Melissa Mercer
I am an experienced teacher with a wealth of expertise supporting and nurturing young people. With over 8 years of teaching experience, specialising in GCSE and A-Level Chemistry, I am passionate about helping students build confidence in the subject while feeling supported as they develop a deeper understanding of the subject.
Alongside my teaching, I have also been part of the pastoral team in a boarding house, where I worked as an Assistant Housemistress. This role gave me valuable experience supporting young people not only academically, but also personally, helping them navigate the many challenges that school and modern life can present.
As a parent of four children, I understand first-hand the pressures that today’s society can place on young people and their families. This allows me to empathise with students and appreciate the many aspects of their lives that can affect both their learning and wellbeing.
I strongly believe that every child is unique, and that education is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I take the time to understand each student’s individual needs and learning style, tailoring my teaching to suit them. My aim is to create a calm, supportive and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, growing in confidence, and reaching their full potential.
Teaching Experience
Cokethorpe School, Oxford 2021 – Present
• Chemistry Teacher (to A-Level): Teaching GCSE and A-Level Chemistry, supporting students in developing confidence, curiosity and a strong understanding of the subject.
• Form Tutor (First Form): Providing pastoral care and guidance to younger pupils supporting their transition into senior school and creating a supportive environment where each pupil feels valued and encouraged.
St Edward’s School, Oxford 2002 – 2007
• Chemistry Teacher (to A-Level): Delivered engaging Chemistry lessons to GCSE and A-Level students, supporting strong academic progress and exam preparation.
• Assistant Housemistress: Provided pastoral care and guidance to girls in a boarding house, supporting their wellbeing, personal development and day-to-day life in a boarding environment.
• Sports Coach: Coached girls’ netball and tennis, promoting teamwork, confidence and participation in school sport.
Education
PGCE (Secondary Science – Chemistry)
• University of Exeter | 2001 – 2002
Master of Chemistry with European Study (MChem) – First Class Honours
• University of Exeter | 1996 – 2000
Courses Taught
Reviews
“Melissa has been tutoring my two boys in Chemistry (GCSE and A-level) for a year or so, and they can't recommend her highly enough! She knows the subject inside out, with calm explanations into the key topics and her "mark-a-minute" approach to real exam question have led to real improvement in their grades. Her move from in-person to online has been really smooth, plus the flexibility and time saved travelling is most welcome. The video sessions work perfectly and resource-sharing around the lessons is very neat. I am sure she will be a great success on CloudClasses!”
“The entire lesson was absolutely amazing! During the entire session, we worked together on the whiteboard which was really nicely integrated into the calling software to answer questions and take notes to explain the topics. Everything throughout the session was expertly explained and everything I felt like I couldn’t approach or answer in an exam-style question, I can now! For every lesson, there were files which were sent to me that were put in the files section of the session, which contained detailed explanations and examples-style questions of everything that was talked about in the session and requested! I would highly recommend as everything was expertly done and taught and helped improve my grade massively - more than 40% within a few weeks!”
“Another great lesson. Melissa explains this so clearly and is very patient”
“Mrs Mercer helped me to understnd the concepts of the Alkene and Alkane topics, as well as other key aspects of Chemistry. I am heading into my GCSE exam full of confidence thanks to her calm approach to teaching the subject.”
Upcoming group classes
11+ August Booster Sessions
Next Sat 1 Aug, 11:30 · 4 sessions · 0 booked
11+ July Booster Sessions
Next Sat 4 Jul, 11:30 · 4 sessions · 0 booked
11+ June Booster Sessions
Next Sat 20 Jun, 11:30 · 4 sessions · 0 booked