Claycross Tutors and Claycross Tuition

Personal Description:
My name is Karina. I am 45 years old. I am from Argentina and I am currently living in London where I am teaching Spanish. I really enjoy my job and enjoy meeting different people all the time. I love languages and the cultural exchange that comes with the process of learning a language.

Teaching Experience:
I have a university degree to teach both English and Spanish as a second language, both have been recognised by NARIC and I also have a CRB. I have wide expirience teaching English and Spanish both to kids and adults. I have worked in very well known companies such as Univeler, Neoris, Ernest and Young and Mogan Staley, HMT, Nabarro Solicitors, KMPG, Wieden + Kennedy, McKinsey & Co, Credit Suisse. I also have experience in GCSE and A levels.

Tutoring Approach:
Tailor made classes based on you needs and interests. Communicative approach where you learn by doing things with the target language.Dynamic and fun!!

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Personal Description:
Bonjour! My name is Fabienne, I am a native French speaker. I have been a private tutor for 10 years in Cardiff and enjoy helping individual students realise their potential and improve their grades. I am friendly and approachable and can make learning fun.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching French for the past 10 years, face to face and via Skype (online). I have tutored GCSE and A Level students to help them prepare their exams. I have also tutored mature students/adults to improve their spoken French and grammar.

Tutoring Approach:
I think it is essential to identify the person`s level, the reason why they are learning the subject, their learning styles and their interests in order to avoid getting confused later. I then suggest a `learning plan` and discuss with the students how they would like to learn and what level they would like to achieve.

Whether you need help with French pronunciation, general conversation, grammar, or just a confidence boost or maybe a bit of everything, I would be happy to help!

My schedule is flexible.
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Prices:
- £22 per person/single lesson/50 min
- Discount available when purchased in a block of 10 lessons
- For more than one student please contact me

Fabienne

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Personal Description:
I have been a practicing musician for over 19 years and have a broad experience in performance, composition, songwriting, production, recording, music theory and music technology. My primary instrument is guitar in a range of styles, including electric, acoustic and classical. I also teach bass guitar to an intermidiate level.
In 2004 I complete a degree in music where I was awarded a First Class an award for outstanding achievment in my final year, finishing top of my year group.
I currently write and perform with a garage-rock group as guitarist and lead vocalist while teaching guitar privately and in schools.

Teaching Experience:
7 years instrumental teaching experience in students homes and in schools.
Theory and technology tuition also available.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in developing and expanding every aspect of a student's musical knowledge and awareness through their instrument, starting immediately with practical play and gradually leading onto music theory and reading. I aim to inspire students and help them to develop their natural interest and excitment for the instrument so they look forward to playing, at any level, and look forward to lessons.

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Personal Description:
My aim is to help each student reach their potential through individually tailored lessons designed to make learning enjoyable. I have a strong belief that for people of all ages, learning can be fun, and if you relish the process, you are much more likely to learn something!

Every lesson includes the use of several workbooks, learning diagrams, reading books, learning games and rewards (for younger students) ranging from stickers to special prizes for the hardest workers!

I also believe that a hugely understated part of any teachers role is to give a student confidence, as when belief is established, the student's results tend to rapidly improve as well. Therefore my extremely enthusiastic approach to tutoring is vital in building a students confidence and skyrocketing upwards in levels.

There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing a student achieve what they set out to do, be it a particular grade they need to obtain or a skill they need to develop.

Teaching Experience:
For over thirteen years I have been teaching English, Literacy and Reading from my own home. I have an Honours Degree in English Language BA (Hons).

Tutoring Approach:
Exam Results

GCSE English

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed GCSE result)

GCSE English (2023)

1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 9 (A**)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE English (2022)

2 students from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2021)

1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
2 students from a 4 (C) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2020)
All exams were cancelled due to the pandemic

GCSE English (2019)

2 students from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 8 (A+)

GCSE English (2018)

1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE English (2017)

1 student from a 3 (D) -----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2016)

1 student from a U ----> B
1 student from an E -----> B
1 student from a D ----> C
1 student from a C -----> A*

GCSE English (2015)

1 student from a U ----> C
2 students from an E -----> B
1 student from an E ----> C
1 student from a D ----> A*
1 student from a D -----> B
2 students from a D ----> C
1 student from a C ----> A*
1 student from a C ----> A
1 student from a C ----> B

