Dr Tim Hands has a unique set of talents. As well as having lifelong experience as a passionate classroom teacher, he is a distinguished scholar of English literature, widely recognized as a leading expert on the novels and poems of Thomas Hardy. Having been headmaster of two of the world’s most prestigious schools, he knows exactly what it takes to get outstanding results while at the same time nurturing all students with exemplary pastoral care. Anyone, whatever their abilities and aspirations, would be privileged to be tutored by him.
Professor Sir Jonathan Bate
Formerly Provost of Worcester College, Oxford
Tim Hands is hugely skilled and experienced in understanding and helping young people with all aspects of their academic and personal development. Over three headships and many years, he has built up an uncanny and effective instinct to help young people come to the best conclusions about shaping their own future. He is highly approachable and is warm and open with everyone: he focuses genuinely on each person with whom he talks, conveying a strong (and accurate) impression that he cares deeply for the issue at hand. He brings a light and humorous touch while maintaining a seriousness of inner understanding and a great degree of personal effectiveness.
Jonathan Black
Director of The Careers Service, University of Oxford
I well remember Tim right at the start of his career, when he taught me for my ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels in the late 1980s. He was one of two exceptional and inspirational teachers who galvanised my entire experience of secondary education and laid the foundations for an appreciation of literature and language that has lasted a lifetime.
Nick Goodwin KC
Tim is not only an experienced teacher, but a first-rate adviser to young people. His love of literature, music and drama is infectious and his skills of communication are outstanding. However, born out of his particular perspective of humanity, Tim turns his eye on the child who is folded in on himself, the child who is unsure of her step. Tim gives opportunity, motivation, heart and a voice to the child who has seemed to stumble, the child who, through force of circumstance, has not had the opportunity to grow. A great teacher and a teacher for life.
Adrian Noble and Joanne Pearce
Former Artistic Director of the RSC; and RSC Associate Actress