Jacob B.

Hi there. James here, from South Africa. I taught in London in Walthamstow for my probationary year in 1991, and then in Johannesburg and Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa for a total of 21 years. I have taught Cambridge A Level History and England and South Africa's English and History curricula. I am also a published researcher, poet, and author. I enjoy cross-country running. I like NETFLIX mystery series. I regularly get out wilderness walking and cross country swimming. Since February 2025, I tutor English and Religious Studies for GoStudent. I battled with learning difficulties at school. However, I did very well after school, because I knew that English opens doors. So, I set goals. Then I achieved a B.A (1985) and a B. Ed (1996) degree, at Wits University in Johannesburg. I did a Masters Degree in Theology (Regent College, Vancouver, B.C., 2001) and a PhD in Church History (University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2016). I believe education is a lifelong journey. We master English every day for the rest of our lives. So I'm still learning as I tutor GCSE students, A Level students, and juniors, to reach their highest goals.

Aerospace Engineer and MEng Aerospace engineering graduate at the University of Manchester. Combined 2000hrs+ experience of in tutoring with a track record. I love to teach people, super friendly and always try to make lessons easy to follow whilst working through problems! I can also offer help on personal statements, coding in MatLab/Python as well as Math/Physics Olympiad challenges. MEng Aerospace engineering student at the University of Manchester. Completed A-Levels in Maths, Physics, Computer Science and Further Mathematics with A*'s and A's. Competed in aircraft design competitions internationally and won 1st place against other university teams. Very enthusiastic student who loves to teach!

I help students turn ‘I can’t do it’ into ‘I actually enjoy this!’ — by building confidence through patience, positivity, and creative teaching. I specialise in Maths and 11+ preparation, supporting students of all abilities to feel calm, capable, and motivated. My background as a learning support assistant taught me how to break complex ideas into clear, manageable steps — especially for learners who struggle with confidence or anxiety around maths. I use interactive methods, games, and real-life examples to keep lessons fun and memorable. Above all, I believe progress starts with encouragement, and I aim to create lessons where students feel supported, proud of their effort, and inspired to keep improving. I studied Psychology at university, where I developed a strong understanding of how students learn and how confidence impacts performance. My studies helped me recognise that progress isn’t just about intelligence — it’s about mindset and approach. Before that, I achieved three A-Levels and gained hands-on experience working in schools as a learning support assistant, supporting students across maths, English, and general study skills. I’m now planning to continue my studies in Marketing and Business Management, combining my interest in psychology and communication with a passion for helping others grow and reach their potential. This mix of academic study and practical classroom experience has shaped my calm, supportive teaching style, helping me identify learning gaps quickly and adapt lessons to each student’s needs.

Levels and subjects Lower Level: English - including 11+, TEFL, French, History. Modern Greek. GCSE: English, French, History, Modern Greek. A-Level: History. AQA 'Democracy and Nazism: Germany 1918-1945'. AQA 'Challenge and Transformation: Britain c1851-1964'. Higher Level: TEFL Exam Board Experience AQA, OCR Languages English : Fluent. French : Advanced Greek: Intermediate. SEND Experience Have worked with students who have ADHD. I have also worked with a terminally-ill child with learning issues due to memory impairment. Preferred Student Age Groups Am happy to tutor primary/ GCSE/ A-Level, as well as students or adults who have English as a Second Language. About me I love to travel, explore new places and meet people from different cultures. I spent ten years living in Athens, Greece where I worked as a private tutor: teaching TEFL to a wide variety of people - from complete beginners to students wishing to take Cambridge Proficiency exams in order to access UK universities. I have a BA Hons degree in Modern Languages: English/French with a module in Classical Greek Language and Literature. I believe in stress-free lessons , and learning in a relaxed setting. As a tutor I am not there to add pressure, but to help take pressure off. In terms of hobbies, I love reading, writing stories, and watching Turkish TV dramas. I am also a huge tennis fan. Last, but not least, I enjoy all forms of sugar - especially cake! Aside from my degree, I am qualified to teach TEFL. I really enjoy working with those who don't have English as a first language. It's a thrill to help them improve their speaking and listening - as well as reading and writing skills. It's wonderful to see them grow in confidence when expressing themselves in English. Furthermore, I am qualified to do proofreading. This fits in well with teaching English. I also have a certificate in Counselling Skills.