Matthew

Zoologist, professional SCUBA diver, and science educator.

Having completed a PhD investigating why whales don't get cancer, I currently split my time between camera traps and code: working with National Geographic and the BBC Natural History Unit to report on and research forgotten, threatened species across Africa, else plugged into my laptop, solving complicated computational and biomedical problems, usually in Python and R, always with a cup of tea.

I've taught everything from KS3 primary school science through to postgraduate life sciences, mathematics, and programming, with over a decade experience teaching and tutoring, full-time else part, at schools in and around London else at institutions like the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, where I've also been involved in the admissions process. I've led summer schools and field courses, designed courses, mentored Olympiad teams, and helped hundreds of students land spots at top universities.

Whether it’s breaking down complex ideas or geeking out about obscure animals, I love helping students connect the dots—and maybe even, like me, get excited about obscure Moroccan Spadefoot Toads.

Tutoring Experience

With over a decade in education, I’ve developed and delivered science teaching and outreach to thousands of students — from full-time roles in classrooms supporting A-Level success and university admissions, to running undergraduate programming and data science courses, to designing national curriculum and outreach resources used in schools across the UK.

In the personalised one-to-one tutoring space, I've helped 100+ GCSE, A-Level, and IB students achieve success over ten years, offering tailored support in biology, maths, and other sciences, with not just a focus on academic success, but also coaching for university admissions - particularly Oxford and Cambridge - including personal statement development, interview preparation, and mentoring independent extracurricular research projects.

In science communication, I regularly presented talks, lectures, hands-on events and workshops, and the occasional TV programme - often with Bincho my axolotl, and a scorpion or two thrown in for good measure.

Results:

>98% A-Level students tutored have accepted offers from Russell Group or equivalent universities;
>95% of Oxbridge applicants were invited to interview, and ~50% received offers;
>96% of GCSE/IB students achieved A or A* in biology; >90% in mathematics, chemistry, and geography.

I hold a SEDA-PDF accredited qualification in education and frequently contribute to teacher training and curriculum development efforts. Whether it’s translating complex ideas or building student confidence, I aim to make science feel exciting, rigorous, and achievable.

Tutoring Approach

There’s no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to teaching — so I don’t use one.

Instead, I build a unique learning plan for every student, based on their strengths, goals, learning style, and interests. Whether they need structured guidance, creative reinforcement, or confidence-building support, my aim is always the same: to make complex ideas click, and to help them genuinely enjoy the process.

I have particular experience working with neurodivergent students, especially those with ADHD and ASD. I use flexible, student-centred strategies to help manage focus, build executive function skills, and reduce anxiety around exams.

My rates reflect more than just the live sessions. Each lesson includes several hours of behind-the-scenes preparation and post-lesson feedback, from designing custom problem sets and marking practice papers to writing progress summaries and supporting long-term academic planning. I’m available between sessions for quick questions and academic support — because learning doesn’t just happen in a one-hour slot.

Above all, I prioritise trust, patience, and curiosity. When students feel safe and heard, they learn better — and often surprise themselves with what they can achieve.