GCSE English (2014)

4 Students from a D ----> C
3 Students from a D ----> B
2 Students from a D ----> A
1 student from a C ----> B

Year 6 SATS

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed SATS result)

Year 6 SATS (2020 & 2021)
All exams were cancelled due to the pandemic

Year 6 SATS (2019)

2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations

Year 6 SATS (2018)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
1 student from below expectations ----> expected standard
2 students from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from below expectations ----> below expectations

Year 6 SATS (2017)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from expected standard ----> expected standard

Year 6 SATS (2016)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
3 students from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from expected standard ----> expected standard

Heckmondwike Grammar Entrance Tests

10 students passed
3 students failed
76.9% pass rate

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

8 students passed on their first attempt
1 students passed on their second attempt
0 students failed
100% pass rate

Recent Testimonials:

Ellen (10)
Year 6 SATS

Ellen was described as just below the expected level for English. We also felt her spelling was often poor and she struggled with extended writing. The main thing we have noticed is Ellen's confidence, attitude to learning and overall happiness: the improvement is immense. Ellen has now adapted a 'can do' attitude and revels in articulating what she has learnt with David. David is incredibly enthusiastic and positive, an approach that has really worked with Ellen. Speaking as a teacher, it is also clear that he understands the amendment procedures for Key Stage 2 and therefore every minute of every lesson is preparing Ellen for success. Ultimately my daughter loves to attend David's lesson and loves learning now!

Score: 10/10

Jack (16)
GCSE's

Jack's mock results were an E in English Language as well as a D in literature and he wanted to do Economics A level which required a B grade in his final GCSE. Jack had two hours of tuition per week from January to May. He enjoyed going (this surprised me as he hated English before the sessions) and had a new found likeness for literacy. He received a B in both language and literature and can now do A level economics. Jack related very well to David- this made learning easier for Jack and he obtained the grades he needed. His teachers at school noticed a marked improvement in his work when he was having tuition.

Score: 10/10

Oliver (6)
Year 2

Oliver was falling behind in Math's and English. I am very happy to say that his confidence and his ability to retain what David teaches him has improved greatly. His teachers at school have also commented on his marked improvement and he now feels a sense of achievement in everything he does- he also speaks of making David proud. David was/is exactly what I was looking for. Oliver doesn't seem to think about his lesson as lesson, he genuinely enjoys spending Saturday mornings at David's as he now really wants to improve himself! Wow!!!

Score: 10/10

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Personal Description:
Hello! I`m Simon. I hold a PhD in structural biophysics/biochemistry, plus I have an honours degree in biochemistry and a masters in clinical chemistry. I also have eighteen years of experience working in clinical biochemistry laboratories within the NHS. This encompassed various roles and duties, including producing analytical results to help diagnose and manage patients, troubleshooting and problem-solving, discussion of patients with clinical staff, management and supervision of laboratory staff and research and development work. More recently, I also have considerable research experience, both in pure research and from working within the pharmaceutical industry.

I have over ten years of experience working as a self-employed tutor in the sciences and maths. I have a demonstrable track record of inspiring my students in the subjects I tutor, consistently helping them to much better understand these subjects and achieve or exceed their hopes and expectations. I have numerous happy clients who would testify to this.

My approach is understanding students and establishing a rapport with students, which I tend to do quite easily. Obviously, different students have different abilities, personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Therefore I offer a bespoke service and tutorials are carried out in a relaxed atmosphere, where I will involve students in the session rather than just talking at them, giving friendly encouragement throughout. I also make extensive and effective use of various illustrative material and exercises (including past and mock exam papers, for those preparing for upcoming exams).

I LOVE tutoring, both because of some of the lovely people I meet along the way, and due to the fact that I make a difference.

Teaching Experience:
I now have over ten years' experience as a self-employed tutor, during which time I have tutored many students and guided them towards achieving their aspirations and often, exceeding their academic expectations.


PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

During my clinical laboratory career, I was frequently involved in supervising, teaching and training staff from various backgrounds, from school placement through to graduate.

As a PhD student, I was involved in a considerable amount of teaching, tutoring and mentoring activity:-
- I taught undergraduates in laboratory-based practical classes.
- I supervised and tutored my supervisor`s final year honours student. She graduated with a first.
- During a fourteen month period of secondment to an academic institution in the USA, I was heavily involved in designing research projects for, supervising, teaching and assessing undergraduates within the research laboratory environment.
- Acting in a consultative, mentoring and teaching capacity for my guest American supervisor`s research group, especially when he was not around.
- I have presented science and research work in various forums, from informal seminars to international conferences, including a prize-winning lecture I delivered in the USA.

