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Complete an application online which will be received by one of our dedicated Learning Advisors
Our experienced Learning Advisor will review your application, and match you with the most appropriate tutor based on your application
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Our tutors will work around your schedule to organise a session whenever you would like. Only pay for tutoring you have completed.
Choose between top-performing recent graduates or qualified teachers. Either way, our matching process finds you a tutor based on subject, exam board, target grade and availability.
Top performing graduates who achieved top grades in the subject they teach.
Relatable role model: work with a tutor who is similar in age and can be a peer
Affordability: academic tutors are more cost-effective than professional tutors
First-hand experience: they sat these papers recently and know what worked
Current or past qualified teachers and examiners with 5+ years professional teaching experience.
Quality assurance: trained and accredited teaching qualifications
Guaranteed track record: years of experience helping students succeed
Subject expertise: deep understanding of content and exam board requirements
Due to our international operations we quote our prices in USD. Pound amounts are an indicative conversion and you will be invoiced in USD.
Top performing graduates who achieved top grades in the subject they teach.
Relatable role model: work with a tutor who is similar in age and can be a peer
Affordability: academic tutors are more cost-effective than professional tutors
First-hand experience: they sat these papers recently and know what worked
Current or past qualified teachers and examiners with 5+ years professional teaching experience.
Quality assurance: trained and accredited teaching qualifications
Guaranteed track record: years of experience helping students succeed
Subject expertise: deep understanding of content and exam board requirements
Our team is a combination of GCSE graduates who sat these exams recently and qualified teachers with years of classroom and examining experience.

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Curious by nature, engineer by training, teacher by heart.
Hi! I was born in Güines, a big village in Cuba, where I grew up surrounded by nature—probably why I still love being outside. I went to a high-tech secondary school, where I fell in love with Physics, Mathematics, science, and electronics. Later, I moved to Europe and got my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electronic Engineering. Seven years in different European cities gave me a love for art, history, and museums, and friends from all over the world.
I worked first as an engineer in a biotechnology research center, and later taught IGCSE Math, Physics, and Science for over 10 years at an international school in Havana (ISH). I also tutored students in A-level Physics online. Tutoring and classroom teaching taught me what inclusiveness, active learning, differentiation, and inquiry really mean.
Now I'm retired from in-person teaching and living in Buenos Aires with my wife and my daughter's family. I'm excited to keep teaching and learning with you!

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I am an accomplished educator, NERC/QUADRAT-funded PhD scientist, and Certified Senior Examiner specialising in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Environmental Science/Management, and Earth Sciences across A-Level, IGCSE, and GCSE levels. I earned my PhD in Environmental Sciences with distinction, an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation with a PGCE equivalent, and a BSc (Hons) in Geography and Bioscience supported by the Repsol Sinopec Excellence Scholarship from the University of Aberdeen. With over 15,000 hours of total instructional experience spanning top international schools, leading universities, and global online platforms, my career bridges elite academic research with highly effective 1:1 student mentoring.
My scientific research focuses on high-altitude tropical and montane ecosystem resilience, biogeochemistry, and geophysics, leading to peer-reviewed contributions in leading academic journals such as Geosciences, features in The Economist, and presentations at major climate summits such as COP 26 through COP 30. As an active Certified Examiner for major secondary specifications, I provide students with an insider understanding of marking schemes, structural assessment shifts, and syllabus nuances. Combined with multilingual fluency in English (C2), Spanish (C2), Polish (Native), Italian (B2), German (B1), and Portuguese (B1), I deliver an intellectually rigorous, globally contextualised learning experience that empowers students to excel.
Tutor Experience
Over the past several years, I have logged over 15,000 total instructional hours, including more than 14,000 hours of direct 1:1 online tutoring and specialised digital learning environments. My pedagogical scope covers secondary, pre-university, and undergraduate levels across Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physical and Human Geography, Geology, and Earth Sciences. I possess extensive experience with all major exam specifications, including AQA, Pearson Edexcel (UK & IAL), OCR (A & B), Cambridge International (CIE), WJEC/Eduqas, and CCEA.
My institutional background includes four years as an academic lecturer and reader across leading UK universities, including the University of Aberdeen and the University of Edinburgh, alongside teaching cycles in top-tier international school environments. In these roles, I have directed coursework, designed geological and ecological field expeditions, and mentored students through independent geographical investigations, lab reports, and Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) coursework.
