Reviews

Jim provided excellent tutoring and support to our two children ahead of their secondary school entrance exam. Jim’s experience and ability to adjust his teaching styles made all the lessons both focused and fun for the children. He understood the skills needed, and after an initial meeting with the student built a varied and interesting programme of learning. This approach ensured that they both succeeded in passing the entrance exam. From a parent perspective Jim is punctual, flexible and easy to work with, providing clear feedback on progress as well as adapting to suggestions from us. Without doubt I would, and have, recommended Jim to any prospective parents.

David and Lizbe

Jim supported both our son and daughter with maths and English for some up to the point of their GCSEs. Our son is dyslexic and consequently it takes him time to read, write and process information. He was particularly lacking in confidence in his academic abilities, but Jim was both kind and patient in supporting him with these specific challenges. Our daughter had to be home schooled for several months and Jim supported her during this time. She was successful in attaining 9 GCSEs ranging from grade A to C. I would not hesitate to recommend Jim as a tutor, he is warm, understanding and professional.

Penny Unitt

Jim first worked with our daughter Eva with her 11+, which she passed. Jim was amazing with her; supportive, informative and gentle. He helped her to fully reach her potential. She sometimes suffers with her confidence and Jim was so good for her, not just for her progress, but also for her wellbeing.

Jim then returned to work with Eva for her English GCSE, it is her favourite subject, and she had considerable disruption to her learning. Having Jim support her was wonderful. I feel so lucky we were able to have such a kind, knowledgeable, warm tutor to help Eva. She is older now but still remembers Jim with fondness. Often if she is facing a new challenge – such as learning to drive – she says, ‘I wish I could have Jim back’. We recommend Jim wholeheartedly, he is worth every penny, without him I know Eva’s journey would have been much more difficult. Thank you Jim, you are the best!

Hilda M

Jim is amazing! All three of our children have benefitted from his amazing tutoring over the years. As well as seeing massive gains with confidence and academically in the run up to their 11+ exams they have also enjoyed every second of Jim’s tutoring. He engages the children by learning what they are interested in and tailoring his tasks towards their interests. We feel very lucky that Jim has been a part of our children’s lives and we cannot thank him enough.

The Ivories

Jim provided weekly tutoring to both our daughters at the ages of 10 and 14, to help with preparation for the 11+ exam and for GCSE English and History. Jim was instrumental in their success and has provided a great foundation for their learning as they have progressed further with their education. We were so impressed by Jim’s flexibility in accommodating lessons around our busy work schedules. His approach to teaching was kind, focused and tailored to the individual needs of each of our daughters. He was able to engage them with learning and make it fun whilst achieving all the required learning outcomes and more. We would highly recommend Jim as a tutor, and we would not hesitate to ask him for help again in the future if needed.

Pam and Graham Simpson

Jim was my tutor for several years and throughout those years he was just so understanding, considerate, caring and kind. He taught me at my own pace and that really helped. I could become very overwhelmed by all of the work and reading I was being asked to do and Jim came along and it felt like he was translating a different language and he would explain it to me in my own words and he would explain it so simply.

I don’t think I would’ve got those two 6’s in my GCSE English without him. He is just amazing. He’s also very comfortable to be around. I would always feel happy to see him because he’s just such a comfortable person to be around. Jim is the most amazing teacher ever. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a brilliant English teacher in my whole entire life and I don’t think I ever will again.

Alice – GCSE Pupil

We can’t recommend Jim enough! He tutored our son in Maths and English during Years 7 and 8, helping to build his confidence and prepare him for school entrance exams. Jim’s thoughtful and personalised approach made all the difference. He took the time to understand our son’s interests and learning needs, tailoring each session to keep him engaged, motivated, and highly effective. He carefully planned and prepared activities ahead of every lesson, ensuring they were both well-structured and purposeful. Jim got on brilliantly with our son, who not only enjoyed the lessons, but saw his attainment improve effortlessly. Jim’s extensive experience, along with his approachable and genuine nature, make him a superb tutor.

The Smith Family

We were recommended Jim for tuition by our child’s primary school teacher who knew Jim in a previous teaching capacity and she spoke very highly of him. We decided to see the sessions with Jim as an exploration of whether grammar could be a good fit for our son Rufus and whether he enjoyed the extra work. Rufus literally ran home from school to his sessions with Jim and was always enthusiastic about the learning he was doing with him. Rufus passed the 11+ and went to Torquay Boys Grammar school which was made possible through Jim’s input. Two years later we asked Jim to tutor our daughter too towards the 11+. She now remembers Jim as ‘thorough and patient’. She went on to gain a place at Torquay Girls Grammar School. It allowed our children to approach the 11+ prepared when we didn’t have the capacity to work through the content as parents. He was a great find and we recommend him unreservedly.

Chloe and Stu Alred

Jim has provided tutoring to both my sons to prepare for 11+ exams. Jim’s guidance allowed both boys to approach the exams with confidence and achieve a successful result. Jim’s style is really engaging and encouraged my children to tackle difficult topics with a sense of ease and enjoyment. We entirely recommend Jim as a tutor and will continue to employ his services for our other children.