Catherington Tutors and Catherington 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:
Hi there,
My name is Vera. I am a native speaker of German, a fully qualified teacher and 37 years old. I have a B.A. in German and English and an A-level in French. My exam results are 100% pass rate at A-level for the past nine years and 100% pass rate with students achieving 9 - 7 (A* - A) grades at GSCE level.
I have been living in England for 15 years now, I think I am a good humoured and honest person and I love teaching people languages.

Teaching Experience:
I qualified as a teacher with a starred first at Southampton University and worked in a secondary school until deciding to work as a private tutor only.
For more than 10 years now I have been teaching in schools or privately as well as working in translations, it is huge fun and I enjoy working with different people.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to assess the needs of the tutee and plan lessons accordingly. I think it is very important to know the grammar and vocabulary of a language in order to speak it fluently.
Please note, prices are correct for when you come to my house/online tuition. If you would like to meet somewhere or at your house, I charge £5 extra for petrol money and driving time within reasonable driving distance.

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Personal Description:
Hi! My name is Claudia and I would love to help you discover how much fun learning a new language can be. I'm a trained CELTA teacher with a passion for languages and music. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching English, Spanish and Italian to students between 5 and 85 years old of many nationalities. Teaching and learning languages ​​are two of my great passions because they allow me to meet all kinds of people and learn about different cultures. In addition to English, Italian and Spanish, I speak French, a little German and I am learning Russian. So you can be sure that I will be very patient and I will encourage you to be patient with yourself throughout this journey...I fully understand what learning a new language feels like!

Teaching Experience:
I'm CELTA qualified and have a BA from the university of Rome "La Sapienza" in Literature, Music and Show Business. I'm also an opera singer!
I have taught languages privately (English, Spanish and Italian) in Italy and in the UK for over 15 years to students of all levels and ages ranging from 5 to 85 years old of many nationalities.
I have also worked as a language teacher in summer camps in Ascot, UK and as language teacher, assistant to the Director of Studies and Stand-in Director of Studies in Language in Totnes, Devon.
I have organised and taught Italian and Culture language courses for small groups in Sicily and Piedmont, Italy.
I now run my own English, Italian and Spanish courses in Devon and do private tutoring in all three languages.

Tutoring Approach:
Are you planning a trip and want to impress the locals? Do you want to understand movies and series? Or maybe you need to pass an exam to get ahead in your career? Maybe you already know all the grammar but when it comes to speaking you freeze?

In class, you will speak your target language from day 1 and we will work at your own pace to achieve your goals. As someone who has lived and worked in different countries, I love talking about all sorts of topics during the lessons: music, literature, movies, food, current affairs, health and wellness, among other things. Most of all, I love listening to people's experiences and learning about their cultures.

My aim for the lessons is to make you feel comfortable using your target language, either written or spoken. Being able to communicate right away is key! You will learn the grammar naturally through games, videos, and stories I've written thinking specifically about my students throughout my teaching years, which focus on specific grammar or vocabulary points. I am a grammar nerd and I will be able to explain to you in a clear and simple way the most complicated points. We'll also use authentic materials so you can experience what the language in the real world looks and sounds like. During the class I will take detailed notes and send them to your email so you don't miss a thing.

It is also very important for me that you have fun in class, since this is something that will motivate you and facilitate your learning. Book a trial lesson with me so we can get to know each other and discuss your language goals. I look forward to teaching you!

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Personal Description:
I have the character traits, the professional competence and communicative skills of a native speaker of Spanish to deliver quality lessons adapted to the student`s needs and demands.

The lessons will be immersive in the target language.Real Spanish in use will appear and the learner will be prompted to practice the target language as much as possible according to their level of Spanish. ..

I like to adjust the dynamics and content of every lesson to the specific needs of the learner. Also I find it challenging and rewarding to create tailored lessons adapted to any specific student´s needs.

I have the academic background in SSL and the communicative skills as a native speaker of Spanish to meet any needs the learner might demand .Starting with zero level,going to casual adult learning,business Spanish and any required academic stage and examination test.

