Welcome to Ben’s Maths
Thoughtful, expert tuition for maths from Key Stage 3 through to A Level.
Ben Gillespie is an expert teacher, school leader and tutor, with 15 years’ experience in the classroom, leading schools, and teaching 1 to 1. He’s helped hundreds of students develop their skills in maths, and prepare for academic success.
If you’re looking for help with Key Stage 3 Maths, if you’re studying for your GCSEs or A Levels, or if you’re an Adult Learner looking to pass a qualification at work, please get in touch. I’d really love to help!
Contact Ben Today
If you’d like a call, email or message to discuss your requirements, leave your details below and I’ll be in touch.
Secondary School
I provide targeted tutoring in KS3 Maths, GCSE Maths, Statistics, Further Maths, and A Levels, helping students excel academically.
Adult Learners
My programs for adults focus on building essential skills, offering support in Functional Skills, specialized diplomas, and Financial Literacy to boost confidence, career readiness, and financial independence.
Online Teaching
My online teaching sessions are designed to be just as engaging and effective as in-person lessons. Using interactive tools like shared whiteboards, graphing software, and real-time problem-solving exercises, I create a collaborative environment that keeps students actively involved. Each session is tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring that students receive focused support on challenging topics, whether for school, exams, or personal growth. With flexible scheduling and resources accessible from home, online tutoring offers a convenient and productive learning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for some of the questions I receive most often, or feel free to get in touch if you have anything you'd like to ask directly.
Secondary School:
I offer tutoring for all levels of maths, from Key Stage 3 through to GCSE, and A-Level for Secondary School students.
Click for details and prices
Adult Learners:
For adult learners looking to improve their numeracy skills, I offer tuition and coaching for Functional Skills, Adult Numeracy and Diplomas.
Click for details and prices
Financial Skills:
“Why didn’t they teach us something useful, like taxes, at school!?”
I wouldn’t necessarily make it the maths teacher’s job, but I am a keen advocate for financial education, and so I teach and support a range of Personal Finance Qualifications:
- Young Enterprise – Financial Education Qualifications (FEQs)
- AQA – Personal and Social Education (PSE) Financial Skills
- The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) – Personal Finance Qualifications (PFQs)
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
- IFS School of Finance – Financial Capability Qualifications
I teach exclusively online, which allows much greater flexibility over lesson times for both me and my students. Online sessions are held via video call using a graphics tablet, and on-screen notepad, geometry suite, and calculators.
I have a Bachelors in Engineering, and a PGCE in Secondary Education, and I have over 15 years of experience as a classroom teacher, senior leader, and full-time maths tutor. I started teaching in 2008, and have worked in a range of schools and roles, from state schools to selective boarding schools, as a teacher and eventually headteacher, so I can advise on a whole range of educational challenges.
Yes! I specialize in helping students prepare for exams, and typically recommend a 12-week programme of intensive preparation. I provide revision strategies, practice papers, and focus on key topics to ensure you’re well-prepared and confident.
One of the main reasons I enjoy tutoring is the opportunity to challenge the idea that “I just can’t do maths.” Many of my students have felt anxious or unsure about maths, but you’ll be amazed how far you can go in a supportive and encouraging environment that helps you overcome challenges and develop a positive mindset towards learning.
The best thing about working one-on-one is that my students come away realising that they can learn almost anything with the right support.
Each session typically starts with a brief review of the previous lesson, followed by working through the new material. I ensure there’s plenty of time for practice and questions to reinforce learning. Homework or additional exercises can be provided if needed.
Yes, I do offer small group sessions for students at a similar level. Group sessions can be a more affordable option, and they also allow for collaborative learning, which some students find beneficial. Group lessons are particularly effective for adult learners, or for students who are already friends.
You can book a session by contacting me directly via phone, text, WhatsApp, or email. I offer flexible scheduling options to fit your availability, including evenings and weekends.
