

One of our best tutors. Quality profile, experience in their field, verified qualifications and a great response time. Matthew will be happy to arrange your first Science lesson.
Matthew
One of our best tutors. Quality profile, experience in their field, verified qualifications and a great response time. Matthew will be happy to arrange your first Science lesson.
- Rate Ksh. 28,886
- Response 3h
-
Students50+
Number of students Matthew has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
Number of students Matthew has accompanied since arriving at Superprof

Ksh. 28,886/hr
- Science
- Natural Sciences
- STEM
- Applied Science
PTP MEMBER: Cambridge Natural Sciences graduate & professional Natural Sciences tutor; Oxbridge & Engineering admissions; ESAT, TMUA, STEP, UCAS, interviews, 11+, 13+ & 16+ school entrance
- Science
- Natural Sciences
- STEM
- Applied Science
Lesson location
Ambassador
One of our best tutors. Quality profile, experience in their field, verified qualifications and a great response time. Matthew will be happy to arrange your first Science lesson.
About Matthew
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NATURAL SCIENCES & ENGINEERING ADMISSIONS | OXBRIDGE & STEM | ESAT, TMUA, STEP & INTERVIEWS
I am a full-time professional private tutor with 12,000+ hours of one-to-one teaching experience since 2013. I hold a BA (Hons) and MSci in Natural Sciences from Pembroke College, University of Cambridge, where I studied physics, mathematics, chemistry and materials science before specialising in Experimental & Theoretical Physics.
My teaching spans mathematics and the sciences from primary level through school and university, with particular expertise in Oxbridge, Natural Sciences, Engineering and competitive STEM admissions. This breadth is especially useful for Natural Sciences and Engineering applicants, who need to combine strong mathematical and scientific knowledge with the ability to reason through unfamiliar problems.
My work includes:
• Cambridge Natural Sciences and Engineering applications
• Oxford Engineering Science and other competitive Engineering applications
• Imperial College London and other leading STEM university applications
• ESAT preparation across the mathematical and scientific content relevant to the intended course
• TMUA and STEP preparation where relevant to a student’s wider applications
• Oxbridge and Engineering interview preparation and subject-specific mock interviews
• UCAS application support and personal statement development
• Super-curricular enrichment, wider reading and academic discussion
• GCSE, IGCSE, A-level and IB tuition across the subjects I teach
• Undergraduate mathematics and physics, including mathematical content encountered within engineering courses
• 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ school entrance examinations and interviews
• Long-term and short-term home-schooling programmes
I have completed 1,000+ hours of subject-specific Oxbridge mock interviewing and was Principal Oxbridge STEM Mock Interviewer at Epsom College from 2018–22.
Recent admissions successes include offers from Cambridge and Imperial in the biological and physical sciences, together with 16+ entry to Westminster School, Brighton College and Latymer Upper School, and 11+ entry to leading London Consortium schools and St Paul’s School.
Recent academic successes among students include grade 9 results at GCSE and A* results at A-level in mathematics and the sciences, successful undergraduate mathematics module resits, and a distinction-level dissertation mark for a student on UCL’s MSc Private Equity and Venture Capital with Financial Technology programme.
I am also scheduled to deliver a TMUA workshop at Eton College in September 2026. I previously delivered Oxbridge Applications workshops at La Salle, German Swiss International School and Harrow International in Hong Kong.
My home-schooling experience includes sole responsibility for a student’s IGCSE Science tuition over two years, culminating in a final grade A, and a current appointment, now in its third year, delivering a primary student’s complete mathematics and science curriculum, including super-curricular enrichment such as robotics.
I teach both in person across London and the Home Counties and online worldwide. As a driver and cyclist, I can also reach areas of London that are less convenient by public transport.
QUALIFICATIONS
• University of Cambridge, Pembroke College — BA (Hons) & MSci in Natural Sciences (Physical), 2:1
• A-levels — Physics A, Mathematics A, Further Mathematics A, Chemistry A
• AS-level — Biology A
• GCSEs — 12 subjects: 6 A*, 6 A, including A* in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology
MY BACKGROUND
At Cambridge I studied physics, mathematics, chemistry and materials science within the Natural Sciences Tripos before specialising in Experimental & Theoretical Physics in Parts II and III. The interdisciplinary structure of Natural Sciences gave me experience of approaching scientific problems from several perspectives rather than treating subjects as isolated disciplines.
This background is particularly relevant to Engineering admissions. Engineering problems frequently require students to combine mathematics with physical reasoning, mechanics, materials, energy, estimation and modelling rather than apply knowledge from a single school subject in isolation.
My teaching experience began while at Cambridge. Through the Cavendish Laboratory Education Outreach programme I worked as an assistant physics teacher at Coleridge Community College, preparing and delivering lessons and helping to plan the Year 8 physics curriculum. I also taught science, mathematics and English in India and Beijing.
