About Me

I’m Ivan, a specialist mathematics tutor with over 20 years of experience delivering exceptional academic results. I spent many years at a leading 11–18 school with a large, high-performing sixth form, where I guided thousands of students through demanding examinations with consistently outstanding outcomes.

My students regularly secure places at the UK’s most competitive universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, often progressing to study mathematics and closely related disciplines. I work with a limited number of students each year, providing highly personalised tuition tailored to ambitious academic goals.

Feedback from students and parents is consistently excellent, with particular emphasis on clear explanations, patience, and the ability to build confidence quickly. Many note significant improvements in both performance and attitude towards mathematics, alongside a calm, professional approach that puts students at ease while maintaining high expectations.

My approach is precise, structured, and intellectually rigorous. I focus on developing deep understanding, exam mastery, and the confidence to perform at the highest level. Each session is carefully designed to deliver measurable progress, whether refining the performance of high-achieving students or addressing specific areas of difficulty.

Tuition is delivered online with complete flexibility and discretion, including early mornings, daytime sessions, evenings, weekends, and holiday periods. Availability is limited—there are only so many hours in the day, even for a maths tutor!

Exceptional results. Absolute clarity. Complete confidence.

I teach:
11+
A’ Level
GCSE
Further Pure maths

A little more about me….

Before entering education, I spent nine years in the British Army with the Coldstream Guards, serving as a military musician based in London. That experience played a significant role in shaping my discipline, work ethic, and attention to detail—qualities that now underpin my approach to teaching.

Outside of tutoring, I place a strong emphasis on fitness and can often be found training at the gym or walking my dog, Minty, on the South Downs. Minty occasionally makes a guest appearance in online lessons, though she remains less convinced by the merits of mathematics than I am.

I also enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes for my family, including my wife and daughter when she is home from university.

Ivan Sparrow, at a desk, smiling at the camera
Ivan in his Coldstream Guards uniform, playing an instrument