Casual Learner English Tutors & Casual Learner English Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a fully-qualified professional teacher with more than 30 years of teaching and tutoring experience, both in the UK and abroad. I regard myself as a friendly and approachable tutor, as well as honest and conscientious, and I pride myself on being able to communicate with students of all ages, from pre-teen to pensioner.

I am the father of two boys, and we live in the Sutton area. My wife and I successfully tutored our sons for Sutton's grammar schools (WCGS), and they have since both graduated from top Russell Group universities. My hobbies are limited to reading these days, and I am particularly fond of English Literature. Dickens and Hardy are two of my favourites, but I am also keen on modern and less serious writers, such as Tom Sharpe and the two Rankins - Robert and Ian.

Teaching Experience:
After obtaining my first degree in Spanish with Politics and Economics, I started teaching abroad; first in Spain, then in Turkey, and later in Central Asia and the Middle East. Since retraining as a teacher of English, I have taught for more than 15 years in the UK and almost 15 years abroad, where I was Head of Department at an Institute of Higher Education for three years.

Most recently I have taught English at an independent school in Sutton, and previous to that I taught Academic Writing for East Anglia University for several years. Nowadays my tutoring is split between English for the 11+ and Common Entrance (13+) exams, English for KS2 and KS3 SATs, and English, Spanish, Economics and Politics & Government for the GCSE and A-level exams (all boards).

11+ and 13+ (Common Entrance)
I am very happy to report that all but one of my twelve Eleven Plus tutees passed the SET (Selective Eligibility Test) for Sutton's grammar schools last September. Of these, 100% of them passed the second stage exam and obtained their first choice of grammar or independent school. I use a selection of published materials and those of my own creation, and insist on a high standard of weekly homework in reading, writing and language knowledge. For 11+ pupils I start tutoring in Year 4 or 5, whereas 13+ pupils begin in Year 7 or 8.

KS2 and KS3 SATs
I usually start tutoring for the KS2 SATS in Year 5, and in Year 8 for the KS3 SATs. I tend to use a mixture of focused texts and past papers.

GCSE and A-level
I am equally happy to report that all of my most recent GCSE and A-level students have passed well, with top grades from B to A* (A-level) and 6-9 (GCSE). The majority of those have gone on to their first choice of further and higher education institutes, and in most cases this has been achieved by my insisting on regular homework done to a high standard. For GCSE pupils I prefer to start tutoring at some time in Year 10, whereas A-level students typically begin around Year 12.

I also provide individual tutoring in ESSAY WRITING and STUDY SKILLS, as my experience has taught me that many students at GCSE, A-level and undergraduate level face real problems in these areas. By working together on your essays, substantial improvements can be made in style, organisation, argument, presentation, and much more. This way, I can teach you how produce more effective and mature essays, and thus help you to obtain better grades and increase your confidence in producing written work.

Tutoring Approach:
With every tutee I carry out an initial assessment of his/her needs and abilities, and my teaching begins from there. Typically I work on improving their weaknesses and consolidating their strengths, and this essentially involves them producing high-quality homework on a regular basis. I use both established published materials and those that I have created myself over the years. This approach appears to be successful, and I can provide references.

Over the past twelve years I have successfully tutored students for the following schools and universities:

Schools: Sutton Grammar, Wilsons, Wallington County, Wallington High, Nonsuch, Whitgift, Trinity, Wimbledon High, Kings School, City of London, Reigate Grammar, Caterham School, St John's, Westminster, Epsom College, Ewell Castle, and many others.

Universities: Manchester, Warwick, City, East Anglia, St Martins, Lincoln, Kings, LSE, UCL, Nottingham, Reading, Birmingham, Bournemouth, and several others.

Please note that my fees are very affordable, bearing in mind that I travel to your house and offer a personalised tutoring programme.

I currently charge between £45 and £50 per hour, depending on subject and level.

NB: Any tutoring that involves more than 6 miles travel (round trip) usually incurs a small extra charge.