I have since developed long-standing tutoring appointments with families in London and internationally and am registered with 16+ London tutoring agencies, including Gabbitas, Simply Learning Tuition, Quintessentially Education and Educate Private.
Outside tutoring, I completed a geophysics internship at BP’s North Sea headquarters and have a continuing interest in algorithmic trading and quantitative finance, including independent study of doctoral-level asset pricing.
About the lesson
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- English
All languages in which the lesson is available :
English
My Natural Sciences and Engineering admissions tuition is particularly suited to students preparing for Cambridge Natural Sciences, Cambridge Engineering, Oxford Engineering Science, Imperial Engineering and other highly competitive STEM courses, where success depends on more than simply knowing the school syllabus.
I focus on three areas: strong scientific understanding, confident mathematical problem-solving and the ability to reason through unfamiliar material.
At the outset, I identify a student’s existing strengths, academic interests and any gaps in the mathematics or science underlying their intended university course. Preparation can then be targeted towards the demands of the application rather than following a generic admissions programme.
For Natural Sciences, Engineering and related STEM applicants, lessons may include:
• ESAT preparation and timed problem-solving
• Mathematical reasoning across scientific and engineering contexts
• Physics, mathematics, chemistry and materials science where relevant to the intended course
• Mechanics, physical modelling and quantitative reasoning
• Analysis of unfamiliar graphs, data and experimental situations
• Estimation, proportional reasoning and order-of-magnitude thinking
• Applying familiar principles in unfamiliar contexts
• Super-curricular reading and discussion beyond the school syllabus
• Development of ideas for UCAS applications and personal statement responses
• Oxbridge and Engineering interview preparation and subject-specific mock interviews
• Building the confidence to explain reasoning clearly under pressure
A central part of my approach is helping students become comfortable with unfamiliar problems. Oxbridge interviews and admissions tests are rarely about reproducing a memorised method. They often require the student to identify useful principles, make sensible assumptions, translate a physical situation into mathematics, respond to hints and develop an argument step by step.
For Engineering applicants in particular, I place strong emphasis on moving between a physical situation and an appropriate mathematical model. Students practise identifying relevant variables, drawing useful diagrams, making justified approximations, estimating before calculating and checking whether a final answer is physically reasonable.
For ESAT preparation, I combine revision of the necessary underlying content with extensive problem-solving practice. I place particular emphasis on efficient methods, accurate mathematical reasoning, working effectively under time pressure and learning when to abandon an unproductive approach in favour of a better one.
Oxbridge and Engineering interview preparation is similarly interactive. Rather than rehearsing fixed answers, I use unfamiliar mathematical and scientific problems to reproduce the style of thinking expected in an academic interview. Students practise explaining what they are doing, responding constructively to new information and adapting their reasoning when challenged.
For Engineering applicants, interview problems may draw on mechanics, forces, energy, electricity, materials, estimation, graphs and mathematical modelling. The objective is not simply to reach the correct numerical answer, but to demonstrate clear reasoning and the ability to develop an approach collaboratively.
I also support the broader university application. This can include selecting appropriate super-curricular material, discussing books, lectures, articles, competitions, work experience or independent projects, developing ideas for UCAS application responses and ensuring that the application demonstrates genuine academic engagement with Natural Sciences or Engineering.
My background in Cambridge Natural Sciences is particularly useful here because I can work across disciplinary boundaries. A problem may begin as physics but require calculus, involve materials science and energetic reasoning, or present experimental data that needs careful quantitative interpretation. This interdisciplinary approach is directly relevant to both Natural Sciences and Engineering.
For younger students, I also provide preparation for 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ school entrance, including mathematics, science and interview preparation where appropriate. I have substantial experience with full curriculum delivery and long-term home-schooling appointments.
Online lessons are delivered using a tablet-and-stylus setup with screen sharing and collaborative working, allowing equations, diagrams, graphs, physical models and scientific reasoning to be developed clearly in real time. I also teach in person throughout London and the Home Counties and am available seven days a week.
Recommendations
Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher
At different times Matthew has tutored my two sons in preparation for their iGCSE and A level exams. Both boys agree he is extremely knowledgeable in the subject matter he teaches and also in the exam system in general. They were both thoroughly prepared for their exams and achieved excellent results.
Matthew has tutored all 3 of my sons for both GCSEs and A Levels and has been a major factor in their securing great grades and places at their first choice of university. Despite the complexities of the subjects taught, they have enjoyed their sessions with Matthew and his help has been invaluable.
Matt tutored my son in A level Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
He was consistently excellent. He was able to quickly identify areas that needed working on, and then efficiently addressed them.
He has a good understanding of the exam requirements/techniques and structures the lessons accordingly.
