Dubai, UAE & Online Worldwide

The Institute of Science & Medicine — Expert Tuition Built for Ambition

Research scientist. Marie Curie Fellow. Former ICR postdoc. Now bringing world-class scientific expertise to IB, IGCSE, and medical school preparation — in person in Dubai, and online via interactive Zoom sessions for students across the UK and worldwide.

130+
Students placed into medicine at highly selective universities
IB & IGCSE
Specialist across all major syllabi

About

Dr Sri Sharma

I'm a research scientist turned educator — and that combination is what makes my teaching genuinely different. I hold a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Dundee College of Medicine (SUPA Scholar), for research into microultrasound imaging of tissue dysplasia, with postdoctoral and fellowship research spanning Israel, Canada and the UK, including breast cancer research at the Institute of Cancer Research and teaching at King's College London. That depth of scientific training is what lets me teach Physical Science in medicine and engineering the way admissions tutors actually want to see it understood — not just memorised.

I moved into teaching at Dartford Grammar School, a highly selective school in England, where I served as Head of BioMedicine and STEM Admissions. In that role I built extensive experience mentoring and guiding students to achieve their highest potential — successfully guiding over 130 students into medicine at highly selective universities, and over 150 students into STEM-related degrees, with more than 30 students now studying a range of courses at Oxbridge. I currently serve as Head of Science and Higher Education Lead at a prestigious school in Dubai.

Doctoral Thesis — University of Dundee (SUPA Scholar): Microultrasound Imaging of Tissue Dysplasia
Research Internship — Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire (Master's thesis)
Marie Curie & RSE Fellow · Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute of Cancer Research UK
CapsuTech (Israel) & Technion — Israel Institute of Technology: targeted drug delivery and nanoporation of tumour cells
Taught at King's College London
Head of BioMedicine & STEM Admissions — Dartford Grammar School
130+ students guided into medicine at highly selective universities
150+ students guided into STEM-related degrees
30+ students placed on courses at Oxbridge
Head of Science & Higher Education Lead — Prestigious School, Dubai
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Tuition Programmes

Clear Pathways from Foundation to Distinction

Every programme is tailored to the individual student — understanding where they are, where they need to be, and building the knowledge and confidence to get there.

Ages 11–14

KS3 Science

Building confident scientific thinkers from the ground up. Strong KS3 foundations make the jump to GCSE far more manageable.

  • Biology, Chemistry & Physics all covered
  • Aligned to UK national curriculum
  • Focus on understanding, not memorisation
  • Regular progress checks
GCSE / IGCSE

KS4 Science

Exam-focused support for GCSE and IGCSE Science — whether Combined or Triple Award — targeting the top grade bands.

  • AQA, Edexcel, Cambridge IGCSE
  • Exam technique and mark scheme literacy
  • Past paper practice under timed conditions
  • Targeted gap-filling for borderline students
A-Level / IB

KS5 & IB Physics

Specialist physics tuition at A-Level and IB Diploma level — where conceptual depth and mathematical fluency both matter.

  • IB Physics SL & HL — full syllabus
  • A-Level Physics (all major boards)
  • Internal Assessment (IA) support
  • University application preparation

Pricing

Small-Group Online Tuition

Group sessions capped at a maximum of 5 students — small enough that every student still gets individual attention, question by question, while sharing the cost of expert tuition. Prices shown in UAE Dirhams (AED) and British Pounds (GBP) per student.

● Max 5 students per group · online
Year 7–8 · Grade 6–8
KS3 Science Group
Biology, Chemistry and Physics foundations, taught together in a small group. Builds the confidence and content base that makes GCSE far more manageable.
1.5 hours · weekly · max 5 students · online
200 AED / student / session
£42 GBP
Year 9–11 · Grade 10–11
KS4 Science Group
Exam-focused small-group tuition across AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE. Past paper practice and mark-scheme literacy, with feedback tailored to each student.
1.5 hours · weekly · max 5 students · online
220 AED / student / session
£47 GBP
A-Level / IB
KS5 & IB Physics Group
IB SL/HL and A-Level Physics in a focused small group — full syllabus coverage and exam technique, with room for each student's specific gaps to be addressed directly.
1.5 hours · weekly · max 5 students · online
260 AED / student / session
£55 GBP
Exam Prep
Science Exam Crash Course
Intensive, focused revision in the run-up to exams — one 2-hour session a week for 4 weeks, built to consolidate content and sharpen exam technique.
2 hours · weekly for 4 weeks · max 5 students · online
300 AED / student / session
£63 GBP

Group size is capped at 5 students, not the 10–15 common elsewhere — small enough that every student is called on, corrected, and understood individually within the session. Prefer one-to-one attention? Please enquire for individual tutoring rates. A free 20-minute consultation is available before joining a group.