If you are looking for a fully-qualified, highly-experienced and versatile tutor, you need look no further. Here are a few messages from some of my most recent successful tutees:

Hello Jeff, I just got my IELTS results and I FINALLY passed it! Listening 8, Reading 7.5, Writing 7, Speaking 7.5 and it's 7.5 overall. I would like to THANK you sooooo MUCH for your help and all advice you have given me! It would not be possible otherwise. (Vanja)

Sam got into Wilsons and we are pretty sure that his English performance carried him through. Sam said we ought to say 'thanks' to you as you made a massive difference to his standard of English in a very short period of time. Not sure how, but you made something click in his brain where his school teachers had failed! (Cathy)

Hi Jeff, hope you are well. I am extremely delighted to tell you that Rick has a place at Westminster, and we are going ahead with that. He has also had offers from HABS, KCS and RGS Guildford. Thank you so much for all your support. (Animesh)

Hi Jeff, just to let you know that Dillon got a place at Sutton Grammar on Monday. He also received places at Whitgift, Trinity and Epsom. We have decided to accept Sutton Grammar, and thank you for all your help and time.
Thanks - Paulomi and Dillon.

Dear Jeff! Thanks you so much for tutoring me last year. You have helped my English greatly and without your advice and guidance I would have had a nervous breakdown when I was given the task of an essay. You taught me about causal connectives, signpost words, paragraph structure and much more vital strategies of writing an amazing essay.
Finally, I am happy that I got a place at Wilsons and know I would have failed the English language test without what you taught me. I am very grateful that you gave up your time to help me pass.
Yours Sincerely, Makar

Hi Jeff, I hope you're well. I just wanted to let you know that Andriy got offered a place at Whitgift and we have accepted it. Thank you very much for helping and recommending this great school to us. Andriy is really excited about it and cannot wait to start.
(Oksana)

Dear Jeff, sorry for the delayed reply as we are in India. Rishi has done well, has received English Language 9 and English Literature 7, and scored 8 in six other subjects. He could achieve good results only because of your support. Thanking you.
(Chandra)

Hi Jeff, I am pleased to inform you that Mahati cleared the 2nd round. Her cut-off score is 354. We hope she gets into either of the two schools. Thanks a lot for your support throughout.
(Sassi)

Hi Jeff, Tamana's results have come in for the Sutton Stage 2 test. She has passed with a relatively good score of 315, and based on last year's stats, she should get in comfortably to Nonsuch or Wallington. Thanks for all your lessons that significantly helped her in the preparations.
(Vedant)

Hi Jeff, hope you're doing good. We have got the exam outcome, and Samrudha is able to apply for Nonsuch. Her score is 309, and the highest total score is 389. Secondly she has cleared Tiffin's Stage 1 test and has been invited for Stage 2 on November 11, and we would like to take your help whenever possible.
(Kirthi)

Hi Jeff, I just wanted to let you know that Ed passed the entrance exams for all three schools. Thank you so much for all your support! (Emma)

Hello Jeff, I hope you are well. Vivaan passed the exams for Wilson's, Wallington and Sutton. He also got through Tiffins Stage 1. Thanks very much for your help and support! His English improved massively under your guidance.
Kind regards
Jyothi

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Personal Description:
I am a Cambridge graduate currently teaching at a secondary school in Birmingham. I offer private tuition in English and Latin as well as Oxbridge application advice.

I specialise in coaching students through GCSE/A Level. However, I am happy to help all students from 11+ and even adult learners.

I graduated with a degree in English from the University of Cambridge (Girton College) in 2008 and in 2010 completed a Masters in Medieval Literature and History at the University of York. In 2019 I completed my PGCE at the University of Warwick and have since taught in a local secondary school.

Teaching Experience:
After ten years based in London working in journalism, in 2018 I moved back to the West Midlands to train as a teacher. I am now employed as a teacher of English at a highly-regarded secondary school in south Birmingham.

I have several years of experience in private tuition and and have tutored students preparing for GCSEs and A Levels in Latin, English (both language and literature), and Politics & Government. I've had great success in helping students of a range of abilities improve subject confidence and achieve exceptional results (including many A*s and Grade 9s).

