CHEMISTRY

 Penny is highly experienced Chemistry educator with over 20 years of teaching and  leadership experience across GCSE, A-Level (OCR & AQA), and the International  Baccalaureate. Delivers engaging, confidence-building lessons that strengthen  understanding, exam technique, and academic independence.  A current OCR A-Level Examiner and Practical Endorsement Monitor,  providing exceptional insight into assessment standards and examiner expectations.  Has supported trainee teachers, Early Career Teachers, sixth form students, and  GCSE cohorts through mentoring, UCAS guidance, EPQ supervision, and academic  tracking

  g pupils to feel confident with challenging Chemistry concepts and transition smoothly into excellent examination performance.

 🎓Qualifications & Professional Background  

• BSc Chemistry (2:1)  

• PGCE 

 • ILM Level 5 Diploma in Coaching & Mentoring 

 • Professional Development Certificate – Boarding Schools’ Association 

 📘  Subjects Offered 

 • GCSE Chemistry (AQA, OCR)  

• A-Level Chemistry (OCR A, AQA)            • IB Chemistry  

 • Practical Endorsement preparation  • UCAS personal statement support  

• EPQ mentoring   

Additional Professional Skills  

• OCR Chemistry Assessment Marker, Reviewer, Scrutiniser & Science Forum  member  

• Assistant Principal Moderator & Team Leader for OCR AS Chemistry  Coursework  

Stephen is a highly experienced educator and academic leader with over 20 years of teaching and senior leadership experience across leading UK independent schools and international settings. He specialises in Chemistry, supporting pupils to achieve top grades, build deep conceptual understanding, and develop genuine confidence in the sciences.

After completing a PhD in Physics and Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, Stephen began his teaching career, teaching Chemistry and Physics to A‑Level. He later taught the International Baccalaureate overseas, gaining extensive curriculum expertise, before returning to the UK to take on senior leadership roles including Head of Physics and Deputy Headmaster at prestigious schools such as Malvern College and Glenalmond College.

Stephen has significant experience as an IB Examiner, giving him exceptional insight into exam standards, mark schemes, and the skills required for high‑scoring responses. His teaching emphasises scientific process, exam technique, and deep understanding — enabling pupils to feel confident with challenging Chemistry concepts and transition smoothly into excellent examination performance.

🎓Qualifications and Experience

• PhD & First-Class Honours Degree – Physics & Chemistry, University of Nottingham
• 20+ years’ experience teaching Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
• Former Deputy Headmaster and Head of Physics
• AQA and IB Examiner (10 years)
• Extensive experience with GCSE, A‑Level, and IB Chemistry curricula

📘 Subjects offered

• Chemistry: GCSE & A‑Level
• Chemistry: IB (MYP & DP)
• Physics: GCSE, A‑Level & IB
• Mathematics: A‑Level (Mechanics)