Current vacancy
Academic Support & GCSE Intensive Preparation - Surrey, UK
Background to the role
A family based in Surrey is seeking an exceptional tutor to work primarily with their daughter aged 15, for a period of academic support and intensive exam preparation until the end of her GCSEs next summer. The tutor will also provide some support to the other two children, aged 11 and 9.
The primary student attends a strong selective state school and whilst she previously did well at school, especially in her 11+ exams, her school performance has recently slipped and she is underperforming in the core subjects. She is currently scoring 3s and 4s across her GCSEs but is required to achieve at least 5s and 6s across all subjects in order to gain access to her desired sixth form college. The student is taking foundation tier Maths, French and Combined Science, and single tier English Literature, English Language, Religious Studies, Business Studies and History.
She is highly motivated to do well in her exams and is capable of doing well academically under the right guidance. She has a passion for the subject of Photography, but overall her concentration and dedication to her studies are insufficient to achieve her grade objectives. Distraction with smart phones, loss of confidence and inexperience with exam pressure and strategy have been deemed particularly impactful in the recent drop-off in her grades.
The other daughter, aged 11, and son, aged 9, are outstanding students, with a high degree of motivation in their schoolwork.
Duties of the tutor
The tutor will put together a detailed programme and timetable of study to run until the end of the primary student’s GCSE exams, ensuring all content is covered well ahead of the exams to allow ample time for revision, as well as practice papers under timed conditions. From the outset, particular attention should be paid to developing exam technique and optimal revision strategies in order to maximise the student’s marks. The tutor should also consider the use of homework and how best to utilise this given the homework she will also be set by her school.
The tutor must be able to teach all of the main student’s subjects to GCSE level. It is expected that if a subject does not fall within the tutor’s expertise, they should take the necessary steps to research and self-learn the relevant content in order to be able to effectively teach the subjects to grades 5 or 6.
The tutor will be expected to provide 10 hours of tuition over Saturdays and Sundays and 3 to 4 hours after school for 3 weekdays per week. For the other 2 weekdays the tutor will set work, self-study, and practice papers for the student(s) to complete. The tutor is expected to put in considerable preparation time outside of this.
For the younger two students, the tutor will monitor their progress in their schoolwork, identifying and filling any gaps in their knowledge. Beyond this the tutor may explore in greater depth or breadth those topics which most excite the student’s curiosity in order to foster a love of learning and development of their academic skills. A flexible and holistic approach should be taken which may include extended STEM projects, exploration of literary works, discussion and debate, or other creative and academic activities.
Desired tutor profile
The ideal candidate will be an intelligent and motivated individual with a strong desire to see their students succeed. They will have a good degree from a top university and ample experience of teaching, homeschooling or one-to-one tuition. Additionally, a thorough knowledge of the relevant curricula and exam boards will be necessary as well as an ability to self-learn subject content that does not fall necessarily within their comfort zone.
Above all, the tutor must be an emotionally intelligent and highly gifted communicator, with the ability to inspire not just an interest in the subjects, but confidence in their students’ ability, and the motivation to achieve. A proven track record of concretely raising their students’ grades across short periods of time is highly desirable, as is experience working with students of both primary and secondary school ages.
Contractual details
Commencement Date: As soon as the right candidate is found.
Duration: Until the end of June 2026.
Salary: £110,000 per annum, pro rata. Paid in arrears monthly.
Hours: Approximately 10 hours contact time per weekend, with 9-12 hours on weekday evenings. Considerable preparation, research and marking time is expected outside of this.
Days off: Two consecutive per week.
Holidays: 3 weeks total, dates of which to be agreed with the consent of the family. The tutor should consider the student’s exam timetable and essentially be available to dedicate themselves until the end of June to this role.
Accommodation: Provided at the family's residence if required.
Travel: May be required, in which case travel and accomodation costs will be provided.
Meals: One meal provided per day on weekends.
How to apply
To apply, please email info@witherowbrooke.com with your CV and the subject line "Academic Support - Surrey".
Witherow Brooke are offering a £400 referral fee for a recommendation of a candidate who is subsequently appointed to the role.