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The fundamentals of exceptional education haven’t changed in millennia — personal mentorship, intellectual rigour, the careful cultivation of character. But how we deliver those principles must evolve. For over three decades, we’ve refined an approach that honours what works — and embraces what’s possible.

Plato and Aristotle, Raphael

The Case for One-to-One Education

For centuries, the world’s most remarkable minds were shaped through mentorship

Tutors didn’t just follow a syllabus — they unlocked learning through a deep understanding of the student in front of them. Tutoring is effective because it honours three enduring principles: genuine understanding of the individual, intellectual challenge matched to capability, and care for character alongside academics.

These principles are just as powerful today. What’s changed is our understanding of how brilliance can look different in different minds — and our responsibility to recognise potential that mainstream schooling might miss.

a note from our founders

Our Teaching Philosophy

Old School Values

New School Thinking
Personal Mentorship

One brilliant mind, nurturing another. The irreplaceable human connection at the heart of all great education.

 Learning Without Limits

The timeless power of one-to-one teaching, now freed from rigid timetables and geographic limits. Your mentor, your pace, your potential—unleashed.
Intellectual Rigour

High standards and challenging work that builds genuine, lasting understanding—no shortcuts, no compromise.

 Neurodiversity & Learning Science

Different minds require different pathways. Evidence-based techniques that honour how each unique brain actually learns best.
Character & Discipline

Integrity, resilience, and self-respect—the personal qualities that endure long after exams are forgotten.

 Holistic Wellbeing

Confidence, calm, and connection—because peak performance requires a foundation of wellbeing, not just willpower.

The result is education that honours timeless principles while harnessing modern insights – creating learners who achieve more because they’re understood better.

“There isn’t any solution to this problem of education other than to realise that the best teaching can be done only when there is a direct individual relationship between a student and a good teacher – a situation in which the student discusses the ideas, thinks about the things, and talks about the things. It’s impossible to learn very much by simply sitting in a lecture, or even by simply doing problems that are assigned”

Richard Feynman
Six Easy Pieces, 1961

How We Work

Every programme is completely bespoke, designed around your child’s unique learning requirements and family circumstances.

Illustration of parents and teacher in study

Initial consultation

We begin with a consultation to understand your child’s academic needs, learning style, and personal aspirations. Effective learning starts with genuine understanding, not assumptions.

Illustration of tutor meeting parent and discussing ideas word bubbles

Tutor introductions

We match minds to minds, passions to passions. Our tutor network is highly selective and includes professionals across fields – barristers, engineers, artists, athletes. When a budding writer discovers their tutor is a published novelist, learning transforms from obligation into inspiration.

During their first session, your child’s tutor starts by assessing where they are at, including their academic ability, strengths and perceived weaknesses.

Illustration of girl thinking about ideas, whilst holding book and handbag

Bespoke programme design

Your tutor designs a programme tailored to your child’s goals, timeline, and circumstances. Sessions adapt to your family — weekly, intensive, or residential; in person or online, wherever you are in the world.

With unparalleled academic options — from GCSEs to AP — and a vast array of subjects, Lionheart programmes push students to exceed what they thought possible.

Hands coming together in a circle

An ongoing partnership

From the first session onwards, we remain invested in your child’s development. As they grow, our support evolves to match their increasing confidence and ambition.

Our consultants are always on call should you have any concerns or queries about your programme.

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Rupert Syme giving interview

Why Do Families Choose Lionheart?

"Where do you want to go? What are your interests? Do you want to work in engineering or would you like to be a musician? We always work back from what a pupil's goals are retrospectively."

Rupert Syme Chairman and Co-Founder

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is your approach different from other tutoring agencies?

    We don’t just match subjects to students – we match minds to minds, passions to passions. Our tutors aren’t just academics; they’re professionals across fields who bring real-world experience and genuine enthusiasm to their teaching. With fewer than 5% of applicants joining our network, we maintain standards that prioritize character and connection alongside credentials. We’ve been pioneering this approach since 1989.

  • Can tutoring continue if we travel or relocate?

    Absolutely. We follow families globally, maintaining educational continuity whether you’re in London, Monaco, or anywhere in between. Sessions adapt seamlessly between in-person and online formats, and our tutors understand the demands of mobile, international lifestyles.

  • Do you work with students of all ages and abilities?

    Yes. We support learners from early years through university preparation, and across the full spectrum of abilities – from students needing confidence building to exceptionally gifted children requiring intellectual stretch. Our approach adapts to each student’s starting point and potential.

  • What if the tutor match isn't quite right?

    While our matching success rate is exceptionally high, we understand that chemistry matters. If adjustments are needed, we’ll work swiftly to find an alternative match. Your child’s comfort and progress are paramount.

  • How do you adapt your approach for students with learning differences?

    We recognise that brilliant minds work differently. Our tutors are trained in neurodiverse learning approaches, and we use research-backed techniques tailored to each brain – whether supporting dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or other learning profiles. High standards remain, but the path to achieving them adapts to how each child learns best.

  • Can you accommodate urgent or short-notice requests?

    We understand that educational needs can arise suddenly. Following your initial consultation, we typically present tutor recommendations within 48-72 hours, and sessions can usually commence within a week. For genuine emergencies, we’ll prioritise your case.

  • How do you measure progress and success?

    Through multiple lenses: academic improvements in grades and understanding, growing confidence and independence in learning, feedback from tutors, and most importantly, whether your child is developing genuine curiosity and love for their subject. Success isn’t just about examination results – it’s about transformation.