Our Expert Tutors | SAT, ACT & US Application Tutors | UES Education
Our Expert Private Tutors
Our highly-educated and friendly tutors have all achieved full marks on the tests that they teach, and know them inside out.
All of our tutors:
-
Have achieved full marks on the tests they teach;
-
Are highly educated at top US or UK universities (many have PhDs);
-
Undergo extensive training in these tests;
-
Know the application processes for schools and universities inside out;
-
Are passionate about their subjects and about teaching;
-
Have CPD-certified Safeguarding qualifications updated regularly;
-
Are fully DBS checked; and
-
Want you to do as well as possible.
Our tutors are selected not just for their experience and their knowledge of their subject areas but also for their communication and motivational skills. They’ve graduated from some of the best universities in the US and UK, and understand the American standardised tests inside out. They’re passionate about helping students to achieve their goals and know how to get them there through the right balance of challenge and support.
We only take on tutors who have a proven track record. Before starting work with us, tutors undergo extensive training in our teaching methodology. Our most experienced tutors have well over 1000 hours of standardised test experience.
About our Academic Director, Lead Tutors, and Senior Tutors:
Our
Tutors
are experienced specialists, who have passed the tests they teach with full marks. Our
Senior Tutors
are highly experienced specialists, who have taught several hundred hours each. Our
Lead Tutors
are our most experienced and popular tutors and who lead on courses. Our
Academic Director
is Dan Escott, who leads on all learning, teaching, and curriculum development at UES. All our tutors have passed the tests with perfect scores, and have all gone through a thorough recruitment and assessment process.
Dan Escott (Academic Director)
Dan is our Academic Director: he actively develops UES’s SAT & ACT curriculums to communicate exactly what each test is and collaborates with our team of tutors on the best practices for student learning. Having moved to London in 2019 with a decade of test prep teaching experience, Dan prioritizes collaboration with students and families so that he can best understand specific student needs and drive instruction to meet clear targets. He has taken over 120 ACTs and SATs in order to deconstruct both tests into clear, learnable entities.
With his students, Dan breaks down each section into question types, patterns, and strategies that can be mastered through practice. This approach empowers his students to develop comfort, proficiency, and overall fluency with the SAT & ACT, so they perform with confidence and certainty on test day. Dan works with both the students and their parents to ensure that his students remain accountable to their goals through purpose-driven homework. Because interpersonal relationships are important to Dan, he builds a unique rapport with each of his students, being sure to understand their motivators and how the SAT/ACT fits into the bigger educational picture.
Dan holds a BA from Wake Forest University and an M.Ed from Eastern University. Dan was a member of the Philadelphia Teaching Fellows’ eleventh cohort, an organization that seeks to bring dedicated teachers to economically disadvantaged schools in the Philadelphia School District. Outside of education, Dan enjoys playing trains with his son, goofing around with his daughter, and sports—specifically basketball and football.
Dan teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
-
ISEE and SSAT: all sections
Book a Tutor
Sean Kelly (Lead Tutor)
Born in the north of England, Sean holds a BA in English language, graduating from the University of Manchester with First-Class Honours in 2008. Two years later, he became a fully qualified teacher and has amassed over ten years' experience teaching at prestigious secondary schools in the UK, Spain and the Middle East. During this time, he has gained a reputation for helping countless students to fulfil their academic potential.
Sean recognises that the most successful lessons take place in environments in which students feel comfortable and supported and so he believes that building a rapport with his students is a crucial part of the learning journey – something that he has always been successful in doing. Sean also aims to instil in his students the confidence to take ownership of their own learning; he sees this as crucial in developing into a well-rounded, successful individual.
Sean recently ventured into the world of full-time tutoring, using the skills and experience he has acquired over the years to prepare his students for a range of exams, including GCSE and A-level English. He now teaches all sections of the ACT and SAT.
Sean teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
Book a Tutor
Elsa Rohm (Lead Tutor)
Elsa has been engaged with education in the United States from a young age. She attended numerous engineering camps at Brown University and developed a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, serving as a mentor in the program. While at university, Elsa tutored middle and high school students, particularly in mathematics, and provided support for university applications.
Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, Elsa graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University with a degree in Environmental Engineering and Community Health and a minor in Dance. Following this, Elsa completed her MSc in the Control of Infectious Diseases with distinction, the highest honor, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Since joining UES, Elsa has utilised her experience to help students achieve their goals on the SAT and ACT tests as well as help students prepare for university in the US. As part of this, she believes in the importance of developing strong relationships with students, parents, and families.
