Tuition

Study in Hong Kong

Syllabus-based tuition is provided for students studying:

– All levels of International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and Diploma)
– GCSE, IGCSE and A-Levels
– Hong Kong Examinations, the HKDSE syllabus

As the majority of our students continue their education at university we assist them with their applications and with formal examinations such as the SAT/SAT II.

We have also assisted many students in their preparations for the Hong Kong Speech Festival, debating competitions, writing competitions and outstanding student awards.

Going overseas

We also prepare students for Common Entrance Examinations (CEE) and Examinations to specific private schools such as Winchester and Cheltenham Ladies in the UK and Choate-Rosemary Hall in the US. Inclusive of the tuition fees are mock examinations. We will assist and manage the registration process for CEE and we also conduct and invigilate the examinations for our students at our facility.

For students preparing for the CEE and examinations to specific private schools, we may insist that any and all tuition be conducted at FirstClass in order to ensure that a student is completely prepared for the examinations and encounters as little stress as possible.

Assistance in preparing for school and university entrance interviews is also one of our services. We will conduct mock interviews, covering potential interview topics, body language, tone of voice and demeanour.

We also provide tuition during holiday time for students returning from schools and universities overseas.

Contact Now for Booking

Free of Charge Assessment Lesson

Available to Year 5, Grade 4, Primary 4 and below only

For the younger students in this assessment, we identify the particular requirements of the student and then formulate a study programme specifically for the individual. We endeavour to provide solid foundations on which they can build their future education.

For older students and those preparing for CEE or private school examinations, we identify the particular requirements of the student in relation to the published syllabus for the courses they are studying. All tutors follow the published syllabus and requirements for secondary school students and students preparing for private school examinations, hence an assessment lesson is considered unnecessary, however each tutor will tailor their lessons to the specific need of the individual or group of students that they are working with.

Our Team

James Skelton - Founder & Senior Tutor

James Skelton is a graduate of Deacon’s School, Peterborough, and holds an upper second-class degree in Natural Sciences from Trinity College, Cambridge. He began teaching in Hong Kong in 1995 and co-founded First Class in 1999, with a focus on highly personalised one-to-one and small-group tuition.

James teaches Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, as well as critical thinking and reasoning, to students from primary level through to postgraduate study. He has extensive experience preparing students for a wide range of assessments, including pre-screening adaptive tests, 11+, 13+, SSAT, IGCSE, GCSE, SAT, ACT, HKDSE, A Level, IB Diploma, GMAT, CTY, UKMT, and BMAT.

He is known for his breadth of subject knowledge, strategic approach to examination preparation, and ability to engage and motivate students at every level.

Lisa Ann Kirkup - Director & Senior Tutor

Lisa Ann Kirkup graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in English Language and Literature and later earned a Diploma in TESOL (DipTESOL), a qualification equivalent to a master’s-level TESOL credential in the UK. After completing her teacher training in the United Kingdom, she relocated to Hong Kong in 2008 and has taught there ever since.

Since 2010, Lisa has worked at First Class Academy, before becoming co-owner in 2018, supporting students from lower-primary level to pre- GCSE across a broad range of English-language needs. Her teaching experience includes 11+, 13+, ESL, Literature, GCSE, IGCSE, HKDSE, and IELTS, with particular strengths in creative writing, grammar, phonics, reading comprehension, and academic writing.

In addition to her tutoring work, Lisa has run educational programmes in local Hong Kong schools, including Cambridge Starters, Movers and Flyers, HKDSE Writing, bridging courses, and English enhancement programmes. She is passionate about helping students become confident readers and thoughtful writers, while fostering a lasting love of reading.

Steven Maginn - Senior Tutor

Steven Maginn studied History at the University of Cambridge, where he earned a first-class degree. He began his career teaching English in Japan before moving into academic publishing, spending 25 years in Asia working with educational publishers and writing textbooks for learners of English.

Since leaving publishing in 2013, Steven has worked as a full-time tutor at First Class Academy, teaching a wide range of humanities subjects, including English language, English literature, geography, history, politics, philosophy, and religious studies. He has taught students from early primary age through to adulthood and has prepared them for examinations including 11+, 13+ Common Entrance, GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, IB Diploma, HKDSE, IELTS, TOEFL, SSAT, SAT, and ACT.

Steven also has extensive experience supporting students through applications to UK, US, Canadian, and Australian universities. He is known for his rigorous yet encouraging approach and for helping students think independently, write effectively, and achieve their academic goals.

Gail Mackey - Senior Tutor

Gail Mackey holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Spanish and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from University College Cork, Ireland, as well as a TEFL Certificate and a Master’s degree in English Studies from the University of Hong Kong.

Her teaching career spans more than three decades across Hong Kong and the UK, including over twenty years at La Salle College, Hong Kong, where she served as a Native English Teacher, and seven years teaching GCSE and A Level English at St. Paul’s Comprehensive Secondary School in Leicester. She also brings valuable insight as an experienced examiner for both international and local examination boards.

