Skip to content
Chartered Biologist
25+ Years Teaching
Newcastle University Alumnus
5.0 Stars — 19 Reviews
Cancer Research Background

A Biology Tutor Who Knows Newcastle from the Inside

Newcastle is not just another city on a list of locations I cover. I spent four years living and studying in Newcastle while completing my research degree in Molecular Pharmacology at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research, part of Newcastle University’s Faculty of Medical Sciences. My research was supervised by Dr Mike Tilby, and I also travelled to Durham University to analyse samples from Phase II clinical trials — work that gave me first-hand experience of how biology operates at the cutting edge of medical research.

During those four years I lived in Castle Leazes — just a stone’s throw from St James’ Park — as well as Jesmond and Heaton. I got to know the city well: the walk along the Quayside, the student areas around the university, and the surrounding communities where many of my current students live. When I say I understand what it is like to study in Newcastle, I mean it from personal experience.

That research background is directly relevant to what I teach. A-Level Biology covers topics like DNA replication, gene expression, cell division, and the immune response — exactly the areas I worked in during my time at Newcastle. When a student asks me how PCR works or how monoclonal antibodies target cancer cells, I can explain it not just from a textbook but from having done it in a lab.

What this means for Newcastle students: You are not getting a generic online tutor who has never set foot in the North East. You are getting someone who studied at your local university, lived in your city, and brings genuine research experience to every session — alongside 25+ years of A-Level classroom teaching and examiner insight.

What My Students and Parents Say

100% Grade Improvement Rate
5.0★ Trustpilot Rating
25+ Years Teaching A-Level

“Tyrone is one of the best tutors I have ever had! He always explains topics in a clear manner and repeats concepts again to embed the understanding of the content. He uploads the session notes on the student portal which is an easy website to navigate. The student portal contains a vast array of resources such as topic notes, past paper questions, questions by topic, revision notes and student activity workbooks. I would definitely recommend Tyrone as a Biology Tutor.”

— Elias, A-Level Biology Student

“Tyrone has been really good for my son. He has been tutoring my son since the start of the A-Level course as I thought my son would struggle as he is not the most academic of students. He has really blossomed under Tyrone’s tutorage and has become much more confident in the subject. My son achieved a high B in his Biology AS level in November which is carried over to his A-Level — I think it stunned his teachers as they had him pegged at a C/D. Tyrone is knowledgeable, explains things clearly and takes his time to ensure that the student understands the topic. He is patient and supportive and has encouraged my son to do his best. I could not have asked for more and I would definitely recommend him.”

— Penny Haynes, Parent (Cambridge International Board)

“My daughter has been having biology tutoring with Tyrone throughout Year 13 and is finding it hugely beneficial. The way he tailors the content to what she needs to cover is really important, the fact that Tyrone goes at her pace is so helpful and — in her words — ‘he’s just much better than my teachers’. From a parent perspective Tyrone is reliable, booking and paying is easy and I can see that my daughter is more engaged in a topic that she does find tricky. I would recommend Tyrone without hesitation.”

— Julie, Parent

Areas Covered Across Newcastle & the North East

All tuition is delivered online, so I work with students from across Newcastle and the wider North East. Whether you are based in the city centre, the suburbs, or further afield in Northumberland or County Durham, you get the same expert tuition.

Newcastle City Centre
Jesmond
Heaton
Gosforth
Fenham
Gateshead
Tynemouth
Whitley Bay
North Shields
South Shields
Sunderland
Durham
Washington
Cramlington
Morpeth
Hexham
Alnwick
Ponteland
North East coverage: Online tuition removes geography as a barrier. Students in rural Northumberland or County Durham get the same access to specialist A-Level Biology tuition as those living five minutes from Newcastle University. All you need is a laptop and a reliable internet connection.

Meet Your Biology Tutor: Tyrone

Tyrone — Chartered Biologist and A-Level Biology tutor

Tyrone

Chartered Biologist (CBiol) & Former Examiner — WJEC/Eduqas & Edexcel

I am a Chartered Biologist with over 25 years of teaching experience, including 18 years at Gower College Swansea. I completed my research degree in Molecular Pharmacology at Newcastle University’s Northern Institute for Cancer Research under the supervision of Dr Mike Tilby, where my work involved analysing samples from Phase II clinical trials — including work carried out at Durham University. My earlier studies include a BSc in Immunology from King’s College London, and I hold a PGCE from the University of Wales. I am a former examiner for both WJEC/Eduqas and Edexcel.

