My weekly online A-level biology masterclasses help you revise, recap and practice exam technique and questions on a different topic each week. We also tackle these common questions:
- I just can’t understand *this 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 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 try a single masterclass to see if you enjoy it. Or get in touch for a chat first.
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
Jump to schedule for Year 12 AQA A-level biology for 2026/27
AQA A-level biology (course code: 7402)
Topics 5 to 8 (Y13) masterclass
18:05pm GMT Wednesday evenings
Jump to schedule Year 13 AQA A-level biology for 2026/27
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)
How does a masterclass session work?
- 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.
All sessions start at 6:05pm (18:05 GMT) on Tuesday 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.
| 29/09/26 | Biological molecules: Carbohydrates |
| 06/10/26 | Lipids |
| 13/10/26 | Proteins and enzymes |
| 20/10/26 | Cell structure |
| Friday 30/10/26 | Studying Cells |
| 03/11/26 | Monomers and polymers |
| 10/11/26 | Water and inorganic ions and ATP |
| 17/11/26 | DNA and RNA session 1 |
| 24/11/26 | DNA and RNA session 2 |
| 01/12/26 | Mitosis and changes leading to cancer session 1 |
| 08/12/26 | Mitosis and changes leading to cancer session 2 |
| 15/12/26 | Pre-holiday mixed questions challenge! |
| 05/01/27 | Transport across cell membranes |
| 12/01/27 | The immune system and vaccines session 1 |
| 19/01/27 | The immune system and vaccines session 2 |
| 26/01/27 | Special session: How to revise and make a revision plan |
| 02/02/27 | Gas exchange in insects, fish and plants |
| 09/02/27 | Gas exchange in humans |
| 16/02/27 | Surface area to volume ratio (mixed questions) |
| 23/02/27 | Digestion and absorption |
| 02/03/27 | Haemoglobin |
| 09/03/27 | Mass transport in animals (the heart) |
| 16/03/27 | Mass transport in plants (xylem and phloem) |
| 23/03/27 | Mass transport in plants (xylem and phloem) session 2 |
| 30/03/27 | DNA, genes and chromosomes: the genetic code |
| 06/04/27 | Protein synthesis (transcription and translation) |
| 13/04/27 | Genetic diversity – meiosis |
| 20/04/27 | Genetic diversity – mutations leading to adaptation |
| 27/04/27 | biodiversity |
| 04/05/27 | Exam paper session |
| 11/05/27 | Exam paper session |
| 18/05/27 | 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.
All sessions start 6:05pm GMT on Wednesday 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.
| 30/09/26 | Photosynthesis session 1 |
| 07/10/26 | Photosynthesis session 2 |
| 14/10/26 | Respiration session 1 |
| 21/10/26 | Respiration session 2 |
| Sunday 01/11/26 | Energy and Ecosystems |
| 04/11/26 | Nutrient Cycles |
| 11/11/26 | Survival and response |
| 18/11/26 | Receptors |
| 25/11/26 | Nerves and impulses session 1 |
| 02/12/26 | Nerves and impulses session 2 |
| 09/12/26 | Synapses |
| 16/12/26 | Control of heart rate |
| 06/01/27 | Muscles |
| 13/01/27 | AQA synoptic essay questions – special session! |
| 20/01/27 | Homeostasis and negative feedback and blood glucose |
| 27/01/27 | The kidney, control of waste and blood water potential |
| 03/02/27 | Paper 1 practice |
| 10/02/27 | Inheritance session 1 – genetic diagrams |
| 17/02/27 | Inheritance session 2 – linkage and epistasis |
| 24/02/27 | Populations session 1 – Hardy Weinberg, and speciation |
| 03/03/27 | Populations session 2 – ecosystems and succession |
| 10/03/27 | Mutations and cancer and stem cells |
| 17/03/27 | Regulation of transcription and translation |
| 24/03/27 | Gene expression and cancer (and stem cells go through) |
| 31/03/27 | Using genome projects |
| 07/04/27 | Recombinant DNA technology |
| 14/04/27 | DNA Probes and genetic fingerprinting |
| 21/04/27 | 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 6:05pm 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 | Special session – how to revise effectively | ||
| 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.
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