Gail prepares students for A Level, GCSE, IGCSE, IB Diploma, IELTS, HKDSE, and TOEFL, and has particular expertise in English Literature, English Language, critical reading, and academic writing. She also supports students with UCAS and JUPAS personal statements and secondary school interview preparation. Alongside her work with students, Gail has trained and mentored teachers and developed schemes of work across SATs, GCSE, and A Level curricula. She is especially committed to helping students become analytical, perceptive readers and confident writers.

Dr. Wesley Tucker - Senior Tutor

Wesley Tucker is originally from the Boston area and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts Boston, where he graduated with a GPA of 3.53. He later moved to Hong Kong to pursue doctoral studies in the Biochemistry Department at the University of Hong Kong.

After completing his doctorate programme and spending time in industry, Wesley transitioned into education. He now specialises in teaching IGCSE, A Level, and IB Biology and Chemistry to students from a range of international school backgrounds in Hong Kong.

Wesley is particularly effective in one-to-one and small-group settings, where he helps students build a strong understanding of scientific concepts through real-world examples, clear explanation of underlying principles, and targeted exam-style practice. His teaching is highly personalised, supportive, and focused on helping each student gain both confidence and mastery.

Maitreyi Karanth - Senior Tutor

Maitreyi Karanth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, a Master’s degree in Business, and a postgraduate qualification in Education. With over 15 years of experience tutoring mathematics, she has helped students prepare successfully for major examinations including IGCSE, SAT, IB, and A Level.

She is known for her strong understanding of exam strategy and her ability to connect with students in ways that make mathematics more approachable and engaging. Her breadth of experience and dynamic personality allow her to build strong rapport with young learners while maintaining high academic expectations.

Alongside her work in education, Maitreyi is also a stand-up comedian, actor, philanthropist, and the founder of the Koma Karanth Foundation, which supports underprivileged communities in the Philippines. Her TEDx talk, Age is Not Just a Number, It’s a Journey, has reached more than 300,000 viewers. She was recognised as one of Moodie Davitt’s Top 20 Individuals of 2023, and later received the Global Women of Influence Award 2024 and the AmCham Women of Influence Award 2025. She brings energy, empathy, and resilience to her teaching, encouraging students to approach learning with confidence.

Alison Iu - Tutor

Alison Iu is a graduate of German Swiss International School and holds a law degree from the University of Cambridge (2020). She later completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Laws at the University of Hong Kong and qualified as a Hong Kong solicitor in 2024. She also holds a Trinity Cambridge TESOL Certificate.

Alison prepares students for IGCSE, GCSE, IELTS, and HKDSE, with a particular focus on English, essay writing, creative writing, argumentative writing, debating, and public speaking. She helps students develop clarity, confidence, and originality in both written and spoken communication. Alison also has extensive experience teaching early years mathematics and training students for Maths Olympiad. She has personal experience competing in the Kangaroo Olympiad in her youth.

During her school and university years, Alison was an accomplished debater and public speaker. She served as senior debating team captain and represented Hong Kong at the World Individuals Debating & Public Speaking Championships 2015, where she ranked 20th in the world for persuasive speech and 46th overall. She was also a semi-finalist in Cambridge University’s Brick Court Moot Competition in both 2019 and 2020. Alison brings this background into her teaching by helping students become more articulate, persuasive, and self-assured communicators.

Bonnie Leung - Business & Administration Manager | Operations & Parent Liaison

Bonnie Leung is a Business and Administration Manager with over 20 years of experience in educational administration, tutorial centre operations, and school accounting. She holds an MBA from Federation University Australia and brings a strong combination of strategic insight and practical operational expertise to her role.

Over the course of her career, Bonnie has worked across both private tutorial networks and formal secondary school settings, developing deep experience in administration, financial management, personnel coordination, and day-to-day operational systems. She is highly regarded for her ability to build strong relationships with parents through clear communication, responsiveness, and genuine care.

Bonnie plays a key role in ensuring that the organisation runs smoothly and efficiently, supporting both staff and families through effective systems, collaborative leadership, and thoughtful attention to detail.

Sertaç Mustafaoglu - Creative Thinking & Problem Solving Mentor

Sertaç Mustafaoglu is a Hong Kong-based business strategist and designer with over 20 years of experience supporting teams ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Sertaç serves as a mentor with OWN Academy, Soho House, the beVisioneers: Mercedes-Benz fellowship, and the Resolve Foundation. In these roles, he supports young students and professionals in articulating their vision, defining their goals, and overcoming practical challenges through the application of productivity systems, habit formation, and creative problem-solving.

Whether mentoring students on individual projects or helping them shape and communicate new ideas, Sertaç is committed to fostering confidence, curiosity, and independent thinking in everyone he works with.

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