Elsa teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
-
ISEE/SSAT: all sections
-
Specialist Subjects: Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus
Book a Tutor
Laurence Varda (Lead Tutor)
Born in the UK, Laurence grew up in Palo Alto, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. He earned his B.S. in Mathematics at the University of California, San Diego, and went on to do his M.A. in Professional Acting at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. In addition to tutoring, Laurence is an actor, and has toured nationally and internationally. He is passionate about theatre, cooking, and martial arts.
Laurence believes that working within a growth mindset is key to helping students maximize their potential, and that too many students incorrectly believe that the limiting factor in their success is their innate ability, as opposed to the effectiveness of their strategies. He is greatly motivated by his own experience in education, and understands how valuable it is for students to experience successes in their study that allow them to develop positive associations with the subjects they are covering. Having taught and studied in both the US and UK, Laurence has a deep understanding of the differences in approach, curriculum, and content between the two countries, and is experienced in bridging these gaps. He has tutored both in test prep, and as a supplement to regular classroom education. At UES, Laurence tutors all sections of the ACT, SAT, ISEE and SSAT, as well as both levels of the SAT Math Subject Tests.
Elsa teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
-
ISEE/SSAT: all sections
-
Specialist Subjects: Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus
Book a Tutor
Olivia Munk (Lead Tutor)
Olivia grew up in Queens, New York and attended Harvard University in 2012. She graduated Cum Laude in 2016 with a degree in English and a minor in Mind/Brain/Behavior. At Harvard, she was an active theatre director and wrote for The Crimson's magazine,
Fifteen Minutes
, for which she served as Editor-at-Large. She blogged for Harvard's Office for the Arts, and was a Becky Greenwald Ledecky Fellow for Harvard Magazine, which allowed her to write columns, news articles, and personal dispatches. After graduating, she went on to pursue a Master of Studies in English (1900-present) at St. Catherine's College, Oxford. She was awarded a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa in order to found her theatre company, Part of the Main, which focuses on improving the representation of women creatives and women's stories in the professional theatre industry.
At UES Olivia specializes in assisting students with both the Maths and English sides of the SAT and the ACT, as well as the ISEE/SSAT and AP Subject Tests. Olivia approaches tuition is a friendly manner, taking special consideration of a student's comfort. Olivia believes that when students feel supported in lessons, they are able to better engage and take an active role in their studies. Olivia excels at making the content approachable, particularly for students who may feel intimidated by the harder maths concepts such as algebra or complex American grammar concepts.
Olivia teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
-
AP Subjects: English Literature, Economics, US History
-
A-Level Subjects: History, English, Economics
-
ISEE and SSAT: all sections and levels
-
Specialist Subjects: English Literature, Maths
-
Humanities: History and Geography
Book a Tutor
Sarah Azamtu (Lead Tutor)
Sarah graduated from the University of Bristol where she obtained her Master's in Aerospace Engineering. At university she first began privately tutoring during her free time, coaching students to achieve high marks in their A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate.
During her time at Bristol she conducted multiple research projects focusing on areas such as advanced composites and bridging the gap between human-computer interaction and materials science. She also has a keen interest in space travel and was lucky enough to work with Airbus and The European Space Agency, working on the design and development of one of their Earth observation satellites. Outside of the lecture theatre, she was a cheerleader on her university’s national champion team where she was thrown into the air hundreds of times a week! In her term breaks, she also liked to spend her time hiking and volunteering abroad and was fortunate enough to receive an award from her university for this work.
After achieving her master's degree with First Class Honours, her interest in space led her to a role at a cutting-edge reusable rocket engine company in Oxford. Tutoring has always been something she has enjoyed and she is particularly drawn to the challenging style of the SATs and ACTs. She believes it is important to excite and encourage her students so that they are eager to learn, especially as the tests require students to think differently from what they may be used to with the UK curriculum.
Sarah teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
Book a Tutor
Arun Janssens (Senior Tutor)
Originally from Japan, Arun moved to the United States to attend Brown University, where he earned a BA in Biology. During is degree, Arun worked as a Teaching Assistant for an advanced cell biology seminar where he helped graduate and undergraduate students synthesize information from lecture material and understand key points from assigned research literature.
After graduating, Arun continued in the education sector and became an Assistant Science Teacher in New York City where he taught students with learning difficulties such as ADHD, dyslexia and autism. With abilities and needs varying from student to student, Arun's challenge was to identify key areas where his students required support and design personalised lesson plans to target those areas accordingly. This attention to the specific needs of students has served him well at UES, as tailors each lesson towards the needs of the individual pupil.