This rigorous background drives consistent student performance: 80–85%+ of my A-Level and GCSE/IGCSE tutees achieve top grades (A/A* or Grade 8/9), while my university students achieve average grade improvements of 30–40%+. Whether preparing high schoolers for competitive university entry or guiding them through high-stakes modular exams, I tailor every session to ensure total syllabus mastery and exam confidence.
Teaching Approach
My teaching philosophy is built upon an innovative, empirical framework that synthesises advanced scientific inquiry, diagnostic assessment architecture, and metacognitive learning strategies. Designed to transform passive memorisation into active analytical mastery, my approach elevates student performance across four core pillars:
Diagnostic Micro-Assessment Architecture — To guarantee complete syllabus coverage, every unit concludes with a mandatory diagnostic topic test. Built around rigorous targeted questioning, this system systematically identifies and resolves micro-gaps in knowledge before they impact official examination performance.
Examiner-Grade Assessment Mechanics — Drawing directly on my role as a Certified Senior Examiner, I train students to interpret command terms, structure high-scoring responses, and decode complex mark schemes. I provide specialised coaching on critical exam mechanics, including mastering extended 6- and 9-mark analytical questions and navigating board-specific scoring criteria.
Intradisciplinary Scientific & Applied Research Integration — I bridge theoretical syllabus content with real-world scientific methodologies derived from active research in high-altitude tropical ecology, geophysics, and environmental management. This intradisciplinary model deepens conceptual understanding, strengthens analytical data-response essays, and prepares students for top-tier academic rigour.
Adaptive Metacognitive Mentorship — Every learning pathway is customised to the student's unique cognitive profile, integrating high-yield active recall and structured problem-solving with dedicated academic mentorship. By cultivating both conceptual clarity and strategic resilience under exam conditions, I help students reach their highest academic potential.

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I’m Taiwo, a tutor with ten years of teaching and tutoring experience and a B.Sc. in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University. I teach A-level, GCSE and IGCSE students, bringing together subject knowledge, classroom experience and a patient, practical approach to learning.
My subjects include Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Language and Computer Science. My current GCSE teaching includes AQA Mathematics at Foundation and Higher levels and AQA English Language. My engineering background strengthens my teaching of Mathematics and Physics, while my professional software development experience allows me to connect computing concepts with practical applications.
I plan lessons around what each student needs. Some need to rebuild foundations; others understand the content but struggle to apply it in unfamiliar exam questions. I identify those gaps, explain ideas clearly and guide students towards solving problems independently. In Mathematics, that means understanding why a method works and recognising when to use it. In Science, it means connecting concepts, calculations and experimental evidence. In English, it means moving beyond identifying techniques to developing thoughtful analysis supported by precise examples.
Students can expect structured lessons, personalised homework and detailed feedback. I use past papers and mark schemes to help them understand what questions demand, improve the clarity of their answers and develop effective revision habits. I track difficulties across lessons so that we revisit what needs attention rather than simply move through topics.
I currently work with international learners, including students in the UK and Hong Kong, and understand the importance of adapting explanations to different educational and language backgrounds. I want students to feel comfortable asking questions, willing to attempt challenging work and able to recognise their own progress. My aim is to build secure understanding, greater independence and confident exam preparation.

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I'm an A-Level and GCSE tutor in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Accounting, with many years of experience teaching students one-to-one on platforms including Varsity Tutors and Wyzant, and privately. I hold a degree in Management Information Systems and an MBA with a specialization in Project Management, and I'm currently pursuing a PhD in Information Systems Management. I also studied English Literature and History at an advanced level, achieving top marks, which helps me teach students to write clear, well-structured exam answers.
Over the years I've worked with students from beginners through to exam preparation, and I tailor each lesson to the specification and exam style they are working toward, whether that's AQA, Edexcel, OCR or another board. My approach is simple and personal. I explain difficult topics in plain language with everyday examples, such as using a car journey to teach velocity, acceleration and graphs, so students understand why the methods work and not just how to use them. I teach step-by-step methods for calculations and exam questions, with past-paper-style practice and time management. Every lesson is built around the student's needs and learning style, so they understand the material and enjoy learning it.

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Lina graduated from the University of Wollongong with both a BSc and MSc in Chemistry, achieving a High Distinction average. She began her career in the pharmaceutical industry, gaining valuable real-world experience before moving into education.
