Testimonials

I am delighted to say that I have had many recommendations and testimonials. A selection of these are below.

As a teacher, I have had the privilege of teaching many fine students, but even amongst the best of them, students of the calibre of David Whitley shine out. An outstanding student, David chose to study English at Oxford, but, in truth, he is a genuine polymath, who could have pursued both arts and sciences to the same level and beyond.

Since leaving Oxford, David has, of course, enjoyed great success as an author – notably of the Agora trilogy of novels for older children – but he wants to do more.  A man who truly loves learning, David equally loves to share his passion for learning with others, not only through writing but also in person.

Working with groups of students in schools has always been one of his favourite parts of life as a writer, but David has also enjoyed great success as a one-to-one tutor across a wide range of subjects. Like all true teachers, he delights in the achievements of his students at least as much as in anything else he has done – if not more so!

If David had been teaching when my own children were in school, I should have jumped at the chance of having him teach them. I simply cannot recommend him too highly.

Ann Marie McMahon - MA, D.Phil. (Oxford), PGCE (Cambridge)

We were recommended David from a tutor who had taught my eldest son several years ago. We wanted tuition in addition to work completed at school to provide every possibility of him getting an A grade at GCSE.

David’s own educational success and writing sets him apart from other tutors.

David has always been well prepared for each lesson and has actively sought to understand the syllabus and differences in exams boards from England to Wales.

He has a very encouraging approach, which has increased my son’s confidence in his own ability. David is happy to tailor lessons to what is required at the stage of the academic year e.g. controlled assessments or exams, that you are in.

My son went into Year 10 exams feeling far more confident, as he’d had the opportunity to complete several practice papers / exercises and analyse them with David to identify areas of strength and improvement.

S.T., parent, contact information available on request

For all ages and all ranges, David is a TOP TUTOR! Fun and philosophical, creative and caring, scholarly and sensitive, he establishes relationships, promoting excellence and enjoyment, to deliver results.

Retired Secondary Deputy Head / Head of English

My child’s grades increased from a D to a B after 4 months tuition from David, and his writing skills improved significantly. David uses his knowledge of other subjects, especially history, to bring his English tutorials alive.

Jan Roberts, parent

In November 2014 I was seeking an English and Math tutor to help raise summer 2015 GCSE grades for my son. David began weekly 1.5 hour English tutoring in early February 2015.

My son’s confidence and openness to Mr Whitley’s support grew through his ability to rapidly grasp his educational needs, and an enthusiastic light touch transfer of the subject matter. Within a matter of weeks we broadened Mr Whitley's mandate to supporting Drama, History and Maths and moved to 2 sessions per week.

Mr Whitley not only provided my son with specific tutorage in GCSE subjects but has given him an independent platform to examine his academic skills. I hope to retain David’s skills through A levels, both as an academic tutor and mentor.

T. W., parent

David has a very good knowledge of his subject and the exam techniques and strategies needed for GCSE English. He was very willing to help out at a very late stage, building my son’s confidence and providing him with the techniques to do well in his literature papers. We hope David will help our younger son with both language and literature, and in doing so, pass on his obvious enthusiasm for his subject. I would highly recommend him as a tutor.

Parent

The talk was brilliant from start to finish! I couldn’t quite believe that you had the whole of Year 7 listening attentively to you discussing Utopias! It really opened up their minds and teachers and students are still talking about your visit.

We can’t recommend you highly enough and will pass on your name to other schools. Thank you for being so enthusiastic and passionate. A real inspiration!

Ryburn Valley High School, West Yorkshire

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
I keep getting such good feedback from staff and students here and in the primaries. I saw the Head Teacher of one of the primaries today and she said the pupils returned to school yesterday absolutely buzzing!

Banbury School, Oxfordshire

Inspiring, dynamic and insightful. Fantastic range of material, imaginatively presented.

Rugby School, Warwickshire

I have been singing your praises to librarians everywhere - someone who can engage an audience of 300 + from Yr7 to 6th form! (Plus I think several of us would come to hear you sing!)

Barrs Hill School, Coventry

All the students agreed that they enjoyed the humour in your presentation... The English staff appreciated the art and history references because it emphasised how fiction can be the basis of all forms of learning.

Sir William Stainer School, Crewe

Our pupils had the opportunity to be part of something very special - what made the day particularly memorable was the enthusiasm and passion that you clearly have for what you do. Thank you for a wonderful day!

St David’s High School, Flintshire

David was the most inspiring young author that I’ve come across for a while. His enthusiasm and quirky knowledge of life, and also children’s interests and learning experiences, was put to the test by four different age groups and abilities…  His encouragement to express the art of writing made time fly swiftly – a wonderful experience!

Hartford High School