Mark M
"Mark's approach to tutoring is exemplary. He is unfailingly kind, reliable, and highly knowledgeable about the 11+ curriculum and exam requirements."
Parent of 11+ students
11+
13 +
English
French
Interview Preparation
Oxbridge Applications
Spanish
US Applications
Academic History
Theatre Directing (Birkbeck, University of London) MFA, Merit
Modern and Medieval Language (French, Spanish, Portuguese) from University of Cambridge, IIi
About Me
My approach to tutoring is highly personalised, structured, and goal-oriented. I begin by identifying each student’s end target – whether that is an entrance exam, a specific school or university, or improved confidence and academic fluency – and work backwards to design a tailored programme that supports both progress and motivation. I combine rigorous subject knowledge with a patient, encouraging teaching style, ensuring that students feel supported while also being appropriately challenged.
Methodologically, I place strong emphasis on clarity of thinking, exam technique, and transferable skills such as problem-solving, written expression and verbal confidence. In languages and English, I embed grammar and structure within creative and practical exercises to build genuine understanding rather than rote learning. For entrance exams and interviews, I focus on familiarity, confidence under pressure, and strategic thinking. I have extensive experience working with SEN and neurodiverse students and I adapt my pace, materials and communication style accordingly. Flexibility is central to my practice: I work successfully with students of different ages, cultural backgrounds and learning styles, both in person and online, and I regularly adjust lesson plans in response to progress and feedback.
Recent tuition
I have provided entrance examination tuition since 2011 for both UK and international students, across a wide range of ages and entry points. I regularly prepare pupils for 11+, 13+, ISEB, SAT, GCSE, A Level, and Oxbridge entry, as well as US college admissions (SAT English and essay support).
I have successfully coached students for entry to top UK independent schools including Eton, Harrow, St Paul’s, Westminster, Winchester, Dulwich College, King’s College Wimbledon, Marlborough, Putney High School, and other leading boarding and London day schools.
In terms of age range, I work with students from early primary level through to undergraduates and adult learners. I have particular experience supporting international families navigating the UK education system, and students with SEN, tailoring preparation to both academic requirements and interview or assessment style. My entrance exam tuition focuses not only on content and technique, but also on confidence, adaptability and long-term academic development.
Below is a snapshot of my recent tutoring experience.
11+ interview practice for top London day schools (January – February 2025).
Worked with a neurodiverse student to help them work through the sometimes challenging interview process for the London day schools, where he gained a place at St. Paul’s.
11+ Residential tuition in Düsseldorf, Germany (January 2025).
Working with a German student to gain access to the English system, alongside other tutors, to help familiarise him with all four disciplines (VR, NVR, English, Maths) and online questioning. Student gained place at desired school.
11+/13+ (including languages) to two siblings from same family, online (March 2022 – present).
Brother successfully gained places at Westminster, St.Paul’s, City, HABS and Merchant Taylors’ over nearly a year of consistent tuition. Now I am working with younger sister on the Consortium/ISEB.
11+ and 13+ Entry for a Turkish family based in London (October 2024 – March 2025).
I supported a Turkish family with the 11+ and 13+ process for their two daughters. One daughter gained a place at Putney High School and the other was moving from one London day school to another.
French 11+ to A Level for four brothers, London and online (January 2012 – July 2024).
Teaching four brothers for over a decade. A real focus placed on the writing element and encouraging creativity outside of their strict school environment (St. Paul’s). All achieved desired 11+/GCSE/A Level grades.
13+ all way through to ISEB/SAT/A Level, Iranian family in Portugal, online (August 2018 – present).
Tutoring a SEN student, son of an Iranian, French speaking family, lots of emphasis on English/French comprehension (despite fluency in French), from early age tuition all the way to IB/SAT.
French and Spanish at GCSE/ISEB/SAT level for student based in Dubai, online (January 2025 – present).
