Specialist GCSE and A-Level biology tutor Caroline Shepherd smiles from her home classroom in Ringwood, Hampshire

Hi! I'm Caroline Shepherd

- The 'Sheps' behind Biosheps! 

I’m a full-time Biology tutor, qualified teacher, and examiner. But more than that, I’m someone who gets it.

Because I’ve been there too.

At A-Level, I was that bright, motivated student putting in the hours — but still coming out of exams with E’s and D’s. I revised hard, but nothing seemed to stick. When I got my exam papers back, I was so frustrated that they didn’t reflect my effort. My confidence dropped. I started to believe maybe I just wasn’t cut out to be a scientist. 

And then… my parents found me a tutor.

It was intense. It was personal. There was nowhere to hide. But it changed everything.

With the right support, I stopped guessing and started understanding. I developed exam technique strategies that helped me decode questions and write answers that actually got marks. I finally felt confident walking into my Chemistry exam — and proud walking out of it. I got the grades 

That transformation is exactly what I help my students experience now.

  • Caroline clearly has an incredible understanding of how teen minds work, how they can be motivated and how they can be helped to understand really complex things.

    This, coupled together with kindness, approachability and enthusiasm for Biology is what makes you such a fantastic tutor.

  • Caroline is an incredibly approachable and understanding teacher.

    She really helped my confidence in Biology A-Level with clear explanations and a flexible approach to teaching. She was always cheerful and I enjoyed our lessons. Her help and guidance results in me achieving a grade higher than my predicted grade at A-Level.

  • Caroline was able to explain complex concepts in a way that was easy for me to understand and was always willing to go the extra mile to ensure I grasped the material.

    I was really struggling with the content and exam technique, but with the help of Caroline, I saw a significant improvement in my grades. She has transformed my outlook on Biology with her continuous encouragement and support.

What I Believe

I believe every student deserves the tools, strategies, and support to succeed in Science — not just the ones who naturally ‘get it’ or go to top schools.

You don’t need more revision time.

You need someone to show you how to use it.

You don’t need more exam questions and worksheets.

You need to understand how the examiner thinks and how to structure your answers.

You don’t need to just ‘work harder’.

You need someone to help you understand the exam and feel confident tackling it.

That’s where I come in.

What Makes Me Different

I’m not just a tutor. I’m a qualified teacher with over 10 years’ experience — including 5 as Head of Biology — and a current A-Level examiner.

That means I know:

What examiners are really looking for

Why students lose marks (even when they know the content)

How to break down tough topics into “lightbulb moment” clarity

How to rebuild confidence after a few shaky grades

In 2022, 46% of my A-Level students achieved
A–A* — double the national average.

My Credentials

  • Fully qualified teacher rated “Outstanding”

  • 1st Class BSc Biomedical Sciences (University of Southampton)

  • 10+ years teaching experience (5 as Head of Biology)

  • Experienced A-Level examiner (current)

  • 46% A–A* results in A-Level Biology (2022 cohort)

  • DBS checked, safeguarding trained, fully insured

When I’m Not Tutoring…

You’ll find me pottering in the garden, kettlebell in one hand and coffee in the other.

I live in the New Forest with my husband and our retired greyhound, Devi — and yes, she often makes guest appearances in lessons.