Simon

Currently taking on new students for the new school year starting September 2024

Home and Online Maths Tuition by DBS-checked Experienced Tutor

I provide home tuition in Ivybridge, Plymouth, Kingsbridge, Modbury, Plympton, Plymstock, South Brent, Aveton Gifford, Ermington, Bittaford and the surrounding areas and online tuition via Skype and Whatsapp.

I am a Ph.D. qualified DBS-checked Mathematician with many years tutoring experience from primary through to GCSE, A-level and adult students. I pride myself on my friendly and easy-going manner, my ability to quickly establish a rapport and a good working relationship with families and students and have excellent results with my students.

Many thanks, Simon.

Tutoring Experience

I have around 15 years experience of private tuition and teaching. I have tutored across a wide age and ability range from primary through to GCSE, A-Level, adult students and undergraduates.

Tutoring Approach

I take a collaborative approach to working with students and parents - sometimes topics are chosen by student - either topics they think they are weak on or topics they are currently studying at school - and at other times choosing topics myself that I think are pertinent for the student's course and ability. I always ensure I have multiple approaches to explaining a particular topic so we can find one that suits the student best and I believe engagement on a personal level is a key factor in success with tuition.

Some recent feedback,
"I highly recommend Simon as a maths tutor. His patience, skill, and deep knowledge has made a significant difference in my son's understanding of the subject. Simon not only helped him grasp difficult concepts but also boosted his confidence, which was crucial for his success. Thanks to his excellent teaching, my son passed his GCSEs with flying colours. We couldn't be more grateful for the positive impact Simon has had on his education." (GCSE student - August 2024)

"Just to let you know Ethan is pleased with his Maths result, he got a 7! Simon is punctual, reliable and organised. He supported my son through the months of GCSE study to give that final push." (GCSE student - August 2024)

"Our daughter was really struggling with her GCSE Maths and was scored a grade 4 on her mock papers. She has just had her GCSE Maths result and scored a grade 7! Absolutely amazing tutor and made such a difference to our daughter’s confidence. I would highly recommend him." (GCSE student - August 2024)

"I just thought I'd let you know that Lauren got her A level results today. She took core maths and got a grade A. We put this success down to your excellent tutoring before her GCSE's, it's still helping her and she actually says she enjoys maths!!" (former GCSE student - August 2024)

"Hope all is well. Just to say that Izzy got a strong level 6 in her maths which is brilliant. Thank you once again for all your support in that. It's greatly appreciated" (GCSE student - August 2024)

"Simon is a brilliant Math tutor. He tutored two of my boys throughout their GCSE and A-level. Dedicated, Knowledgeable and very supportive. My sons have grown in confidence and enjoyed the subjects. Highly recommended." (GCSE and A-level students - August 2024)

"As a Maths tutor, we would highly recommend Simon Hirst. His rapport with our son is excellent, his lessons are totally engaging and tailored to his individual needs. For us, Simon has worked with some of the feedback we supplied from school on topics where weaknesses were present. Simon has focused and planned lessons around these areas. In each lesson, Simon always checks his tutoring is to the appropriate level of challenge. Another thing we like very much, is the way Simon will do a recap at the start of each new lesson on the previous lessons topic for our son. This works really well to help with consolidation. Simon’s lessons are structured and paced well to keep engagement at all times, our son always looks forward to Simon’s pause in the lesson for a five minute fun challenge break. If you are looking for a professional, Maths tutor who has a great calm and friendly manner, Simon ticks the boxes for sure." (Year 9 student - July 2024)

"I cannot recommend or thank Simon enough for the support he’s provided to our daughter throughout year 10. He’s always maintains a professional approach but manages to combine this with a style that builds an excellent rapport, building both confidence and knowledge. Simon really seems to put the student first and I have been impressed by the way he really got to know my daughter and has tailored the tutoring around her. It says so much that my daughter hasn’t complained once about a tutoring session! We’ll definitely be continuing into year 11" (Year 10 student - June 2024)

"I would highly recommend Simon as a maths tutor. My 16 year old son found it a big jump from GCSE to A level maths, and asked to try a tutor. Simon has been tutoring him throughout this year, and we will continue next year. My son says Simon explains things really clearly, is easy to talk to, down to earth and makes lessons enjoyable. He actually looks forwards to Simon's sessions and is so much more confident with his maths since beginning tuition. From my side, Simon is reliable, punctual, easy to contact and communicates clearly. We would definitely recommend him to others." (Year 12 student - June 2024)

“We highly recommend Simon as a Maths tutor. I’ve seen a considerable difference in our daughter’s confidence level since starting and she feels more positive going into her Maths lessons at school. Simon’s lessons are always well organised with a clear structure and he has always made her feel at ease throughout. We look forward to continuing with him going into her GCSE year” (Year 10 student - June 2024)

"Simon has been tutoring our year 10 daughter, Poppy, for a year now, and it has been great to see how her confidence in maths has grown under Simon's tutorship. Poppy is already working at a GCSE grade level we are very happy with, and there is still a year to go before her final exam. Simon's lessons have been both engaging and fun, with the learning intertwined with some entertaining puzzles and challenges. Simon is extremely skilled at explaining complex topics in a way that Poppy has understood and used to develop her own thought process for problem solving. We are looking forward to working with Simon for year 11 and would highly recommend him." (Year 10 student - June 2024)