My weekly online A-level biology masterclasses help you revise, and practice exam technique and exam questions on a different topic each week. We also tackle these common questions:
- I just can’t understand a particular topic – can you help?
- How do I improve my A-level biology exam technique?
- How do I match the specific A-level biology exam mark schemes?
- How can I improve at evaluating data in A-level biology?
- How to I apply my knowledge to exam questions?
John’s masterclasses gave me a different perspective to my school lessons, and time to think about my biology every week. – Jess, one of my online A-level biology tutees in year 13.
Masterclass sessions are designed to complement the course taught in schools and colleges with weekly revision on A-level biology topics and a focus on exam technique and exam question practice. There are separate weekly sessions for year 12 and year 13 topics (many year 13 students attend both).
My tutoring is 5-star rated on Google – bookings are made on a first come first served basis and spaces fill up quickly!
If you’re wondering what makes my small group masterclasses different, and popular, please take a look at the FAQs below.
I offer separate sessions for students with the AQA or Edexcel A (SNAB) exam boards (for other boards, such as OCR A, see below).
Jump to… useful details | How masterclasses work | FAQs | Schedule for AQA topics 1 to 4 (Y12) | Schedule for AQA topics 5-8 (Y13) | Schedule for Edexcel A topics 5-8 (Y13)
Online A-level biology exam technique masterclasses – useful details
Feel free to book a block of sessions, or pay as you go. Many new students book a single session to see if they enjoy it. Many year 13 AQA students also attend the year 12 sessions for a useful recap 🙂
Cost: £35 per 55 minute session (via Teams)
You’ll need a computer with an internet connection and Microsoft Teams, and some materials for making notes. Everything else is provided 🙂
Contact John@wooltontutors.co.uk to enquire and book. (All you need to do is tell me which sessions you’d like to book and I will send further details.)
AQA A-level biology (course code: 7402)
Topics 1 to 4 (Y12) masterclass
18:05pm GMT Tuesday evenings or 09:00am Sunday mornings
Jump to schedule for Year 12 AQA A-level biology for 2026/27
Please enquire if these dates aren’t a good fit for you – new dates added soon.
AQA A-level biology (course code: 7402)
Topics 5 to 8 (Y13) masterclass
18:05pm GMT Wednesday evenings or 13:05pm Sunday afternoons
Jump to schedule Year 13 AQA A-level biology for 2026/27
Please enquire if these dates aren’t a good fit for you – new dates added soon.
Edexcel A Salters-Nuffield (SNAB, course code 9BNO/8BNO)
A-level biology (Y13) masterclass
18:05pm GMT Thursday evenings
Jump to schedule Year 13 AQA A-level biology for 2026/27
Please enquire for our prospective Year 12 class.
Jump to… useful details | how masterclasses work | FAQs | Schedule for AQA topics 1 to 4 (Y12) | Schedule for AQA topics 5-8 (Y13) | Schedule for Edexcel A topics 5-8 (Y13)
What happens in the masterclass sessions?
- Each A-level biology masterclass is 55 minutes long and hosted by me, Dr John Ankers, online via Teams. Sessions run with a minimum of two students with usual group sizes around eight students.
- Each weekly session focusses on a different A-level biology topic (see the schedules below) – useful for revising what you’ve recently covered in school or college.
- During the masterclass, I take students through real exam questions, explaining how to approach different question types, discussing model answers and tips and tricks to get all the marks. (I’ve written companion blog posts and study guides if you’d like to have a look.)
- When appropriate, we may spend some time exploring a topic behind the questions, to make things clear and boost your understanding.
- The sessions are as interactive as you make them. Please ask questions! If you have any lingering questions over a topic, don’t hesitate to ask. Interrupt me (I don’t mind!), or send me a private message, or let me know beforehand. I will always answer questions and requests anonymously.
- Sessions focus on exam technique, recall of knowledge (AO1) applying your knowledge (AO2) and evaluating data (AO3), common in “describe and explain”, “evaluate” and “application” questions.
- There are separate masterclasses for Topics 1-4 (commonly covered in Year 12) and topics 5-8 (Year 13) – feel free to attend a mixture to help with your studies. Some students attend both.
- You will be given lots of opportunity to have a go at answering questions in a warm, supportive environment. Please feel free to bring your own questions along – maybe from a recent test. (Equally, if you want to relax, listen and make notes, that’s fine too.) You will never be put on the spot.
