Cambridge Economics Prize Winner teaching Oxbridge and LSE Economics Admissions + Essay competitions

Find out more about Nicholas

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I developed an interest in economics for reasons that are quite common among those drawn to the subject – I had a strong aptitude for maths and was fascinated by how quantitative tools could be used to understand and explain real-world events. What deepened my engagement was discovering that economics isn’t just about numbers, but about people, incentives, and decision-making. I started tutoring because I genuinely enjoy sharing this perspective, especially since economics at the high-school level often feels abstract or dry. I find real satisfaction in helping students see how dynamic and thought-provoking the subject really is.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach economics in a way that aims to take students beyond the curriculum, particularly those looking to deepen their knowledge for essay competitions, university applications, or personal interest. This can involve unpacking complex topics like game theory, financial crises, or behavioural economics, and tying them to real-world events. I especially enjoy discussing economic history and financial economics – they offer such rich insight into how ideas and institutions evolve over time. I’m slightly less fond of rote memorisation-based topics, but I try to find ways to make even those more engaging and conceptually grounded.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Yes, my Director of Studies at Cambridge has had a lasting influence on me. Not only is he an outstanding teacher, but he also bridges multiple disciplines – mathematics, philosophy, and economics – with impressive fluency. His ability to simplify complex ideas and connect them across fields really shaped how I think about learning and teaching. He showed me that being intellectually curious and rigorous doesn’t have to come at the expense of being approachable or supportive.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I think a good tutor needs to be patient, adaptable, and able to explain ideas clearly in multiple ways. But more than anything, it's about helping students meet their specific goals – whether that’s getting into a top university, winning a competition, or simply feeling confident in their understanding. A strong tutor is someone who knows how to unlock a student’s potential and keep them motivated along the way.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  One experience that sticks with me is sitting my university exams during Covid. Because I was back home in Australia, I had to take the exams at 2am due to the time difference with the UK. It was a real test of resilience and time management – trying to revise during the day, stay alert through the night, and still produce thoughtful, coherent answers. It reminded me how important it is to build not just subject knowledge, but academic stamina.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  Economics is both incredibly broad and constantly evolving. That’s what makes it exciting, but also demanding. Keeping up with new research, emerging schools of thought, and current events can feel overwhelming at times. Still, I see this as a challenge worth embracing – the subject never stands still, which means there’s always something new to learn or explore, both for myself and my students.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I’m passionate about teaching economics in a way that’s engaging and empowering. There’s something really rewarding about helping students understand ideas that once seemed out of reach – and even more so when those ideas spark curiosity and independent thinking. Beyond the subject itself, I’m deeply interested in how we can teach more effectively, using different methods or tools to suit each learner’s needs.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P)?

  What sets me apart is my track record of helping students not only meet but exceed their academic goals – whether that’s achieving top grades, winning essay prizes, or securing places at competitive universities. I bring both subject expertise and a genuine enthusiasm for teaching, which I think makes all the difference in building students' confidence and love for the subject.