As someone who independently applied to US universities as an international student, Arun has a personal understanding of how daunting the admissions process can feel from the outside looking in. Arun looks to make the process feel more accessible to students who may not be well acquainted with standardised tests or the US approach to education, while motivating them to do their best. Arun has passed all sections of the SAT and ACT with full marks and teaches all aspects of the exams.Outside of tutoring, Arun works as a Community Disability Advocate where he empowers clients to advocate for their rights and supports them as they engage with their communities.
Arun teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
Book a Tutor
Jared Michaud (Senior Tutor)
Jared grew up in rural northern Maine and graduated cum laude in 2019 from Yale University with a BA and Distinction in Theater Studies and a Certificate in Education Studies. He also studied under Janna Baty at the Yale School of Music and was awarded the Beekman Cannon Friends Prize and the Metcalfe Prize for the best music and theater essays, respectively. While at Yale, Jared served as an Academic Strategies Peer Mentor at the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning and as a Teaching Artist in numerous youth music and theater education contexts. Jared has offered college application advice and test prep services as a volunteer with REACH and a Teaching Assistant at Bowdoin College's Upward Bound program. His college application essays have been featured in The Road to Yale (2017) and on various college admissions websites.
Since Yale, Jared has received an MA in Music Education and Vocal Performance from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, and alongside tutoring, Jared works as a professional opera singer and music facilitator. He also was the recipient of the Yale Glee Club Service Through Music Fellowship, allowing him to live in Jerusalem and serve an Assistant Conductor and Dialogue Facilitator for the Israeli-Palestinian Jerusalem Youth Chorus.
At UES, Jared specializes in tutoring both the Math and the English sections of the ACT and the SAT. Using a student-centered approach, Jared particularly cares about the needs, interests, and strengths of the students, rooted in the belief that the best path to academic success is full student engagement and commitment. His dialogic pedagogy constantly balances the enjoyment of the student with a deep understanding of concepts, ultimately making the content very approachable.
Jared teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
Book a Tutor
Mason Hartley (Senior Tutor)
Mason is a graduate from Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania, where he obtained a degree in Linguistics and Languages, focusing on German and Russian. During his undergrad, he spent a semester abroad in Vienna where he studied theatre and anthropology, as well as taking the opportunity to travel mainland Europe. He began tutoring while at college, specialising in German, as well as teaching Maths, English, and the SAT. Through this, he helped both college and highschool students achieve high marks in their exams and success in their general academics.
Having grown up in London, he understands the challenge of applying to American universities as an international student. In particular, adapting to the differences in the academic systems, curriculums, and test techniques. He believes in the importance of establishing good relationships with students and families, and enjoys working with his students to find the methods of teaching best suited to them. He strives to help them build confidence in their abilities and enjoyment in their learning.
Outside of tutoring, Mason enjoys playing field hockey, climbing, and caring for his many house plants.
Mason teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
Book a Tutor
Matthew Reed (Senior Tutor)
Matt is a a graduate of Kenyon College where obtained a degree in fine art and astronomy. After teaching for a few years at the Community College of Philadelphia, he attended Columbia University as a post-baccalaureate student studying astrophysics, where tutored local physics students in Harlem. He has recently completed a Masters Degree in Painting from UAL London. Throughout his education Matt has continued to teach as a tutor and in the classroom.
Having taught in a range of environments, from primary school up through university, Matt has learned how to communicate material in an adaptive, engaging manner. He has been through the higher education application process twice in the US and once here in London, and understands the admissions process well. His teaching style is adaptive to his students, and he endeavors to understand their prior experience and learning style before teaching them.
He teaches to develop a general understanding of material, and to develop skills in test taking. Outside of tutoring, Matt is working with physicists and artists to develop a book on visual science communication. He also enjoys basketball and playing the saxophone.
Matthew teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
Book a Tutor
Mikaela Erasmus (Senior Tutor)
Born and raised in South Africa, Mikaela is a dedicated and highly motivated Industrial Engineering graduate, currently completing her Master's in Engineering with a focus on innovative renewable energy technologies. Having graduated with distinction, her academic success reflects her deep commitment to intellectual growth and the practical application of mathematics and problem-solving—skills she has channelled into over eight years of tutoring experience.
Mikaela has taught mathematics at a variety of levels, from school students to university learners, in both individual and group settings. Over the past three years, she has specialised in university-level modules, teaching classes of up to 40 students. Her confident and clear communication style, paired with her natural ability to simplify complex concepts, has allowed her to connect with students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.
Her tutoring style is informed by a strong analytical mindset, a calm and supportive presence, and a focus on helping students develop confidence and mastery in problem-solving. Whether working one-on-one or leading a classroom, Mikaela is known for her integrity, leadership, and approachable nature. She brings a solution-oriented approach to her teaching and is deeply committed to helping students realise their academic potential while building the independent thinking skills they need for long-term success.
