The student is a personable, happy and polite young boy, with a pleasant, relaxed and easygoing demeanour. He enjoys school – despite a background of lacklustre teachers – and he is keen to make the most of this year of homeschooling. He keeps several dogs and is an accomplished rider. He likes being outdoors and enjoys field sports such as hunting, shooting and fishing.

An Educational Psychologist has assessed the boy, and found some mild symptoms of dyslexia, of which his processing speed and spelling are the most obvious signs. Although the tutor should keep these findings in mind, there is a definite sense that the boy has never really been inspired by his teachers nor academically challenged. It is hoped that working with a really good tutor will raise his confidence, motivate his enthusiasm for learning, and enhance his scholastic achievement.

The boy’s peer group at his new school will be studying Maths, Science, English, History, Geography, French, Art, Religious Studies, Music, Food and Nutrition, Design Technology and PE. It will not be possible for all these subjects to be resourced at home, but those that the boy will be taking forward to GCSE must be covered where possible. Those subjects requiring the most focus are English, Maths, Science and French. (His favourite is History).

The tutor will need to liaise closely with the new school, mirroring the curriculum and assignments that his peer group in Year 9 will follow. (A meeting will be arranged between the tutor and the Head of Year 9). When the tutor finds gaps in the boy’s knowledge, these will need additional attention. There may also be the opportunity for extended study in particular areas the spark his interest. It is imperative that when the boy joins his new school in September 2007 he is on a par with his fellow students and able to integrate easily into his classes.

The teaching will take place in a well-resourced, dedicated schoolroom. Homework will not usually be necessary, but opportunities for daily periods of independent study should be built into the timetable.

The boy is an accomplished horse rider receiving daily lessons at his home. The tutoring and the riding will need to be arranged to accommodate each other. In addition, he will be learning to touch-type and may need to be taken to and from these lessons.

There is an older brother who is re-writing his dissertation for his degree in Surveying. Preference will be given to those applicants who can offer guidance with this dissertation, ensuring that it has the necessary supporting research and is written with appropriate depth, detail and clarity.

Hours - The tutor will average 20-25 hours of formal tutoring and 10-15 hours of recreational learning per week.

Holiday - The tutor should expect at least 9 weeks paid vacation per annum, taken approximately as follows: 3 weeks at Christmas, 2 weeks at Easter, and 4 weeks in the summer.

Accommodation - There is a choice of furnished or unfurnished accommodation, suitable for a single person, a couple, or even a small family, available on the grounds of the family estate. The accommodation allows for the tutor to come and go privately and is equipped with an ADSL Internet connection. The client will cover all bills, with the exception of personal phone calls.

Travel - If the tutor should happen to live in the M4 corridor, they may choose to commute. In such circumstances the client will reimburse the tutor at the end of each month for mileage expenses at 40p per mile. If there is a need to take the boy somewhere, a family car will be available for use by the tutor. The tutor should have a full clean driving licence.

Miscellaneous - Applications are welcome from all interested candidates, including couples, with or without a family. The tutor is also welcome to bring his or her own animals. It would be an advantage if the tutor enjoys field sports, and there will be plenty of opportunity to join in with the family. (There is really no point applying if you are anti-blood sports)