Since 2004, Lina has dedicated her career to teaching Chemistry and has over 20 years of experience teaching students aged 12–18 across international school curricula. She is currently the Head of Science and Head of Chemistry at a Singapore international school, where she leads the Science department and oversees a programme that combines Cambridge and Singapore curricula.
Lina’s strongest areas of expertise are Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge AS Level, and Cambridge A Level Chemistry. Her extensive classroom and leadership experience gives her a deep understanding of the syllabus content, assessment objectives, examination requirements, and question-answering techniques needed for students to succeed in Cambridge examinations.
In addition to her extensive Cambridge experience, Lina is highly qualified and experienced in teaching Pearson Edexcel Chemistry and Singapore-Cambridge O Level Chemistry, as well as IB Diploma Chemistry (HL/SL) and AP Chemistry. Her experience across multiple international curricula allows her to adapt her teaching to different examination boards while maintaining a strong focus on the specific requirements of each syllabus.
Over more than two decades of teaching, Lina has developed an extensive collection of exam-focused resources, past-paper materials, practice questions, and revision strategies. She understands that success in Chemistry requires more than knowing the content—students must also learn how to apply concepts, interpret questions, structure answers, and respond according to the expectations of their examination board.
Lina’s teaching philosophy is centred on helping students understand the “why behind the why” rather than relying on memorisation alone. Lessons typically begin by identifying gaps in prior knowledge, followed by clear explanations and modelling, guided practice, and independent problem-solving. Students are also given targeted practice to reinforce their learning between lessons.
Because Chemistry can be highly abstract, Lina uses visual explanations, analogies, worked examples, and real-world applications to make challenging concepts easier to understand. She creates a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and developing confidence in their Chemistry abilities.
Whether a student is preparing for Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, AS or A Level Chemistry, following the Singapore Chemistry curriculum, or studying Pearson Edexcel Chemistry, Lina combines deep subject knowledge, over two decades of international-school teaching experience, current academic leadership, and exam-focused teaching to help students reach their full potential.
Outside of teaching, Lina enjoys travelling and staying active through outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and jogging.

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Louise B has taught/tutored A level and GCSE/IGCSE Biology for over 10 years and is experienced at preparing students to perform well during their exams. Several of her A level students have gone on to study Medicine and many of her GCSE students have achieved a 9, but her biggest driver is to build the confidence in the young people she works with. Helping her students realised that they are more capable than they previously believed is what, she believes, enables them to make the fastest progress towards their goal.
At university Louise initially began studying Biochemistry but quickly realised that Microbiology was a bigger passion. She therefore has an excellent understanding of metabolic processes that students tend to find tricky. Her PhD in life sciences demonstrates that she understands the research process and is able to pass these skills onto her students.
Finally, Louise's teaching qualification was attained at the University of Oxford meaning that she is equipped with teaching skills that will allow her to get the best from her students. Her approach is to work with students with empathy and an open mind so that students grow in confidence and feel that they can achieve more than they previously thought possible.

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Aster is an experienced international educator with a Bachelor's degree in Physics and several years of experience teaching and tutoring students across a range of international curricula, including Cambridge, Australian, and other globally recognised programs. She specialises in Physics, Mathematics, Science, English, and academic skills development, and has worked with students from primary school through to senior secondary levels.
Throughout her career, Aster has taught students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, including Australian students in online learning environments. Her experience extends beyond subject content to helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, exam techniques, academic writing, and independent learning skills. She is also experienced in supporting students with essay writing, research projects, and assessment preparation.
Aster's teaching approach focuses on making complex concepts clear, engaging, and accessible. She adapts lessons to each student's learning style and believes that strong understanding is built through curiosity, confidence, and active participation. Students and parents appreciate her patient, supportive, and encouraging manner, as well as her ability to explain challenging topics in a simple and relatable way.
With a strong background in science education and a passion for helping students achieve their academic goals, Aster is committed to helping every student build confidence, improve performance, and enjoy the learning process.

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Daniel is a passionate, high-achieving tutor currently pursuing his Medical Degree at the University of Nicosia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with honors from the prestigious American University of Beirut (AUB), where he built a strong foundation in the physical sciences, analytical reasoning, and academic research.
