Hi there, my name is Jamie Smurthwaite. I have been tutoring since February 2013. I also did some tutoring from 2001-2002 whilst at university though, never guessing that one day this would become my lifelong career. And one that I truly enjoy.
When I was a young man, starting Year 4, I was an average student at best, but with the help of my dad tutoring me for an hour every day after school, I passed my 11+ exam with flying colours. This gave my father the inspiration to become an 11+ private tutor (which he has now been doing for nearly 30 years). Skip to 12 years later and I have a degree in Linguistics with Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire.
Another 8 years later, after trying out various other jobs, I decided to give this tutoring thing another try and asked my father to update me on the various changes to the national curriculum.
Three months after beginning to advertise, I already had 10 clients a week - by the end of the first year, 20. I had no idea the demand was so high. Now I have 8 years of experience, and in that time have been able to help many students pass their own 11+ and KS2 exams.
I know what it's like to struggle in school. So now getting to help other children achieve their fullest academic potential feels like the career I was always meant for.