Tutor Profile

Alison

Private Biology and Chemistry Tutor in Wilmslow

Hi - I'm Alison, an experienced tutor for Maths & Science with over 20 years experience and qualifications from BSc to PhD. I provide tailored sessions for students aged 9 to A level | Choose from online or in-person lessons in Wilmslow area. | Let's discuss how I can help!

Teaching Experience

I have been a private tutor for over 20yrs + working with those from ages 9 to adult. In addition to tutoring I have previous experience of teaching and lecturing at both college and university and also of providing training courses for teachers and teaching assistants. My background in academia gave me experience of research (and lecturing) in the biomedical fields. During this time I undertook research and associated teaching at the Universities of Cardiff, Oxford and Manchester - I ended my University career as a senior research fellow and latterly teaching fellow to focus on full time tutoring, including some college lecturing at A level.

Additionally, I have authored and co-authored many academic publications including a book chapter and more recently was involved in producing a textbook for FSMQ Maths

Here are further details on my qualifications

PhD (Effects of Age on Autonomic Innervation of the Urinary System) - included neuroanatomy, neurohistology, immunology, and neuropharmacology,

MSc (Surface and Interface science) - a physics/chemistry interdisciplinary subject,

BSc (Joint Hons) Biology, Chemistry with maths and economics as minors

Tutoring Approach

Friendly, approachable and patient with an adaptable/ flexible tutoring style catering for individual student needs. Helping to build confidence and subject knowledge and providing advice on revision and exam techniques as well as past paper question practice for those doing key exams.

A particular focus is on exam technique and practice for those doing key exams, though many of my tutees simply want to improve their confidence and school grades.

Every student is different and so there is no one size fits all - in our initial lesson(s) I assess current knowledge levels, determine gaps and going forward, see what's needed for the student to achieve their goals. I help students build confidence and subject knowledge as well as providing advice and guidance on revision and exam techniques and suggesting useful resources available. And, for those doing key exams, past paper question practice, is super important. Key to gaining the best grades is knowing how to interpret questions, spot key words and phrases and read the whole question and consider mark allocation ... as well as being able to interpret mark schemes!

I am familiar with most of the main exam boards - AQA, EDEXCEL, OCR, Eduqas

AVAILABILITY I tutor all days, including weekends and am also available daytime for those needing homeschooling.

Prime, after school, slots between 3.30 and 7pm on weekdays, tend to fill up quickly but please ask about my current availability.

Close to exam seasons my availability becomes very limited - daytimes are more flexible.

Cancellation/last minute slots are available on a fcfs basis

Enquiries always welcome, especially for those wanting to join my wait list.

Availability

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Qualifications

PhD Neuroanatomy

Doctorate · Cardiff University · 1995

MSc Surface & Interface Science

Masters · University of Liverpool · 1991

Biology, Chemistry Joint Hons with Maths, Economics

Bachelors · University · 1990

Reviews

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nadiabaxter58 Comment

Alison stepped in at very short notice when my son’s previous GCSE tutor fell ill, and she was an absolute lifesaver. She was accommodating and flexible, offering a mix of face-to-face and remote online lessons that worked perfectly for us. We initially asked her to cover Maths, but she was also able to provide support in GCSE Biology and Chemistry. Every single lesson was highly organized, efficient, and structured so that no time was wasted. Most importantly, my son was very happy with Alison’s tutoring style. She gave him the confidence he needed to do well in his GCSEs, and he got the grades he needed for his first-choice college! If you want a tutor who is reliable, multi-talented, and gets real results, book Alison.

Tutor response

Thank you :)

jennieflanders

I contacted Alison to help my year 10 daughter with some science GCSE tutoring. She has been very patient and approachable and my daughter’s confidence has improved along with her grades.

Tutor response

Thank you so much :)

RebeccaFirst Tutors

Alison has been absolutely wonderful with my son. After an initial meeting with my son to access weak areas in the subject , my son has flourished in the one subject he completely struggled with despite trying other tutors. Alison was amazing from the first session with excellent knowledge and an obvious passion for the subject. That was clear in the enthusiasm, patience and knowledge , resulting in a calm but structured environment provided by Alison for my son to learn . Rather than just teaching the subject Alison made sure my son understood the actual subject , rather than just how to answer correctly in exams which made the whole understanding much more valuable in my opinion . My son has definitely benefited from his sessions with Alison and would highly recommend her to any student looking to improve both their knowledge or even confidence in Chemistry .

Tutor response

Thank you so much. Your son is a pleasure to tutor... he is happy to engage in the sessions and ask questions to further his understanding.

MudassarFirst Tutors

Excellent; thank you Alison

Tutor response

Thank you

NadiaFirst Tutors

I am writing to highly recommend Alison as a tutor. She stepped in at very short notice when my son's original tutor became unwell, and we could not have asked for a more capable and supportive replacement. Alison proved to be exceptionally competent, flexible, and knowledgeable. Although we initially sought help specifically with maths, she was also able to tutor my son in biology, chemistry, and physics — all to the same high standard. Her broad subject knowledge and clear teaching style made a significant difference to his confidence and understanding across the board. We are very grateful for her support, and I would not hesitate to recommend her to any family seeking a reliable and effective tutor.

Tutor response

Thank-you so much, and for such a lovely review. It was a pleasure to tutor your son and see him develop his skills and knowledge and grow in confidence. He went into his GCSE exams well prepared and reported back that they went well. I'm sure he will get the high grades he deserves come August :) but in the meantime I hope he enjoys a very well earned break!

View all of Alison's reviews
Tuition onlineTuition at tutor's homeDBS checkedTuition at student's home (Travels up to 10 km)
  • The highest level of qualification that this tutor has provided us with a copy of is a Doctorate (or equivalent)
  • This tutor has an average feedback rating of at least 4.25/5 from 20 or more reviews.
  • This tutor has a history of responding quickly (avg < 6h)
  • This tutor is a Teacher (self-declared)
  • This tutor is happy to teach online
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