We are
Luminary Education
Regardless of age, level or location, we are committed to helping students achieve their potential.
Meet our management team
With years of experience working in education, we have helped hundreds of students improve their English, navigate important exams and craft successful school and university applications.
Max Doyle
Founder and Director
Max has spent the last 8 years working in the Education space, having worked in multiple regions, including: Dubai, Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan. He is a specialist in assisting international students on their journey to studying in the UK, whether that be at school or university level. A fluent Russian speaker, currently based in Cyprus, he continues to assist families seeking to explore the world of international education.
Irina Gorbunenko
Head of Operations
From her base in London, Irina manages the majority of our UK School Placements and coordinates in-person lessons on the ground in London. Irina has a wealth of experience working in the Education Consultancy space and is a fluent speaker of English, Ukrainian and Russian. Whether you are simply looking for advice or you are ready to get going with your applications, Irina is ready to help!
Drew Maycock
Academic Director
Drew has over 12 years experience working with students of different nationalities, ages and abilities. He supports all of our students by creating bespoke plans and timetables to ensure they are in line with students’ goals. He also provides support for school and university placements – from selection to completing the application process.
Meet our senior tutors
Our team is composed of top academics, teachers and specialists from the UK, US and Europe. Our tutors have extensive knowledge of teaching at all levels, from EFL instruction to preparation for university.
Having previously worked as tutors ourselves, we understand that education is a personal process. We work with our tutors to plan as they adapt their approach according to the individual learning style of each student.
Ryan
Senior tutor in maths
An experienced GCSE Maths specialist with multiple years experience teaching in both UK and International schools and over 5,000 hours completed with students online. Ryan is a patient and attentive tutor with an impeccable record of improving students’ grades at GCSE by at least 2 grades. Ryan is also a keen runner, professional musician and former British Chess champion.
James
Senior tutor in humanities
A graduate of Westminster School and Cambridge University having read History, James has been tutoring a variety of subjects for over 5 years. He is experienced in preparing students for the ISEB Pre Test, humanities at GCSE and A-level, and a specialist in providing support to Russian-speaking students transferring to the UK education system.
Dr Sarah
Senior tutor in chemistry & biology
A Chemistry and Biology specialist who has taught a wide range of students of varying ability. After completing her PhD and having worked for the UK government, Dr Sarah made the decision to move to tutoring to instil in her students the passion she has for the sciences. Dr Sarah uses a wide range of techniques and materials to ensure each student is comfortably challenged within the classes.
Dr Florence
Senior tutor in English language & literature
Dr Florence completed her PhD at Glasgow University. She is a passionate tutor and lecturer of English Literature and Language, and takes part in international conferences. Dr Florence prepares students for English examinations from 11+ all the way to Masters. Her students’ success include: winning international writing and poetry competitions, and accepting places at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Robert
Senior US consultant & SAT tutor
Robert is an experienced Education Consultant specialising in assisting students seeking placements at top US universities. An Ivy League graduate himself, with over 8 years experience in the field, Robert is well placed in supporting students with everything from Common App support, to SAT preparation and supplemental essay guidance. Robert has particular expertise in assisting international students and speaks multiple languages, including: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Russian.
Chenxi
Senior consultant & Chinese tutor
Chenxi has been teaching Mandarin Chinese since 2013, after obtaining a distinction in her Master’s degree of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, from the Beijing University of Language and Culture. Chenxi has a solid background in IB, GCSE, A-Level and STEAM curricula, as well as extensive experience in preparing for the HSK exams, among others. Chenxi also works as a consultant, assisting Chinese families who are seeking to explore education in the UK.
Ryan
Senior tutor in maths
An experienced GCSE Maths specialist with multiple years experience teaching in both UK and International schools and over 5,000 hours completed with students online. Ryan is a patient and attentive tutor with an impeccable record of improving students’ grades at GCSE by at least 2 grades. Ryan is also a keen runner, professional musician and former British Chess champion.
James
Senior tutor in humanities
A graduate of Westminster School and Cambridge University having read History, James has been tutoring a variety of subjects for over 5 years. He is experienced in preparing students for the ISEB Pre Test, humanities at GCSE and A-level, and a specialist in providing support to Russian-speaking students transferring to the UK education system.
Dr Sarah
Senior tutor in chemistry & biology
A Chemistry and Biology specialist who has taught a wide range of students of varying ability. After completing her PhD and having worked for the UK government, Dr Sarah made the decision to move to tutoring to instil in her students the passion she has for the sciences. Dr Sarah uses a wide range of techniques and materials to ensure each student is comfortably challenged within the classes.
Dr Florence
Senior tutor in English language & literature
Dr Florence completed her PhD at Glasgow University. She is a passionate tutor and lecturer of English Literature and Language, and takes part in international conferences. Dr Florence prepares students for English examinations from 11+ all the way to Masters. Her students’ successes include: winning international writing and poetry competitions, and accepting places at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Robert
Senior US consultant & SAT tutor
Robert is an experienced Education Consultant specialising in assisting students seeking placements at top US universities. An Ivy League graduate himself, with over 8 years experience in the field, Robert is well placed in supporting students with everything from Common App support to SAT preparation and supplemental essay guidance. Robert has particular expertise in assisting international students and speaks multiple languages, including: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Russian.
Chenxi
Senior consultant & Chinese tutor
Chenxi has been teaching Mandarin Chinese since 2013, after obtaining a distinction in her Master’s degree of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from the Beijing University of Language and Culture. Chenxi has a solid background in IB, GCSE, A-Level and STEAM curricula, as well as extensive experience in preparing for the HSK exams, among others. Chenxi also works as a consultant, assisting Chinese families who are seeking to explore education in the UK.
We'd love to hear from you
If you are interested in learning more about our services, please get in touch to book a call.