I was handpicked by this family to be their designated tutor across many of the subjects for one of their sons, including French and Spanish. My main student gained strong MYP grades and is now embarking upon his ISEB and SAT study journey.
SAT English/USA college level essay support / MFA, online (March 2020 – present).
Online tuition for an international student, supporting him with preparation towards sitting the SAT English examination. He successfully gained entry to college in the USA to study film and I supported him with essay skills for four years whilst there, as well as now during his MFA studies.
Business Spanish to adult learner, online (December 2022 – June 2024).
A French adult learner needed to master Spanish as part of her tech startup industry. We had weekly lessons that combined grammar with specific technical vocab and comprehension.
English conversation (adult learner), online (March 2020 – June 2024).
Online English tutoring for a VIP adult learner, focusing on overall English improvement. He was working with Netflix at the time.
Hobbies
Outside of tutoring, I have a strong interest in maintaining an active and balanced lifestyle. I regularly practise weight lifting and cycling, which I enjoy for the discipline, focus and long-term progression they encourage. I also enjoy walking holidays, particularly as a way to explore new places at a slower pace, combine physical activity with reflection and spend extended time outdoors. These activities help me maintain energy, resilience and consistency, which I value highly in my professional work.
I am also deeply interested in films, books and music, and I enjoy engaging with a wide range of genres and cultural traditions. Reading and watching films support my interest in language, storytelling and critical thinking, while music plays an important role in concentration and creativity. Alongside these interests, I continue to work in theatre and research, which complements my tutoring by reinforcing communication skills, curiosity, and an appreciation for different perspectives – but my hobbies are primarily centred around physical wellbeing, cultural engagement and lifelong learning.
Testimonials
“I am delighted to provide this reference for Mark, who has tutored both of our children for their 11+ entrance examinations.
Mark first worked with our son from March 2022 to January 2023, preparing him for entrance to competitive London day schools. All sessions were conducted online, which proved to be effective. We were extremely pleased with the outcome: our son was offered places at all the schools to which he applied and secured a position at our first-choice school.
Mark’s approach to tutoring is exemplary. He is unfailingly kind, reliable, and highly knowledgeable about the 11+ curriculum and exam requirements. What particularly impressed us was his calm, encouraging manner. Rather than pressuring the children, he quietly builds their confidence and brings out their best work ethic. Both our children have been genuinely happy to work with him, which speaks volumes about his ability to create a positive and productive learning environment.
Based on our excellent experience with our son, we did not hesitate to engage Mark again to tutor our daughter, who is currently preparing for her entrance examinations. She too is very happy working with him, and we have every confidence that he will provide her with the same outstanding support.
I would recommend Mark to any parent seeking a skilled, dedicated tutor who truly understands how to help children achieve their potential.”
Parent of 11+ students
“Mark is my son’s tutor for IB English and before that has supported him with the MYPs. He is now helping him not only with English but with History and Politics on the best way to respond to questions as well as essay techniques. In addition, Mark is also helping him with the English part of the SATs.”
Parent of English, History and Politics IB student
“Mark is an excellent tutor who has helped me improve in both English and SAT preparation. He has supported me in areas I used to struggle with, such as essay structure, analysis, and time management. Together, we worked on how to plan and organize essays clearly, develop strong arguments, and write effective introductions and conclusions. This has been especially helpful as I prepare for the IB Diploma Programme, where essay writing is a key skill. Mark also gives detailed feedback on my writing, helping me understand how to strengthen my ideas and avoid common mistakes.”
English IB student
“Mark is a brilliant tutor who has been working with my son for over 5 years. He successfully helped him get into a top US university, and then provided weekly academic support to help him maintain and achieve excellent grades. Mark also provided frequent guidance to our son, helping him understand his academic weaknesses, strengths, and time management. I highly recommend Mark as a tutor.”
Parent of an English SAT student who I then supported throughout his entire undergrad in Film making in the USA.
