Neil - Whitley Bay - Classics

I have used Neil's services for seven years now. We first starting working together in 2013-14, when I required weekly tutoring to help me through two AS-level History retakes. Although he already had extensive knowledge in the two areas (Elizabethan history and German Reformation), he read up on them outside the hours we met and so was in a good position to criticise and help improve my work. As well as this, he was very flexible in switching back and forth from one subject to the other over the weeks. We focused on good essay writing practice in order to make my writing clearer and stronger and I acquired a much more effective style.

Neil subsequently proofread several of my coursework essays over the course of my degree and even into my MA. My writing and argumentation style, especially in essays, was consistently praised and I would without hesitation put this down to Neil's help. His approach is to give constructive and realistic criticism, to point out argumentation flaws, and demand greater precision and clarity - never to supply an easy answer - and my work has flourished because of this encouragement to think for myself. Throughout my degree, with his help from the beginning when my essays suffered from the difficulties of transitioning from school to undergraduate style, I attained first-class marks and ended up with a first overall. My MA also received distinction, and my decision to pursue a PhD in part came from the confidence I gained throughout our working relationship.

His experience with the American PhD application system was particularly useful when I was considering places in the US (although I ultimately went to Oxford). He put me in touch with one of his many contacts in this area, and my applications were the better for it. As time has gone by, my research interests diverged from the initial interest in history, but Neil was always able to adapt and his flexibility is one of his greatest strengths. I will no doubt use his services again - no one else knows my writing better, and has such a long-term and genuine commitment to helping me thrive academically!

Neil is the best teacher I ever had! I had problems structuring and writing my essays and he always came up with great solutions and ideas whenever I got stuck during the writing process. He has a very structured approach, he is very patient and very very encouraging. I can't recommend him enough!

I have no hesitation at all in recommending Neil. He tutored our son over an 18 month period and we found him to be knowledgeable, reliable, helpful and committed to the goals we had. My son enjoyed his company and benefitted from his good counsel.
Neil follows up every session with an informative e mail which was always helpful and appreciated.

Neil is a fantastic tutor. He always gives valuable feedback on essays, hitting the nail on the head with his advice, and has had a big impact on the way I think when I write. I have stuck with him since A-levels to MA level and have been satisfied every time. I would recommend him whole-heartedly!

We have used Neil for tutoring for over 2 years now. He is a very valued and trusted tutor. Highly professional and knowledgeable. My son’s A Level grades improved massively and through this he secured his place at Durham university. He has been invaluable in supporting him at University where he gained great results for his first year. We cannot recommend Neil enough.

Neil was a truly calming figure during the hectic time that I was doing my undergraduate dissertation, always there in my time of need!

Neil gave realistic but friendly criticism and always tried to find solutions to my problems.