Walter K

Oppidan co-founder who loves racquet sports, running and the behavioural psychology behind working with children.

Education

Durham University - Theology

Bio

I founded Oppidan because I believe the value proposition is something I would have strongly benefitted from as a child. Having worked in schools in China and London, and then as a Professional Tutor for 18 months, Henry and I launched Oppidan in 2016 and have enjoyed every minute since.

I am a very keen sportsman. I play football every week and tennis, squash or padel as often as I'm allowed. Running makes me feel good and I try to run a one marathon a year. I like to read - mostly non fiction; of that, mostly political diaries. I am nostalgic - I keep a common place book and collect photograph albums voraciously.

Approach

Working with children is a real privilege. It's a skill that requires, more than anything, the ability to read a child's changing situation quickly and adapt to it. The catalyst of any work I do with children attempts to understand their own individual, intrinsic motivations and then to help them work on seeing themselves through their own projection. We call that ownership.

It is a skill that, like many, develops the longer you do it, particularly across different ages, abilities and backgrounds. I've worked with close to 500 children and each one presents a different challenge.

My approach to mentoring is about empowering children to take control of what they're trying to achieve throughout their childhood.

What parents say

"Walter is great at building relationship/rapport with kids, is respectful and considerate. He’s using great frameworks to support the mentorship process and regularly introduces new concepts/learning opportunities for the kids to consider." Mother of Year 8 boy, October 2022

“Walter is simply the best of the best. What he has done for our son’s confidence, broadening his horizon and improving both his ability and results, has been nothing short of incredible!” Mother of Year-7 student, March 2021

"If you want someone extremely knowledgeable in a given subject matter who is actually passionate about engaging with children, finding rapport and helping meet his/her learning/development/life goals, this is it." Mother of Y7/8 boys, October 2022,

"What Ed has gained during this process is more important than the results. He was lucky to have such a great mentor and learned a lot from you. He looks up to all of you and takes you as a role model, which is indeed great." Father of Year-6 boy, February 2020

“I can’t thank you enough. He really looks up to you (and in such a short time). He asked me if he can stay in contact with you after everything is finished this year and I said absolutely! The mentorship side is what I think he will really benefit from.” Mother of 11-year-old boy, October 2018

“What an incredible young man – Walter is extraordinary! He was fantastic with our daughter and she clearly learnt a lot from him.” Mother of Year 7 student, August 2017

"You are incredible with kids. They connect so well and learn easily and very much as a consequence." Mother of Virginia, 12-year-old girl, June 2016