Tutoring Approach:
Latin:

Puzzled by perfect participles?
Confused by conjugations?
...and what on earth is a gerundive?

Let's face it, studying Latin can be difficult, but it is the challenge which makes it such a rewarding subject.

My approach to teaching Latin is to develop translation skills whilst reinforcing the key building blocks of grammar. I endeavour to work at the student's own pace and tailor my sessions to complement school work.

English:

As a qualified teacher of English, I understand how to get the best out of students. I have an intimate knowledge of most GCSE and A Level set texts and can advise students on revision strategies and exam technique.

I am comfortable working at different paces and levels to support the individual needs of a student.

It is difficult to offer a single "approach to tutoring" as I believe the right teaching method depends entirely on the interests, level, and personality of the individual student.


Interviews:

I am also available to tutor students preparing for university entrance interviews (in particular Oxbridge). Having experienced the process first-hand, I feel I am well positioned to offer meaningful advice on how a candidate can impress during the application and interview process. I am willing to conduct mock interviews.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic, young and passionate tutor with much experience in the field of teaching. With my confidence and ability to teach at varied ages I feel that I am a competent tutor for students struggling with any facet of the education cycle in schools.

I only teach females.

Teaching Experience:
I am the Head of English at an all-through school in East London. I have a varied and wide experience with teaching students of all abilities and backgrounds.

I am a qualified teacher who enjoys a challenge and has a passion for helping others reach their fullest potential.

I have experience with students all ages and abilities.

Tutoring Approach:
I feel that teaching learners at a personal level requires a particular mindset, the pedagogical approach would be catered to my learner's needs and ability. I would first take a diagnostic test of my student and then proceed with the best course of action for this tutee, using my experience from my PGCE year and my current teaching practice, I would teach accordingly.

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Personal Description:
I am a mother of 2 with 10 years+ of teaching as a TA and 10+ working as a tutor. I am currently working with young people up to the age of 18 with RMBC and I also work with young people with disabilities.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in primary education for ten years. I have worked as a one to one with children with Special Educational Needs and developed my skills training to be a Higher level Teaching Assistant.
Throughout my time in Primary education, I have worked effectively with teams in Key Stage one and two. Due to my extensive experience and educational background I often cover for teachers. I am able to confidently teach from a given plan, adapting the teaching where required and utilising support staff effectively. I have a solid understanding of the essential skills and learning outcomes and have used this knowledge to support children where necessary.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in a personalised learning approach. The activities I use are dependent on the child and the way they learn. I understand that children can learn visually, kineasthetically or can be auditory learners. Therefore I adapt my teaching and my activities to suit the learner.

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Personal Description:
Hi! I'm an Oxford graduate with a 2:1 in English Language and Literature. I graduated in 2013 and went on to study an MSc in Psychology at Oxford Brookes, in which I achieved a distinction. I am now a published author, and split my time between writing novels and tutoring. Tutoring has always appealed to me as a rewarding way to put the skills that I learnt during my degree and masters to good use. Reading English at Oxford honed my critical thinking, analytical abilities and study skills, while my masters gave me experience in data analysis and conducting research. My day job as an author has also deepened my understanding of how to write effectively. I enjoy tutoring others and helping them to develop these skills too! In my spare time, I like to read and play boardgames. I'm highly experienced in teaching both in person and via Zoom, Skype and Teams. As well as tutoring, I also specialise in editing, copy-editing and proofreading academic essays, job applications and CVs, and articles. I offer creative writing coaching to writers of all ages.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring for over ten years and have worked with lots of students of all ages. Many of my students have worked with me through the transition from primary to secondary school, or through their GCSEs and on into their A Levels. I am particularly experienced in helping students to prepare for secondary school entrance exams, GCSEs, and A Levels.

I successfully completed an assessment for the selective tutoring agency Blue Tutors. During the assessment I had to demonstrate my tutoring ability to a trained assessor, who described my communication skills as 'excellent'.

