Friendly Lancaster English teacher specialising in English Language, Shakespeare, classic literature and examination preparation

I was taught by Phillip while studying for my GCSEs about 17 years ago. I remember his teaching to this day, and am now training to be an English teacher due in no small part to the enthusiasm and infectious love of the subject he conveyed all those years ago. I would recommend Phillip in a heartbeat.

Phillip was a huge part of the reason I managed to develop in the years he taught me. His ability to personalise his teaching style is excellent, as well as being able to condense his wide-reaching knowledge of English grammar and literature into an easily digestible form. I would heartily recommend Phillip to anyone looking to improve!

Phillip first taught me whilst preparing for my GCSEs over 10 years ago, he was one of the teachers who left a lasting impression upon me and inspired many of my choices. Phillip's passion for the written word and his ability to draw students into spirited and open debate creates an environment in which one learns how to think critically and conceptually.

I was taught by Phillip fifteen years ago, when he was my English teacher. The content of his lessons stays with me to this day; in fact, I would struggle to identify a teacher throught all of my education who made such an impact on me. His enthusiasm is inspirational, and this translated to excellent retention of information for me, as a student. I now supervise undergraduates at Cambridge and I often find myself reflecting on Phillip's teaching style, in order to refine my own. Overall, it would be difficult to overstate how highly I recommend Phillip.

Phillip taught me about sixteen years ago, but I can still remember his lessons to this day. He inspired my class in a way that no other teacher did. Enthusiastic, encouraging, and approachable, Phillip is an incredibly gifted teacher.

As an undergraduate English student, I can honestly say that Phillip's superb teaching was one of the biggest factors that led to my pursuing this degree. His passion, enthusiasm, and honesty make him an incredible teacher and an incredible person. Phillip taught me both at GCSE and at A-Level, and the texts that he discussed with us ('To Kill A Mockingbird', 'Wuthering Heights', and 'King Lear') are some of the texts that have stayed with me for the longest thanks to his in-depth knowledge and the passion with which he taught them.

He is one of the most passionate teachers I have ever met. His enjoyment and insight in everything is infectious, and makes you want to learn more with him. He is not only extremely talented in teaching and helping people understand the material, but also inspires you to find your own insights as well. I don't think anyone could ever ask for a better teacher.

English was never my strongest subject, but still had to be passed! Phillip was the only English teacher I had who made sense and who's lessons I actually enjoyed.

He even taught me how to juggle.

Phillip is a teacher who is extremely passionate about his subject material and one who really cares about his students, both in their grades academically and in their wellbeing. Extremely knowledgeable, he teaches with a directness and kindness which was very beneficial to me, and to many other students around me, during my time as a pupil of his. I really feel he helps students fulfil their potential and wholeheartedly recommend Phillip to anyone seeking a tutor!

I am a Year 7 form tutor and Phil has regularly taught my forms. The students absolutely adore him; I regularly get comments such as "I used to hate English but it's my favourite subject now". He has a firm but fair manner with them, combined with his excellent sense of humour which make him an excellent teacher.

Philip was my teacher for A level. He fostered in me a love of words that had been bursting to come out. Thanks to him I took this further to degree level. He has a style based on celebrating your successes and building with you to underpin current knowledge. This personal and holistic approach is so individual.

I was Phil's Head of Department at the Grange School in Northwich. He is, quite simply, the best teacher I have ever worked with. He is utterly inspiring and I have seen countless students flourish under his guidance: if you asked any of them their favourite English teacher, the answer was always 'Mr Ackerley', whether they were Oxbridge candidates or students who had previously thought they hated English. Intellectual, engaging and unfailingly compassionate, he has my warmest recommendation.

He knows his subject well, I've learned a lot from him. He's funny and smart but humble and self-effacing. It's obvious he cares about what he does and who he's talking to, always taking the time to be supportive and kind, and it comes through in how he does his job and presents himself.

Just the best. Excellent at explaining everything and anything. Cares for the individual and has a laid back but hard working approach.

I worked with Phillip at his last school - inspirational, clear and passionate..i wholeheartedly recommend him as a tutor. Helen Chaplain.