Atherstone Tutors and Atherstone Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a full-time specialist tutor and experienced teacher with a PhD in English Literature and philosophy. Informed by over a decade's experience in the secondary and undergraduate classroom, my tutoring practice stimulates student independence and confidence when encountering challenging texts. I work with students studying KS3 Literacy, GCSE English Language and Literature, A Level English Literature, and undergraduate English, Literary Theory and Philosophy. I also work with students confronting the challenges of 11+ and 13+ examinations and GCSE and ALevel students engaged in homeschooling.

A recent client review (with many more available on request):

'It has been a revelation for my 12 year old to be tutored by Tom in English Literature. He is an exceptionally gifted teacher. He is qualified to teach at a much higher level than key stage 3 and the depth of his own relationship with the subject matter really shows. It is matched by his talent for allowing the student the time and space to arrive at their own understanding of the texts he teaches. His patience and understanding have been a tremendous benefit to my child and it has been wonderful for me to watch her confidence and her sense of herself grow as Tom has listened to her. I should mention that Tom knows his way around the exam system very well, and can teach tools for exam performance. However my opinion is that his true value is in his willingness also to set those types of goal aside, and model a true love of literature to his pupil.'

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored and homeschooled online and in person since 2012 in KS2 Literacy and Literature, 11+ & 13+ examinations, KS3 literacy, and GCSE/A Level examinations in English Language and English Literature across the full range of exam boards. From September 2017 to June 2024 I worked in London as a secondary teacher of English Literature and Language, RSE and Citizenship from KS3 to GCSE, with an 100% pass-rate at 7 (A) and above.

Between 2011 and 2016 I worked as a teacher of undergraduate English Literature and Literary Theory at the University of Glasgow (2012-2016), teaching over 300 students overall across a wide range of undergraduate modules. This work included course design and delivery, marking, feedback and administration, and the development of bespoke lectures and workshops in poetry. More recently, I worked as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing and Literary Theory at the University of Essex (2017-18). In 2015 I was nominated for a University of Glasgow Student Representative Council Student Teaching Award in the category 'Best Postgraduate who Tutors'.

I'm also a specialist in editing, proof-reading and academic writing more broadly. I was a regional editor of The International Journal of Badiou Studies for a number of years and I recently co-edited a special issue of the Journal of British and Irish Innovative Poetry. My book of philosophy, 'Badiou, Poem and Subject', is published by Bloomsbury (January, 2020). I continue to review prospective philosophy manuscripts for Bloomsbury. I am also a published poet with five published collections and numerous publications across a range of independent journals and magazines including Granta.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring practise is about building relationships: it's hugely important to me that I offer a non-institutional, supportive and lively space in which I can respond not only to a student's individual challenges and ambitions but also to what they find most stimulating and pleasurable in their work. I deliver bespoke tutorials designed to foster enthusiasm, confidence and pleasure-seeking in reading and writing; but I also prepare those of my students sitting exams to be canny, to 'play the game' with expertise.
In person, I work with a wide range of resources tailored to the needs of individual students, whether they're preparing for their GCSE or A Level English exams, struggling to read poetry for the first time or experiencing problems in their undergraduate coursework. But I'm also a strong advocate for online learning: my online tutorials are lively and collaborative, using Google docs to create vibrant shared documents full of live feedback.

I have a huge amount of experience in exam preparation across the full range of exam boards. I also offer structured tutorial series to help students become acquainted with the nuances of 11+ and 13+ examinations, including elite comprehension and creative writing coaching.

My KS3, GCSE and A-level students benefit from approaches and methodologies used in the study of philosophy, literature and creative writing at undergraduate level.

