Maths
Algebraic fluency first, then the topics that hang off it — sequences, trigonometry, calculus. Worked slowly enough that the method survives the exam room.
- KS3
- GCSE
- A-level
Private tutor · Maths & sciences
Work through it
until it clicks
One-to-one tutoring for GCSE and A-level students who are capable but stuck — taught by one person, from first session to final paper.
- Maths
- Further maths
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Study skills
What I teach
Subjects and levels
A narrow list, deliberately. These are the subjects I teach every week, so the exam-board detail stays current rather than half-remembered.
Physics
Mechanics, electricity, waves and fields, with a steady focus on reading the question properly and writing an answer the mark scheme can actually award.
- GCSE
- A-level
Chemistry
Moles and equations until they are automatic, then organic mechanisms and energetics. Practical write-ups and required experiments covered alongside.
- GCSE
- A-level
Study skills
For students who understand the content but lose marks to timing, revision order or panic. Short block of sessions, usually alongside a main subject.
- All levels
Who you'd be working with
One tutor, the whole way through
I'm Ash Verge. I taught secondary maths and physics for nine years before moving to tutoring full time, which means I have marked enough papers to know where marks quietly disappear.
Sessions are not lectures. I set a problem, watch how it gets tackled, and step in at the point where the thinking breaks down — that point is usually two topics earlier than anyone expects. We patch it there, then come back.
Every student gets the same tutor every week. No rota, no handover notes, no re-explaining the same difficulty to a new face in March.
Ash Verge Private tutor · working with students online and in person
What to expect
How a term runs
Four stages, repeated each term. Nothing here is a surprise once you have started.
Introductory call
Twenty minutes, no charge. We talk through the subject, the exam board, the current grade and the grade you're aiming at.
Diagnostic session
The first paid session is spent finding the actual gaps rather than the assumed ones. You get a short written summary afterwards.
Weekly sessions
A fixed slot each week, with a small piece of work set between sessions. Same day, same time, so it becomes part of the routine.
Progress notes
Every half term I send a short note on what has improved, what is still shaky and what the plan is for the next six weeks.
Ways to work together
Session formats
Three formats, all one hour unless we agree otherwise. Rates depend on level and format — ask in the enquiry and I'll send the current list.
One to one, online
Most common- Shared whiteboard with all working saved
- Notes and set work sent the same evening
- Slots available on weekday evenings
Best for students juggling clubs, travel or a full week at school.
One to one, in person
Limited slots- At a quiet local study room or your kitchen table
- Past papers worked on paper, timed properly
- Weekend mornings and two weekday evenings
Best for students who focus better away from a screen.
Small group of three
By arrangement- Three students at the same level and exam board
- Ninety minutes, topic-focused
- Arranged between families, or I can pair you up
Best for a focused push on one or two weak topics before mocks.
Before you enquire
Questions I'm asked most
Can we try one session before committing?
Yes. The introductory call is free, and the first session stands on its own — there is no block booking and no minimum term. Most families decide after the diagnostic session.
Which exam boards do you cover?
The major boards for maths, physics and chemistry at GCSE and A-level. Tell me the board and specification code in your enquiry and I'll confirm before we book anything.
What happens if we need to cancel?
Let me know at least twenty-four hours ahead and we move the slot with no charge. Illness on the day is fine too — I'd rather reschedule than teach someone who can't concentrate.
Do you set homework?
A small piece between sessions, usually twenty to thirty minutes. It is deliberately short: the point is to test whether this week's method survived the week, not to add to the school workload.
How much contact will parents have?
A short written summary after the diagnostic session, then a progress note every half term. You're welcome to email between those if something changes at school.
Do you take students mid-year?
Often, yes — mid-year starts after a disappointing mock are common. Availability is tighter from January onwards, so it's worth asking early.
Get in touch
Ask about availability
Tell me a little about the student and what you'd like to shift. I reply to every enquiry, and I'll say plainly if I'm not the right fit or don't have a suitable slot.