- I’m very happy to answer individual questions about your biology course throughout the week via online chat or Whatsapp (this is included in the price and open to all students).
- The sessions are designed for motivated students who want the most out of their A-levels.
I want you to feel as comfortable and supported as possible. I believe this is the best atmosphere to learn.
Schedule for Year 12 AQA A-level biology exam technique masterclasses 2026/2027
Live tutorial sessions looking at different topics and A-level biology exam technique each week.
Sessions start at 18:05pm GMT on Tuesday evenings or 09:00am GMT Sunday mornings (please arrive online 5 minutes before if possible).
Email John@wooltontutors.co.uk for a chat about your needs, and to book your place.
| Tues 29/09/26 or Sun 04/10/26 | Biological molecules: Carbohydrates |
| Tues 06/10/26 or Sun 11/10/26 | Lipids |
| Tues 13/10/26 or Sun 18/10/26 | Proteins and enzymes |
| Tues 20/10/26 | Cell structure |
| Friday 30/10/26 (18:05 pm) | Studying cells and microscopy |
| Tues 03/11/26 or Sun 08/11/26 | Water and inorganic ions and ATP |
| Tues 10/11/26 or Sun 15/11/26 | DNA and RNA session 1 |
| Tues 17/11/26 or Sun 22/11/26 | DNA and RNA session 2 |
| Tues 24/11/26 or Sun 29/11/26 | Monomers and polymers |
| Tues 01/12/26 or Sun 06/12/26 | Mitosis and changes leading to cancer session 1 |
| Tues 08/12/26 or Sun 13/12/26 | Mitosis and changes leading to cancer session 2 |
| Tues 15/12/26 or Sun 20/12/26 | Pre-holiday mixed questions challenge! |
| Tues 05/01/27 or Sun 10/01/27 | Transport across cell membranes |
| Tues 12/01/27 or Sun 17/01/27 | The immune system and vaccines session 1 |
| Tues 19/01/27 or Sun 24/01/27 | The immune system and vaccines session 2 |
| Tues 26/01/27 or Sun 31/01/27 | Special session: How to revise and make a revision plan |
| Tues 02/02/27 or Sun 07/02/27 | Gas exchange in insects, fish and plants |
| Tues 09/02/27 or Sun 14/02/27 | Gas exchange in humans |
| Tues 16/02/27 or Sun 21/02/27 | Surface area to volume ratio (mixed questions) |
| Tues 23/02/27 or Sun 28/02/27 | Digestion and absorption |
| Tues 02/03/27 or Sun 07/03/27 | Haemoglobin |
| Tues 09/03/27 or Sun 14/03/27 | Mass transport in animals (the heart) |
| Tues 16/03/27 or Sun 21/03/27 | Mass transport in plants (xylem and phloem) |
| Tues 23/03/27 or Sun 28/03/27 | Mass transport in plants (xylem and phloem) session 2 |
| Tues 30/03/27 or Sun 04/04/27 | DNA, genes and chromosomes: the genetic code |
| Tues 06/04/27 or Sun 11/04/27 | Protein synthesis (transcription and translation) |
| Tues 13/04/27 or Sun 18/04/27 | Genetic diversity – meiosis |
| Tues 20/04/27 or Sun 25/04/27 | Genetic diversity – mutations leading to adaptation |
| Tues 27/04/27 or Sun 02/04/27 | biodiversity |
| Tues 04/05/27 or Sun 09/05/27 | Exam paper session |
| Tues 11/05/27 or Sun 16/05/27 | Exam paper session |
| Tues 18/05/27 or Sun 23/05/27 | Exam paper session |
Schedule for Year 13 AQA A-level biology exam technique masterclasses 2026/2027
Live tutorial sessions looking at different topics and A-level biology exam technique each week.