He was punctual, well prepared and my son got on well with him.Matt tutored my son in A level Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
He was consistently excellent. He was able to quickly identify areas that needed working on, and then efficiently addressed them.
He has a good understanding of the exam requirements/techniques and structures the lessons accordingly.
He was punctual, well prepared and my son got on well with him.Matthew is a great tutor. He engages with the student and the sessions are therefore fun as well as educational. My son enjoyed his sessions and his confidence and progress in Maths were significant.
Matthew is a great tutor. He engages with the student and the sessions are therefore fun as well as educational. My son enjoyed his sessions and his confidence and progress in Maths were significant.
Matthew was incredibly helpful during my a level studies especially when I struggled to grasp topics which had been dealt with too quickly in the classroom. He was patient and explained problems I struggled to solve in a clear manner
Matthew tutored my daughter for A level Chemistry. He was consistently excellent and made even the most complicated topics accessible. I would highly recommend him.
Matthew tutored my daughter for A level Chemistry. He was consistently excellent and made even the most complicated topics accessible. I would highly recommend him.
Having tried a few tutors, my daughter was really happy with Matthew's approach and his detailed knowledge of Chemistry and the specifications for her board. She was struggling to get through the huge volume of learning and was finding it difficult to organise her revision, partly due to issues with dyslexia. Matthew helped her plan the topics that needed to be covered, was great at explaining concepts that she did not understand and would get her to do questions during tutoring sessions and for homework so he could monitor her exam technique and ensure she could apply the knowledge. She might have failed her Chemistry A'Level without his help. He was very patient, polite and friendly. Definitely worth the money we spent as my daughter ended up with a B, which seemed pretty unachievable before Matthew started tutoring her.
Matthew really helped me with my FP2 which secured my final A* (since I didn't do too well in the S2 last year), he answered all my questions regarding the text book contents and taught me a few useful tricks which weren't included in the text book. In addition to Maths, he also assisted me with numerous topics (especially electromagnetism) in physics, which turned out to be crucial for the A grade requirement in my UCL offer.
We engaged Matthew initially as a coach to assist our son prepare for his gcse physics exam since his grades had dropped. While Matthew is expensive he is reliable, understands the syllabus well, developed a good rapport with our son who is a reluctant student. Since we saw an improvement in our son,s physics grades over the year we engaged Matthew for chemistry as well.
Matthew has taught my son A level further Maths in Year 13 especially differential equations which was a hard module for him to grasp. Matthew is very easy to talk to and my son understood how he explained the various topics. Thank you Matthew
Matthew gave my son six tutorials which were worth their weight in gold. Daniel is studying Physics IB at the Higher level and was feeling very unsure about some of the Physics topics as he neared the end of the summer holidays. After one two hour session with Matthew, Dan went from being nervous about returning to school to being much more chattyand relaxed with the family. Matthew put him at ease immediately, and was teaching him from the start. After four sessions Dan was starting to help some of his friends who had compulsory resits at the start of term, and after six was quite keen to get back to school, having told me earlier in the holidays the he was thinking that he might not go back to school for his final year. I would not hesitate in approaching Matthew to help Dan should the need arise, nor recommending him to anyone else who needed a first class tutor. Thank you Matthew. You are a star!
Matthew gave Kawita a broader a deeper appreciation of physics as well and identifying and remedying areas of weakness. Under Matthew's guidance Kawita has become more confident in A2 maths and physics and is better able to provide the sorts of answers and explanations that earn good marks in a test.
Matthew has been the most fantastic and reliable tutor. He is organised, highly professional and ensures each child is able to reach their true potential. I would highly recommend him.
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher of all 3 science subjects. Good rapport with my daughter and made things clear and understandable. Always on time and flexible when we needed him to be. My daughter was well prepared for her IGCSE's in all 3 science subjects thanks to Matthew.
The tutoring with Matthew was fantastic and it was very useful as I gained a lot of confidence for my interview during the session. He is also very professional and knowledgeable; as a result of the preparation with him, I was offered a place at my preferred school.
Highly recommended!I firmly believe that Physics becomes enjoyable when one actually understands the concepts in Physics, but not many people fall into this category because they usually get overwhelmed by Physics and don't even try to understand it, or they do not wish to ask a lot of questions in the fear of looking ' stupid'. Matthew Shaw has a very rare talent in that he can explain Physics in simple English. This means that he can take a complicated topic in Physics and explain it with words that an art student would comprehend. An almost ' Physics is for everybody' approach. Most people who seek Physics Tuition struggle in Physics and the reason why they struggle in Physics is probably due to the way Physics was introduced at school. Matthew almost washes away all the confusion from school and builds new foundations. I know this to be true because during my Physics Pre-U, despite how i knew absolutely nothing about superpositions and the behaviour of waves through slits and was completely confused by all of it, Matthew tunneled through the entire topic in a matter of hours where it may have taken two weeks at school and he really does make it simple. Simply because it is, really. Matthew specialises in A-Level, but the fact that he was capable in adapting to a much more demanding Pre-U syllabus not only tells you that this guy is the real deal, but that he understands the subject externally as opposed to internally. What i mean by this is that he is not a walking Physics Textbook, he can look around the room and relate physics topics to the surroundings, quite remarkable.