In recognition of his scientific potential, Daniel was awarded the URE 2023–2024 grant for his work in organic chemistry. He is also a Senior Research Assistant at Operation 12 at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he contributes to groundbreaking research in psychology, exploring the intersections between cognition, behavior, and mental health.
Daniel’s academic excellence began early. He completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme with a score of 41 out of 45, achieving perfect 7s in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry, and Business, and strong performance in his Standard Level subjects.
Daniel teaches Chemistry and Biology for the A-level and GCSE. he has helped students excel and achieve the highest marks, with most of his students scoring A* in the A-levels and Grades 8 and 9 in GCSE, with many of his students moving on to attending top ranked international schools.
With years of tutoring experience, Daniel has helped students across high school and university levels master difficult subjects, prepare for major exams, and build long-term academic confidence. His teaching style is clear, strategic, and empowering. He breaks down complex ideas into manageable steps, adapts his methods to suit each student's learning style, and always aims to make learning engaging, meaningful, and enjoyable.
Daniel believes that with the right support, every student is capable of excellence. He brings that belief into every session

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David G graduated in Biological Chemistry with honours from the University of Essex in 1980. He has been a qualified teacher of Chemistry since 1983 and he has taught across many examination boards and syllabi. He is a vastly experienced teacher, having taught mainly in the UK until 2013 when he decided to venture into international schools in China, Singapore and Dubai.
Whilst in the UK, he has taught both GCSE and A level Chemistry for different examination boards ( AQA, Edexcel, CIE). Whilst overseas, he has taught both the IGCSE Chemistry CIE and Edexcel syllabi.
He is deeply committed to his students where he encourages, debate, deep thinking, understanding of concepts rather than memorising facts. His lessons are engaging, demanding, challenging and fun. He has the ability to bring out the best in his students.
The tutors you see here are just a selection from our team of hundreds of tutors, please contact our Learning Advisors to discuss tutoring options
GCSE Chemistry asks students to work at three levels at once: what they can see happening in a test tube, what the particles are doing, and how to write it in formulae and equations. A student who can describe a reaction often cannot yet explain it in terms of electrons, or balance the equation for it, and a single question can move between all three. There is also a large amount of exact recall: tests for ions and gases, colours, reaction conditions and definitions that have to be stated precisely to earn the mark.
Other things that make it hard:
Our Chemistry tutors work from your board's own past papers, mark schemes and examiners' reports, so students learn the exact wording and working that earn the marks. Sessions target where Chemistry marks are actually lost:
Every GCSE Chemistry specification tests the same progression: knowing the chemistry, applying it, and analysing and evaluating information and experimental evidence. On AQA, OCR, Edexcel and WJEC, the split is about 40% knowledge, 40% application and 20% analysis and evaluation, and OCR and WJEC state that at least 20% of the marks assess mathematical skills. Edexcel International uses the same broad 40/40/20 split. Cambridge puts 50% on knowledge with understanding, 30% on handling information and problem-solving and 20% on experimental skills, all examined in its practical paper, and OxfordAQA adds a fourth objective, selecting, describing and evaluating scientific procedures, worth about 10%. We work through past-paper questions objective by objective, so you can see which skill is costing you marks rather than just seeing a lower total.
Chemistry is assessed almost entirely by written exams. AQA, OCR, Edexcel and OxfordAQA set compulsory practicals, but the marks come from exam questions about them, and Edexcel International examines experimental skills in its two written papers. Cambridge examines practical skills in a paper of their own worth 20%: either Paper 5, a hands-on Practical Test, or Paper 6, a written Alternative to Practical. WJEC in Wales is the only board with a practical unit, worth 10%, carried out in school and marked by WJEC. Most courses are linear, with every paper sat in one series at the end, but WJEC is unitised and Edexcel International's modular 4XCH1 lets students sit and resit each unit separately.
Ten sections examined in two papers taken in the same series at the end of the course, in May/June or November. Paper 1 and Paper 2 are each 1 hour 30 minutes and 90 marks, worth 50% each, with structured and open questions, and either paper can assess any part of the specification. There are no tiers, and grades 9–1 are available to everyone.
OxfordAQA's specification overlaps with AQA's UK GCSE Chemistry but adds a fourth assessment objective, the ability to select, describe and evaluate scientific procedures, worth about 10% and weighted more heavily in Paper 2. Its five required practicals, including electrolysis of copper sulfate solution, flame tests and an acid-base titration, are examined in the written papers. Sessions on this board practise procedure questions on every required practical and prepare both papers across the whole specification.
