Tutor Profile

Gail

(22 reviews)

Gail

Over the past 8 years I have tutored nearly 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 this web page, 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.

Qualifications

QTS

QTS · Department for Education · 2002

BSc (Hons) Chemistry

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

Reviews (22)

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.

JuliaFirst Tutors

I have had an outstanding experience with Gail as my Tutor this past year. Initially I was looking for some guidance with A-level chemistry, however Gail had offered much more support. I am very grateful for her organisation and very useful resources, these allowed me to systemically study during the week and any lessons. Furthermore weekly marking really motivated me to continue with personal study. I have enjoyed in person contact as I found that with Gail’s experience she would easily notice discrepancies in my working and take the time to go over and strengthen the knowledge I would gain during my time at college. I appreciate all the effort Gail put in to help me feel secure in topics that I highlighted, whilst revising any parallel concepts and practicals. It has been a great pleasure to tutored by such an experienced and passionate tutor!

Tutor response

It has been a great pleasure to work with such a focused student. Thank you for such kind and thoughtful feedback.

IanFirst Tutors

Having engaged various tutors for all of my four children over the years in various subjects Gail has proven to be exceptional and I would recommend her without reservation.

Tutor response

The kind feedback is very much appreciated. This bright and hard working student has a great deal to offer and I wish him every success in all that lies ahead.

GraceFirst Tutors

Amazing help with my alevels! Got the grades I needed and would 100% recommend. Sessions were catered to what I wanted/needed and were very helpful. Thanks so much!!

Tutor response

Congratulations to this excellent student. Good luck for your university studies.

JoyFirst Tutors

Gail has been an amazing tutor. She was organised, reliable and very professional. My daughter found her very approachable and supportive in the build up to and during her a-levels. With Gail's help she achieved an A in her chemistry.

Tutor response

Thank you so much for the kind feedback. I am delighted for this student - she worked hard with great determination and her success is very much deserved. I will her all the best for her university studies ahead.

JeanFirst Tutors

She is an excellent tutor that is well prepared and has a lot of teaching experience, however our availability clashes so we couldn't continue unfortunately.

Tutor response

I wish this student every success with her future studies.

AnneFirst Tutors

Gail is an exceptional tutor, combining vast subject knowledge with extensive experience of teaching, as well as managing a department. She can spot difficulties straight away, and can develop highly effective individual plans to deliver exactly what the student needs. She builds knowledge, skills and confidence in her students all at once. She is utterly reliable, focused and also empathetic. She is a truly outstanding tutor.

Tutor response

Thank you for this kind feedback.

HelenFirst Tutors

Gail tutored my daughter for A level chemistry . She is excellent , was very helpful and posted extra work sheets which really helped my daughter structure her revision. She was very reliable , very positive with her feedback and really helped my daughters confidence to gain the grade she needed to get into university. All her lessons were on zoom which worked really well for us. I would definitely recommend Gail as a chemistry tutor

Tutor response

Thank you for this kind feedback. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Millie - she deserves every success.

DeborahFirst Tutors

Gail is an excellent tutor. Professional and very approachable. She provided tailored lessons depending on the needs of my daughter. Not only did her final A level grade improve but her confidence too. Many thanks for all your help. We would highly recommend Gail!

Tutor response

I am delighted this student has done so well - and is now on her way to her chosen university course. It has been a great pleasure to work with her over the past year - and thank you for such a kind review.

AliaFirst Tutors

I am so thankful that I was able to find Gail through this website ! I really couldn't have wished for a more perfect tutor than Gail, we worked together for a year as I prepped for my A level Chemistry retakes. She was always incredibly professional and knowledgeable. Gail regularly sets homework tasks for you to practise topics that you go through together. I wasn't the greatest at Chemistry to begin with, but with Gail's help chemistry soon became one of my favourite A level subjects, and I felt so much more confident and knowledgeable and ready to start university with all the skills I learnt from her. I never would've been able to achieve the grade I did in my A levels without her help!! :)

Tutor response

Well done to this student for making such excellent progress over the year. She is more than ready to study the chemistry components of her university course and I wish her every success in all that lies ahead.

HelenFirst Tutors

Thanks to lessons with Gail our son improved his chemistry knowledge considerably and achieved an A grade. Gail is extremely well organised and proactive setting work in advance of the lesson and marking test questions afterwards. Would definitely recommend.