Teaching Experience:
I have a strong background in the field of Teaching of Spanish as a second language as I have taught adults and children since I finished my master my degree back in 1996.

I have taught SSL for more than twenty years(2.000-2.008) in the Sunny coast in Spain to English foreign residents,both casual and academic learners(A-C LEVELS) of Spanish language and culture.
I have taught English as a second language and Spanish language (1.995-2.008) and literature to pupils all across the Spanish Curriculum.


I am currently teaching Spanish in the area of Nottingham-Loughborough-Leicester to both GCSA students at AQA level and casual adult learners .

Tutoring Approach:
My viewpoint is that it is the student the one who plays the key role in any teaching-learning process.

Essentially the lessons will have an immersive character where the real use of Spanish,whatever your needs are,will be at the forefront.



There were several fields all along my university degree such as phonetics,phonology or grammatical structures where it was established a contrastive study between the English and Spanish languages I think that is a plus and poses an advantage when it comes to teaching Spanish to any English native speaker.
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As a general overview you will be covered any aspect of the Spanish language you are interested in.




I would like just to welcome any question or doubt you have about the lessons and the way we could approach them.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

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Personal Description:
Highly experienced tutor of economics A level and former economics examiner for a major exam board.

Intricate knowledge of the structure and the mark schemes for AQA, Edexcel, Cambridge International, International Edexcel - and familiar with many more.

Over the years I have tutored students of all abilities to grasp the content, smash the diagrams and construct top-level essays. Whether they are struggling to keep up or headed to Oxbridge, every student has room to grow and exceed expectations.
My Areas of Expertise
AQA; Edexcel; Cambridge International; Edexcel International

All of these are very familiar to me and I have also tutored OCR and WJEC.

*ALL CONTENT, ALL TOPICS*

Teaching Experience:
Tutor, teacher, and official examiner.

I have tutored economics for many years and have also taught it at a private 6th form tutorial college for three years. I also taught the GCSE history class at a small independent school for a couple of years, back when I tutored history.

My work as an official examiner in A level economics has given me an invaluable insight into what the examiners want to see as well as the most common errors that students can make.

Tutoring Approach:
Economics is one of the best ways to inform ourselves about why the world is the way it is. I enjoy tutoring this at A level because even if students aren't hugely interested in it, they have a lot more insight and interest than they think they do, simply from being part of society. Learning from the news and case studies as well as their own experiences will hugely enhance their ability to learn and this is what I look to encourage.

In economics, the fundamentals must be taught with an eye on good technique which is focused on hitting all of the assessment objectives which are necessary for a high grade.

Receiving feedback from me on practice questions will be the best way to make progress - I have seen how well this pays off!

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Maddalena, I am Italian and I have moved to London from the Italian Alps. I have been travelling and l living in different countries since I was 18. I love staying outdoors, hiking ans skiing. I like nature and its slow pace. I practice yoga and meditation and when I am not teaching I am a body therapist. I love connecting with people and I am a very good listener and observer.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for the last 16 years, since I graduated from college. I studied Foreign Languages and Literatures (English and Spanish) and I have a post-graduate Master in Teaching of Italian as a Foreign Language.
I have experience with students of all ages, from primary school to adults, and also with dyslexia. I have been teaching one-to -one and group classes, both as self employed and public schools' teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to get to know my students and discover their interests in order to tailor the lesson around those, because I think that motivation and curiosity for the subject are essential for an easy and succesful learning.
I try to create a relaxed and informal environment when I teach so that my students feel at ease and overcoming some blocks ( "I don't like this subject!"; " I hate my teacher!"; " I have taken so many courses and I still am not able to talk") becomes easier.
I combine speaking with grammar with listening to songs and audios, watching videos and movies; and whenever it's possible I include games in my lessons.
I really enjoy teaching and my students can feel it!