Mikaela teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
Book a Tutor
Honor Granville (Senior Tutor)
A recent graduate from Georgetown University where she obtained a degree in Government & Politics (with minors in Music and English), Honor has personal experience of the process of applying to US colleges from the UK.
Before moving to the US, Honor worked as both an Academic and Peer Mentor while at Latymer school, which involved private, confidential counselling for students on a regular basis as well as academic support in English, Maths, and French. In addition, Honor has also worked at Notting Hill Preparatory School as a Gap Year Assistant, where she was selected by the Special Educational Needs Department to work individually with younger students. Most recently, Honor took part in Georgetown's Sursum Corda Program, meeting twice weekly with students to build literacy and reading comprehension.
Having studied in the US, Honor has extensive knowledge of and insight into the admissions process, including SAT/ACT tests and college essays. Honor uses her past experiences in both tutoring and mentoring to build relationships with students and work collaboratively with them throughout the testing process. Through this approach, she is able to transmit her enjoyment of the teaching and learning process in each lesson.
Honor teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
Book a Tutor
Lily Lesser (Senior Tutor)
Lily is an American who has lived in London since 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Princeton University and a Master’s Degree in Medieval History from Jesus College, Cambridge. With her deep academic background, she brings a strong understanding of what top US universities are looking for in their applicants, particularly when it comes to mastering the SAT and crafting compelling college essays.
Lily has a passion for education and has successfully guided students through the complexities of the US college testing and admissions processes. As the oldest of four girls, all of whom have attended elite American universities, she also has a wealth of first-hand experience in navigating the rigorous demands of standardized tests like the SAT, as well as the nuances of building a standout college application.
In addition to her tutoring, Lily has been working for a museum design company in London as a content developer and project manager, where she played a key role in shaping the storytelling for the British Museum’s ’Troy: Myth and Reality’ exhibition and Battersea Power Station’s Lift 109 attraction. She is currently pursuing a law conversion course in preparation for a future training contract at Slaughter and May.
Lily’s approach to tutoring is rooted in her personal and professional experiences, making her uniquely equipped to help students achieve their academic goals, particularly those aspiring to study in the United States. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, and coxing at Auriol Kensington Rowing Club.
Lily teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
-
AP Subjects: English literature, European History, US History, US Government, Latin and Ancient History
Book a Tutor
Seth Nelson (Senior Tutor)
Seth graduated from Bournemouth University with a Bachelor's degree in Product Design, a course that merged creativity with rigorous mathematical and engineering principles. Fuelled by a passion for education, he later gained his Qualified Teacher Status in 2013 and began teaching maths in a wide range of schools in London ever since. He has also held a wide range of teaching and leadership roles including Head of Mathematics.
Seth has built a reputation for raising attainment across diverse cohorts, often turning around underperforming groups through a calm, structured and highly adaptable teaching approach. His students have consistently achieved outstanding results in GCSE Mathematics, A-Level Maths, Further Maths and GCSE Statistics. As an examiner for both Pearsons and AQA, he brings sharp insight into how students can maximise their exam performance — something his tutees find incredibly valuable.
Alongside his academic credentials, Seth brings warmth, relatability and creativity into every session. He knows when to push, when to reassure, and how to build confidence in students who might feel unsure about their maths ability. His approach combines clarity with encouragement, always tailored to the needs of the learner. Whether he’s working with a student aiming to be a maths graduate or someone hoping to pass the next stage, Seth meets each pupil where they are and helps them move forward with purpose.
Seth teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
-
GCSE & A Level Maths
-
GCSE & A Level Statistics
Book a Tutor
Mary Shannon Tompson (Senior Tutor)
Originally from Houston, Texas, Mary Shannon is an experienced and knowledgable tutor based in London. She has worked with students aged 5 to 18 across a wide range of subjects, including maths, science, English, French, and preparation for US standardised exams. She graduated cum laude from Georgetown University in 2022 with a degree in International Relations, and earned her Master’s degree in Art History from University College London in 2023, graduating with distinction.
Her approach centres on building strong foundations of confidence and subject knowledge, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed not only in their current studies but also throughout their academic journey — particularly as they progress to university-level learning.
Mary Shannon’s teaching style is thoughtful, flexible, and always tailored to each individual learner. Whether supporting a student in their schoolwork or preparing them for university entrance exams, Mary Shannon is committed to making learning a positive, empowering, and enriching experience.
Mary Shannon teaches:
-
ACT: all sections
-
SAT: all sections
Book a Tutor
Want to Join Our Team?
We're always on the lookout for excellent tutors and consultants!
Read More
|