Learn more about me →
🎓 Chartered Biologist (CBiol) — Royal Society of Biology
🔬 Research Degree — Molecular Pharmacology, Newcastle University
🏥 Northern Institute for Cancer Research (NICR)
📋 Former Examiner — WJEC/Eduqas & Edexcel
🏫 18 Years at Gower College Swansea
📜 BSc Immunology — King’s College London
📖 PGCE — University of Wales
📈 100% Grade Improvement Rate Across All Students

My Qualifications and Certificates

BSc Immunology degree certificate from King's College London PGCE teaching qualification certificate from University of Wales Examiner appointment letter confirming Biology examiner status

Thank You Cards and Gifts from Students

These are just a few of the thank you messages and gifts I have received from students and parents over the years. They mean more to me than any qualification.

Thank you card and gift from an A-Level Biology student Thank you card from Dan, a former A-Level Biology student Gift box from a grateful parent after successful A-Level Biology tuition Thank you gift from an A-Level Biology student and parent

How I Help Newcastle A-Level Biology Students Succeed

Real Research Experience in Every Lesson

My four years at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research mean I can explain topics like DNA replication, gene expression, monoclonal antibodies, and clinical trials from first-hand experience — not just from a textbook. That depth of understanding translates directly into clearer explanations for students.

Examiner Insight on Mark Schemes

As a former examiner for WJEC/Eduqas and Edexcel, I know exactly how papers are marked and where students lose marks unnecessarily. I teach students how to structure answers, use command words correctly, and hit every mark scheme point — skills that make the difference between grades.

Past Paper Practice & Practical Prep

We work through real past papers together, with detailed mark scheme analysis. I also prepare students for the practical endorsement (CPAC) and the practical-based written questions that appear across all exam boards — drawing on my own lab experience to make these concepts concrete.

Recorded Sessions & Student Portal

Every session is recorded so students can rewatch explanations during revision. I also provide a dedicated student portal with topic notes, past paper questions by topic, revision notes, and activity workbooks — all tailored to the student’s specific exam board.

Tuition Options

One-to-One Tuition

Fully personalised sessions tailored to your exam board, weak areas, and target grade. The fastest way to improve.

Learn More

Small Group Tuition

Work alongside 3 or more friends or classmates. Great value and ideal for study groups preparing for the same exam board.

Learn More

Supporting North East Students’ University Ambitions

Many of my students are working towards competitive university offers in Biological Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science. The North East has outstanding universities, and I know the two closest from personal experience — I studied at Newcastle and carried out research at Durham.

Newcastle University

Medicine: AAA | Biomedical Sciences: ABB | Biology: ABB

A Russell Group university with one of the UK’s most respected medical schools. The Faculty of Medical Sciences — where I completed my research degree at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research — offers outstanding teaching and research facilities. Newcastle’s biosciences programmes are consistently highly ranked.

Durham University

Biosciences: AAB–ABB | Natural Sciences: A*AA

Another Russell Group institution just a short train ride from Newcastle. Durham’s Biosciences department is research-intensive with particular strengths in ecology, evolution, and molecular biology. I carried out clinical trial sample analysis at Durham during my research degree, so I know the quality of their facilities first-hand.

Northumbria University

Biomedical Science: BBB–BBC | Applied Biology: BBC

A strong choice for students interested in applied biosciences, biomedical science, and forensic biology. Northumbria has invested heavily in its science facilities and has excellent industry links across the health sciences.

University of Sunderland

Biomedical Science: CCC–BCC | Pharmacy: BBC

Sunderland offers accessible entry points to strong healthcare and biomedical science programmes, with good local NHS placement links. A solid option for students who want a career-focused degree with practical experience built in.

Of course, strong A-Level Biology grades also open doors beyond the North East. Many of my students go on to study at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Edinburgh, Manchester, and other leading universities across the UK.

Exam Boards Used by Newcastle & North East Schools

1

AQA — The North East Standard

AQA is the dominant exam board across the North East. Most state schools, academies, and sixth form colleges in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, and County Durham follow the AQA specification. I taught AQA full-time for 5 years at Gower College, so I know the specification, the 25-mark essay, and the required practicals inside out.

2

OCR A — Some Grammar and Independent Schools

A number of independent and grammar schools in the region use OCR A, which has a reputation for being content-heavy. I cover the full OCR A specification including the challenging synoptic questions that appear in the later papers.