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Personal Description:
I am a native British English speaker and I have been teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to adults for 22 years. I love meeting people from all over the world and I absolutely love teaching! I am currently teaching part-time at an adult education college in London and I also provide additional learning support to students on a one-to-one basis. Since Covid 19 I have been teaching online. I really enjoy seeing my students gain in confidence and skills and progress to the next level. Many of them go on to further studies, including university, or get jobs or better jobs.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching ESOL for 22 years at an adult education college and I also taught ESOL for a local authority for seven of those years. I have taught all levels from Entry Level 1 (beginners) to Level 2 (advanced) and have prepared students for Skills for Life exams at all levels. I have also taught specialist classes on literacy, grammar, writing, speaking and listening, Life in the UK and the history of London.
I have a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA), a Certificate in ESOL Education and a master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL).

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is to find out what students want and need to learn. At the same time, if students are preparing for exams I focus on the skills that are needed to pass those exams. I like to get to know my students well and find out what their interests are so I can use this knowledge to plan lessons. I also review students' learning with them on a regular basis. My students tell me I am very patient and they enjoy my teaching methods. I use a variety of resources on different topics and I demonstrate various strategies that students can use to learn outside lesson times. Probably the most important thing for me is to be able to help students gain in confidence in using English in their daily lives to achieve their personal goals.

I can help with the following aspects of English: listening, speaking, reading and writing; grammar; vocabulary; pronunciation; preparing presentations; writing essays; basic literacy; spelling; Life in the UK; history of London and places of interest.

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Personal Description:
If you are looking for a quality, reliable, professional and a highly successful tutor then look no further! I have not only attained a First Class honours in Bsc Mathematics, however I also have many years of experience, working as a teacher within the Primary sector and currently working in a Private School setting, preparing children for the 11+ exams. Furthermore, I have helped countless children exceed and succeed in the primary sector, ranging from Years 1-6 (Sats and 11+ exams), however I have also helped GCSE students achieve Level 9 in their Maths GCSE's.

Teaching Experience:
I have currently been involved and work in the Primary Sector for the past 6-7 years. I have also tutored for just as much, with a 100% success rate in improving my pupil/students knowledge and confidence within the given area of focus!

Tutoring Approach:
The approach I take is a very calm, rational and easy to learn from approach. Breaking down any given topic into easy to understand and manageable ways. This in turn builds confidence in the child and progression follows.

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Personal Description:
I have graduated with a first MBiol (Hons) Biology degree at the University of St Andrews. I really enjoy biology and especially Ecology and Conservation but I am comfortable with most areas due to the highly integrated nature of the subject. Apart from my studies, I enjoy dancing as I did Latin and Ballroom lessons for 9 years and I am a recently qualified Ocean diver. I have finished high school with an International Baccalaureate diploma of 40/45 (higher level: Biology, Chemistry, Modern Greek/ Standard level: Maths, English B, Psychology).

I love working with younger people and aid them in the process of learning new things and make them enjoy a subject that I thoroughly love myself!

Teaching Experience:
During my final year of university, I have been involved with the Coronavirus Tutoring Initiative (CTI) which consists of volunteering to tutor biology to students that cannot afford private tutoring but were affected by the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this position, I have taught students at A-level (both AQA and OCR boards) developing my tutoring experience and getting familiar with the specifications of different UK educational systems. Tutoring through CTI has taught me to be patient and considerate of children`s circumstances and tailor my lessons according to each person`s needs while keeping on top of the syllabus so that they can be prepared for their mocks and actual exams. Through CTI I have tutored for approximately 70 hours. I have also offered AQA, OCR and CCEA AS and A level tutoring independently. Overall I have approximately 550 hours of teaching experience.

I am currently working as an ecological consultant in the Buckinghamshire area. In addition to that, my degree had a year placement requirement, which I completed in the USA at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. In addition to this, I have had two research assistantships at my university. Through talks and presentations at both formal and informal settings, I have learnt how to tailor my knowledge to the target audience depending on their experience on the subject and their background. I also wrote publishable and concise reports which helped me on focusing on the important details of subjects.

