Frequently Asked Questions
Tutoring Approach
-
I specialise exclusively in A-Level Chemistry, with particular expertise in OCR. I combine over 15 years of tutoring experience with current examiner experience, helping students strengthen both their understanding of Chemistry and the exam skills needed to maximise marks.
I also hold a 1st Class Hons degree in Chemistry with Biochemistry from Queen Mary and a scholarship-awarded MSc in Green Chemistry from the University of York
-
Yes. I specialise exclusively in A-Level Chemistry, allowing me to provide the depth of subject knowledge, exam expertise and resources that students need to succeed at this level. By focusing solely on A-Level Chemistry, I stay up to date with specification changes, examiner expectations and the common misconceptions that prevent students from achieving their target grades.
I do not offer tuition for GCSE or IB.
-
OCR is my specialist exam board, but I also support students studying AQA. Much of the Chemistry content overlaps between exam boards, although exam technique is tailored to each specification.
-
Every student begins with an assessment of their strengths and areas for development.
Subsequent lessons focus on closing knowledge gaps, developing exam technique, practising exam-style questions, and building the confidence needed to tackle unfamiliar problems.
The Chemistry Programme
-
The Chemistry Programme combines small group teaching (capped at 6 students), integrated 1:1 support and structured resources to provide ongoing support throughout the academic year. It is designed for students who benefit from regular accountability and a clear study plan.
-
The programme is ideal for Year 12 and Year 13 students who want consistent support, regular exam practice and guidance throughout the year rather than occasional tutoring. Ideally, students who understand the content but looking to strengthen their exam technique and or jump a grade or two .
-
The Chemistry Programme combines the benefits of collaborative learning with personalised support. Each month, students receive:
Two 90-minute live group lessons each week, following a carefully planned OCR A-Level Chemistry curriculum.
Two 60-minute 1:1 sessions each month, providing targeted tuition to address individual knowledge gaps, exam technique, and personal learning goals.
Exam paper practice in every group session, helping students apply their knowledge and build confidence with OCR-style questions throughout the year, not just before exams.
Homework and independent study tasks to reinforce learning between lessons.
Lesson recordings, allowing students to revisit explanations or catch up if they are unable to attend a session.
Regular feedback to parents, keeping you informed of your child's progress, strengths, and areas for development.
This structured approach ensures students receive both the accountability of a long-term programme and the personalised attention needed to maximise their progress.
-
To ensure every student receives the right level of support, all applicants follow the same enrolment process:
Attend a Parent Open Evening or submit an application.
Complete a diagnostic assessment.
Attend a trial session.
Receive an offer of a place, if the programme is the right fit and places are available.
The diagnostic assessment allows me to identify your child's strengths, areas for development, and the support they'll need throughout the year. It also helps ensure each group contains students with similar learning needs, creating the best possible learning environment for everyone.
-
Yes. Where availability allows, students can move between the Chemistry Programme and individual tuition if their needs change.
-
Students who are unable to attend a group lesson will receive access to the lesson recording, supporting resources and homework, allowing them to catch up before the next session. This helps ensure they remain on track with the programme curriculum.
1:1 Tuition
-
The initial assessment session costs £25, which is deducted from the cost of your first full lesson if you decide to continue. During the session, I'll assess your child's current understanding and recommend the level of support that is most appropriate.
-
Every lesson is tailored to your child's current level and learning needs. Sessions typically include:
Targeted teaching to address knowledge gaps and strengthen understanding of challenging topics.
Exam paper practice using exam-style questions to develop confidence and improve exam technique.
Regular homework to reinforce learning and encourage consistent progress between lessons.
Constructive feedback on performance, highlighting strengths, areas for improvement, and the next steps for continued progress.
As your child's confidence and understanding develop, the focus of lessons adapts accordingly, ensuring they receive the right support at every stage of their A-Level Chemistry journey.
-
Yes. I offer both pay-as-you-go lessons and monthly tuition packages, depending on the level of support required.
-
This depends on their current grade, target grade and the amount of time until their exams. Students needing to make significant improvement over short amount of time often benefit from two to three lessons per week initially, alongside consistent independent study. During the trial session, I will suggest a schedule based on your child’s unique situation.
-
Yes. Where availability allows, students can move between the Chemistry Programme and individual tuition if their needs change.
Bookings & Payments
-
I keep my calendar accurate most days. If you can’t find a suitable time in the booking calendar, chances are I’m not available. However, you may contact me to verify or join the waitlist.
My availability can change throughout the academic year, and I may occasionally be able to offer alternative times that are not visible in the calendar.
For students on monthly packages or the Chemistry Programme, regular lesson times are agreed in advance where possible. 1:1 sessions may be rescheduled if availability allows.
-
All lessons must be paid for in advance. Parents enrol in automatic payments when booking their initial assessment session.
Pay As You Go (PAYG) lessons are billed weekly.
Monthly tuition packages, including the Chemistry Programme are billed on the 1st of each month.
-
When you book an initial assessment session, a secure parent account will automatically be created for you. This online portal is the central hub for managing your child's tuition, where you can:
Book and manage sessions
View upcoming lessons
Access invoices and payment history
Read lesson feedback and monitor progress
The student will also be allocated an account from where they can do all the above except manage or view payments.
-
If you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson, you may do so without charge at least 24 hours' notice through your parent/student portal.
PAYG lessons cancelled with at least 24 hours' notice can be rescheduled. Under 24 hours, lessons are charged in full.
Monthly tuition packages also require 24 hours' notice. Where possible, a make-up lesson credit will be applied to your account.
Unfortunately, lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice cannot be refunded or rescheduled. -
PAYG sessions that have been booked in advance and cancelled with more than 24 hours' notice may be refunded if the student wishes to end tuition completely.
In most other cases where a session is cancelled within the cancellation policy, a make-up lesson credit will be applied to the account instead of a refund.
Other Questions
-
Yes. As all lessons are delivered online, I work with students both within the UK and internationally studying the UK A-Level Curriculum.
-
Even though I have a good track record of helping students jump grades. I do not and cannot guarantee your child will attain a particular grade.
No self-respecting tutor can ethically guarantee grades.
What I can guarantee is high-quality teaching, structured support and honest advice, but exam outcomes ultimately depend on the level of commitment, effort and engagement of the student.
-
Simply book an initial assessment session or get in touch via the contact form. We'll discuss your child's goals, assess where they are now, and decide on the most suitable support plan.