I use a mix of textbooks, online resources, interactive tools, and practice exams tailored to the specific exam board or syllabus you’re studying. For online tutoring, I use a shared whiteboard, a geometry toolkit, and on-screen graphing tools for working through problems together.
Sessions are assumed to take place once a week, unless discussed otherwise. I invoice on the 25th of the month for the month ahead, and ask that students or parents let me know of any cancellations or rescheduling at this time. I keep careful records of our sessions and payments, so that there are no nasty surprises.
Well, this does come up sometimes! There are definitely cheaper tutors out there, but these are the rates that make this a viable full-time occupation. There are lots of tutors who work part time, and I have nothing against them - lots of them deliver a great professional service. In fact, if you get in touch, I can almost certainly recommend one that I've worked with in the past. Failing that, ask me about group sessions, which can work out cheaper.
Whichever you choose, know that I respect the hard work that goes into paying for sessions, and do everything I can to ensure you are getting value for money.
Secondary School Students (including A Level)
I offer dedicated tutoring support for secondary school students, covering maths from Key Stage 3 through to GCSE and A-Level. My approach is designed to reinforce school learning while building confidence and problem-solving skills. By aligning sessions with each student’s curriculum, I help ensure they stay on track, fill in any gaps in understanding, and are well-prepared for exams. With interactive tools and a supportive approach, my aim is to make maths engaging and accessible, giving students the foundation they need for academic success.
**Rate - £60/hour **
At this foundational stage, I focus on building strong mathematical skills and confidence. Many students begin to feel disconnected from maths because missing just one concept can make subsequent topics seem overwhelming. My approach involves identifying and addressing any gaps in understanding, ensuring that each student has a solid grasp of the basics. By aligning sessions with your school’s scheme of work, we can reinforce classroom learning and revisit topics at optimal times for retention. Using interactive tools like a shared whiteboard and on-screen graphing, I make lessons engaging and easy to follow.
**Rate - £70/hour **
The GCSE years are crucial for setting the stage for future academic and career opportunities. I provide comprehensive support by combining a mix of textbooks, online resources, and practice exams specific to your exam board or syllabus. Early preparation is key, so starting in Year 10 allows us ample time to strengthen core skills and tackle challenging topics without rushing. I emphasize understanding the ‘why’ behind mathematical concepts, which not only prepares you for exams but also fosters long-term retention. Interactive sessions with geometry toolkits and graphing tools make complex ideas more accessible and engaging.
**Rate - £80/hour **
Transitioning to A-Level maths is a significant step up that requires a deep understanding of previous material. I help students navigate this challenge by reinforcing foundational knowledge and introducing advanced concepts in a clear and manageable way. Our sessions are tailored to your specific syllabus and focus on areas that need improvement, ensuring you’re well-prepared for both coursework and exams. With resources like specialized textbooks, past papers, and interactive online tools, I aim to enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The use of shared whiteboards and graphing software during online sessions facilitates a collaborative and effective learning environment.
Rate - £90/hour
A-Level Further Maths dives deeper into complex mathematical theories and applications, challenging students to expand their analytical and logical skills. I support students in mastering advanced topics like complex numbers, matrices, and differential equations, reinforcing understanding and boosting confidence. Sessions are fully customized to your syllabus, focusing on both coursework and exam preparation. With a combination of specialized resources, including past papers, advanced problem sets, and interactive graphing tools, I aim to develop your mathematical fluency and precision. Online sessions use shared whiteboards and graphing software to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
Adult Learners
For adult learners, I provide flexible and supportive tutoring to improve essential numeracy skills, whether for personal development, career advancement, or formal qualifications. Many adults return to maths with specific goals, from passing exams to boosting workplace skills, and I tailor each session to meet these needs. My lessons cover foundational topics and practical applications, using real-world examples and interactive methods to build confidence and competence. Whether you’re preparing for a diploma, seeking to improve everyday maths skills, or aiming for a new qualification, I’m here to support your journey.
