About James Henshaw
James Henshaw is a private tutor specialising in 11+, 13+ Common Entrance for UK independent and Grammar schools, and GCSE and iGCSE preparation for clients worldwide. He works with a small number of students each year, offering highly targeted, results-driven tuition designed to produce measurable academic improvement and increased confidence under exam conditions.
Educated at Winchester College and Clare College, Cambridge…
James brings a rigorous academic background to his tutoring across Mathematics, Sciences, and Music. He has supported pupils through 8+, 11+, and 13+ entrance exams, as well as GCSEs, with students securing places at leading schools including Eton, St Paul’s, Winchester, Westminster and others, often with scholarships.
James’ tutoring is built around diagnostic assessment and precision intervention. Each student begins with a clear evaluation of strengths, weaknesses, and exam-specific demands. From there, lessons focus on closing gaps efficiently, accelerating top-end performance where appropriate, and developing the techniques needed to perform consistently under pressure. Progress is tracked carefully, with clear feedback for both pupils and parents.
Alongside one-to-one tutoring, James has over three years’ experience teaching in classrooms and assemblies across London primary schools, including work supporting pupils preparing for 8+ and 11+ assessments. He has extensive experience working with SEN pupils, particularly those with dyslexia and ADHD, adapting exam technique and structure to enable students to demonstrate their true ability.
In parallel with his academic teaching, James is an internationally active professional conductor and musician, having held senior positions at English National Opera and working regularly with major orchestras and conservatoires. This professional life has deeply shaped his teaching style: calm, analytical, highly structured, and responsive to the individual. It has also given him a rare ability to build trust quickly, motivate students, and communicate complex ideas with clarity.
James works closely with families, valuing discretion, consistency, and long-term outcomes. To maintain the highest standards, he limits the number of pupils he supports at any one time.
Subjects offered
Up to 11+
English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Science
Up to 13+
English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Music
GCSE
Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Music
Above GCSE and A-level
Subject offerings are bespoke
About James Henshaw
James Henshaw is a private tutor specialising in 11+, 13+ Common Entrance for UK independent and Grammar schools, and GCSE and iGCSE preparation for clients worldwide. He works with a small number of students each year, offering highly targeted, results-driven tuition designed to produce measurable academic improvement and increased confidence under exam conditions.
Educated at Winchester College and Clare College, Cambridge…
James brings a rigorous academic background to his tutoring across Mathematics, Sciences, and Music. He has supported pupils through 8+, 11+, and 13+ entrance exams, as well as GCSEs, with students securing places at leading schools including Eton, St Paul’s, Winchester, and Westminster and others, often with scholarships.
James’ tutoring is built around diagnostic assessment and precision intervention. Each student begins with a clear evaluation of strengths, weaknesses, and exam-specific demands. From there, lessons focus on closing gaps efficiently, accelerating top-end performance where appropriate, and developing the techniques needed to perform consistently under pressure. Progress is tracked carefully, with clear feedback for both pupils and parents.
Alongside one-to-one tutoring, James has over three years’ experience teaching in classrooms and assemblies across London primary schools, including work supporting pupils preparing for 8+ and 11+ assessments. He has extensive experience working with SEN pupils, particularly those with dyslexia and ADHD, adapting exam technique and structure to enable students to demonstrate their true ability.
In parallel with his academic teaching, James is an internationally active professional conductor and musician, having held senior positions at English National Opera and working regularly with major orchestras and conservatoires. This professional life has deeply shaped his teaching style: calm, analytical, highly structured, and responsive to the individual. It has also given him a rare ability to build trust quickly, motivate students, and communicate complex ideas with clarity.
James works closely with families, valuing discretion, consistency, and long-term outcomes. To maintain the highest standards, he limits the number of pupils he supports at any one time.