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Medical Entry

Mentoring for Medical Aspirants

Getting into medical school is one of the most competitive journeys a student can take. I've helped students navigate every stage of the application — from UCAT preparation to interview performance.

UCAT Preparation

VR

Verbal Reasoning

Reading speed, comprehension strategy, and time management across all VR question types.

DM

Decision Making

Logical reasoning, syllogisms, probability, and Venn diagrams — now the largest section of the test.

QR

Quantitative Reasoning

Data interpretation and mental arithmetic strategies, built for speed under timed conditions.

SJT

Situational Judgement

The professional values and ethical frameworks that underpin strong SJT responses.

Interview, Application & Beyond

MMI Coaching

Multiple Mini Interview preparation — practising real station scenarios, ethical reasoning, communication skills, and how to think clearly under pressure. Mock MMIs with detailed feedback.

Personal Statement

Crafting a personal statement that reflects genuine motivation, relevant experience, and academic insight. Editing, strengthening narrative, and ensuring it stands out to admissions tutors.

Work Experience & Reflection

Guidance on sourcing meaningful clinical exposure in Dubai and turning it into the kind of reflective insight admissions tutors and MMI panels are actually looking for.

130+ Students placed into medicine at highly selective universities
150+ Students placed onto STEM-related degrees
30+ Students currently studying at Oxbridge

Why Work With Me

What Makes This Different

01

Research-level expertise

With an MD, Marie Curie Fellowship, RSE Fellowship, and postdoctoral research at the Institute of Cancer Research, I bring genuine scientific depth — not just curriculum knowledge.

02

Genuinely personalised sessions

No generic worksheets. Every session is planned around your child's specific gaps, pace, and goals — and adapted as they progress.

03

Dubai-based, teaching the UK too

Based in Dubai and familiar with the international school landscape here, while also teaching UK-based students online over interactive Zoom sessions — the same curricula (IGCSE, A-Level, IB), the same standard of teaching, wherever you're based.

04

A proven medical admissions record

Over 130 students guided into medicine at highly selective universities, with 30+ now at Oxbridge across various courses. As a scientist who has worked in clinical research, I understand what admissions panels are actually looking for.

Testimonials

What Students Say

Real feedback from students I've worked with — added here as it comes in.

"

I couldn't have asked for a better physics teacher throughout my IB studies and Oxford application. Dr Sharma went well beyond what was needed for exams, which made all the difference when it came to university-level interviews and admissions tests.

When I decided to apply for Physics at Oxford, Dr Sharma went above and beyond to support me. He ran mock interviews that closely mirrored the real thing, pushing me to think on my feet and explain my reasoning out loud rather than just recite facts. He gave me detailed, honest feedback on multiple drafts of my personal statement, helping me make sure it reflected genuine curiosity and depth. He also helped me prepare for the entrance exam, working through past papers and tricky problem sets with real patience, always explaining the "why" behind a method rather than just the steps.

"

Dr Sharma assisted me with HL Physics when I started IB at Dartford Grammar School. His expert knowledge and willingness to teach went a long way in developing my understanding and interest in Physics. He takes a structured approach to his teaching, breaking down complex topics into simple ideas that can easily be understood. What began as the subject I was struggling with and worried about the most, turned into one that became my favourite!

"

Dr Sharma really helped me hone my practice and focus on what was needed for these exams. Before, I lacked direction and information on what to do, but he provided me with the right guidance, motivating and pushing me to work. He also taught me how to build expert level intuition, allowing me to tackle unseen problems in the interviews and exams using my strong foundations. I am very grateful to him and his efforts.

"

I had the privilege of working with Dr Sri Sharma throughout sixth form and my university application journey. His guidance helped me achieve 44 IB points and a 1570 SAT, secure offers from UCL and Carnegie Mellon University, and earn a competitive research placement at the National Physical Laboratory. Beyond the results, Dr Sharma took the time to understand my ambitions and gave me the confidence and practical guidance to pursue them. I am incredibly grateful for his mentorship and would wholeheartedly recommend him to any student aiming to reach their full potential.

"

Dr Sharma was an exceptional teacher and mentor who helped me develop my mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills. He explained complex ideas clearly and patiently, while also helping me develop a deeper mathematical intuition rather than simply teaching me how to find the right answer.

His guidance extended beyond the mathematics itself. He consistently encouraged me to think more critically, approach problems from different perspectives, and develop effective methods for improving my understanding.