Tutor response

This student worked hard throughout the year; he was a pleasure to teach and and his success was very well deserved. Thank you for they kind review.

YFirst Tutors

Gail continues to be an excellent, adaptable and supportive tutor to my son who had been struggling with A-level Chemistry. She tailors lessons to help my son focus on key areas. There were gaps in his knowledge and we have seen him improve, from C+ to A, in his recent Yr 12 school exams.

Tutor response

I have been delighted to see this student’s progress - well done! Thank you for the kind Review.

AmandaFirst Tutors

Gail was very professional and knowledgable in all areas of the curriculum. She tailored lessons to suit my learning style as-well as to further the curriculum alongside what my college were teaching. I was tutored by Gail throughout my second year of A level chemistry. We covered many topics on the year 2 college curriculum including organic and inorganic chemistry. During this time, I was provided with worksheets and past papers to complete in and out of the tutor sessions. (many of which would not be available to normal students looking for past papers online). She also marked papers that I had completed outside of tutor sessions so that I could practice and see what to improve upon before my next class test e.t.c. These tutor sessions were especially useful in preparing for exams as we would go into much deeper detail about exam technique than what my college provided. Overall, I would definitely recommend Gail to anyone studying A-level Chemistry year 1 or 2.

Tutor response

Thank You for this feedback and well done for all your hard work and commitment mastering the demands of A level chemistry. Good luck for your university studies.

AbenaFirst Tutors

Gail is very professional, firm but fair. She was always very well prepared for her sessions with my daughter. My daughter had grown despondent about her lack of progress in A-level Chemistry. Gail helped her regain her confidence. She managed to get the grades required for her course. My only regret is not meeting Gail earlier. Thank you Gail xx

Tutor response

An excellent student who deserves every success. Congratulations on your grade and well done for your focused hard work.

LindaFirst Tutors

Update 23.8.19 - Gail was fantastic, she restored my daughter's confidence and got her back on track to achieve 9 9 (highest grade) in her combined science double award GCSE. We are all delighted and owe a huge debt of thanks to Gail. Gail tutored my daughter for GCSE combined science and was excellent in all areas from start to finish. I couldn't disagree more strongly with the previous feedback. Gail was brilliant with all her communications from the outset. She kept in touch (even though she was on a trip) and took the time to thoroughly review my daughter's work online before suggesting a way forward, this was done quickly and efficiently. Gail is organised, committed, reliable and highly effective - she enabled my daughter to find her way again so that she went into her GCSE exams with the confidence to achieve her potential. THANK YOU

Tutor response

Congratulations to Emma! And very best wishes for your sixth form studies and all that lies ahead. Gail

SianFirst Tutors

Gail is an amazing, friendly and welcoming tutor, i highly recommend! Gail goes above and beyond for all her students. She increased my confidence in chemistry and i got into my first place university!

Tutor response

Congratulations Sian on your hard work and success with your university place. You have a great future ahead! Thank you for leaving such positive feedback.

JackieFirst Tutors

Gail is an excellent tutor and I would certainly recommend her! My daughter was struggling with chemistry however with Gail’s help she achieved a grade A in her A level exam.

Tutor response

Congratulations to Sarah - she is a hard working and focused student who deserves every success… Thank you Jackie for leaving such positive feedback. Best wishes to you all. Gail

JaneFirst Tutors

I paid for Gail's details but she changed her mind and tried to say I was an **Contact Detail Removed** and that she won't do the lessons I would not want her to now after such an aggressive reaction

Tutor response

Jane W has contacted me, via First Tutors, using 2 different names - Patricia and Jane. After I accepted "Jane", Patrical emailed me to say that she worked for IPS Tutors (an **Contact Detail Removed**) and wanted me to fill in lots of paper work, DBS checks etc. I do not work for Agencies and would not have accepted "Jane" as a student if I had known she was actually "Patricia". I did not accept Patricial. If required, I can post the email from Patricia giving evidence of this.

Online TuitionHome TuitionDBS 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 is a Retired Professional (self-declared)
  • This tutor is happy to teach online
  • This tutor has recently joined TutorDex
Subjects Taught
Chemistry
GCSE or National 3-5
£45.00
A-Level, IB or Highers
£45.00
Combined Science
GCSE or National 3-5
£45.00
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