchester. Alongside GCSE and A-Level teaching, I also regularly teach university-level mathematics, including calculus, linear algebra, probability, statistics, mechanics, optimisation, and mathematical modelling.

Over the years, I’ve realised that many students do not actually lack ability or interest — they simply haven’t been shown mathematics in a way that feels logical, intuitive, and approachable. My goal is not only to improve grades, but also to help students build confidence, reduce anxiety around problem solving, and develop clear step-by-step thinking.

Outside lessons, I create my own structured notes, worksheets, and revision materials tailored to each student’s level and learning style. I believe good teaching should feel supportive, organised, and intellectually engaging at the same time.

Teaching Experience

I have taught students across a wide range of levels and exam boards, including GCSE, IGCSE, A-Level, Further Maths, university entrance preparation, and undergraduate mathematics modules.

My experience includes:

  • GCSE & IGCSE Maths and Science
  • A-Level Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Mechanics
  • University-level Mathematics and Engineering topics
  • 11+ and secondary school entrance preparation

A large part of my teaching focuses on identifying exactly where a student’s understanding begins to break down. In many cases, the issue is not simply “difficulty with maths”, but specific gaps in reasoning, algebraic fluency, problem interpretation, or exam technique that gradually compound over time.

Because of this, I place a strong emphasis on targeted practice and carefully structured explanations tailored to each student individually. Rather than relying on repetitive drilling alone, I aim to help students recognise patterns, understand the logic behind methods, and develop the confidence to approach unfamiliar problems independently.

I also provide personalised lesson notes, homework, and detailed feedback outside lesson time where needed, so students can continue building understanding between lessons in a clear and organised way.

Tutoring Approach

My teaching approach is highly adaptive and centred around how each student thinks and learns.

Rather than focusing purely on memorising methods, I try to help students understand the logic behind the mathematics. Once students begin to see patterns and connections clearly, difficult topics often become much less intimidating.

In lessons, I usually break problems down step by step and encourage students to explain their thinking aloud. This helps identify gaps in understanding early and builds genuine confidence over time.

I also place a strong emphasis on exam technique and problem-solving under pressure, especially for GCSE and A-Level students. Many students know more than they think they do — they simply need clearer structure, better habits, and more confidence in their own reasoning.

Above all, I want lessons to feel supportive rather than stressful. Mathematics is not something to fear, but a beautifully logical language waiting to be understood step by step.

Qualifications

PhD Materials Science and Engineering

Doctorate · University of Manchester · 2021

Reviews (5)

FarahFirst Tutors

Zhiying has been fantastic so far! My son feels that she explains the material in detail so that he better understands it. She also sends notes from the lesson every week for his revision and some review homework questions to further cement the learning. She’s fab!

Tutor response

Thank you for such a lovely review! It’s wonderful to know that the lesson structure and materials are supporting your child's revision effectively

AdaFirst Tutors

My son’s been receiving physics tutoring from for around a month now, and his comments could not be more positive. Lessons are effective and productive, with a clear balance between completing adequately challenging questions and learning about the topics at an appropriate and effective pace. Thanks !

Tutor response

Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and genuine review! I'm really glad to hear your son is enjoying the lessons and finding them helpful. I always aim to make my lessons both clear and suitably challenging, so students stay engaged—especially those who are already quite advanced. It really means a lot to know it’s working. I truly appreciate your kind words!

CiaranFirst Tutors

Wonderful tutor. has been helping me improve confidence in maths and prepare for an entrance exam for a trade school. She has a brilliant calm teaching style. I would strongly recommend her to anyone preparing for an exam - or who just needs more confidence with maths.

Tutor response

Thank you so much, Ciaran, for your kind words. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave this. I'm glad to hear that our sessions have helped you feel more confident with maths. It's been a real pleasure working with you, and I’ve been impressed by your progress and determination. Wishing you all the best for the exam. I’m sure you’ll do brilliantly! :P

MiraFirst Tutors

We have had several lessons so far in GCSE maths and physics and feel happy with our son’s progress. Zhiying has been professional from the beginning. She’s very good at what she does and clearly very knowledgeable. She is organised and everything is prepared. We also appreciate that she provides homework to complete after the lesson and marks the answers. We feel lucky to have found her and look forward to continue working together.

Tutor response

Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really glad to hear that the lessons have been helpful and that there has been steady progress. I also truly appreciate the learner’s consistent effort — it really makes a difference. I always hope that through my lessons, young learners will feel more confident and enjoy what they’re studying. It’s been a real pleasure working with your family :)

ElizabethFirst Tutors

has adapted her teaching to suit my daughter well. My daughter is showing improvement and increased confidence even after a few weeks. Thank you.

Tutor response

Thank you Liz! I’m so happy to hear your daughter is gaining confidence and making progress already. I look forward to supporting her progress further.

Online TuitionHome TuitionDBS checkedTravels up to 10 km
  • 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 5 or more reviews.
  • This tutor states that they speak another language (in addition to English)
  • 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
Subjects Taught
Maths
A-Level, IB or Highers
£50.00
Adult/Casual learner
£50.00
University (or further higher)
£60.00
GCSE or National 3-5
£45.00
Further Maths
A-Level, IB or Highers
£60.00
GCSE or National 3-5
£50.00
Chemistry
GCSE or National 3-5
£45.00
A-Level, IB or Highers
£55.00
Physics
A-Level, IB or Highers
£55.00
GCSE or National 3-5
£45.00
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