English from former Head of 13+ at ISC Top 10 Prep School for your 11+/13+/16+ and Oxbridge goals: Eton, Winchester, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey, Westminster etc. Let me use my 25+ years' experience.

Find out more about Edwin

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I actually started tutoring at the age of 15 as a way of earning some pocket money over the summer. It always felt like the most natural thing to do. Later, while studying at Oxford, I tutored in my spare time and found it extremely rewarding. At first, I did not consider it a full-time career, but after working with hundreds of students since 2004, tutoring has developed into a very busy and fulfilling profession. As a teacher in both state and independent schools in the 2000s, I was privileged to teach many outstanding young men and women, but I always felt that even in the very best educational environments, some students would benefit from 1-to-1 tuition, as everyone has their own learning journey and studies in different styles at their own pace.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I specialise in preparing students for 11+ and 13+ entrance exams, particularly in English, History, Religious Studies, and Humanities. I also teach English Language and Literature, and History at GCSE, A-Level, IB, AP, and 16+. Additionally, I teach Economics and Philosophy at 16+ and prepare students for the TSA, Critical Thinking, HAA, and HAT for Oxford and Cambridge. I also provide interview practice at all levels, particularly focusing on Oxbridge and school entrance (including for scholarships -- academic, music, art etc).
  
  I enjoy teaching all these subjects, but I have a particular passion for creative writing, longer research projects (John Locke, EPQ, EE etc.) that derive from a student's personal interests and passions.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I was fortunate enough to have many inspirational teachers both at school and at my universities, but two stand out. Jackie, my A-Level History teacher, taught us the importance of writing with style and flair as well as substance. She was incredibly laid-back and fun but let absolutely nothing slip by on an academic level. I think I once managed a 23.5 out of 25 on my Paper 4 essay with her, and I have spent the rest of my life striving for that extra mark and a half!
  
  The other was my one-time Japanese Politics tutor at Oxford, Arthur (Professor Stockwin to the world) - one of the giants of his field. He must have interviewed virtually every Japanese prime minister since the 1970s and was unquestionably the world's authority on the subject. Despite his stature, he always found the time to engage with my efforts in our weekly tutorials, never patronised, and always found something genuine to compliment in my journeyman efforts - a principle I have never forgotten and always strive to bring to my classes today.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor needs a strong knowledge of their subject, but just as important is the ability to teach effectively. Connecting with students of different ages and backgrounds is crucial - encouraging them to invest in learning and making it meaningful for them. Patience, understanding, and the ability to remember what it was like to be a learner are key. Additionally, a good tutor should be engaging and authentic, making the learning process enjoyable and inspiring for students. Finally, a little bit of "tough love" is essential -- I am always encouraging and supportive, but also strive to help establish realistic expectations that a student can confidently work towards.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  There is a true story I could tell you about my time at Oxford, a senior member of the royal family, and how there is no 'secret route' into getting a place at Oxford or Cambridge - but I will save that one for when I get to know you better! What I will say for now is that my journey to Oxford was one of perseverance, scholarship exams, and a deep love of learning. I came from an ordinary background, but through hard work and the right preparation, I was able to secure my place. This is something I always emphasise to my students: there is no secret formula, just dedication, strategy, and the right guidance. A great teacher can create a lifelong passion for a subject.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still face in your subject?

  One of the biggest challenges in tutoring 11+ students is adapting to the varying approaches taken by primary schools. The material can differ greatly, so I have to ensure that my teaching complements what each child is learning at school.
  
  For international students sitting the 11+, 13+, and GCSE First Language English exams, there is an added layer of difficulty. These exams assess students as if they were native speakers, which means they must develop a strong command of grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. Without a clear strategy, this can be overwhelming. To overcome this, I focus on gradually building up these skills over the years, ensuring that students develop their language abilities naturally and systematically. This includes exposure to high-level reading materials, structured writing practice, and targeted exercises to reinforce syntax and grammatical accuracy.
  
  At university, I also faced challenges with the volume of reading required for my degree. Reading multiple books each week and synthesising information into essays was demanding, but it ultimately helped me develop strong analytical and writing skills, which I now pass on to my students.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general, an element of the subject, or something completely different?

  I have a strong passion for teaching because it has the power to transform a person's life. Beyond that, I am deeply interested in demystifying and making scholarship exams for top public schools more accessible. Coming from an ordinary background, I was able to attend a prestigious school through a scholarship, and I want other children to have the same opportunity. This passion has led me to give numerous seminars and presentations on the subject, aiming to make high-level education accessible to more students.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P)?

  I regularly visit many of the top schools and have strong connections with admissions staff and senior teachers. While I do not use this as an 'unfair advantage,' it allows me to keep my finger on the pulse of what each school values, the type of student who would thrive there, and the specific study plans required for success. This insight helps me provide my students with the best possible guidance, tailored to the real expectations of each institution.
  
  I believe what makes me a standout tutor is my ability to teach every aspect of the school entrance process, from academic subjects to interview preparation. My experience working with students from different backgrounds has given me insight into how to tailor learning to individual needs. Most importantly, I strive to inspire confidence in my students and help them reach their full potential, ensuring that they not only pass exams but also develop a lifelong love of learning.