About Lisa

Twelve years teaching it. Thirteen years tutoring it. One subject.

I'm Lisa, a Chemistry teacher and specialist tutor supporting Scottish pupils through National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

First Class Honours, Chemistry: University of Glasgow; The subject I studied is the only one I teach, so I know the courses in detail rather than in outline.
PGDE, secondary teaching: Postgraduate teaching qualification; Classroom-trained as well as subject-specialist: in how pupils actually learn, not only in the chemistry.
Master's degree in Education: Postgraduate degree in teaching and learning; Education studied as a subject in its own right, not only practised. That's where a lot of my lesson design comes from.
Qualifications Scotland marking experience: The exam board pupils sit; Marking shows you exactly how narrow the gap is between an answer that scores and one that doesn't.
Online 1:1, Scotland-wide: Wherever the pupil is based; Lessons are delivered online and one-to-one, so pupils can access specialist Scottish Chemistry support wherever they are.

Why chemistry only

Why chemistry only.

Chemistry is the only subject I teach, and that's deliberate. It means I know the courses in detail rather than in outline: where National 5 pupils usually come unstuck, why Higher feels like such a jump, which parts of Advanced Higher separate a B from an A. It means when a pupil brings me a question from a 2019 past paper, I recognise it.

I graduated from the University of Glasgow with a First Class Honours degree in Chemistry, then completed my PGDE in secondary teaching and, later, a Master's degree in Education. Twelve years of classroom teaching followed, alongside thirteen years of tutoring, both one-to-one and in small groups.

I've also had experience marking for Qualifications Scotland (formerly known as SQA). That's the part that changed how I teach. Marking shows you exactly how narrow the gap often is between an answer that scores and one that doesn't: the missing word, the unstated assumption, the correct chemistry expressed in a way that doesn't quite earn the mark. Once you've seen that from the marker's side, you teach it differently, and pupils stop losing marks they'd already earned.

How I work

How I teach.

Every pupil arrives with a different problem, but the principles behind my lessons don't change.

Confidence comes before content

Some pupils need help with the basics; others need to stop panicking when a question looks unfamiliar. I aim to create an environment where pupils feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and gradually trusting their own thinking. That has to come first: a pupil who's afraid of getting it wrong can't learn.

Tailored to the pupil, not the timetable

There's no fixed programme. Some pupils need core understanding rebuilt. Others understand the chemistry perfectly and need help applying it to Qualifications Scotland-style questions, tightening their written answers or preparing for finals. The lesson follows the pupil.

Exam technique, taught explicitly

A large part of what I do is making pupils familiar with the wording, structure and level of detail Qualifications Scotland Chemistry exams expect. I use past paper questions regularly, provide extra practice where it helps, and give feedback that identifies specific things to fix rather than general encouragement.

Notes they'll actually use

The resources I create during lessons are saved as PDFs and uploaded to the pupil's own Google Drive folder. Over a year, that becomes a revision file built around one pupil's specific gaps, far more useful in May than a generic revision guide.

Support that stays honest

I give guidance and feedback on assignments and Advanced Higher projects: helping pupils understand what's required, improve the clarity of their explanations and reflect on how to strengthen their own work. What I don't do is write it for them. The work remains the pupil's. That isn't a caveat, it's the point.

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Rated 5 out of 5 on First Tutors

What pupils & parents say.

