University of Oxford-trained teacher and admissions tutor for humanities, bestselling author of 'The Ultimate History Aptitude Test Guide' and 'The Ultimate Oxbridge Collection', and editor of 'The Ultimate Medical Work Experience Guide', with over 5000 hours of tutoring logged with a 'perfect' five-star rating, a proven track record of improved results and successful university applications, PhD in History and work as a civilian consultant for NASA. I'm an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and former examiner and test-writer for the Oxford History Aptitude Test, as well as an auditor of applicant interviews and UCAS personal statements for the University of Oxford. I've been supporting students with their Oxbridge and G5 applications for more than a decade.
Recent Students: 3 |
Total Hours: 926 |
Last Online: |
All-time Students: 51 |
Total Classes: 731 |
Signed Up: |
Recent Students: 3 | Total Hours: 926 | Last Online: |
All-time Students: 51 | Total Classes: 731 | Signed Up: |
My approach to each student is bespoke, recognizing that no two profiles, students, or objectives are the same. Since 2012, I’ve supported hundreds of students through their university application journeys. I begin by gathering information about each student and their situation, building a detailed roadmap and plan of action for their application. I cover every step, from choosing a course to arranging campus tours. My teaching, whether for admissions preparation or supporting undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, aims to create a non-adversarial, engaging learning environment. My background is in science, specifically as a bioarchaeologist, and I’ve worked as a civilian consultant to the NASA Ames Human Factors laboratory.
I studied BSc Archaeology as an undergraduate, a field I remain passionate about. My academic career has evolved, but I still engage with archaeology on a volunteer basis. My MSc in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology at Oxford taught me to blend scientific and humanities approaches, providing a perspective on the transitions students face. I strive to make learning fun and mutual, helping students understand this.
During my doctorate at Oxford, I contributed to admissions support, co-writing and marking exam papers, reviewing UCAS personal statements, auditing interviews, and making final decisions on candidates. This experience informs my current work, where I support widening university access.
Since graduating, I’ve worked as an admissions officer and consultant, achieving significant success in securing Oxbridge offers for students. I continue to leverage industry connections, statistical insights, and unique resources to support my students’ applications.
I was a seminar leader and course coordinator at the University of Oxford, where I taught to history, politics, and PPE students. I was course co-ordinator and principal lecturer for 2018s Theories of State module at the University of Oxford's History faculty, and I've been a frequent speaker at the Wellcome Trust covering topics like science communication, history of science, modern medicine, and social science. I also deliver regular lectures as an Associate Fellow to the Royal Historical Society, and deliver lessons to people in schools and universities all around the world.
I've been an educator since 2009, when I started delivering admissions guidance at a leading independent school. I've taught thousands of students, from A level to Doctoral level, in history and other humanities and social sciences subjects. I've also delivered training seminars at UK medical schools on good practice for admissions, and delivered a robust series of seminars and presentations to the staff body at NASA Ames' Human Factors laboratory in Palo Alto, California. I have supervised several undergraduate and master's students at Oxford during my time there as a Doctoral student, in history. I've also worked as a private supervisor for students at leading UK and US universities. I've had the opportunity to provide supervise (to first-class level or equivalent) undergraduate and master's level university students for subjects including (but not limited to) History, Classics, Sociology, Geography, International Relations, Business Management, Science and Technology Studies, Economics, Design, Fashion & Textiles, PPE/HSPS, Sociology, Anthropology, and Archaeology.
In addition to this, I run educational outreach programmes for the Institute of Archaeology at UCL, and I now work full time as an education consultant in the UK and the Middle East for children over 16 and adults studying humanities and social science subjects between A level and first-year doctoral level.
Undergraduate and Master's level writing
A Level history exam and coursework preparation
Oxford History Aptitude Test support
Cambridge History Admissions Assessment support
Oxbridge Admissions
UK University Admissions - All Subjects (including G5)
Interview preparation and practice
Essay writing and assessment preparation.
Research design
Excellent teaching by Toby
Brilliant work, thanks for helping me enhancing my personal statement
The class was very informative!
Toby is such great help!
Thank you for being such an amazing tutor! Hope to see you again sometime in the future :)
Very good
Excellent
Useful in going through extract questions and how to answer them
Very useful lesson in going through extract questions and ways to improve them
As usual Toby was very helpful in breaking down the requirements of the mark scheme and pointing out where I could improve in the way I apply my knowledge to answering the question. Toby has massively helped me restructuring my essay writing and is an amazing help to my exam preparation!
Toby was a brilliant tutor for my final year of A levels. He made it fun and challenging and was instrumental in helping me get an A grade. I would highly recommend his tutoring to anyone. Izzy - A level History Student
'Toby is by far the best teacher/tutor I have ever had. Toby is not only extremely knowledgeable but he is also very friendly and is able to present new information in a pedagogical, easy to understand manner. Toby's approach to our tutoring sessions provided me with everything I expected and more from a history tutor.
Toby clearly loves both history and tutoring, and Toby's genuine interest in the subjects he tutors was extremely helpful to me as this then further motivated me to learn more. Many of my previous teachers did not have Toby's ability to break down topics or explain what I should do to improve, in a way that I could easily understand. I feel very lucky to have had Toby as a tutor for my A level history and I will definitely miss our detailed discussions of Stalin and his entourage!' - Matthew, History Student
"Hi I just want to reiterate again just how amazingly professional and supportive Toby has been . I really hope he’s well looked after. A great asset to Spires.
Thank you" - Joshua, History student
Verified
Doctor of Philosophy (Oxon) - 2018
University of Oxford Preparation for Learning and Teaching - 2016.
Master of Science (Oxon, Distinction) - 2015
Bachelor of Science (UCL, Hons) - 2012
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