Qualified Maths Teacher for GCSE and A Level | 5 + years experience | Online and in person | Edexcel and AQA

Find out more about Matthew

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I developed an interest in my subject from a young age, but it really deepened when I saw how powerful good explanation can be. I realised that many students don’t struggle because they lack ability - they struggle because no one has ever shown them the topic in a way that makes sense to them.
  Tutoring became my way of changing that. I enjoy breaking things down, spotting misconceptions, and helping a student go from “I don’t get it” to “Oh, that’s easy!” That moment never gets old.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach Maths, and I enjoy helping students understand not just how to do something, but why it works. I particularly enjoy topics like algebraic manipulation, problem-solving, and breaking down worded questions, because that’s where students often gain the biggest confidence boost.
  
  If I had to choose topics I enjoy slightly less, it would probably be the ultra-procedural parts of the curriculum where you just follow steps. But even there, I try to teach students the underlying logic so it feels more meaningful.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Yes - I had a teacher who never made me feel embarrassed for not understanding something the first time. They taught me that patience and clarity make all the difference. Their style was gentle but confident, and they treated every question as valid. That’s the attitude I try to carry into tutoring.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor needs:
  
  Patience, so students feel safe making mistakes
  Clarity, to turn complex ideas into simple steps
  Empathy, to understand how students think
  Consistency, because progress requires routine
  Adaptability, since no two students learn the same way
  Above all, a good tutor should make the student feel capable, not judged.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I once taught a student who left a maths lesson I had just finished on surds. He left by saying “Sir I actually like Maths – it’s the most fun subject”. Moments like that are the reason I teach.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  My biggest challenge wasn’t the content - it was confidence. Even when I understood topics, I sometimes doubted whether I truly ‘got it’. Because of that, I’m very aware of how students feel when they’re unsure or second-guessing themselves.
  This helps me teach in a way that builds confidence as much as skill.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion is helping students grow academically and personally. I love seeing someone realise they’re capable of more than they thought. Teaching isn’t just about grades - it’s about building confidence, independence, and curiosity. I am someone who prides himself in routines in a classroom but is passionate about building young people up to choose the right thing whether in studying or in the day to day. I’m passionate about helping students become problem-solvers, not just worksheet-finishers.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  I’m committed, consistent, and genuinely invested in every student I work with. I adapt my teaching to each learner, I explain things clearly, and I build a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking anything. Most importantly, I care about long-term progress - not just quick fixes.
  I want every student to walk away feeling more capable, more confident, and more in control of their learning.