Catflap Science Tuition | Curiosity Opens Doors

What we teach

Three sciences. Every topic.

GCSE Biology, Chemistry, and Physics across AQA, Edexcel, and CCEA. Select a subject to explore the areas I can teach. Exact topic names and requirements vary by exam board and course.

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Biology

From cells to ecosystems: understand the processes, learn precise terminology and apply knowledge confidently.

Explore Biology topics

Cell biology and microscopy
Cell division and stem cells
Organisation, tissues, and organs
Digestion and enzymes
Circulation, respiration, and gas exchange
Health, disease, and immunity
Bioenergetics and photosynthesis
Respiration and metabolism
Homeostasis and the nervous system
Hormones, reproduction, and diabetes
Inheritance, DNA, and genetics
Variation, evolution, and selection
Ecology, food webs, and ecosystems
Biodiversity and human impacts

Chemistry

Make equations, reactions and calculations manageable through step-by-step explanations and practice.

Explore Chemistry topics

Atomic structure and the periodic table
Bonding, structure, and properties
Quantitative chemistry and moles
Balancing equations and calculations
Chemical changes and reactivity
Acids, alkalis, and salts
Electrolysis and half equations
Energy changes and reaction profiles
Rates of reaction and equilibrium
Organic chemistry and hydrocarbons
Chemical analysis and tests
Earth’s atmosphere and resources
Using resources and sustainability

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Physics

Build confidence with forces, electricity, energy and the calculations that often cause difficulty.

Explore Physics topics

Energy stores, transfers, and efficiency
Electric circuits, current, and potential difference
Resistance, LDRs, and thermistors
Domestic electricity and power
Particle model and changes of state
Atomic structure and radiation
Forces, motion, and graphs
Momentum and stopping distances
Waves, sound, and light
Electromagnetism and motors
Electromagnetic induction and generators
Transformers and the National Grid
Space physics (where required)

Private online tuition

Teaching tailored to the individual.

Whether a student needs to revisit the foundations, improve scientific vocabulary, or sharpen exam answers, each session is designed around their next steps.

One-to-one online GCSE science tuition
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Targeted exam questions and feedback
Supportive teaching informed by SEN experience

Straightforward pricing

£40 / hour

Individual online GCSE science tutoring sessions.

Ask About Availability →

Contact us to discuss the student's needs and current availability.

Meet your tutor

Experience that makes a difference.

Hi, I’m Jacob Saywell. I’m a fully qualified science teacher with over a decade of teaching and tutoring experience, a BSc in Biochemistry, a PGCE, and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Alongside teaching science in secondary schools, I’ve spent six years working in special educational needs (SEN) education. That experience has shaped how I teach: I break difficult ideas into manageable steps, adapt explanations to the student, and build confidence without losing the scientific detail.

I’ve also worked as an AQA examiner, giving me valuable insight into what exam questions are really asking and how students can turn their understanding into precise, well-structured answers.

My sessions combine clear explanations, plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and focused exam practice. Whether a student is struggling with the basics or aiming for a higher grade, my goal is to help them understand the science, not just memorise it.

Get in Touch →

Jacob Saywell, Catflap Science Tuition tutor

Why families choose Catflap

BSc Biochemistry
PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
NPQ in Leading Teaching
10+ years’ teaching and tutoring experience
AQA examiner insight
Six years' SEN teaching experience
Individual, encouraging instruction

The person behind the lessons

A little more about me

Curious about my approach to teaching, or how Catflap got its name? Open either story below.

More than just passing an examMy approach to teaching

I’ve always believed that good teaching begins with a good relationship. When students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and admitting they don’t understand something, real learning can begin.

My own education was a little unusual. I was homeschooled through GCSE, and my earliest teaching experiences were helping my younger siblings with maths and science. Even during my A-levels, I found myself explaining difficult concepts to classmates as I worked through them myself.

That passion eventually led me into teaching professionally in 2016. Since then, I’ve worked with students in mainstream schools, specialist SEN settings, and one-to-one tuition. Those experiences have reinforced something I firmly believe: learning should be tailored to the individual, not the other way around.

My lessons are relaxed and encouraging, but expectations are high. I want every student to be challenged, supported, and proud of what they achieve.

Exam results matter enormously, but there’s something special about that “Ahh! Now I get it!” moment. That’s what makes teaching worthwhile.

Why Catflap?The story behind the name

Ever wondered where the name Catflap came from?

