Testimonials from
Students, Educators, & Parents
on Teaching, Trips, Sport, & Mentoring
Ben, a former Spanish GCSE and A Level student who went on to STUDY LANGUAGES AT DURHAM
Alex was attentive and never left a student behind; his lessons were also vigorously planed. I felt it very easy to learn in the teaching environment he curated.
Head Of A Top London Independent London School:
Alex managed a large and successful Spanish department, (and) consistently secured strong outcomes with examination students across both French and Spanish.
Alex has led annual international language trips, including the launching of the College's first Spanish Work Experience and Immersion trip. He also launched the first Spanish language mentoring programme between pupils of Year 12 and Year 10. Outside of the classroom, Alex contributed to the extra-curricular life of the school, including supporting and leading our racket-sports provision.
Henry, a former GCSE and A Level Spanish student who first developed a professional interest in radio following the Work Experience Immersion to Cantabria in 2018
Alex was a fantastic teacher who had a real influence on my decision to continue studying Languages at university and ultimately pursue a career centred around languages, music and international culture.
One experience that particularly stands out was a work experience trip Alex organised, which gave me my first opportunity to spend time in a radio station environment.
That experience had a lasting impact on me and helped spark an interest in radio and broadcasting that I continue to pursue today.
I now host Salsa Select on OneJazz, a radio show dedicated to salsa and Latin jazz, and I’m very grateful to Alex for helping give me that early exposure to the world of radio.
His encouragement and support played an important part in shaping the path I’ve taken since leaving school.
Dagem, former Year 11 French and Year 13 Spanish student and tutee:
Mr Iltchev is nothing short of a great teacher. His method of teaching is very logical and structured and keeps the learning process enjoyable. I’ve had the pleasure of learning from him for 3/4 years in French (and Spanish later on) leaving with an A* for my French grade. He is patient and goes above and beyond when it comes to helping with progressing with the language.
Mat, Former Head of French at a top London Independent School, now owner of an Educational Consultancy:
I would strongly recommend Alex to any student preparing for competitive university interviews, particularly in Modern Languages. His subject knowledge, professionalism, and ability to bring out the best in students make him an excellent tutor and mentor. Our student found the session extremely helpful for his confidence, and it helped him understand what to expect in the real interviews. He was successful in his application to Oxford.
Anish, former Spanish A Level Student
Alex taught me Spanish A Level taking my grade from a B to an A*. He was thorough in his approach whilst being very approachable and ensuring I felt comfortable asking questions and improving, offering opportunities for me to challenge myself. Would definitely recommend
Year 12 and Year 13 Students on Work Experience and Immersion trip to Cantabria:
We very much enjoyed this trip as it had a good balance of being educational and fun.
We had organized meetings with Spanish students from several schools in rural Cantabria and Santander, and these conversations and cultural exchanges really served to enrich the experience of language learning in a sociable, fun way.
Herein lies the essence of the trip: boys are introduced to the most authentic (and probably most effective) type of language learning- being immersed in the culture and life of a country.
Pupils felt stretched yet invigorated at the end of trip and full of confidence ahead of the start of the examination season in the summer term.
Charlie, a former Spanish A Level Student
Alex taught me for 2 years leading to an A*. He was a very dedicated teacher, went above and beyond to give tailored feedback and help students who were struggling in particular areas. Above all, his passion was inspiring for all students in the class. A very professional, dedicated, and hardworking teacher and someone I couldn’t speak more highly of
Archie, a former Spanish A Level student
Alex did an amazing job. He can tailor and adapt his lessons to the students' needs, answers all questions without hesitation, and is able to help students understand how to improve their linguistic abilities by targeting areas that need improvement.
Parent of Student on on Work Experience and Immersion trip to Cantabria
My son said he feels his Spanish has improved so much and that everyone they met there was so nice and welcoming. We also listened to the show on the radio and were very impressed!