WJEC GCSE Chemistry is offered in Wales; Eduqas no longer offers a GCSE in Chemistry in England. The course is unitised. Unit 1 and Unit 2 are each a 1 hour 45 minute written exam worth 80 marks and 45% of the qualification, set at Foundation or Higher tier and sat in the summer series. Unit 3: Practical Assessment, worth 10% (30 marks), is untiered and takes place in school in the first half of the spring term, then is marked by WJEC. WJEC has said the current separate science GCSEs remain available until summer 2031.
Unit 1: Chemical Substances, Reactions and Essential Resources
Unit 2: Chemical Bonding, Application of Chemical Reactions and Organic Chemistry
WJEC grades on the A* to G scale used in Wales, not 9 to 1. Unit 3 has two sections: obtaining results in a group (6 marks) and individually analysing and evaluating them under supervision (24 marks). WJEC has amended Unit 3 for students starting the course in September 2026, to follow the practical approach of the new GCSE The Sciences (Double Award); Units 1 and 2 are unchanged. Sessions on this board prepare the analysis and evaluation section of Unit 3 as carefully as the written units.
Four topics examined in two untiered papers taken in the same series at the end of the course, in June or November. Paper 1 (2 hours, 110 marks, 61.1%) assesses the core content. Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks, 38.9%) assesses all the content, including the bold statements with a C reference that go beyond the Science (Double Award). Every student sits the same papers, graded 9–1. Pearson also offers a modular version, 4XCH1, first examined in June 2025: two units, each 1 hour 40 minutes, 90 marks and 50%, that can be sat and resat in any order in June and November.
1 Principles of chemistry
2 Inorganic chemistry
3 Physical chemistry
4 Organic chemistry
Because Paper 2 is the only paper that tests the C-referenced content, students who revise only the core lose marks there. Practical investigations are written into the content as specification points in italics and examined in both papers, with experimental skills, analysis and evaluation worth about 20% of the marks. Sessions on this board give the C-referenced content dedicated time and practise questions on every practical investigation.
Nine topics examined in two papers sat in May/June of the same year, both at Foundation or both at Higher tier. Paper 1 covers Topics 1–5 and Paper 2 covers Topic 1 and Topics 6–9. Each is a 1 hour 45 minute written exam worth 100 marks and 50% of the qualification, with multiple-choice, short-answer, calculation and extended open-response questions. Students must complete eight mandatory core practicals.
Topic 1, Key concepts in chemistry, is examined on both papers, so formulae, equations, bonding and mole calculations come up throughout. Topics 5 and 9 hold the separate-chemistry content, such as transition metals, alloys and corrosion, and the core practicals include an accurate acid-alkali titration and identifying the ions in unknown salts. Sessions on this board build Topic 1 skills from the start and link each core practical to the questions set on it.
OCR offers two GCSE Chemistry specifications, and each school chooses one. Both are linear and tiered: students sit two papers at Foundation tier (grades 5–1) or two at Higher tier (grades 9–4), each 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks and 50% of the GCSE, all in the same May/June series. Practical skills are examined in the papers, and learners must complete at least eight practicals covering OCR's Practical Activity Groups. We match tutors to the specification code on your exam entry.
Chemistry A (Gateway Science) · J248
Chemistry B (Twenty First Century Science) · J258
On Gateway, the first paper of each tier covers Topics C1–C3 and the second covers Topics C4–C6, with C1–C3 assumed and synoptic questions included. Twenty First Century Science teaches chemistry through contexts and splits each tier into a Breadth paper of short-answer questions and a Depth paper with at least two 6-mark extended response questions, both drawing on all eight chapters. Sessions on this board follow your specification's order and, for J258, give the Depth paper's extended answers dedicated practice.
Ten topics plus a Key ideas section, examined in two papers sat at the end of the course. Paper 1 covers Topics 1–5 and Paper 2 covers Topics 6–10, and Paper 2 can also draw on the fundamental ideas in sections 4.1 to 4.3. Each paper is a 1 hour 45 minute written exam worth 100 marks and 50% of the GCSE, set at Foundation or Higher tier, with multiple-choice, structured, closed short-answer and open-response questions. Students carry out eight required practicals, and questions drawing on them count for at least 15% of the marks.
