Joshua

I graduated from the University of Oxford with a double first in English language and literature, winning the prize for the best performance in English finals at Mansfield College, and the college essay prize. At school, I was awarded eleven GCSEs at A-star and three A-levels at A.

As well as tutoring, I have worked as a researcher, a copywriter, and a proofreader.

I have also completed a PGCE in secondary English at the UCL Institute of Education, the highest-ranking college of education in the world (QS World University Rankings), during which I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools, and received A’s for my master’s-level assignments.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling and photography.

Availability: In principle, I am available at any time during the working week. I will try to find a time that suits you. I see some students at the same time each week, and am flexible with others. I currently have most availability in the mornings and early afternoons.

Willing to travel: 10 miles

Experience: I have been tutoring since 2013, teaching English at all levels (including degree level), as well as A-level religious studies. I have taught AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas, and CAIE (Cambridge International), and am constantly familiarising myself with new texts that my students are studying.

I try to combine three things that I want my students to do, which are three forms of thinking: speak about complex ideas, read high-quality material, and write essays for which they will receive detailed feedback.

Feedback from a parent, March 2021: ‘Thanks for helping [M.] to improve her English understanding. She really enjoys her lessons and chats!’

Feedback from a parent, March 2021: ‘[R.] is benefiting immensely from your lessons and is definitely getting more confident in expressing his thoughts in writing! Thank you.’

Feedback from a parent, December 2020: ‘Josh has really helped join the dots, encouraged a depth of questioning and ways to interpret and compare ideas, extracting and bringing fresh meaning to narrative styles and creative use of language. Josh has been a great support and steered Rupert`s confidence to look more thoroughly and develop a greater understanding all round. Josh has a kind, approachable style and encouraged Rupert with debating aloud and suggestions for further reading which all continue to be an invaluable help and inspire greater confidence in approaching exams and further reading in future!’

Feedback from a student, December 2020: ‘He helps focus my understanding and makes sure i understand the topic we are learning before moving on. Josh will make sure to ask you questions throughout the process and is always ready for your ideas even if you think it`s wrong. He will set homework but makes sure to switch it up each week to make it more interesting and gives his feedback to help me understand what i need to do to improve.’

Feedback from a parent, September 2020: ‘Josh worked with my daughter for her A Level in English Literature. He was outstanding with his ideas and expanding her critical thinking. He went above and beyond to develop her analytical skills and as a result helped her obtain an A*. He is an absolutely lovely, gentle but dynamic and reliable tutor who has a rare ability combine his academic achievement with a natural talent for teaching. A real gem and we cannot thank him enough.’

Feedback from a parent, September 2020: ‘Joshua is an excellent tutor with great communication skills . He is very patient , helpful , approachable and takes time to explain everything clearly to my daughter . Joshua has been able to breakdown and explain in full detail all aspects of the A Level content.’

Feedback from a student, June 2020: ‘it’s been great being taught by you, I’ve learned so many critical thinking skills in such a short space of time.’

Feedback from a parent, March 2020: ‘I can’t thank you enough for everything that you’ve done for her - you’ve been the best English teacher she’s ever had and she has loved her time with you.’

Whilst at Oxford, I was part of an ‘e-mentoring’ scheme to help candidates from schools without a history of Oxbridge applications.

At Christ College, Brecon, I ran two series of seminars, for sixth-formers studying RS and English literature.