ONE-TO-ONE TUITION.SOUTH EAST LONDON.ONLINE
Maths and English Language Tuition in South East London
Focused, personal lessons - with room for a bit of personality.
Some students arrive convinced they're 'just not a maths person'. Others have ideas about a text but aren't sure how to turn them into a strong English answer. We start where they are, work out what's getting in the way and build from there - with clear explanations, better basics and room to ask questions, make mistakes and have a laugh along the way.
I'm Simon, and I teach 11+ preparation, and maths and English Language from KS3 through to GCSE and resits. I teach all over South East London - from Greenwich, Blackheath and Lewisham through to Sydenham and Beckenham, Eltham and Sidcup - and online for those further afield.
Tuition as individual as the student in front of me.
"My son learnt more in a few weeks with Simon than in five years of secondary school."
Tuition that starts with what the student needs
Clear, personal support across the subjects and stages where a little extra help can make a real difference.
Maths
Fractions causing friction? Algebra making you anxious?
From KS3 to GCSE, we'll find - then fill - the gaps, before building towards more demanding questions at a pace that suits the student.
English Language
Have something to say but not sure how to say it?
Comprehension sounds dreary. So we call it reading, understanding and communicating. Skills for life, as well as for the exams.
11+ Preparation
Passing entrance exams without punishing lessons.
Building confidence is just as important as strengthening subject skills. Lessons tailored to your target schools and your child's skills.
GCSE Resits
Not passing isn't the same as failing.
A disappointing result can make it difficult to to face the subject again. We'll break down those walls into simple, solvable chunks.
"My son is not inclined to the academic. Simon has engaged with him and built his confidence and competence in both English and maths."
Doing the basics brilliantly
When a student is stuck, the first thing we need to do is make things less "sticky" for them.
1
Find the right starting point
We begin by finding out what's secure and where the gaps are. An initial assessment where the approach is more important than the mark.
2
Make things make sense
We unpick the problems and supercharge the strengths. There's time to think, make mistakes and ask questions they may not want to in class.
3
From feeling stuck to lessons sticking
We break down the problem topics into manageable chunks that make the subjects stick. Exam style questions build confidence through familiarisation.
"Simon is patient, encouraging, and explains things in a way that really clicks."
Hello
I'm Simon Ximenez.
I am passionate about teaching English Language and maths to help students towards better exam results and a better future.
Before becoming a full-time tutor in 2020, I spent 25 years working in advertising. Explaining things clearly, finding a connection and holding someone's attention have been part of my working life for a long time. And they're central to my lessons too.
Because I didn't come through the traditional teaching route, I don't just offer traditional textbook lessons. My students don't just learn the "What", they understand the "Why" and the "What For".
Alongside my private tuition, I volunteer some of my time with education charity, Action Tutoring, and was awarded their Volunteer Tutor of the Year in 2024.
What students and parents say
A few words from families who have worked with me.
Parent of Year 11 English student
"Simon's enthusiasm is contagious. Lessons never feel like a chore; they're engaging, interactive, and prompt my son to think."
Parent of Year 11 maths student
"Has been worth a two-grade bump in his predicted grade after just a couple of months' tuition."
Action Tutoring - Education Charity
"Simon is one of the most reliable and dedicated tutors I have ever had the pleasure of working with."
A few useful things to know
Where do lessons take place?
Lessons take place at the student's home or another place of their choosing. I'm based in Lewisham, SE13, and can travel to most areas of South East London. For other locations, please ask.
I also teach online so nowhere is a barrier.
How long is a lesson?
Most lessons last an hour. Longer sessions can sometimes be useful, depending upon the student's needs and the work involved.
Do you offer a free trial?
The first lesson is a paid session. If you'd like to have a chat beforehand, I'm happy to arrange this either in-person or on the phone.
How much do lessons cost?
Lessons cost £45 an hour, and are invoiced weekly. Most parents pay direct via bank transfer, but in-person payment by cash or card is available.
I'm also happy to discuss discounts for upfront block bookings for the term.
Which year groups and exam boards do you teach?
Most of my students are from Year 7 to Year 11, though I do teach younger students, primarily helping them prepare for 11+ exams. I also help older students with GCSE resits.
For GCSE maths and English Language, I have experience with AQA, Edexcel Pearson, Eduqas and the IGCSE. For 11 +, I have experience of both GL and CEM papers as well as numerous independent schools - just ask.
Are you DBS checked?
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate, a copy of which is provided at the beginning of any new relationship.
Are you a qualified schoolteacher?
My background is in advertising and marketing, rather than schoolteacher training. I don't teach in a classroom.
I bring experience of tutoring maths and English Language, a practical approach to explaining ideas, and an understanding that there is life beyond the exams.
What do students need?
I provide all lesson materials. All students need to bring is a willingness to have a go. A pen helps, too. And, for maths, a calculator is useful for some lessons.
Online students need access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and a reliable internet connection.
Let's talk about one extra lesson
Perhaps there's a particular topic causing trouble. Perhaps mocks are approaching. Or perhaps your child has started saying "I'm just rubbish at this."
Whatever the reason, one extra lesson can make all the difference. Tell me a little about the student, the subject, the school year and how I can help. I'll get back to you to discuss availability and we can see if I'm the right fit for your needs.