Early in my science teaching career, I taught a girl called Hope, who was anything but hopeful! Naturally, I nicknamed her Despair.

Her mum thought this was hilarious and decided that, if I was going to give her daughter a nickname, I deserved one too.

After the Christmas holidays, Hope returned to school with a triumphant announcement:

“Mr Saywell! I’ve found a nickname for you now. Catflap!”

As it happens, there’s a brand of catflaps called Staywell, which sounds rather like my surname, Saywell.

And that was that. The nickname stuck. Years later, when I started my own science tuition business, there was really only one name I could choose.

Catflap Science Tuition!

Kind words from families

What parents are saying

Real feedback from families I’ve worked with.

“My daughter hated science, she just didn’t understand it. Jacob was brilliant, right from the first lesson he broke it down so simply that her attitude completely changed. She was even talking about what she learned around the dinner table! Results came this summer, she passed! I’m very thankful to Jacob’s patient consistent approach and thoroughly recommend him.”

Parent of a GCSE science student

A new way to revise

The Catflap Learning App COMING SOON

We're building a science learning platform to make independent GCSE revision more engaging — with short teaching videos, downloadable worksheets, interactive quizzes, and plenty of Catflap personality.

Planned features include collectible stickers, a customisable science lab, and daily revision missions.

Target launch: September 2027.

Screenshot of the real Catflap app with revision mission, course selection and bottom navigation

See the app taking shapeReal development screenshot · Features subject to change

Meet the Catflap mascot

A little science. A lot of personality.

A sneak peek at the animations accompanying our upcoming learning resources.

Catflap introduction

Catflap outro

Questions parents ask

How Catflap tuition works

Practical, personal online tuition — without unnecessary fuss.

Which exam boards do you cover?

I teach GCSE Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for AQA, Edexcel, and CCEA, adapting explanations and exam practice to the student's specification.

What does an online lesson look like?

Students learn from the comfort of home. I combine face-to-face video, a camera showing my working, interactive whiteboards, and screen sharing, moving between them naturally throughout the lesson.

Can you support students with additional needs?

Absolutely. I have six years of experience teaching in SEN settings, as well as personal experience as a parent of children with additional needs. Every student learns differently, and good teaching should be individual from the start. I adapt the pace, approach, and resources to suit the learner.

What happens in the first lesson?

We get straight into learning. As we work together, I quickly see how the student thinks, what they already know, and where they need support. There is no lengthy introductory assessment or wasted lesson time.

Can we request particular topics?

Yes. Send me a message before the lesson with any topics, homework, or exam questions you want to focus on, and I'll tailor the session accordingly.

How much does tuition cost?

One-to-one online GCSE science tuition costs £40 per hour. Contact me to discuss current availability.

Get started

Let's make science make sense.

Tell me a little about the student and what they'd like help with. Choose whether you'd prefer a reply by WhatsApp or email.

Your information

Privacy notice

Who is responsible? Catflap Science Tuition is operated by Jacob Saywell. For privacy questions, contact catflaptuition@icloud.com.

What information do I receive? When you use the enquiry form, I receive your name, your preferred contact method, the email address or WhatsApp number you provide, the student's year group, exam board, chosen subjects, and anything you write in your message. If you contact me by email, telephone, or WhatsApp, I also receive the information you choose to share through those services. Please avoid sending medical information or other sensitive personal details through the website form.

Why do I use it? I use enquiries to reply to you, discuss tutoring needs, arrange lessons, and manage related communications. For initial enquiries, I rely on my legitimate interest in responding to requests for tutoring information. If tuition is arranged, information may also be used to provide the agreed service.

Who handles the information? The website form uses FormSubmit to forward submissions to my business email account. My email provider processes and stores the resulting messages. If you choose WhatsApp, your messages are also processed by WhatsApp. I do not sell enquiry details or use them for third-party marketing.

How long is it kept? I keep enquiry correspondence only for as long as reasonably needed to respond, manage any tutoring arrangement, or meet relevant legal obligations, and I review and delete information that is no longer needed. This website does not maintain a separate student-enquiry database.

Your choices. You can ask to access, correct, or delete personal information I hold, or object to its use where applicable, by emailing catflaptuition@icloud.com. You may also raise a concern with the UK Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.

This notice describes website enquiries. If a student begins tuition, additional information about lesson administration, records, and payments may be provided separately. Last updated: 20 October 2026.