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Personal Description:
I graduated from Imperial College in Mathematics and stayed on to carry out research in Applied Mathematics to Diploma Level. I also have a Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematical Education (PGCE). I have always had a keen interest and enthusiasm for the subject. I have had a very varied career and have worked as a technical computer programmer as well as in Maths school teaching and private tuition both in this country and abroad. Hence I am a fully qualified and experienced secondary school Mathematics teacher (Years 5 to 11) and private tutor in the subject. I am happy to help prepare upper primary students for secondary school as well as up to GCSE level. I also have much experience of teaching adults.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Mathematics in schools and FE colleges in the UK and in the United Arab Emirates up to GCSE and A Level.
I also tutored students both in this country and in Dubai with great success. In fact I was selected by my Dubai school to teach the children of their Royal Family. This consistently results in excellent attainments for my students.
My own four children studied Maths to A level and I coached them throughout their education. They are now grown up.
In 2013 I returned from the Middle East. Since then I have been working as a private tutor of Mathematics.
I do have a great deal of experience both with the old GCSE as well as with the new 9-1 exam (ever since its introduction) as well as with the IGCSE, Sats, Common Entrance and adult numeracy exams etc.

Tutoring Approach:
I am equally happy to provide in person lessons at my home in Hampshire or online tuition (currently using Skype).

I thoroughly enjoy private tuition and tailor each lesson to suit the requirements of the individual student. I find it best if the student brings me their difficulties / problem topics to be worked on. I can also pinpoint areas where help is needed by working through questions I select with the student. In addition I find that going through corrections of their recent test/exam scripts is a good diagnostic tool.

I have often been told that I give extremely clear explanations and that I have great reserves of patience.

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Personal Description:
Fully-qualified French and Spanish teacher with a degree (BA) in Spanish and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (MA) in Modern Foreign Languages.

Teaching Experience:
- 2 years teaching French & Spanish at secondary school.
- 10 years tutoring French and Spanish privately, in which time I have tutored over 100 students.
- 6 years working as an external examiner (marking GCSE exams).
- Experience working with students of a variety of abilities and needs.
- I have tutored 138 students through my own tutoring business.

Tutoring Approach:
- I am organised, friendly and enthusiastic (but strict when necessary!).
- I aim to create a positive learning environment for my students where they feel comfortable, gain confidence and enjoy their lessons.

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Personal Description:
Friendly, patient and dynamic tutor with a wealth of experience in teaching English from age 8 - 80. I originally trained as a primary school teacher and spent 16 years teaching all primary levels in a range of schools in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
After moving to the USA in 1999, I began working in the ESL sector, teaching large classes of multi-level, multi-cultural classes in the Houston area. I also taught privately from my home, providing English classes during the summer vacations.
After moving to Paris, France in 2006, I studied for my International Certificate in TEFL and began teaching Business English to executives in a range of companies in the Paris/Ile de France area. I also worked for APESEB, a programme which prepared primary-aged French children for integration into bilingual schools.
After returning to the UK in 2013, I began tutoring English to both children and adults, both native and non-native. I studied for my Cert. IBET (Certificate in International Business English Teaching) and passed with Distinction in 2015.

I'm passionate about teaching, I love developing the tutor/tutee relationship and watching progress happen - could there be anything more satisfying?

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced Business English/General English teacher of adults and children. I have an MA in English Literature/English Language, Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Teaching, Certificate in TEFL and Certificate in International Business English Teaching (Cert IBET). I have taught EFL to learners of all ages (8 - 85) and all abilities in Texas (USA) Paris (France) and now the Bristol/Bath area, UK. Since 2015, I have been employed by South Gloucestershire Council as a Community Learning Tutor, teaching ESOL classes for adult learners in Yate and Bradley Stoke.

I am a registered tutor with Lingua, Cartus Intercultural Language Solutions, Language House and Simon and Simon Language Consultants - I provide Business English training to professionals in a range of companies in the Bristol area, including Orange, Broadcom and Imperial Tobacco.
I tutor KS2 and KS3 English and provide intensive Academic English training for English examinations, including preparation towards IELTS and Trinity GESE.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is communicative and fun. No boring pen-pushing lessons! Lessons are engaging and diverse, goals and objectives are established and examined regularly. I rapidly identify your learning style and learning preferences in order to build confidence, ensure rapid progress and keep your motivation and interest levels high. I identify any blocks to learning and use a range of resources and techniques to overcome these. I try to build autonomy and self-reliance, giving my learners the tools for their individual success.