Matthew has the ultimate recipe to tutoring, mixing together both Fun and Focused Learning as that is how the subject should be taught. It's ... awesome ( excuse the overused word)
I would go on but i'm afraid i have a life too and i wish to stop the review. Give him a go, he's worth it.When I first started my tutoring sessions with Matthew Shaw, maths was my worst subject both in terms of grades and interest. Having sessions with Matthew and using the only service to help me in between sessions was invaluable. He not only helped me understand concepts better, but he also got me to become more interested in the subject as a whole.
Matthew has been instrumental in preparing my daughter for the Physics Aptitude Test required for entry to Oxford University and I am delighted that she has been offered a place at St Hughes College, Oxford. We shall be retaining Matthew's services to ensure that she makes the required 'A" Level grades for entry to Oxford. Matthew has been an absolute delight to know, he is completely reliable and has helped our daughter to realise her dream of going to Oxford.
We engaged Mat to support our daughter during her Physics AS Level. With Mat's support she achieved full marks in Physics. Mat then went on to provide support with the Physics Aptitude Test required for entrance to Oxford University. The support was invaluable and our daughter was subsequently called for interview at Oxford - the result of which we now await. We highly recommend Mat - he is totally reliable and his knowledge and expertise in respect of entrance to Oxbridge has been a great help!
Matthew helped our son prepare for his GCSE excam in all 3 science subjects.
Matthew is a great teacher and made the subjects much clearer to our son, who consequently managed much better grades than predicted by the school.
We plan to use Matthew for our younger son and will highyly recommend Matthew to anyone looking for a science tutor.I left an excellent review for Matthew some time ago, before results were released - I managed A* in Physics IGCSE.
Thanks, Matthew.My son is 17 and was struggling in maths so we called upon Matthew, from day 1 I saw my son's ability and enthusiasm for maths increase. Matthew was able to explain everything my son threw at him in an interesting and informative way. Even after my son finished a 4 hour non-stop maths session with Matthew he told me that he had enjoyed it and learnt a lot.
We engaged Matt to tutor our daughter for GSCE maths and physics. Matt was a very engaging and knowledeagble tutor, who made the subject understandable and interesting - indeed they both seemed to be enjoying themselves in the tutoring sessions. We would recommend Matthew without reservation.
Matthew is a very reliable and dedicated tutor, he prepared my son for his AS exams. He made my son love maths. We are very happy with him and will continue to use him as my son's tutor.
We were so grateful that we found Matthew to tutor our daughter. Matthew takes tutoring to a whole new level - Matthew was able to pinpoint areas of weakness and tailor the tuition accordingly. Matthew challenged our daughter and was able to provide explanations above and beyond the required material when she asked for it. His knowledge of the Oxbridge application process was also extremely useful. I would recommend Matthew for Physics tuition 100%.
The quality of teaching was high. Matthew was friendly and showed a great interest in his subject; an interest which is passed on to the student as well. Having worked with Matthew, my confidence in Physics grew a lot, which was very valuable just before the start of the exam season.
Matthew helped me a lot in learning Physics, although it is a hard subject and it is so difficult to understand what's going on! he helped me a lot with simplifying everything with using examples from real life. Learning with Matthew is really fun and useful at the same time. He will actually make you love the subject you're studying even if you don't!
Matthew has been helping my son with his Further Maths A Level course and as a direct result of his help my son has gone from struggling to understand certain elements of the course to obtaining 100% on all practice papers done before the "proper" exams. Matthew has also provided my son with some help in certain of his "regular" maths modules and elements of his physics A Level and, again, his tutoring was incredibly beneficial. My son has found Matthew easy to get along with and his advice and has said that his assistance has always been presented in a relaxed and almost enjoyable manner
Matthew helped my son improve his A level Mathematics grade enabling him to get into his first choice of university. We are delighted. Matthew is very patient and my son enjoyed working with him on a one to one basis.
I really enjoyed the sessions I've had with Matthew. He was enthusiastic and passionate about A level physics, having read Natural Sciences from Cambridge University.
He was very friendly and was patient. He didn't mind repeating topics a few times until I grasped the concept.
He was organized and was always prepared for each session.
I would strongly recommend Matthew to anyone studying physics.View more recommendations
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- Ksh. 28,886
Pack prices
- 5h: Ksh. 144,429
- 10h: Ksh. 288,858
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- Ksh. 28,886/h
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