Our Tutors - Ruby Breakwell

Ruby, History and German - University of Oxford

I’m Ruby, and I recently finished a four-year BA (First Class) in History and German at St John’s College, Oxford. After an intense and rewarding four years, including a year abroad at the Universität Leipzig, I was delighted to rank third in my cohort of History and Modern Languages students. Before university, I achieved A*s in History, German and Mathematics A Level, along with an A* in my EPQ on the influence of German history on contemporary politics and national identity. In sixth form, I also received a Special Commendation in the R. A. Butler Prize for an essay on the relationship between religion and the state.

I have just begun a graduate job in London at the intersection of business, politics and communication. Alongside this, I continue to offer private online tuition in German and History up to A Level, as well as Mathematics and English for the 11+ or 13+, or as standalone subjects up to GCSE. I also help students prepare for a broad range of entrance examinations (11+, 13+, Common Entrance), as well as History scholarship examinations for schools including Eton, Winchester, Harrow and Radley.

My approach to tutoring is adaptable and tailored to each student’s needs, strengths and learning style. I plan lessons carefully, yet remain flexible enough to focus on areas that need more support or greater challenge. Exam preparation and technique are also central to my teaching, with frequent practice questions and past-paper work followed by thorough feedback, so students understand how to improve and can see their progress over time. Particularly in History and German, I want lessons to go beyond exam preparation. I encourage a genuine interest in these subjects by helping students discover what makes them fascinating, and by giving them space to explore the topics, periods, texts or linguistic elements that interest them most. I encourage students to ask questions, make connections across subjects, and understand the wider relevance of what they’re learning. This approach builds the curiosity, confidence and critical-thinking skills that support their success both in education and beyond.