An educational studio for exceptional minds
Our Philosophy
Mount Helicon was the place where the muses lived in the ancient mythology of Greece. These denizens of learning and inspiration surveyed the landscape around them, secure in their ability to bestow knowledge and wisdom to those who sought it.
Mount Helicon was a place where intelligence and creativity could meet.
At Helicon View Learning, the highest levels of academic consultancy combine with creative and intuitive teaching.
Mentorship and personal development are central to our ethos, and adults will find as much to interest them as younger students.
Helicon View provides a vista over the changing educational landscape, to help you to chart a course for yourself and your family.
We believe that, in adventures of the mind, we fulfil our potential.
Our Founder
Helicon View was founded by award-winning author, poet and photographer Matthew Smith, who has worked as a tutor, mentor and consultant in London for over 16 years.
Matthew is at the heart of a network of tuition specialists and consultants who understand the terrain that children and adults need to cross, whether working towards academic or creative and personal goals.
He works closely with schools consultant Dee Francken, former head of North London Collegiate Junior School, and many other advisors, to guide families in London and around the world.
Matthew is the father of two girls, based in Hampstead, London. He read English Literature at Christ Church College, Oxford University.
You can find out more about him at Matthew Smith Works.
Family Legacy
We work with families who think deeply about their own and their children’s progress, helping them to align their education with their values, heritage and culture. We believe that a family’s greatest legacy is potential
Private Tuition
All subjects, arts and age-levels are covered. We have specialists in school entrance, Oxbridge and university entrance
Members of Helicon View Learning are provided with professional educators by an agency that delivers superior service as standard. Over the years, we have come to understand the unique ways in which private tuition can support class-based learning, or provide a programme of education in its own right. We use our experience to provide an intelligent link between the needs of the student and the capabilities of the tutors we work with. The majority of our tutors went to either Oxford or Cambridge. The rest have attended the best universities in the world, from Imperial College to Harvard.
Consultancy
Orientation
Full academic assessment with written report and follow-up discussion
Ideal for those embarking on school entrance or 16+ preparation, or wishing to gauge progress at any academic level
Clarity
A focused session with parents and/or the student, to clarify educational pathways
Creates the right context for progress
Includes a follow-up summary with written observations and broad strategy
Pathway
Focus on educational vision, key subjects
Curated reading and learning guidance, school/university mapping
Deeper psychological insight into creative/gifted profiles, hindered skill development and/or confidence blockages
Unfolds over a few focused sessions
Vista
Full pathway guidance for a child (or family)
Monthly or fortnightly sessions
Coordination with tutors, school advisors
Working closely on the student’s academic and cultural confidence
Placement support for top UK private schools, art schools, private schools overseas, Oxbridge and international universities, if required
Includes strategic support and bespoke reading plans
Inheritance
Deep coaching for families and students looking to build an intergenerational legacy
Sessions may take place with parents, children, and extended family where desired
Harmonising cultural heritage with new beginnings
Full mentorship for working with UK culture is combined with academic tuition and strategic planning
Concierge-level service at the heart of a network of academic and cultural expertise