AQA states that sections 4.1 to 4.3, atomic structure, bonding and quantitative chemistry, underpin much of the rest of the course, so weaknesses there cost marks on both papers. Higher tier content is marked HT only throughout the specification, and the required practicals and their content are shared with AQA Combined Science: Trilogy, which makes moving between the courses straightforward. Sessions on this board secure Topics 1–3 early and work through each required practical the way the papers ask about it.
Twelve topics, with Core content for all candidates and Supplement content for Extended candidates. Everyone sits three papers: a 45-minute paper of 40 multiple-choice questions (30%), a 1 hour 15 minute theory paper of short-answer and structured questions (80 marks, 50%) and a practical paper (40 marks, 20%). Core candidates take Papers 1 and 3 and Extended candidates take Papers 2 and 4. 0620 is graded A* to G and 0971 is graded 9 to 1. Exams run in June and November, with a March series in India for 0620. Cambridge has republished the syllabus for 2029 with no significant changes that affect teaching.
Cambridge examines practical skills directly. Paper 5 is a hands-on Practical Test in the laboratory (1 hour 15 minutes) and Paper 6 is a written Alternative to Practical (1 hour). Both test the same experimental skills, both are worth 20%, and notes for qualitative analysis are provided in both, so identifying ions and gases from test results is a regular feature. Your school decides which one you sit. Sessions on this board give the practical paper regular timed practice alongside the theory.
Tell us the subject, exam board and target grade. A Learning Advisor reviews it the same day.
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Whichever tier you are entered for, we match you with a tutor who knows those papers and the grades they lead to. Not sure which tier is right? Your tutor will help you decide before entries close.
Foundation papers cover most of the same topics without the Higher-only content, and the highest grade available is a 5.
Higher papers add Higher-only content and open grades up to a 9, but on UK boards a result below a 3 is ungraded.
We teach Foundation and Higher for AQA, OCR, Edexcel and WJEC, Core and Extended for Cambridge IGCSE, and the untiered Edexcel International GCSE and OxfordAQA courses.
We have answers to your most frequently asked questions. Anything not answered here, please reach out to our team.
Yes. Our GCSE Chemistry tutors teach both tiers on AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel and WJEC, and Core and Extended for Cambridge IGCSE. On Foundation, lessons secure the core topics and the required practicals. On Higher, they add the Higher-only content, such as moles calculations and half equations, and the six-mark extended answers that decide the top grades. If your child is between tiers, their tutor will help you choose before entries close.
On AQA, OCR and Pearson Edexcel, Foundation covers grades 1–5 and Higher covers 4–9. A Higher student who narrowly misses grade 4 can be given an allowed grade 3, but below that the result is U. In June 2026 the Higher grade 4 boundary was 43 out of 200 on AQA and 55 on Pearson Edexcel, so it pays to check where your mock marks sit against your own board. Anyone who needs a 6 or 7 for A-Level Chemistry has to sit Higher, while students working below grade 4 are usually safer on Foundation. On Cambridge IGCSE, Core is capped at grade C and Extended runs from A* to G, so a weaker Extended paper still earns a grade; Edexcel International GCSE is untiered. Schools usually decide the tier after mocks, so ask early. Sources: AQA and Pearson.
GCSE Chemistry means the UK specifications from AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel or WJEC, while IGCSE Chemistry means Cambridge IGCSE 0620 (0971 on the 9–1 scale) or Edexcel International GCSE 4CH1. The main differences are tiering and practical assessment. The UK GCSEs are tiered and examine required practicals inside the written papers; Edexcel International is untiered, so every grade is open to everyone; and Cambridge has Core and Extended papers plus a separate practical paper worth 20%. The core content of atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry and organic chemistry is very similar on all of them. Universities and sixth forms accept both. The UK GCSE is sat in May and June only, while Cambridge IGCSE and Edexcel International GCSE also run a full November series, which suits students outside the UK and anyone who needs a resit. Read more about online IGCSE tutoring.
Each sixth form and college sets its own entry requirements, so check the prospectus of the one you're applying to. As a guide, most ask for at least a grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry, or 6-6 in Combined Science, for A-Level Chemistry, and selective schools often ask for a 7. Most also ask for a grade 6 in GCSE Maths, because A-Level Chemistry relies heavily on calculations. You need the Higher tier, because Foundation caps the grade at 5. If you take Cambridge IGCSE on the A*–G scale, a grade A is broadly equivalent to a 7 and a C to a 4, the points that were aligned when the 9–1 scale was introduced (GOV.UK grading factsheets), so a requirement of grade 6 usually means a strong B. See A-Level Chemistry.
