Thinodh Sanjula

Cambridge Master's student currently studying Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge. I completed my undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering at the University of Warwick with First Class Honours, ranking 2nd in my cohort.

At school, I achieved 10 grade 9s at GCSE, including receiving the national award for the highest OCR Combined Science score in the country (2019). At A-level, I earned 4 A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science, and Physics.

I offer well-rounded tutoring across the STEM subjects — including maths, sciences, computing, and physics — and can also provide mentoring and guidance on university applications for competitive STEM degrees. Additionally, I support students preparing for GCSEs, helping them develop effective study strategies and build confidence in their subjects.

Tutoring Experience

I have been tutoring students since Year 12 and have continued throughout my time at university. I am proud to still mentor my very first student five years later, having supported him through GCSEs, A-levels, and now university.

Over the years, I have grown my student base largely through word-of-mouth recommendations and have tutored more than 15 students, all while balancing a demanding university schedule. On average, students stay with me for around four years — once I start working with a family, parents often choose to keep me as a tutor right through to A-levels. I often go on to tutor siblings as well, and I place great importance on building a strong, trusting relationship with each family I work with.

Several of my students began with me in Year 8 and will soon be starting Year 12, and I look forward to continuing to support them on their academic journey. At the end of Year 13, I was invited back to my high school to tutor GCSE Maths students, a role I found especially rewarding. This opportunity came through a recommendation from my Further Maths teacher, which I consider a great personal compliment.

Tutoring Approach

Having been a tutor for over five years and recently navigating the higher education system myself, I have developed a strong understanding of how to teach students across a wide range of abilities. In the first lesson, my goal is to assess the student’s current level of understanding and identify the learning style that suits them best. I aim to create an open, encouraging atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing when they do not understand something — this openness is key to building their confidence.

When planning lessons, I focus on the specific areas where a student feels less confident. Drawing on my experience, I understand how gaps in one topic can quietly affect understanding in related areas — often in ways the student may not even realize — so I take care to uncover and fill these gaps systematically.

One of the most rewarding parts of tutoring for me is seeing the moment when a student suddenly grasps a concept they previously struggled with — when understanding clicks into place, and their confidence lifts. Over the years, I have built a rich library of homework materials and lesson resources across STEM subjects at all levels, which I draw on to deliver well-prepared, targeted lessons. I am also flexible and happy to provide ad hoc sessions when a student has specific questions or needs focused help on a particular topic.

I believe maintaining a close, communicative relationship with families is just as important as working directly with the student. I make a point of keeping parents regularly informed about their child’s progress and learning habits so that together, we can tailor the teaching approach to best support the student’s development. I typically schedule regular check-ins with parents to discuss progress and next steps.