**Rate - £70/hour **
Whether you’re aiming to improve your numeracy skills for personal development, work requirements, or further education, I offer tailored tutoring to meet your goals. Understanding that adult learners often juggle multiple responsibilities, I provide flexible scheduling and a supportive learning atmosphere.
**Rate - £70/hour **
I teach financial literacy with a focus on budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and making informed financial decisions. My approach is interactive and hands-on, engaging students with real-world scenarios to help them build confidence and competence in managing personal finances.
Teacher Training / Coaching and Mentoring
I work with a handful of schools to provide coaching and mentoring for teachers at every level. My typical engagement is 1 day a week for a full term, but this is flexible depending on the needs of the school.
I provide structured coaching sessions for teachers at all levels, focusing on practical strategies to improve classroom management, instructional techniques, and overall student engagement. The coaching process involves setting clear, actionable goals and regular check-ins to assess progress. Through real-time classroom observations and feedback, I support teachers in making sustainable changes that lead to a more productive and enjoyable classroom experience.
My mentoring approach is both encouraging and empowering, designed to help teachers develop professionally and personally. I work with teachers to build confidence in their abilities and support them in setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. Mentoring sessions are tailored to the teacher’s career stage and personal goals, whether they're a new teacher building foundational skills or an experienced educator refining their approach. I focus on helping teachers manage workload effectively and fostering a sense of community among staff.
I specialize in designing targeted interventions that address specific behavioral challenges within the classroom. My interventions are based on the principle that focusing on a small set of high-impact behaviors can lead to significant improvements. I work with teachers to identify the 20% of behaviors that contribute to 80% of classroom disruptions and guide them in implementing manageable, effective strategies. These interventions are tailored to each classroom's unique dynamics, helping teachers create a positive and structured environment that encourages students to take accountability for their behavior.
About Me
Hi, I’m Ben!
I qualified as a (very nervous) teacher in 2008, and since then have come to really value the impact that a positive learning experience can have on a person—not just in the subject that they're studying, but in their confidence to take on any new challenge. I’m a big fan of maths (and science, and learning in general) but even more so a big fan of helping people realise what they can achieve with time and attention. Whether you love maths and you can’t get your fill at school, or you hate maths and you’ve been convinced that some people just can’t do it, I’m here to help!
I’ve worked in a range of educational settings, from state schools to traditional private schools, as a classroom coach and senior leader. My favourite job, and a real tough one to beat, was as the Programme Director for the World Class Academy, where I ran the only international high school for aspiring kiteboarding athletes. It was a tremendous pleasure to work so closely with such a great team of teachers and students, and really reminded me how much fun it is to learn and to grow. Admittedly, it was nice to be on the beach all the time too…
Over the years, I’ve taught almost everyone, from primary through to secondary, college, university, further education, and adult learners. More recently, I’ve taken on a team of tutors to support my growing tutoring business. Here’s an overview of my experience:
Exams including: 11+, 13+, iGCSE and GCSE maths (both Foundation and Higher tier), GCSE Further Maths, A-Level Maths and Further Maths, IB Standard and Higher, numeracy skills (for QTS and other certificates/professions), GMAT, and various university course exams
Distance tuition for adults, FE and university students, secondary and college students from around the UK and Europe, USA, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and more
Maths for home-educated students of various ages, often with special educational needs
Group tuition: both in private tuition and in schools/tuition centres as well as online
SEN in-school teaching: KS3 and KS4, Functional Skills Level 1, 2, and GCSE groups
Mixed groups in tuition centres (KS3 + KS4 students)
Experience tutoring maths for students with SEN: ADHD, dyscalculia, ASD students—with both mild and severe complex learning difficulties
I’ve been preparing students for academic success for 15 years, and would love to work with you to help you achieve your goals.
Outside the classroom, I’m a passionate outdoorsperson, and when I’m not teaching, I’m usually climbing, paragliding, or kitesurfing—or teaching friends and family to do the same. There are some pictures below!