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Personal Description:
I was brought up in Cardiff and my claim to fame is attending the same school as Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton. I'm a Christian, married to Jifelane - the most wonderful woman in the world. She's from Mindanao in the Philippines and we met online! I'm a proud dad to two beautiful children, Isaac and Hannah. I'm much travelled, play guitar, write songs and enjoy carp fishing especially on a warm Spring or Summer day. I am also an author! I published my first book 'Moondust' in 2015 and have recently self published another two, available in the Blurb Bookstore.
As a person I am patient, reflective and believe strongly in integrity. I am compassionate and enjoy seeing the funny side of life - I attempt to bring these qualities to my work. I am a dedicated, adaptable and friendly practitioner who loves to bring out the best in children and others. I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference. I saw that children were the hope for today and for the future and that schools were vital training grounds for life. Now as an experienced practitioner, I still have an infectious enthusiasm and passion to see children learn and reach their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
My professional experience is rooted in the breadth and depth of a teaching adventure which spans over twenty five years. Teaching mostly across Key Stage 2 (but also including KS1), it is entwined with close collaboration with colleagues from Reception through to Y6. I am keenly aware of the learning journey through the Primary School. Most of my teaching career has been in England and I have taught in a diverse range of schools. I am familiar with and use a range of teaching and learning strategies and believe that getting to know the child, coupled with quality assessment is the best way to help move them forward.
In recent years, I have been an integral part of two highly successful schools. My last school received an exceptional report from the most recent ISI inspection at the end of 2014. I quote:
'Staff are highly successful in shaping the educational programmes around the children's' interests and needs, providing a range of highly stimulating learning opportunities across all subjects through a creative curriculum that frequently takes learning outside.'

Tutoring Approach:
I endeavour to use a range of communication strategies which include listening, observing, questioning, explaining, modelling, storytelling and coaching. I have high expectations of myself as a tutor and high hopes and expectations of the learners in my care. I believe that effective teaching and learning comes from a being a reflective and critical practitioner, so whilst I will use tried and tested approaches initially, I will then adapt to suit the learning needs of the tutee. Assessment for learning methods such as strategic questioning, using success criteria and regular quality feedback are embedded into my teaching and learning ethos. As much as possible, I endeavour to make learning fun, stimulating and child centred, sensitive to individual needs. Developing close but respectful relationships with the students lays the foundation for being secure enough to take risks and improve their learning.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified Civil Engineer with a 2:1 Bachelor of Technology degree from India.

Previously, I have coached students for a period of 3 years.

Currently, I am doing my Masters in Business Analytics and Big Data from University of Liverpool.

Teaching Experience:
I was involved with teaching Maths and Physics both for-profit as well as for Charity for a period of 3 years or more.

Tutoring Approach:
I usually start with a small assessment test to understand at which level a student is performing.

Once I have assessed that I device a strategy based on the student assessment and the given end goal within a stipulated time period

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Personal Description:
Experienced Tutor (GCSE, IB/A-level and Degree) with 3 degrees obtained with scholarships in Science and Engineering at a top European institute, currently teaching Maths & Science at MathysicsTutor Kingston.

It has been satisfying to be able to help students and career changers to lift the grades, raise the confidence and discover the joy of learning through private tuition journey.

Besides tutoring, I am a Geoscientist with more than 10 years of experience in research and operation. As a Geoscientist, I combine advanced Maths, Physics and Geology in order to discover oil and gas within the earth.

The skills and experiences that I have acquired in the energy industry have enabled me to bring to students not only the knowledge and essential skills such as creative thinking, critical thinking and problem solving in the academic context but also the experience of applying those skills to the real-world problems in the science and engineering sector.

I was a teaching assistant during my academic years. Since graduating from IFP School in 2009, I have tutored people in my social circle. Since 2016, I have tutored students and career changers at various levels and from a variety of backgrounds.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of private tutoring GCSE, IB & A-level and University students from a variety of backgrounds with a firm knowledge of the optimal motivating and engaging approaches for each age group, with great satisfaction rate.