3

Edexcel — Independent Schools

Edexcel A (Salters-Nuffield) and Edexcel B appear in some independent schools across the North East. As a former Edexcel examiner, I have direct insight into how these papers are marked and what the examiners expect — a genuine advantage over tutors who have only studied the syllabus.

4

IB & Cambridge International

Some international and bilingual schools in the region follow the IB Diploma or Cambridge International (CIE 9700) syllabus. I cover both, including the IB Internal Assessment and extended essay support.

Browse All Exam Board Pages

Tuition Fees for Newcastle & North East Students

One-to-One Tuition

£80/hr

Monday to Friday

£120/hr

Weekends

Small Group Tuition

£50/hr

Per student, Monday to Friday (min. 4 students)

£80/hr

Per student, Weekends (min. 4 students)

The UK average for A-Level Biology tutoring is around £30–£50 per hour. My fees reflect the level of expertise I bring — Chartered Biologist status, a research degree from Newcastle University, examiner experience across two boards, and over 25 years of classroom teaching. Every student I have worked with has improved their grade. I offer a free 20-minute consultation so you can see if I am the right fit before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions — Biology Tuition in Newcastle

A-Level Biology is a significant step up from GCSE. In 2024, while 95.5% of students passed, only 27.7% achieved an A or A*. The syllabus is much larger than GCSE, the questions demand application rather than recall, and topics like biological molecules, protein synthesis, and respiration trip up many students.

The jump from GCSE to A-Level catches people off guard because the depth of understanding expected is so much greater. A specialist tutor who knows the mark schemes inside out can make a real difference — showing you exactly what examiners are looking for and how to structure answers that pick up full marks.

Yes. Online tuition uses an interactive whiteboard, screen sharing, and real-time annotation so we can work through diagrams, data questions, and past papers together just as effectively as sitting side by side. Every session is recorded so students can rewatch explanations during revision — something in-person tuition cannot offer.

There is no travel time wasted, no cancellations due to weather, and you get access to the best specialist tutor regardless of where you live. My students achieve a 100% grade improvement rate, with students joining from across the UK and internationally.

The ideal time is at the start of Year 12, when strong foundations make everything that follows easier. But many students come to me at other common points — after disappointing mock results, at the start of Year 13 when the workload increases, or during the pre-exam revision period.

Earlier is always better because it is harder to close gaps when exams are weeks away, but significant improvement is still possible even with a late start if the work is focused and targeted. I offer a free 20-minute consultation to assess where the student is and build a plan.

Yes. I offer a free 20-minute video consultation where we can discuss the student’s current grade, target grade, exam board, and any specific areas they are struggling with. There is no obligation to book after the consultation — it is simply a chance to see if I am the right fit. You can book a consultation here.

Every student gets access to a dedicated online portal containing topic notes, past paper questions organised by topic, revision notes, student activity workbooks, and recorded session videos they can rewatch at any time. The portal is tailored to their exam board so everything is relevant to their specific specification.

Students find the recorded sessions especially useful close to exams because they can revisit tricky explanations as many times as they need. You can find out more on the resources page.

Yes. Small group sessions are available for groups of 4 or more students at £50 per hour per student on weekdays and £80 per hour per student at weekends. Group tuition works well for friends or classmates preparing for the same exam board — you benefit from shared discussion while still getting expert guidance.

Many students combine group sessions with occasional one-to-one sessions for topics they find particularly challenging. See the group tuition page for more details.

I am a fully qualified teacher with a PGCE from the University of Wales. I hold Chartered Biologist status (CBiol) with the Royal Society of Biology, which is the highest professional recognition in the biological sciences. I am a former examiner for both WJEC/Eduqas and Edexcel, and I have over 25 years of teaching experience including 18 years at Gower College Swansea.

My academic background includes a BSc in Immunology from King’s College London and a research degree in Molecular Pharmacology from Newcastle University, where I spent four years conducting cancer research at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research under the supervision of Dr Mike Tilby. You can read more on my about page.

Yes. I am available on weekdays and weekends, with weekend sessions charged at a different rate (£120/hr for one-to-one, £80/hr per student for groups). Holiday intensive sessions are also popular, particularly during Easter and half-term breaks when students want to consolidate their knowledge before exams.

Many families find that a short block of intensive sessions during the holidays can make a significant difference to confidence and exam readiness. Get in touch to discuss what would work best.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for educational guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Biology Education and its author accept no responsibility for individual exam outcomes. Students are advised to consult their own teachers, tutors, and official exam board resources as part of their revision.