I genuinely could not have asked for a better teacher or mentor. The skills and methods Dr Sharma taught me have stayed with me, and I still use them on a day-to-day basis in my university studies.

"

Dr Sharma's tutelage was incredibly influential in my process of obtaining a 7 at Physics HL. I had started year 12 with a Physics grade of 3, and under his consistently easy to understand lessons along with the plethora of resources he provided, I was able to obtain one of the top scores in Physics in my final exam.

His teaching style is easy to understand, personally tailored to individual students and communicated thoroughly to allow for maximum results. I would strongly recommend his services and guarantee success under his guidance.

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For Parents

A Clear Guide to Supporting Your Child

Navigating international curricula, university applications, and medical school entry can feel overwhelming — especially from Dubai, where the school landscape spans a dozen different systems. This page is written for you: plain answers to the questions parents ask most.

Signs your child may need support

It's not always obvious. These are the patterns worth paying attention to.

Predicted grades dropping

A steady decline in mock results or teacher assessments, especially in physics or sciences, rarely self-corrects.

Avoidance behaviour

Reluctance to discuss schoolwork, skipping revision, or leaving homework until the last minute — often a sign of underlying gaps.

Working hard but not improving

If your child is putting in the time but not seeing results, the approach — not the effort — usually needs changing.

Medical ambitions without a plan

Many students want to study medicine but have no structured UCAT prep, no work experience plan, and no understanding of what the application actually requires.

Lost confidence

Statements like "I'm just not a science person" are a signal, not a fact. Confidence rebuilds quickly with the right support.

Approaching key exams

IB exams, IGCSE finals, or A-Level assessments within 6–12 months. Earlier intervention always produces better outcomes.

How I keep you informed

You shouldn't be in the dark about your child's progress. Here's what you can expect as a parent when your child works with the Institute of Science & Medicine.

  • Initial assessment report after the first session — where your child is, what the gaps are, and the plan to address them
  • Session summaries sent after each lesson covering what was covered and what to focus on before the next session
  • Monthly progress notes with an honest assessment of trajectory and predicted outcomes
  • Direct access via WhatsApp for any questions between sessions
  • Grade and confidence tracking so you can see improvement over time, not just hear about it
  • Honest conversations — if something isn't working, I'll tell you, and we'll adjust

Questions parents ask most

How is IB Physics different from GCSE or A-Level, and why is it so hard?

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The IB Diploma is widely considered one of the most rigorous pre-university qualifications in the world. IB Physics specifically demands both conceptual understanding and mathematical fluency — students can't rely on formulas alone. The Internal Assessment (IA), which is an independently designed experiment worth 20% of the final grade, trips up many students who haven't had proper guidance. The grading scale runs from 1–7 (7 being the highest), and most competitive UK universities require a 6 or 7 in Physics HL for science and medicine courses. The sessions here are structured around the IB's specific assessment objectives, not generic physics teaching.

My child is at a British school in Dubai — how does the curriculum compare to schools in the UK?

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British international schools in Dubai follow the same syllabi as schools in England — IGCSE and A-Level courses are identical to those sat by students in the UK, and are marked by the same exam boards (Edexcel, Cambridge, AQA). The qualifications are fully recognised by UK universities. The key difference is the international student body and the pace — some schools move quickly through content to fit the academic calendar, which can leave gaps. As someone who has taught in British schools both in England and Dubai, I understand these pressures and the specific dynamics of the international school environment.

What is the UCAT and when should my child start preparing?

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The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a two-hour admissions test required by most UK medical schools, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, King's, and Edinburgh. Since 2025 it tests four areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Decision Making, and Situational Judgement (Abstract Reasoning was removed from the test) — none of which are directly taught in school. It is sat in the summer before Year 13 (usually July–September), and a high score significantly strengthens a medical application. Preparation should begin at least 3–4 months before sitting, ideally in Year 12. Starting early makes a measurable difference — the test is learnable with the right strategy.

What is an MMI and how do you prepare for it?

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The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) is the interview format used by the majority of UK medical schools. Instead of a single panel interview, students rotate through 6–10 short stations (5–8 minutes each), each with a different scenario — an ethical dilemma, a role-play, a data interpretation task, a communication challenge. It's designed to assess how students think under pressure, not how much they know. Preparation involves practising real station scenarios with detailed feedback, learning frameworks for ethical reasoning, and building composure through repetition. I run mock MMI sessions that replicate the real format as closely as possible.

How many sessions does a student typically need?

