Tutor Profile

Clare

Private Biology and Chemistry Tutor in Loughborough

I am Dr. Clare, a full-time professional tutor, a current GCSE and A-level examiner, and a former University Lecturer in Pharmacy (University of Nottingham), as well as a past Vice-President of the professional body for private tuition.

I hold a PhD from Imperial College London and have a strong academic and research background. I have led cutting-edge projects for multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology organisations, including Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline, Zeneca, and Novartis. My published research has been cited over 7000 times in peer-reviewed literature, and I currently serve on the editorial boards of several respected international scientific journals. My passion for science and mathematics, combined with real-world research experience, allows me to bring subjects to life and make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

I enjoy working with students of all ages and abilities, and I am committed to helping each individual reach their full potential. My teaching style is patient, supportive, and tailored to the unique strengths and needs of every learner.

With extensive experience as a tenured university lecturer, I have taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and have supervised eight PhD students to successful completion. I have also interviewed numerous UCAS applicants and can provide expert guidance on crafting strong personal statements and preparing for university applications.

Teaching Experience

My students consistently achieve outstanding results. At A-level, the most recent set of results were 100% A*-C grades, with 85% achieving A*-A, 8% B, and 7% C. Every student secured a place at their first-choice university, with 31% progressing to medical school. These results are consistent year-on-year. At GCSE (2025), students achieved 100% grades 9-7 on Higher Tier papers, and 100% grade 5 on Foundation Tier papers-the highest grade available at that level.

I have been a full-time professional tutor for over thirteen years and was elected Vice-President of The Tutors' Association, the UK's professional body for tutors - an acknowledgement of my standing within the profession.

I have extensive experience across all major examination boards, including AQA, OCR, Edexcel, IB, and CIE. As a current and highly experienced Biology examiner and question setter, I provide students with valuable insight into how marks are awarded and how to approach exams strategically from an examiner's perspective.

In addition to tutoring, I have recent secondary school teaching experience, ensuring my methods remain closely aligned with current curricula and classroom expectations.

I also have significant experience supporting students with a wide range of additional needs, including autism (and Asperger's), ADHD, dyslexia, and partial hearing. Furthermore, having lived and worked internationally, I am well equipped to support students for whom English is an additional language.

My experience allows me to adapt my teaching to suit each individual, helping students build confidence, master exam technique, and achieve their academic goals.

Tutoring Approach

I deliver tuition either face to face (students travel to me), or online via Zoom.

Where students travel to me, I offer a dedicated quiet space for tuition free from distractions and with all of my resources and reference books to hand.

Online tuition is carried out via Zoom. Whilst some students are initially concerned that online will be impersonal, once experienced it tends to be the preferred option for many. Online offers significant advantages: students can learn in a comfortable, familiar environment, avoid travel time and disruptions, and benefit from a more flexible and environmentally friendly approach.

Each session is supported with high-quality resources. Students receive a detailed AI-generated summary after every lesson, along with a PDF copy of all work completed on my interactive whiteboard-providing clear, structured notes to revisit and reinforce learning between sessions.

My teaching is highly personalised. Before tuition begins, we agree clear goals, and I design a tailored programme of study to meet the student's specific needs and aspirations. Progress is carefully monitored throughout, with ongoing assessment and adaptation to ensure each student continues to develop effectively and confidently.

Above all, I believe that learning should be engaging and enjoyable. I am approachable, supportive, and committed to creating a positive learning environment where students feel motivated and confident-because when students enjoy their learning, they achieve their very best.

Qualifications

Post Graduate Certificate in Studies in Education (Distinction)

PGCert · Nottingham Trent University · Distinction · 2013

PhD in Analytical Biochemistry

Doctorate · Imperial College London · Pass · 2000

Diploma of Imperial College

Professional · Imperial College London · Pass · 2000

BSc(Hons) Biomedical Chemistry

Bachelors · Sheffield Hallam University · Upper Second Class · 1996

Reviews

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MaddyFirst Tutors

Clare was very approachable and made my daughter feel comfortable immediately. My daughter has Asperger’s so doesn’t always find it easy meeting new people. She felt able to ask about things she didn’t understand and Clare patiently revisited these areas. She was very accommodating with lesson times and communication was excellent. I’m pleased to say my daughter passed her Chemistry A level getting the grade she needed for University.

Tutor response

Thank you for your feedback. Maddy was a lovely student to work with and I wish her all the very best for her future.

ShaziaFirst Tutors

The tutor did not continue the classes as she said she was going to be occupied with sorting out her late mother estate and would not be able to give Inaara the time she needed for proper tutoring.

Tutor response

Thank you for your feedback. My mother passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on 28 October. As a result of this being so unexpected, a coroner's inquest was required and as her next of kin I had to register her passing and arrange her funeral, which was held in early December. I am very fortunate that all my other clients have been very patient and understanding during this difficult time. I have been a full-time tutor for many years and have always prided myself on the level of service that I have provided. However, during this particular period I have been grieving the loss of my beloved mother and I felt it was best to withdraw from tutoring this student because the student's mother informed me she already had another tutor lined up, therefore I considered this to be in both of our best interests.

CharlotteFirst Tutors

Clare has been great at helping our son revise his A level Biology. She is super organised, available and extremely up to date with current board demands... Great help.

Tutor response

Thank you so much for your kind comments. Your son is a delight to work with.

MitraFirst Tutors

Excellent

Tutor response

Thank you, Mitra

BarbaraFirst Tutors

Clare has been a great tutor thus far for our daughter. We have had 2 lessons now however Clare was in touch with us promptly, phoned to discuss details of our daughters needs and was very welcoming and thoughtful when sorting out arrangements. Our daughter is comfortable with the lessons and clear about what is expected of her when doing work at home to feed back to Clare. Really good experience currently.

Tutor response

Thank you for your kind comments, Barbara.

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