Richard Upton

I am Head of Chemistry at Godolphin and Latymer school - the London Independent School of the Year 2023. As a high-flying, hardworking, ambitious graduate from University College London with a Joint Honours Degree in Natural Sciences (a combination of Maths, Chemistry and Biology), achieving an Upper 2nd Class Classification, I turned straight to teaching, attaining my Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Leeds, aged 21. I have always been very keen to share my vast knowledge and passion with others, to build their confidence and to assist them to achieve the grades they need and deserve, whilst creating excitement and enthusiasm for the subject. I am a volunteer at Barnardo's, the UK's leading children's charity and also at secondary schools in London, independently working with students on a variety of tasks. I am a very determined person, always aiming to perform to my highest ability. I am particularly organised, and can adapt easily to any situation.

With over ten years of teaching experience, I am currently the Head of Chemistry at the top selective independent school in London 2023. I attained my Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University of Leeds in 2015. Since then I have worked in over 5 very contrasting schools. The first was in North Yorkshire and is a leading school in A-level teaching, with many students coming from far and wide to attend. In September 2017, I moved to London to take a job within the Harris Federation. Here, I was in charge of Chemistry A level and creating the programme for Gifted and Talented students to stretch and challenge them beyond expectations. I have since worked as Head of Chemistry in a number of schools across the private and public sector. I have tutored many students individually up to A-level in a number of subjects over the past six years, successfully helping pupils to improve their confidence and grades. As a young professional, I can relate well to other students along with the exam stress and pressure that they may face; I also have a fantastic, detailed knowledge of current exam specifications.

I strongly believe that there is no set method of tutoring that works for every tutee, but my main aim is to build the individual's confidence within the subject and ensure they feel comfortable and well prepared to sit an exam. I will often begin by gaining an initial understanding of a pupil's work level and style, creating the basis for a tailored programme to suit their particular needs whilst also helping them to achieve higher standards by working to their strengths, focussing on areas which they find more difficult. My tutoring takes a reasonably informal approach as I believe many students perform better in a more relaxed environment, allowing them to fulfil their potential and develop enthusiasm for the subject. I have a number of resources available in all subjects, which are up-to-date and relevant to the curriculum.