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It depends on where the student is starting from and what they're working towards. A student with specific gaps a few months before exams might need 6–10 targeted sessions. A student building towards IB or A-Level exams over an academic year typically benefits from weekly or fortnightly sessions across that period. For medical aspirants, UCAT preparation usually runs over 8–12 weeks of structured sessions, with MMI coaching added separately in the autumn before application deadlines. After an initial assessment session, I'll give you a clear recommendation — not a vague commitment to ongoing sessions.

Can sessions be online, or do you only teach in person in Dubai?

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Both. In-person sessions are available across Dubai. Online sessions run over Zoom and are fully interactive — a shared whiteboard, screen sharing, and real-time annotation, which works particularly well for physics, where diagrams and worked examples are central to the session. This is how I currently teach students based in the UK as well as Dubai, alongside my in-person groups. Many students actually prefer online for the convenience. Quality of teaching is identical either way.

How should I support my child between sessions?

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The most effective things parents can do are: ensure there's a consistent, quiet time set aside for independent study after sessions; encourage your child to attempt problems before looking at solutions (struggle is part of learning); avoid putting pressure around exam results in a way that increases anxiety; and keep communication open — if something isn't working or your child is struggling emotionally with the workload, let me know. I'll always be honest with you about where things stand.

Curriculum glossary

A quick reference to the terms you'll hear most often in Dubai international schools.

IB Diploma (IBDP)
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme — a two-year pre-university qualification taken at ages 16–19. Students take six subjects plus Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay, and CAS. Graded 1–7 per subject; maximum total is 45 points.
HL & SL
Higher Level and Standard Level within the IB. Students take three subjects at HL (more depth, more content) and three at SL. Medicine applicants typically need Physics, Chemistry or Biology at HL.
IGCSE
International General Certificate of Secondary Education — the international version of the GCSE, typically sat at age 15–16. Offered by Cambridge (CIE) and Edexcel. Graded A*–G or 9–1. Widely accepted by UK universities.
A-Level
The traditional English pre-university qualification, taken at ages 16–18. Students typically study three or four subjects. The gold standard for UK university entry — graded A*–E.
IA (Internal Assessment)
A student-designed investigation in IB subjects, marked internally and moderated externally. In IB Physics, it accounts for 20% of the final grade and requires independent experimental design and scientific writing.
UCAT
University Clinical Aptitude Test — required for most UK medical school applications. Tests cognitive abilities across four subtests (Abstract Reasoning was removed from the test in 2025). Sat annually in summer; scores valid for one application cycle only.
UCAS
The UK's centralised university application system. Students apply to up to five universities through UCAS, with a personal statement and predicted grades. Medicine applications have an earlier October deadline.
Personal Statement
A 4,000-character written piece submitted through UCAS explaining why the student wants to study their chosen subject. For medicine, it must convey genuine motivation, relevant experience, and academic insight.
MMI
Multiple Mini Interview — the interview format used by most UK medical schools. A series of short, timed stations testing communication, ethics, data interpretation, and reasoning under pressure.

UK medical application timeline

What needs to happen, and when — for students aiming for medicine at UK universities.

Year 11 / Age 15–16

Strong IGCSE or GCSE science grades are the foundation. Begin thinking about subject choices for sixth form — Chemistry and Biology or Physics at A-Level or IB HL are essential.

Year 12 / Age 16–17 (first year of sixth form)

Begin work experience in a medical or clinical setting. Start UCAT preparation in spring/summer. Research university requirements — each medical school has different entry criteria and scoring thresholds.

Summer before Year 13

Sit the UCAT (July–September window). This is the most time-pressured moment — preparation should be well underway before this point.

Year 13 / September–October

UCAS application submitted — medicine deadline is 15 October, a full month earlier than other courses. Personal statement must be polished and final by this point.

Year 13 / November–March

Interview invitations arrive. MMI preparation is critical during this window — most offers are decided at interview stage, not on grades alone.

May / A-Level or IB Exams

Conditional offers depend on final grades. Consistent support throughout Year 13 ensures students meet their conditions.

Ready to talk?

A free 20-minute consultation is the best place to start. We'll discuss where your child is, what they're aiming for, and whether the Institute of Science & Medicine is the right fit. No obligation.

  • Honest assessment — not a sales pitch
  • Clear explanation of what support would look like
  • Specific advice based on your child's curriculum and goals
  • Available in person (Dubai) or via video call
Book a free consultation →

Get in Touch

Book a Free Consultation

Not sure where to start? A free 20-minute consultation is the best first step — we'll talk through your goals and whether we're a good fit.

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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+971 58 167 8272 (UAE) · +44 7581 151539 (UK)
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In-person (Dubai) & online sessions available