Tutor Profile

Gemma

Private Biology and Chemistry Tutor in Godalming

Hello! My name is Gemma and I am a 33 year old doctor, chartered accountant, strategy consultant and successful startup founder with 16 years of tutoring experience and a 5* rating from over 25 reviews on First Tutors, one of the country's premier independent tutoring platforms.

I graduated in medicine from Nottingham University in 2016, switch to finance, qualified as a charted accountant, and now work for one of the big four in health advisory and strategic consulting. However, my heart will always lie with the sciences, and somehow in amongst all of my wide-ranging career, my favourite job has always been teaching.

I have been tutoring maths and science (chemistry biology physics) to GCSE level for several years and more recently maths and biology to A-level standard. I have experience with ages 6-18 (and a few adults as well!) as well as children with autism and ADHD.

I tutor because I love it and watching pupils’ confidence grow as they start to reach their full potential is so rewarding.

I have A levels in Maths, Further maths, Chemistry, Biology and French, and Geography AS level, all at grade A*/A. 12A*s at GCSE, including all the sciences. I have a BMedSci (Medical Sciences degree) and a BMBS (full medical qualification) from University of Nottingham. Also an ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA) and Financial Modelling Analyst (FMVA) because I have a penchant for collecting letters after my name, and then changing careers… My parents are joking I should go into law next, but I think that’s enough exams for a while!

What I have learned over my full range of qualifications is that exams are an art.

I charge £50 an hour.

Full CRB/DBS check.

Teaching Experience

Tutoring experience for over 15 years with a 100% pass rate. Have taught ages from 6 to 18 plus adults for piano and maths. I have had pupils for chemistry, biology, physics, maths, or a combination of them. Generally, we start with one and then I end up helping with everything!

Founder and co-ordinator of university peer mentor and support scheme. First aid and life support trained. Full CRB/DBS checks.

Tutoring Approach

Informal, friendly and flexible approach (usually with tea and cake!). My aim is to improve results and get pupils interested in the subject by adapting the teaching style to a way that works for them. There is always another way to explain something! I tailor each session to the individual student’s needs, whilst remaining exam focused with a big emphasis on understanding, rather than rote learning. No question is a stupid question: I very much remember the feeling of sitting in the back of a classroom not understanding a thing, and I wish I had had someone to field my stupid questions! I am a big believer that if people don't understand something, it's on me to keep trying, until we find a way to make it make sense. The thing I've loved most is seeing people transform from “hating” subjects they found difficult to being really chuffed with their results in class and even going on to choose it as a further study option because they now understand it and seeing their joy is the reason I continue to teach!

I have really enjoyed establishing great relationships with pupils in the past, many of whom I'm still in contact with now, whether it's to call and ask me questions over the phone or simply to let me know how they're getting on. I've also provided pupils with references, interview practice (especially medical interviews), and personal statement help. I work with the pupil to whatever they need - I have been known to tutor until the small hours the night before a GCSE maths exam, help with homework over WhatsApp and answer phone calls after bedtime! More than anything, I love helping pupils find their ceiling and reach their potential, whatever that might be. I am here to help- no matter what that looks like.

Qualifications

FMVA

Professional · Chartered Finance Institute · 2025

ACA

Professional · ICAEW · 2019

Medicine (BMBS, BMedSci)

Bachelors · University of Nottingham · 2016

A Levels x6

School · The Tiffin Girls' School · 2011

AS Levels - 7 As

School · The Tiffin Girls' School · 2010

GCSE - 12 A*s

School · The Tiffin Girls' School · 2009

Reviews

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First Tutors

Gemma is extremely helpful. She made learning maths a lot more fun, easy and my confidence has been boosted! Would highly recommend.

First Tutors

Gemma was fantastic and my daughter was really happy as she enjoyed a maths lesson for the first time! I would recommend her. Diane

First Tutors

Very helpful.my daughter ia very happy.thanks

First Tutors

I chose Gemma for my daughter, who is in her GCSE year, initially as she is young enough for her relate to. I have to say the results have been remarkable and instant. Gemma's approach is both professional and informal. She certainly knows her stuff and conveys her knowledge with equal aplomb. My daughter really looks forward to her next session. Recommended wholeheartedly.

First Tutors

Gemma is an excellent and experienced tutor who quickly worked out how best to teach my daughter in a subject she now understands much better. The experience has really helped her confidence!!

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