Dr Justin Palfreyman
Physics Teacher / Tutor & Experienced Examiner
The instructor has come along way from his flaky undergrad experience of private tuition. He graduated from the University of Birmingham with a 1st class joint honours MSci in Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics before completing his PhD in the Thin Film Magnetism group at the University of Cambridge. During that time, and the following 4 years working as a postdoctoral research assistant, he developed a love of teaching through supervising first year undergraduate students for 6 years at Cambridge – the supposed creme de la creme?
During this time, the increasing gap between A-level and university was very evident. The solution seemed to be to dumb-down the undergraduate course content year on year. From my personal experience I realised these students were extremely good at passing their exams, but less good when it came to lateral thinking and real problem solving. A-levels were not preparing them as physicists
The USP is not just that Dr Palfreyman has over 12 years experience teaching sixth-form Physics (8 AQA Turning Points/Engineering, 2 International Baccalaureate, 4 OCR A), but he was one of the first cohort of Isaac Physics Ambassadors; co-wrote the Preparing for the PAT course (at Oxford) that he lectures at annually; delivers CPD for STEM Learning; worked with the Institute of Physics and Ogden Trust; has 13 years examining experience in various roles.
.... or do I?
I’m not permitted to say which exam board(s) I (have) work(ed) for, but I will say that if you’ve heard news headlines about high-profile mistakes in exam papers – they weren’t mine :O)
Some of the roles I’ve held include:
Principal Examiner & Setter/Author
Team Leader & Assistant Examiner
Vetter (Theory & Practical)
Test Constructor & Reviewer
Students
Preferred Student Age
I tailor my teaching to students of various ages and learning stages, ensuring that each learner receives guidance suited to their level of understanding.
GCSE Students
A-Level Students
1st year undergraduate
Skill
Level of Students
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Proficiency
Resume
Work Experience
Isaac Science Ambassador; Preparing for the PAT / Oxford Physics author/lecturer; STEM Learning Associate.
2008 – 2012
Post-doctoral research associate in the Thin Film Magnetism Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge
2013 – 2015
Teacher of Physics and Outreach at London Academy of Excellence, Stratford
2015 – 2019
Teacher of Science (Physics) Seven Kings High School
2019 – 2021
Teacher of Physics, Brentwood School
2021 – 2025
Chrysalis East Partnership Teacher of Physics, London Academy of Excellence Tottenham
2012 – present
Examiner for ???
Certs
Qualifications & Certifications
1998 – 2000
A-levels: Physics (A), Mathematics (A), Chemistry (B), General Studies (C) – note: A* did not exist
AS-level: Further Mathematics (A)
Loughborough Grammar School
2000 – 2004
1st class MSci in Theoretical Physics & Applied Mathematics,
University of Birmingham
2004-2008
PhD in Thin Film Magnetism Group, Cavendish Laboratory,
University of Cambridge, Churchill College
2012-2013
PGCE in Secondary Science,
University of Cambridge, Hughes Hall
TOPICS Taught
Mechanics & Further Mechanics
Waves & Optics
Electricity
Quantum Physics
Astrophysics
Fields (Electric, Magnetic, Gravitational)
Nuclear Physics
AQA: Turning Points (Discovery of the Electron; Wave-Particle Duality; Special Relativity)
AQA: Engineering (Thermodynamics & Rotational Dynamics)
Foundations & Practical Skills
Test Prep
GCSE
AS / A-level (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, CIE)
IB
ESAT (Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial)
Let’s Learn Together!
If you’ve fallen out of love with Physics; you’re struggling with the mathematical nature of the subject; you’re not sure how to revise effectively or demonstrate your knowledge when it comes to exams; you really need to secure a top grade to get into your dream university or next step. It’s time to get in touch and get you back on track!
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