We engaged Lisa as a Chemistry tutor for our son who was studying Advanced Higher. His prelim result was a D, and a place at his first choice university was contingent on him getting a B grade. I had reservations about the sessions being over video link, but those were unfounded. My son loved the tutoring sessions with Lisa. She was reliable, and had great communications with me over arrangements. She made a significant impact on my son's knowledge, confidence, and his ability to answer questions in an exam setting. As a result, my son got a B band 3.
“I couldn't have done it without her, that's a fact.”
Parent of Advanced Higher Chemistry pupil
My daughter is absolutely delighted with the support Lisa has given her so far. Her confidence has grown significantly after only a couple of sessions. My daughter is easily able to take on board and understand both the subject and, importantly, SQA requirements for Higher Chemistry due to the excellent way Lisa approaches each session.
Parent of Higher Chemistry pupil
She is an excellent tutor and follows up after each session with areas of focus. My children are less anxious and feel more in control, having gained a better understanding of the topics. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Lisa.
Parent of Higher Chemistry pupils
Exceptional tutor. Improved not only our daughter's knowledge in chemistry but also her confidence. Very understanding and explains the topics well, excellent notes and overall delivers an outstanding tutor service.
Parent of a Chemistry pupil
Lisa has a wonderful approach to tutoring, putting my daughter at ease and doing everything she can to get her back on track with her learning. She consistently tailors her lessons to her pupil's needs and is flexible and considerate around the timings of school practice exams. Whatever results day holds, I know Lisa has done everything she can to secure success.
Parent of a Chemistry pupil
When you think of where she started back in January, honestly I cannot thank you enough. You brought her interest and confidence back again. I know she loved doing the chemistry past papers, which was amazing, and honestly it's been working with yourself that brought that love of the subject back.
Parent of a Chemistry pupil
He really appreciated all of your help, as did I. I don't know how you do it, motivating and teaching teenagers, but thank you for keeping going.
Parent of a Chemistry pupil
He achieved a B in his Advanced Higher. He struggled with chemistry, so you really helped him get this grade.
Parent of Advanced Higher Chemistry pupil
He struggled the most with Chemistry and was far behind, but with your excellent tutoring he managed a B.
Parent of a Chemistry pupil
He got an A in chemistry. Thank you so much for the work you did with him. I don't think this would have been possible without your guidance.
Parent of a Chemistry pupil
She did amazingly well and got a B in chemistry. She couldn't have done it without you! Thank you for your brilliant tutoring skills and support. She's been accepted for Abertay University. We are so proud of her.
Parent of a Chemistry pupil
He got an A for Higher Chemistry, so he is thrilled and very grateful for your help, as am I.
Parent of Higher Chemistry pupil
She got an A, and that means she got into her chosen course. Thank you so much for all your help. She said you were her best tutor ever.
Parent of a Chemistry pupil
I couldn't have done it without her. That's a fact.
Advanced Higher Chemistry pupil
Thank you so much for all your help, you really made me understand everything whilst making it enjoyable to learn; so grateful I had you as my tutor and I will definitely be recommending you to anyone struggling with chemistry.
Chemistry pupil
I couldn't pluck up the courage to open my results till 5pm. I'm happy to say I got an A band 1 in chemistry. Thank you so much for helping me get there.
Chemistry pupil
I managed to get an A, which I was very pleased with, so thank you very much for all your help this year.
Chemistry pupil
I got an A in AH chemistry. Thank you so much for your help this year.
Advanced Higher Chemistry pupil
I got an A for higher chemistry! Thank you so much for all the help this year.
Higher Chemistry pupil
I got my results and got an A in chemistry. Thanks again for all your help.
Chemistry pupil
I got an A in chemistry, thanks again for your help.
Chemistry pupil
I got an A in chemistry which I am over the moon about. Thank you for all your help, couldn't have done it without you.
Chemistry pupil
I got a B in chemistry. I'm really happy as that is what I wanted. Thank you again for all your help over the past year, it is really appreciated.
Chemistry pupil
I got a B and I met my conditions. Thank you so much for everything.
Chemistry pupil
I got a B for Chemistry. I am going to Edinburgh Medical School! Thank you so much for all your help.
Chemistry pupil

If it sounds like the right fit, let's talk.

Tell me the pupil's level, what they're finding difficult and roughly when they'd like lessons. I'll reply with an honest view of whether I can help and what availability looks like.

Enquire about lessons See tutoring options

Or email lisa@scottishchemistrytutor.co.uk