AFTER leaving his job as a trader in the City, Steve Spriggs diverted his attentions to tutoring, soon gaining a reputation as one of the leading economics tutors in London.

However, looking at the way the job was handled Steve felt that he would be able to provide a more effective service, launching his own agency William Clarence Education at the end of last year.

The 30-year-old of Winchendon Road, Parsons Green, said: “I started off tutoring economics, as I come from a maths background, but I soon got into the idea that there wasn't that much on offer in the London market.

“A lot of the agencies were great at getting mediocre bums on seats, but the level of service wasn't that great for the tutor or the parent.”

To cater for his growing client list Steve set up William Clarence - the name is a combination of his father’s middle name and his grandfather’s name – to provide a higher standard of private tuition.

The firm provides tutors for a wide range of different needs, from 11 plus entrance exams, all the way up to doctorate thesis help.

William Clarence also helps put teams of tutors into homes – and sometimes yachts – to provide a full yearly curriculum.

Steve notes that with a uniformly high standard of background checked tutors, one of the most important part of the process is ensuring that the tutor and the student are matched.

“Say there's a young lad who's football crazy we'll try as best we can to match personality types because I feel that bond is quicker,” says the Leeds University graduate.

“When you're 15, 16, 17, it is one thing being taught but if you really buy into the person that’s teaching you it syncs a lot easier.”

William Clarence provides home-schooling programs but only up to a year. Mr Spriggs believes being out of school any longer than that can interfere with a child’s social development. 

The home schooling programs follow a school day structure, with the service also working with sports and theatre groups to provide a more rounded social structure.

Steve, who was tutored himself during his 11 and 13 plus exams knows from personal experience the benefit of tutoring.

He said: “I brushed up on English and Maths, and I know, from my personal point of view, it was extra work, but it has paid dividends thousands of times.”

For more information visit williamclarence.com