Tutor Profile

Over the past 8 years I have tutored over 100 students for A level and IB Chemistry and for GCSE and IGCSE sciences. All have done very well in their external exams, achieving grades above those predicted at the start of their work with me. I provide distance learning, teaching via Zoom as well as face to face tuition at my home. As well as students who find my details via First Tutors and TutorDex, I am recommended by a number of schools and sixth form colleges; I have also worked with Southampton based Wessex Tutors.

Teaching Experience

I have spent 15+ years as a successful chemistry teacher, Head of Chemistry Dept and Head of Science Dept in a number of leading academic schools. I have also held pastoral roles including 6th Form Tutor, House Master, Head of Section and Assistant Head. My Tutoring experience and expertise include AS and A level Chemistry (OCR, AQA, Edexcel and WJEC boards), IB Chemistry (HL and SL) as well as GCSE and IGCSE Chemistry and Science and HE Access courses. My current students include mature and retake students as well as many currently studying in schools and colleges. I have also worked as an OCR Examiner.

Tutoring Approach

Lessons are either 1 or 2 hours. They can be weekly, fortnightly or on an ad hoc basis as required by the student. I teach face to face at my home and on-line via Zoom. Typically my A level students include:

  • Year 12 in need of additional support as they make the transition from GCSE and prepare for UCAS.
  • Year 13 in need of a boost after tough first year exams
  • Retake students aiming to improve their grade.
  • Mature students - taking A level chemistry for the first time, often preparing for a career change.

I provide all students with exam board specific checklists, paper resources for every lesson as well as assignments and assessments for independent work between lessons. My hourly fee includes my marking student work that has been completed independently. Where appropriate, I set and mark regular homework and assessment tasks.

My aims are to increase pupil confidence and motivation through success, progress and achievement. Working one to one with students enables me to focus on their individual needs and areas for development. My wide range of approaches (VAK) enables all students to see progress. I help them to break the subject down into logical, understandable building blocks. We work to remove the mystery and confusion often associated with chemistry and science - by clear exposition and step by step teaching. Students work on problems and exercises at every stage - to assimilate their knowledge and develop and apply their understanding.

My on-line students come from across the UK, Europe and South East Asia. More locally I have taught students from Brockenhurst College, Peter Symonds, Poole Grammar School, Barton Peveril, Bournemouth School for Girls, Highcliffe School, Arnewood, Poole College, Bishop Worthsworth's School and Tywnham School.

Availability

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Qualifications

QTS

QTS · Department for Education · 2002

BSc (Hons) Chemistry

Bachelors · University of East Anglia · First Class Honours · 1982

Reviews

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CatherineFirst Tutors

Gail has been one of the best investments I ever made. She has exceptional subject and syllabus knowledge. She taught me most of the year 13 content and without her I would most likely be sitting around a D and not the A she helped me achieve

Tutor response

This student worked hard and deserves every success. I am delighted that she is off to the university of her choice. Congratulations on your super grade.

EllaFirst Tutors

I had the pleasure of being tutored by Gail for a few months in Year 13 for IB Chemistry HL, and she was incredibly helpful throughout. She is very patient and explains concepts clearly, always using a wide range of resources that she shared with me before each lesson, which made it much easier to revise specific topics. Gail also encouraged me to stay organised, which really helped when it came to tackling the large amount of content in Chemistry HL. One of the things I appreciated most was that she went beyond the lessons themselves, offering to mark and give feedback on my work during the week, which was really helpful. Overall, Gail’s support made a big difference in my understanding and confidence and I would definitely recommend her.

Tutor response

It was a real pleasure to support this student as she revised the demanding IB HL Chemistry syllabus. Her work ethic was excellent and she made very significant progress during our time working together. I wish her every success at University and beyond. And thank you for such a kind and thoughtful review.

GrahamFirst Tutors

I can’t thank Gail enough for all her support during my A-level Chemistry. She explained even the most difficult topics so clearly and always had patience when I was struggling. Her lessons really boosted my confidence, and I went from feeling unsure to actually enjoying chemistry. She gave me so many helpful exam tips and made sure I really understood the content instead of just memorising. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for an A level chemistry tutor

Tutor response

I very much enjoyed working with this student through Y12 and Y13. Hard working and ambitious - she deserves every success. I wish her all the best for her studies at university and beyond. Thank you for such a kind review.

MartinFirst Tutors

I cannot recommend Gail highly enough — she is by far the best tutor I’ve ever had. She provides excellent resources and, impressively, manages to keep me organised (which is no small feat, as I’m not naturally a structured person!). Gail knows the specification and content like the back of her hand and ensures I understand and remember all the key marking points. Whenever I’m confused by something taught at school, Gail is able to explain it clearly and in a way that makes it truly click, helping me develop a deep and lasting understanding. On top of that, she has significantly improved my exam technique, which has made a huge difference. Honestly, thanks to her, chemistry has become not only my best subject but also my favourite one.

Tutor response

It has been a delight to work with this focused and ambitious student. She has had a great Year 12 - and we are now looking forward to the challenges of Year 13. Thank you for such a thoughtful and constructive review.

GailFirst Tutors

Gail has been the most professional tutor. From the onset Gail's preparation for working with my daughter was thorough and extensive as she took time in getting to know my daughter's strengths, her best ways of working and where she could provide the best type of support. Gail's preparation before during and following lessons in anticipation of the next lesson and learning need was amazing; nothing was too much trouble. Gail also provided support by way of preparing and posting resources as well as by marking work outside of lesson times and was always available to answer any queries especially close to exam time. I have seen my daughter's confidence grow and her gain not just a better understanding of the subject matter, but a real enjoyment of chemistry whilst being tutored by you. Thank you so much for making a difference. We are incredibly thankful for all you have done and would 100% recommend you as a tutor for anybody wanting to progress and gain confidence in chemistry.

Tutor response

It has been a real pleasure to work with this student - her A level success is well-deserved. Thank you for such kind, thoughtful and constructive Feedback.

View all of Gail's reviews
Tuition onlineTuition at tutor's homeDBS checked
  • This tutor has a verified QTS qualification
  • The highest level of qualification that this tutor has provided us with a copy of is a Bachelors (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 very quickly (avg < 2h)
  • This tutor is a Retired Professional (self-declared)
  • This tutor is happy to teach online
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