In my final term at Oxford, I volunteered with Schools Plus, a program which runs after school tuition sessions for struggling students in areas of economic disadvantage. I spent half a term working with GCSE English students, tutoring them on an individual basis in the run up to their January modules. As part of the selection process for the program, I also attended tutoring training.

When I was in the 6th form (in 2009), I also volunteered as a classroom assistant in my school. I was working with students who were having difficulty with essay-based subjects like History and English. I worked with two students in their History classes, helping them to understand the work they were set in class and working through it with them. I had to use my knowledge of French to help one student who had not yet learnt to speak fluent English, translating the teacher's instructions for her and helping her with words she did not understand. Between 2009-10, I helped to run two after-school classes for Key Stage 2 pupils, one in Literacy and Art and another in Drama. This involved planning and delivering lessons to classes of about 5-10 children, and keeping them engaged with the topics they were learning through activities designed to both teach and entertain.

Tutoring Approach:
My experience of tutoring has shown me the importance of patience and respect in teaching. Especially in essay-based subjects, it is crucial that a teacher allows their pupils space to develop their own ideas, and respects their independent thought. Learning by rote has only limited usefulness: the best way to excel at a subject is to understand it, so I always explain concepts as fully as possible and move at the tutee's pace, making sure that they have properly grasped each concept or issue before moving on to the next. My Schools Plus training emphasised the idea that the goal of tutoring is to help a student to help themselves, enabling them to tackle problems rather than solving things for them. I think that this is fantastic advice, and it is a rule which I always try to bear in mind when tutoring.

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Personal Description:
Being a native Russian speaker, I am also a qualified teacher of foreign languages and I work as a self-employed language tutor now. I am also fluent in English (expert user: band 9 in IELTS).

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience in working in a busy academic environment teaching students of various age groups. In the last 20 years I have taught a range of courses covering English for language students, English for Special Purposes (ESP) in Engineering and Economics, Applied Stylistics, English for Academic Purposes, Russian and Theoretical Phonetics. I am highly professional in developing teaching materials and planning lessons. My freelance teaching experience is over 5000 hours of face-to-face lessons from beginners to advanced level, including training for international exams.

Tutoring Approach:
In my lessons, I prefer student-centred approach combining different teaching techniques depending on level and material. Every lesson is tailored to a student's needs, level and pace. Language is a mode of communication, which is why I prioritise communicative method in teaching vocabulary and grammar. I always provide feedback to my students using positive reinforcement techniques to motivate, encourage and built up confidence.

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Personal Description:
I am currently in my 3rd year of studying for my BA in Journalism & Creative Writing, I am happy and capable of tutoring up to A Level English Language. I am a friendly and approachable person, with experience volunteering in schools around sensitive subjects.

Teaching Experience:
No professional experience but have tutored coursemates and friends through Degree and A Level essays and exams. An A in A-Level English Language and maintaining a 67% average in my undergraduate.

Tutoring Approach:
I will change my approach dependent on how a student learns, getting to know them and how they respond to the subject. I can also offer extraneous knowledge of linguistics and language relevant to the course for potential credit.

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Personal Description:
I have been tutoring GCSE English for many years in a college. I keep up to date with current changes in the syllabus and regularly attend training with my organisation. My last observation resulted in an outstanding grade. I am used to working with groups of students and giving 1 to 1 tuition. I believe that constructive feedback is the key to progress and would expect my student to complete homework so that I can monitor understanding.
I have a vast range of resources and also use IT.

Teaching Experience:
As well as tutoring I am an assistant principal examiner for one of the large examination boards. This gives me invaluable insight into how the exam is marked and I have many past papers to use as a resource. I also examine for other exam boards so I am aware of the different mark schemes.
I currently teach GCSE English language papers 1 and 2 and English Literature.

I am pleased to confirm that the students I have tutored achieved the higher grades that they needed!

Tutoring Approach:
My focus is on the learner.