My private tutoring methods have enabled many pupils to successfully get into a variety of top schools listed below. I am able to assist students in boosting their confidence, reaching their full potentials and stretching their abilities whilst maintaining high academic performances.
In addition, my private tutoring style is aimed at building problem solving skills, improving accuracy and speed, providing remedial work for those struggling as well as making study interesting and engaging.

40% of my students come from referral.

I have tutored university students from Imperial College, Edinburgh, SOAS, Kingston, Leeds and City universities in Maths, Geology, GIS and research/dissertation preparation.

My GCSE & IB/A-level students have come from following schools among others:

King's College School Wimbledon
Whitgift School Croydon
Tiffin School Surbiton
Tiffin Girls Kingston
ACS Cobham
Kingston College
Kingston Grammar
Hampton School
Sutton Grammar
Esher college
Coombe School New Malden
Surbiton High school
Wimbledon High school
Lady Eleanor Holles Hampton
Box Hill School Dorking
Royal Russell School Croydon
Nonsuch High School Cheam
Grey Court School Richmond
Twyford Church of England High School Acton
Royal Grammar School Guildford
Esher High School
Ursuline High School Wimbledon
Whitgift School Croydon
Latimer school Hmmersmith
St Dominic`s Sixth Form College Harrow
Notting Hill and Ealing High School
International School of London Ealing
Moulsford Preparatory School Oxfordshire
St John's Beaumont School Windsor

Tutoring Approach:
Every student is different and that is why private tutoring approach must be tailored to each individual. Upon discussion with students and their parents, I offer a customised SMART tuition plan: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.

Core part of my private tutoring approach is to go over each topic to ensure thorough understanding of the concepts which is followed by variety of questions to consolidate the learning.

Assignments and homework are an integral part of my private tutoring approach as key to success is effective practice.

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Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaker who grew up in a Traditional Chinese environment in Taiwan. I've also studied art, lived and worked in the UK for the last 4 years. Therefore, I have a sufficient understanding of both languages and I've been teaching Chinese to adults and kids for more than 3 years. 

I enjoy helping people express themselves through Chinese, and making the learning process delightful and practical. I also have multiple interests including drawing, yoga, planting, swimming, reading, dancing, going to exhibitions and going camping. I am happy to share things I know with you and learn from your interests. 

Teaching Experience:
In the last three years, I've helped students with different needs, backgrounds,  ages, and different Chinese levels. For example, helping a total beginner to build up a basic knowledge of Chinese, helping intermediates to have daily conversations, and helping the advanced learners to speak precisely in daily and business contexts. 

I can teach in the pin yin or Zhuyin system according to students' needs, and both traditional and simplified Chinese. My previous experiences include preparing a family(aged 6 and aged 35) to move to Chinese speaking country, introducing Chinese to teenagers who are interested in Chinese culture and history, and helping people who want to work bilingually in English and Chinese, as well as support people who had learned Chinese long time ago to pick it up again. 

I am passionate about teaching the Chinese language and culture, and I enjoy seeing my students' joy in achieving and improving.

Tutoring Approach:
We will design the course content together based on your interests, needs, and abilities, and develop it according to your goals. The course can be in full Chinese or half Chinese and half English. 


For beginners, I usually start with building up vocabularies, recognising characters, and speaking, then move on to sentence structures and grammar. I encourage my students to speak and communicate confidently even if it's not perfect, and we will correct the word order and grammar from the conversations. 


I enrich the courses with props, books, games, and videos for students of different ages. My approach is to create an enjoyable and relaxed space for you to speak Chinese and learn from mistakes. I will help you cultivate your confidence with my patient and friendly guidance.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I am Daren, a University of Cambridge graduate with a Masters in Engineering. I am currently a full-time software engineer during weekdays and a math & science tutor in the evenings and weekend. I enjoy tutoring and sharing the knowledge, tips & tricks that I have gained over the years to make understanding difficult topics easier.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience in tutoring high school math & science in the past. I have also tutored briefly at University level.

Fun fact: I also volunteered to tutor music (guitar) at my local church during high school.