I also have experience with a range of software and technologies, which means I can approach a wide range of lessons for all ages, with the appropriate set of tools and I can tailor each one of them to the individual`s needs effectively, and in an engaging way.

Tutoring Approach:
In terms of my approach to teaching Biology, I am trying to focus on the students` needs and what they don`t understand or need help. The student and I will discuss the subjects of interest and I`ll try to let them figure out the answers themselves rather than me giving them a ready answer. This way they will be ready to answer all types of questions rather than trying to memorise an answer and be flustered in an exam setting if something they haven`t seen before comes up. In order to achieve this, I usually prepare my lessons in advance. I give exercises to the students to complete before our sessions so we can discuss them and identify challenging topics. Once these topics have been identified, I try to explain them through audiovisual measures (diagrams and videos), as well as examples from personal experience, which places the theory in a real-life context which is more memorable. However, I understand that this method doesn`t work for everyone and therefore I am willing to adapt my teaching style to the individual`s needs.

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Personal Description:
I am a native speaker from Paris with 17 years of experience in teaching French. After a career in investment banking I have decided to change and work in Education. I am working as a French language specialist in 2 very popular schools in Beckenham . I am currently tutoring students from Westminster School, Bromley High, St Olave`s Grammar School and LPBS but I have also tutored in the past students from Newstead Wood, LPGS, Hayes, Buller`s Wood and Tonbridge Boarding School, Sevenoaks High School, Whitgift Independent School, Eltham College, and Dulwich College.
Teaching has become my passion and I love seeing the progress of my students. I am very proud to say that the majority achieve a good grade in their exam.

Teaching Experience:
I am a native speaker from Paris with 17 years of experience in teaching French. After a career in investment banking I have decided to change and work in Education. I am working as a French language specialist in 2 very popular schools in Beckenham . I am currently tutoring students from Westminster School, Bromley High, St Olave`s Grammar School and LPBS but I have also tutored in the past students from Newstead Wood, LPGS, Hayes, Buller`s Wood and Tonbridge Boarding School, Sevenoaks High School, Whitgift Independent School, Eltham College, and Dulwich College.
Teaching has become my passion and I love seeing the progress of my students. I am very proud to say that the majority achieve a good grade in their exam.

Tutoring Approach:
Approach to tutoring is mostly based on listening to what the tutees required so we can identify the strengths and areas of improvement. The work is based on increasing student's self confidence. Large variety of sources and online sources available.

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Personal Description:
I am a confident and independent individual, who thrives to help others by sharing my knowledge and skills. I love to learn, as I am a firm believer that knowledge is power, and no matter how old you get you never stop learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have taken part in various work experience opportunities in the field of teaching, and have been successful in acquiring the skills to work with children of both primary and secondary school. I have studied A-level maths, hence I have a very strong understanding of the curriculum and the knowledge needed to study GCSE maths. Currently, I am university student studying BSc Economics which requires a deeper understanding of mathematical and statistical concepts, which I have gained over my academic studies.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring consists of understanding the needs of each student, in order to cater for them specifically. I work to understand their strengths and weaknesses, to analyse their gaps in knowledge may lie. I am aware of the steps I will need to take to help each individual succeed in their studies.

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Niamh. I am a CELTA qualified English (foreign language) teacher and native English speaker from London.
I understand how it feels to learn a language, so i can emphasise with you and create a supportive environment. I am a very patient person and can motivate you in your learning.
I can provide one-to-one lessons and group lessons online.
I am passionate about English and committed to helping you achieve your learning goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience in teaching adult classes at two different levels (upper intermediate and lower intermediate). I have experience working as a teaching assistant in a primary school where i was able to develop my communication skills and active listening skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a strong believer in the communicative approach, that effectively learning a language is best learnt through communicating rather than a lecture style lesson.
Each lesson will be personalised to your needs and interests to ensure that you are fully motivated.
I use a range of materials especially authentic materials ( books, articles, songs, podcasts, short stories) and also additional grammar and vocabulary exercises.
I aim to inspire and to bring the best out of people.

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