STEP examiner
I assess candidate solutions and have direct insight into how mathematical reasoning, clarity and meaningful progress are rewarded.
About Arij Asad
Mathematics, teaching and opportunity.
I am a Cambridge Mathematics graduate, STEP examiner, former Cambridge admissions interviewer and PhD researcher in fluid dynamics. My work combines specialist private tuition with examining, university teaching, mathematical research and widening participation.
Cambridge
Undergraduate Mathematics degree
150+
Students taught
7 years
Private tuition experience
STEP
Examining and marking experience
I want students to experience difficult mathematics as something they can explore, understand and eventually solve—not something that is accessible only to a small group of naturally confident people.
My background
From Cambridge mathematics to fluid dynamics research.
I studied Mathematics at Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge. My undergraduate experience introduced me to the depth, creativity and challenge of university mathematics, as well as the distinctive style of teaching provided through Cambridge supervisions.
I later began a PhD in fluid dynamics at the University of Bristol. My research concerns the mixing of plumes in confined environments, with applications to the safe storage of nuclear waste.
Alongside my research, I have continued teaching mathematics at school and university level. This combination of research, examining and tutoring allows me to help students see both the precision required in examinations and the broader mathematical ideas that make the subject interesting.
Professional experience
Direct experience of the assessments students are preparing for.
My tuition is informed by work across examination, admissions, assessment development and university teaching.
Cambridge interviewer
I previously interviewed Mathematics applicants at Homerton College and contributed to admissions decisions.
TMUA and ESAT assessment
As a Pearson VUE Assessment Associate, I was involved in reviewing and vetting questions for TMUA and ESAT.
University teaching
I have taught undergraduate Mathematics at Bristol and supervised Fluid Dynamics II students at Cambridge.
STEP Summer School
I direct the She Talks Science STEP Summer School at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge.
Private tuition
I have taught more than 150 students, including students preparing for TMUA, STEP, interviews and university Mathematics.
Teaching philosophy
Develop the student, not just the solution.
Strong preparation should improve how a student approaches future problems independently, rather than only helping them complete the problem currently in front of them.
Carefully judged guidance
I use hints and questions to help students restart productive thinking without removing the central challenge.
Broad problem experience
Students encounter a wide range of mathematical ideas so they become more adaptable when a question looks unfamiliar.
Honest, detailed feedback
Feedback addresses mathematical understanding, written communication, efficiency, exam technique and independent work.
Beyond private tuition
Research and widening participation.
Mathematical research
My PhD research uses theoretical, experimental and computational fluid dynamics to study how buoyant plumes mix within confined environments.
- Applied mathematics and fluid dynamics
- Laboratory experiments and imaging
- Mathematical modelling
- Computational simulation and data analysis
Access and outreach
I have worked across mathematics outreach, university access programmes and widening-participation initiatives supporting students considering competitive university courses.
- She Talks Science STEP Summer School
- University of Bristol widening participation
- The Brilliant Club
- Summer schools and university access programmes
Academic and teaching journey
Mathematics from several perspectives.
Undergraduate study
University of Cambridge
Studied Mathematics at Murray Edwards College and experienced Cambridge lectures, example sheets and small-group supervisions.
Teaching and outreach
Supporting students beyond the classroom
Developed experience across private tuition, summer schools, university outreach and widening-participation programmes.
Doctoral research
University of Bristol
Began PhD research in applied mathematics and fluid dynamics, alongside undergraduate teaching.
Admissions and assessment
STEP, TMUA, ESAT and Cambridge interviews
Built direct professional experience across examining, assessment review and university admissions interviews.
Current work
Arij Asad Maths
Provides specialist mathematics tuition combining subject expertise with direct assessment and admissions experience.
Work with Arij
Discuss tuition or specialist mathematics support.
Please include the student's year group, course or examination, current preparation, goals, location or time zone and preferred lesson frequency.