Sessions start 18:05pm GMT on Wednesday evenings or 13:05pm GMT Sunday afternoons (please arrive online 5 minutes before if possible)
Email John@wooltontutors.co.uk for a chat about your needs, and to book your place.
| Wed 30/09/26 or Sun 04/10/26 | Photosynthesis session 1 |
| Wed 07/10/26 or Sun 11/10/26 | Photosynthesis session 2 |
| Wed 14/10/26 or Sun 18/10/26 | Respiration session 1 |
| Wed 21/10/26 or Sun 25/10/26 | Respiration session 2 |
| Sunday 01/11/26 (13:05 pm) | Energy and Ecosystems 1 |
| Wed 04/11/26 or Sun 08/11/26 | Energy and Ecosystems 2 |
| Wed 11/11/26 or Sun 15/11/26 | Survival and response |
| Wed 18/11/26 or Sun 22/11/26 | Receptors |
| Wed 25/11/26 or Sun 29/11/26 | Nerves and impulses session 1 |
| Wed 02/12/26 or Sun 06/12/26 | Nerves and impulses session 2 |
| Wed 09/12/26 or Sun 13/12/26 | Synapses |
| Wed 16/12/26 or Sun 20/12/26 | Control of heart rate |
| Wed 06/01/27 or Sun 10/01/27 | Muscles |
| Wed 13/01/27 or Sun 17/01/27 | AQA synoptic essay questions – special session! |
| Wed 20/01/27 or Sun 24/01/27 | Homeostasis and negative feedback and blood glucose |
| Wed 27/01/27 or Sun 31/01/27 | The kidney, control of waste and blood water potential |
| Wed 03/02/27 or Sun 07/02/27 | Paper 1 practice |
| Wed 10/02/27 or Sun 14/02/27 | Inheritance session 1 – genetic diagrams |
| Wed 17/02/27 or Sun 21/02/27 | Inheritance session 2 – linkage and epistasis |
| Wed 24/02/27 or Sun 28/02/27 | Populations session 1 – Hardy Weinberg, and speciation |
| Wed 03/03/27 or Sun 07/03/27 | Populations session 2 – ecosystems and succession |
| Wed 10/03/27 or Sun 14/03/27 | Mutations and cancer and stem cells |
| Wed 17/03/27 or Sun 21/03/27 | Regulation of transcription and translation |
| Wed 24/03/27 or Sun 28/03/27 | Gene expression and cancer (and stem cells go through) |
| Wed 31/03/27 or Sun 04/04/27 | Using genome projects |
| Wed 07/04/27 or Sun 11/04/27 | Recombinant DNA technology |
| Wed 14/04/27 or Sun 18/04/27 | DNA Probes and genetic fingerprinting |
| Wed 21/04/27 or Sun 25/04/27 | Exam papers and topic requests until exams |
Schedule for Year 13 Edexcel A Salters Nuffield (SNAB) A-level biology masterclasses 2026/2027
Live tutorial sessions looking at different topics and A-level biology exam technique each week.
All sessions start 18:05pm GMT on Thursday evenings (please arrive online 5 minutes before if possible)
Email John@wooltontutors.co.uk for a chat about your needs, and to book your place.
| 01/10/26 | Topic 1: Mass Transport and the Cardiovascular System | ||
| 08/10/26 | Topic 1: Cardiovascular disease and Energy | ||
| 15/10/26 | Topic 1: Diet, Carbohydrates and fats | ||
| 22/10/26 | No session this week | ||
| 29/10/26 | Topic 2: Gas exchange | ||
| 05/11/26 | Topic 2: DNA and proteins | ||
| 12/11/26 | Topic 2: Inheritance | ||
| 19/11/26 | Topic 3: Cells | ||
| 26/11/26 | Topic 3: Reproduction and meiosis | ||
| 03/12/26 | Topic 3: Stem cells and variation | ||
| 10/12/26 | Topic 4: biodiversity | ||
| 17/12/26 | Topic 4: plant cells | ||
| 07/01/27 | Mixed question quiz! | ||
| 14/01/27 | Topic 5: Photosynthesis | ||
| 21/01/27 | Topic 5: Succession | ||
| 28/01/27 | Topic 5: Evolution, Natural Selection and Speciation | ||
| 04/02/27 | Topic 6: DNA profiling | ||
| 11/02/27 | Topic 6: Immunity | ||
| 18/02/27 | Topic 6: mixed exam questions | ||
| 25/02/27 | Topic 7: muscles | ||
| 04/03/27 | Topic 7: respiration | ||
| 11/03/27 | Topic 7: homeostasis | ||
| 18/03/27 | Topic 8: Nervous system | ||
| 25/03/27 | Topic 8: Nervous system session 2 | ||
| 01/04/27 | Topic 8: The brain | ||
| 08/04/27 | Exam papers and requests until exams | ||
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What makes your masterclasses different?