Tutoring Approach:
Based on my past experience, I put a lot of emphasis on understanding my student first. Each students have their strengths, weaknesses and style of learning. With this, I will tailor my teaching methods accordingly to ensure my student learn effectively.

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Personal Description:
Hi, my name's Sean. I hold a degree in English, graduating with First-Class Honours, and I am also a fully qualified professional English teacher with over ten years' experience teaching at prestigious secondary schools in the UK, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in teaching English language and literature at key stages 3, 4 (GCSE) and 5 (A-level); in particular, I have an excellent track record of helping my students reach, and surpass, their goals in the AQA and Edexcel GCSE exams. I have also successfully prepared many students for English proficiency exams such as IELTS and the Cambridge English tests, while also helping a number of students to prepare for 11+ exams (English, maths, science, verbal and non-verbal reasoning).

Tutoring Approach:
Whatever your specific requirements may be, you can be assured that I will call on all of the skills and experience I have gained over the years to ensure that our classes are engaging, challenging and tailored to your needs in order to give you or your child the best possible chance of reaching your/their objectives.

I would be delighted to discuss with you exactly how we might proceed with our classes, and so I hope to hear from you soon!

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Personal Description:
My name is Chelsea. I graduated from Newcastle University in 2016 with a degree in Japanese Studies and have been teaching the language for over 10 years.

I live in a small rural village with my partner and cat.

I'm happy to provide both face-to-face tuition locally or online lessons via Google Meet and Teams.

When I'm not teaching, I'm usually watching East Asian dramas, walking, or playing games online. I'm also a big fan of taking pictures of my cat, Squeak; she may insist on making an appearance during online lessons, but I promise she won't be too distracting!

Teaching Experience:
I've been a private tutor for over 10 years, teaching Japanese to all sorts of people - from children to retirees. Most of my lessons are online, but I also do in-person sessions locally.

I don't just do weekly lessons; I'm also happy to do one-off sessions for specific goals. I've helped people get ready for trips to Japan, assisted with wedding speech pronunciation, and worked with self-learners to help them find the right books and resources so they don't get overwhelmed.

Outside of private tutoring, I've run taster sessions at public events and given talks on Japanese culture. Whatever your reason for wanting to learn, I've probably worked with someone in a similar boat and can help you get started.

Tutoring Approach:
I use a very flexible approach so we can work at a pace that suits you. For my lessons, I use PowerPoint presentations to guide us through grammar and example sentences. I keep these simple and use coloured visuals to break things down so they're easier to digest. After each lesson, I'll share the presentation with you so you can refer back to it whenever you need.

Because of this setup, we have a good structure but can easily "flip back" to old grammar points if you need a refresher. I also try to get to know your hobbies and interests so I can use them in our examples - it makes the language much more relevant to your life.

Homework is entirely up to you and your own pace. I can set weekly vocabulary, sentence practice, or flashcards, but it's always your choice. For online lessons, I use Teams or Google Meet, which is very seamless. If we meet in person, I'll bring my laptop to go through the same content, along with any textbooks or paper resources we might need.

Most importantly, I keep things friendly and relaxed. It's 100% okay to make mistakes in my lessons - it's all part of the journey!

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Personal Description:
Hi there!
My name is Beth, I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham. I managed to receive 8 grade 9s during my GCSEs and 1 grade 8, as well as 3 As in my A levels (Maths, Physics and Graphic Communications). In the future I'm hoping to work in robotics/prosthetics, and I have such a genuine interest in both maths and physics (especially space and quantum!). I also love cooking and playing basketball.

Teaching Experience:
On top of my tutoring experience, I've just returned from my second year working at a youth summer camp in Canada. Here I was required to teach the kids wilderness survival skills, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, arts and crafts, and plenty more! We were also required to teach them leadership qualities and responsibilities, as well as fun camp songs and dances, with everything being very interactive.

Tutoring Approach:
My personal approach to tutoring is a mixture of interactive learning and individual work, making sure to cover all of the required content and keeping a large focus on past exam papers. Depending on what's needed, I like to focus on weaker areas before providing a more general overview, then fine tuning everything closer to the exam period.

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