Our tutors - Flo Ellary

Flo Ellary - Materials Chemistry, University of Oxford

Hello! I’m Flo, a tutor in science and maths currently completing a PhD in Materials Chemistry at the University of Oxford. My research sits at the intersection of chemistry, physics and applied maths, where I build simplified models of complex systems to identify the core principles that govern their structures and properties. That idea of simplifying without losing what matters most shapes how I teach as well.

On paper, my academic path has been very successful. I achieved all Grade 9s or A*s across 14 GCSEs, followed by A*s in Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths at A Level. However, it has not always felt effortless. Sitting my A Levels during COVID lockdowns meant learning how to self motivate, schedule effectively and teach myself unfamiliar material. That autonomy became even more important at university. After struggling in my first year mock exams, I had to rethink how I was learning and how I approached assessment. By the end of the year I achieved first class results. That experience taught me how to turn things around and showed me how powerful structure, self evaluation and tailored exam technique can be.

With the right systems in place, I went on to complete my MChem with first class honours, earning top marks across core papers and the highest mark in my cohort for my Master’s thesis.

I have several years of tutoring experience and have supported students across GCSE, A Level and undergraduate study, with consistently strong outcomes. I work flexibly and place great value on open dialogue and feedback, helping students identify both their strengths and the areas that need focused attention.

I am keen to work with a wide spectrum of students, from those who feel they are not naturally good at maths or science and want to rebuild confidence, to those who are already performing strongly and want to push beyond the syllabus or fine tune their exam technique. Above all, I aim to build clarity, confidence and genuine enjoyment of subjects that I truly love.