A tailored and nurturing online tutoring service, specialising in 11+, 13+/Common Entrance, and GCSE preparation for pupils at UK schools and internationally.

Learn more →
A smiling man in a blue suit and yellow tie against a black background.

A tailored and nurturing online tutoring service, specialising in 11+, 13+/Common Entrance, and GCSE preparation for students at UK schools and internationally.

Learn more →
Image of a smiling man in a dark blue suit with a yellow tie, standing against a black background.
A corner of a room with white bookshelves filled with books and magazines, a piano on the left, a black office chair on the right, and part of a wooden desk in the foreground.

Hi, I’m James, a professional Private Tutor specialising in 11+, 13+/Common Entrance and GCSEs

My work is focused, strategic, and results-driven, supporting students to make rapid, measurable progress while building confidence and exam resilience.

Educated at Winchester College and Cambridge University, I have over a decade of teaching experience across one-to-one tutoring and classroom settings. I have supported pupils through entrance exams and GCSEs with successful outcomes at leading schools including Eton, St Paul’s, Winchester, and Westminster, as well as significant grade improvements across English, maths, and all the sciences.

My approach begins with diagnostic assessment, followed by targeted teaching that addresses gaps efficiently and stretches high-performing students beyond the standard syllabus where appropriate. Lessons are structured, clear, and carefully paced, with an emphasis on exam technique, problem-solving, and independent thinking.

To preserve quality, I work with a limited number of pupils each year.
There is currently some remaining availability for 2026 bookings.

Read more →
Logo of James Henshaw Tutoring featuring a globe icon and purple text.

Hi, I’m James, a professional Private Tutor specialising in 11+, 13+/Common Entrance and GCSEs

My work is focused, strategic, and results-driven, supporting students to make rapid, measurable progress while building confidence and exam resilience.

Educated at Winchester College and Cambridge University, I have over a decade of teaching experience across one-to-one tutoring and classroom settings. I have supported pupils through entrance exams and GCSEs with successful outcomes at leading schools including Eton, St Paul’s, Winchester, and Westminster, as well as significant grade improvements across English, maths, and all the sciences.

My approach begins with diagnostic assessment, followed by targeted teaching that addresses gaps efficiently and stretches high-performing students beyond the standard syllabus where appropriate. Lessons are structured, clear, and carefully paced, with an emphasis on exam technique, problem-solving, and independent thinking.

To preserve quality, I work with a limited number of pupils each year.
There is currently some remaining availability for 2026 bookings.

Read more →
Portrait of a young man with short curly hair, wearing a black tuxedo and white shirt, smiling against a dark background.

The Process

➊ Trial Session →

A minimum 30-minute trial lesson (one hour recommended) at a significantly reduced rate (£50ph). This session gives us the chance to get to know each other, assess the student’s current level, and identify strengths, challenges, and priorities in a relaxed, low-pressure setting.

➋ Review & Strategy

Following the trial, I create a tailored tutoring plan based on the student’s profile and the client’s aims. This includes clear objectives, recommended session length and frequency, and a focused strategy designed to support steady progress and long-term success.

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➌ Begin Tutoring

We put the plan into action through regular booked-in sessions. Sessions are structured, responsive, and goal-driven, with ongoing feedback to ensure we are achieving the outcomes agreed with the client, adapting the approach as needed.

  • "James has taught both my children in person and online and his lessons are exceptional. One child needed to be stretched and challenged while the other needed consolidation of basic concepts, confidence building and help with pace. James tailors his approach perfectly."

    Iris and her two children - Client for over 5 years

  • "James has been an immense support for our son who has flourished under his supervision and tutoring in both English and Maths. From the first session James was able to build a rapport with our son and keep him engaged and motivated throughout the entire session. It is such a delight to see them work together tackling the curriculum bit by bit."

    Tina and her son - Client for over 1 year

  • "James has been tutoring my two children (aged 7 and 9) for the past six months, and the difference has been remarkable. He has a real gift for understanding how each child learns and for pitching work at exactly the right level—stretching them without ever overwhelming or alienating them."

    Kate and her two sons - Client for last 6 months

  • "Alex worked with James for many years on a variety of subjects, with focuses on math and English, for the ISEB and Common Entrance preparation. James understands students' needs very well and is able to tailor the work onto particular areas of weakness."

    HM - Parent - Client for 2 years

  • "James tailors his tutoring to the needs of the student.  As parents we are grateful to work together to achieve the desired result.   He is patient and will use several methods to increase optimal understanding of the subject.  He always gives feedback on lessons and reports on progress.  My daughter continues to improve as a result of her tutoring sessions."

    Iliana and her daughter - Client for 2 years

  • "He has an excellent understanding of what children should know for the entrance papers of the schools of their choice. Working with James undoubtedly played a significant part in their success. I highly recommend him."

    Iris and her two children - Client for over 5 years

  • "Our son is strong in Maths yet needs more support in English and James tailors the lesson wonderfully to guide and encourage him as well as challenge him to build his confidence. He is now a regular part of our weekly routine and we are very grateful to have him."

    Tina and her son - Client for over 1 year

  • "[James is] highly engaging, thoughtful in his approach, and very creative in the way he builds confidence and curiosity, particularly in maths and English. Most importantly, my children now enjoy the subjects more and genuinely believe in their own abilities. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him."

    Kate and her two sons - Client for last 6 months

  • "[James] is able to explain complex problems in easier to deal with blocks, and his manner of teaching was very much liked by Alex. Working with James has helped us to secure great results, and we'd highly recommend him for anybody seeking additional tutoring support."

    HM - Parent - Client for 2 years

Premium service: Full board application support

Feeling overwhelmed by 11+ and 13+ school applications, or not sure where to begin?

I also offer a broader general support package, available upon special request. This includes full administrative and pastoral support for school applications across the UK, drawing on my extensive knowledge of leading schools, their application processes, and what they are looking for in candidates.

This package is not charged on an hourly basis, but instead offers complete, joined-up support combining tutoring with hands-on application guidance.

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