GCSE Chemistry tutoring with an academic tutor costs from $50 USD (£38) per hour, and packages save 5–15%, which suits steady weekly lessons through Years 10 and 11, then extra past paper sessions before mocks and the summer exams. Pay as you go is invoiced after each lesson, with no lock-in contracts. Professional tutors (qualified teachers and examiners) cost from $75 USD (£56) per hour. See pricing.
Late cancellations and no-shows are charged at half the lesson fee. That applies if you cancel less than one hour before the start time, or don't turn up. You can still change a session time whenever you need to, as long as you give your tutor notice.
Our academic tutors are high-achieving graduates and undergraduates who scored in the top band in Chemistry themselves, and our professional tutors are qualified teachers or examiners with 5+ years' experience. We accept only the top 5% of applicants. You are matched to a tutor who knows your board, so they can spot the calculation types your board repeats, explain bonding and electrolysis clearly, and rehearse every required practical in your specification. Read more about our GCSE tutors and how we select tutors.
Lessons are one-to-one and online, with a tutor matched to GCSE Chemistry, your exam board and your target grade. Each session works on your weakest areas using past paper questions from your own board, whether that is AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel, Edexcel International GCSE or Cambridge IGCSE 0620. For Chemistry that usually means mole and concentration calculations set out step by step, balanced and ionic equations drilled until they are automatic, and every required practical rehearsed until method questions are straightforward. See how it works or start with the student application.
Chemistry is often rated the hardest of the three sciences because it combines abstract ideas with calculation. Students need to picture what happens to particles in bonding, electrolysis and rates of reaction, write balanced and ionic equations accurately, and handle moles and concentration calculations, with at least 20% of the marks testing maths skills. Higher tier questions often set the calculation in an unfamiliar context, which is where most marks are lost. Our online GCSE tutoring focuses on exactly those areas.
In summer 2026, 14.7% of GCSE Chemistry entries in England achieved a grade 9 and 47.0% achieved a 7 or above (JCQ), from 159,731 entries. Those figures reflect a strong cohort, because separate Chemistry is mostly taken in triple science sets. Internationally, 22.8% of Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry candidates achieved a 9 (provisional figures from Pearson), and 16.9% of Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry candidates achieved an A* (Cambridge). A 9 needs confident calculations, accurate equations and extended answers that explain observations rather than just describe them.
Grade boundaries are set after each exam series and change every year, so older figures are only a guide. In June 2026, AQA's Higher tier grade 9 boundary for Chemistry was 155 out of 200 (78%), and Pearson Edexcel's was 165 out of 200 (83%). Grade 4 on Higher needed 43 marks on AQA and 55 on Pearson Edexcel. Edexcel International GCSE 4CH1 set grade 9 at 141 out of 180 (78%), or 150 on the alternative R papers used in some time zones, and Cambridge IGCSE 0620's Extended A* threshold was 168 to 175 out of 200 (84–88%), depending on the paper variant. Sources: AQA, Pearson, Pearson International and Cambridge.
There is no coursework, but practical work is compulsory. On AQA you complete eight required practicals, on Pearson Edexcel eight core practicals and on OCR at least eight practical activities, and the written exams then ask about them, for example on method, variables, errors and results. Cambridge IGCSE examines practical skills in a separate paper worth 20%: either Paper 5, a hands-on Practical Test, or Paper 6, a written Alternative to Practical. WJEC in Wales has a practical unit worth 10%, carried out in school and marked by WJEC. See the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 syllabus.
GCSE Chemistry is assessed by written exams, with no coursework. On AQA, OCR and Pearson Edexcel you sit two papers of 1 hour 45 minutes, each worth 50%, at either Foundation or Higher tier, all at the end of the course. Edexcel International GCSE 4CH1 is untiered, with a 2-hour Paper 1 (61.1%) and a 1 hour 15 minute Paper 2 (38.9%). Cambridge IGCSE 0620 sets a multiple-choice paper (30%), a theory paper (50%) and a practical paper (20%), at Core or Extended. See the AQA specification.
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