The tone of the masterclass sessions – in fact all of my tutoring – is warm, relaxed and focussed. My approach is to make a small group session feel like a one-to-one session – this is why I provide the same level of individual support between sessions as I do with one-to-one students. Coming from a biomedical science background gives me real-life experience to put into the sessions, hopefully bringing topics to life in new, memorable ways. By focussing on exam practice and technique, I want the masterclasses to become a useful part of your routine, making class tests, mocks and exam papers less scary and intimidating. Past students have kindly given my tutoring, and the masterclasses, 5 stars on Google.
We offer a warm welcome to students with diverse backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives.
How much do the A-level biology masterclasses cost?
The masterclasses are £35 per 55 minute session, to be paid in advance to secure your place.
Can I “cherry-pick” sessions or should I attend regularly?
Feel free to select specific sessions when you get in touch to book. However, most of my masterclass students attend weekly. Often a weekly session is the best way to practice the exam techniques and common approaches to questions as part of your revision.
As it’s a small group masterclass, will I get a chance to contribute?
The sessions run with a minimum of two and usually groups of around six-eight. The sessions thrive on interaction and there is always plenty of opportunity to ask questions. I find discussion around biology really motivates and boosts confidence. My aim is to create a warm, friendly session that will become a helpful part of your (or your child’s) learning routine.
I’m a little nervous. What are the sessions like?
I want you to feel comfortable in the masterclass sessions. You will never be put on the spot to answer questions (but the option to contribute is always open to you). If you want to attend the sessions to make notes without saying anything that is completely fine. (It’s also fine to attend without your camera on). If there’s anything I need to know about you or if you have any questions, please get in touch. Parents are welcome to attend with their children.
What about help between sessions?
All my students are welcome contact me at any time via Teams, Whatsapp or email for help – perhaps to check answers to exam questions or clarify details etc. “I think I’ll ask John if he can explain this…” is the kind of vibe I’m going for. I want to be as supportive as I can be to you and your studies.
How do I book a place?
Just email John@wooltontutors.co.uk and tell me which session(s) you’d like to attend.
I’m with a different exam board – like OCR or Edexcel B – is there a masterclass for me?
While the current masterclasses are based on the AQA or Edexcel A (SNAB) specifications, there is a lot of common ground with other exams boards, and the exam techniques we will develop are universal. Feel free to attend a sample session to see if they are useful for you.
Depending on demand, we will be launching separate masterclasses specifically for OCR and Edexcel B students – please email John@wooltontutors.co.uk to register your interest.
The AQA masterclass sessions are designed to support International (Oxford AQA) A-level biology students too – get in touch to find out more.
You might also consider my one-to-one A-level biology tutoring – We’re currently helping many OCR and Edexcel B students through their exams.
Are the sessions useful for year 12 students who have just started A-level?
Yes. Some schools don’t show exam questions to students until much later in the course and this can be a shock. These masterclasses aim to introduce exam questions early to complement your school learning while it’s fresh in your mind, and give you the techniques you need to answer them in mocks and class tests too. The aim is to help you, and take some of the stress away.
What about my other A-level subjects?
Many of the exam technique skills we will develop are transferable – many students have found their grades in other A-level subjects improve alongside biology, especially in subjects where applied knowledge is important.
Do I need to connect with my camera?
You are free to connect however you want to – the best way is often with a camera, but some students just connect with audio. I will be using a camera throughout. The aim is that you are as comfortable as possible, to help you learn.
Do you offer one-to-one A-level biology tutoring?
Yes! Here is a page all about it.
Who is delivering the sessions? Do they have a DBS certificate?
I am the director of Woolton Tutors, and a former biomedical scientist. I’ve been tutoring for over ten years – please have a look here for more information. I have a full DBS certificate available to view on request.
We also run one-to-one and masterclass sessions over the summer holidays.
Jump to… useful details | How masterclasses work | FAQs | Schedule for AQA topics 1 to 4 (Y12) | Schedule for AQA topics 5-8 (Y13) | Schedule for Edexcel A topics 5-8 (Y13)
Do you have questions? Please do get in touch for a chat about your needs and whether my A-level biology masterclass sessions are right for you.
I look forward to hearing from you,
John
John@wooltontutors.co.uk
Woolton Village, Liverpool, UK