BACKGROUND

James is currently studying for a PhD in History at Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge, researching the political, religious, and social thought of Marshall McLuhan (1911–1980) and tutoring first-year undergraduate students in political theory.
Having graduated with a BA in History from Cambridge in 2017, James worked in politics as a campaigns and communications consultant and completed an MA in the History of Political Thought and Intellectual History at UCL and Queen Mary, University of London.

Alongside his doctoral work, James is a Higher Education Leader for the Arts and Humanities at Mossbourne Community Academy Sixth Form in Hackney, delivering seminars in the history of political thought, leading Oxbridge preparation and running a successful Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) programme. Tutoring complements both James’ academic and professional teaching work, and he plans to continue into a career as a university lecturer after completing his PhD.
In his spare time James enjoys cooking, reading, and walking.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND APPROACH

With over 1000 hours of private tuition experience assisting Politics, History, English Literature and Language, and Philosophy students, James is a proficient academic writer who specialises in the history of political thought, eighteenth-century British history, and modern European politics, alongside broader expertise in subjects such as North American colonisation, the Vietnam War and the 1848 European Revolutions.

Alongside his current role teaching at Mossbourne Community Academy, Hackney, James teaches History and Politics at Ark John Keats Academy, Enfield, bringing with him the experience of two years teaching politics and current affairs at an international summer school and a year working in an English-language academy in Spain. He holds a CELTA qualification and has supported students from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of English proficiency.

Significant tutoring successes include taking multiple students from C to A* across subjects, preparing students for successful Oxbridge applications and helping two refugees from the Middle East gain places at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford.

James is particularly well-acquainted with the EdExcel and AQA A-Level History and Government and Politics syllabuses, and AQA English Literature at GCSE and A-Level. His approach is flexible and student-centred, and he uses collaborative online documents for live feedback and brings a range of expertise across disciplines with access to a range of academic materials through his affiliation with Cambridge, which he shares with students to further super-curricular understanding.

WHY TUTORING?

I view learning as most effective when it is connected to real life. The Humanities are everywhere around us – in the streets we walk, the books we read, and the politics we encounter daily. Helping students make these connections is what allows them to grow in curiosity, confidence, and achievement.

My favourite books include As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning by Laurie Lee, Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, and anything by George Orwell. I also read widely in political theory, philosophy, and history.

TESTIMONIALS

“Whilst only finding James roughly a month before A levels, he boosted my Government and Politics grade from B to a comfortable A. I had two other tutors prior to this and was unable to learn any of the complex Politics content, but James found ways to ensure that I learned it whilst staying engaged and focused on exam technique, which is so important. I’m very grateful for his services and I would absolutely recommend him to anyone who needs a boost.” Joe Michaelson, student

“James always came really prepared for our sessions, which made everything feel so much easier and less stressful. He was also super adaptable; if I was struggling with something specific or wanted to focus on a different area, he was able to adapt quickly and explain it in a way that actually clicked for me.” Josie Brett, student

“James is an excellent tutor. He makes time to ensure that he understands his pupil and the way that they best learn and then he teaches accordingly. He knows his topics really well and is really enthusiastic about them and passes that on to his pupils.” – Susan Heller, parent

“James worked with our son on A Level History. James is diligent, well prepared, and the sessions are intensive. The most important thing, however, is that he gained the trust and respect of our son very quickly and he not only looks forward to the sessions, his aspirations and his confidence have increased. This is also true of his performance. James is also very approachable and straightforward to deal with. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.” Jane Morris, parent

“James tutored my daughter in preparation for her History exams. He is a great tutor, knowledgeable, friendly and organised.” Laura Jeyibo, parent