I will identify areas of weakness and focus on these aiming to raise the level of responses. I think learning should be interactive and will encourage self assessment to improve work. I have lots of examples of past questions for practise. I would expect my student to attend sessions regularly and on time and stick to deadlines for completing homework.

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Personal Description:
Fun and friendly primary school teacher offering private tuition after school, weekends and holidays in and around the Edinburgh area.

Available from 4pm Mondays to Thursdays and from 1pm on Fridays. Weekends available between 8.30am and 3pm

Holiday tutoring available on request.

Teaching Experience:
Qualified primary school teacher of ten years.

Graduated with a PGDE Primary Education from University of Strathclyde.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to approach tutoring in a fun and relaxed way using a variety of resources to positively engage the student.

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Personal Description:
I am married, and live in Gloucestershire with our two Chocolate Labradors. Prior to teaching, I worked in advertising and then recruitment for 10 years. I have been teaching for the greater part of twenty years.
I am an avid reader, and keen amateur actor.
I speak basic - and extremely rusty! - French and German.
My other interests include tai chi and kung fu, yoga, weight lifting, and juggling.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in education since 2003, initially in the primary sector and since 2007 in secondary. My initial experience was as a Teaching Assistant, working with children with special educational needs, including one to one teaching of pupils with autism and Asperger's syndrome. Between 2003 and 2007, in addition to working in both primary and secondary schools, I tutored English and Maths at KS2 and KS3.
I took my PGCE in English and Drama in 2007, and taught full time secondary English Language and Literature at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 for 10 years. I have been an English tutor for KS3, KS4 and KS5 - both face to face and online - since 2019, working with students aged 11-18.
In my last school, where I taught for 10 years, I started and ran the Debating Society, the Mock Trial, and was also involved in a number of educational trips abroad.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is open and relatively informal. I feel that tutoring works best when a relationship is established between myself and the student - they should feel free to ask questions, raise issues, and discuss any aspect of the work that interests them. It's very different to being taught in the classroom: in addition to individual attention, it also offers the opportunity to read and study texts not on the curriculum which can augment and strengthen the school syllabus. English is essentially a skills based subject. Although there is a lot of content to learn at both GCSE and A level, students benefit from being able to access and flexibly use the techniques needed to study and criticize. Reading, debating, and discussing a variety of texts enables the student to develop and apply these skills in lessons and exams.

Tuition is available in English Language and Literature for all secondary years, including GCSE resits. I can also tutor pupils preparing for the 11+, and scholarship entry in Year 7 or Year 9. Tutoring sessions are specifically geared to the student's individual needs, and may include functional literacy, close discussion of a set text, exam revision, and past papers. We can follow a specific syllabus, with the flexibility to focus on any particular aspect of the curriculum if so desired, or study more organically, choosing interesting and challenging texts that offer the opportunity to learn effectively while developing a strong set of English skills.

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Personal Description:
A primary specialist, Zeshaan is currently the Head of Maths at a Primary School. He has several years of experience and a track record of producing excellent results in regard to KS2 SATs scores.

Teaching Experience:
Several years of experience, primarily within Bradford.

Tutoring Approach:
Hands on and friendly approach to students and parents/carers. Has a true passion for what he does and cares about each student he teaches.

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Personal Description:
hi :) my name is Ana and I am a Portuguese native speaker my second language is English. I live in Uk for 12 years where I've taken English course . My main language daily is English at work, at home.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutoring for over 5 years now. I have being tutoring adults, children and teenagers to achieve their gcse and even famous football players. People have been searching for me for short time classes so they are able to travel and understand the foreign language.

Tutoring Approach:
I understand learning a new language is not easy and also can be frustrating, but reassure yourself I am happy to repeat every matter until you understand and I will assess your difficulties and make sure you can overtake any challenges you may encounter during your tutoring time. I am flexible with availability to teach you , we can work on your pace. Depending what are you looking for, I will provide materials so you can understand and can reach your goal successfully. I do tutor online mainly but I'm willing to travel if you live nearby and for a extra cost.

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