Tutoring Approach:
I appreciate that everybody has different expectations and needs, and these always have to be taken into consideration when deciding how best to tutor somebody. Initially, I would seek to find out your strengths and weaknesses and use those to tailor my tutoring to your requirements.

One's ability to learn and understand a subject are inextricably linked to one's interest in it. The classroom nature of school or college education can understandably make it unsuited to students who are struggling with a subject. Similarly, it can lead to the potential of strong students of a subject not being fully recognised and nurtured. In both cases, this can lead to dejection, frustration and disinterest. As a one-to-one tutor, I work very hard to inspire my tutees and make the learning process as enjoyable as possible. I see it as being much more of a coaching role than students might receive within a school class, and seek to bring the subjects I teach to life, drawing on life examples and anecdotal approaches to make even the most abstract of concepts relevant and fascinating. I always try to ensure that tutoring sessions are conducted in a relaxed and friendly way, as students feeling comfortable with their learning environment is important for sessions to be fully effective and useful.

For the interested learner who is not attending a course of study but wants to learn about "science" and all it's wonderful facets, I would be happy to provide a more independently-structured course, that is tailored to your interests and requirements.

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Personal Description:
I enjoy teaching maths in a way that makes it easy for students to understand. Have 10 years of one to one so I know the common misunderstandings students tend to have.

Teaching Experience:
10 years of one to one and 20 years at schools.

Tutoring Approach:
Breaks things down to make it easy to understand.

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Personal Description:
I grew up in Peru and lived in the USA and UK before moving to Brazil for 10 years and Bolivia for 2 years before returning to England (Taunton and London). Mike my retired-vicar husband also worked in Africa and served as advisor at The Royal Institute of International Affairs.We have four grown-up children, each born in a different country, and as a family we all share a fascination with different cultures, religious beliefs and ethnic groups. My interests include foreign travel, cooking from around the world, candle-making, films and play-fighting with our cat Mimi. I enjoy teaching children games and crafts, reading spy novels. and voluntary work with youth groups.

Teaching Experience:
After obtaining my CELTA Certificate from the prestigious International House in London in the year 2000, I accumulated almost 3000 hours teaching experience on a one-to-one basis with Home Language International, Concordia International and Crest School of English, Edgware. Since 2002 I have provided residential tuition for over 120 tutees, who have travelled to our home from countries as diverse as France, Italy, Russia,Siberia, Brazil, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Germany, Holland Argentina, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Japan, Germany and Spain. These students have varied in age from children to grandparents, and include a number of married couples.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer the richness of residential tuition, since cultural immersion can lead to deeper relationships and a more holistic grasp of the culture behind the language. Nevertheless I have also a wide experience in one-to-one teaching in daily or weekly sessions. I quickly adapt my material to the ability and requirements of the pupil, making use of visual aids, games, cuttings tape recordings and other kinaesthetic tools to make lessons more interesting, and often draw on a wide range of personal stories from across the world to illustrate the material. When the tuition is residential, I supplement the formal lessons with visits to local attractions, depending on the students' particular areas of interest;-
• English Mediaeval History (Berkeley Castle and Gloucester Cathedral)
• Jane Austin and Georgian England (Bath and Cheltenham)
• Industrial Archaeology (Stroudwater Canal, Sapperton Tunnel and cloth-mills in the Golden Valley)
NATURE
• Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust
OTHER
• Cotswold Attractions (Bibury, Stow-on-the Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh)
• London
• The filming of Harry Potter (Gloucester Cathedral, New College Oxford, Chepstow, Symonds Yat and Lacock Abbey)

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced teacher and tutor with 32 years of experience.I am a friendly relaxed person who likes to get the best out of my students by keeping them interested with a creative approach and to maintain a good pace,to keep them interested.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced teacher and tutor with over 32 years in education, specialising in Maths and Science at KS3 and GCSE. I have taught across a wide range of settings, including mainstream, ALN/SEN provision and PRUs, where I successfully ran a Maths and Science department for six years and delivered KS3, KS4 and full GCSE pathways.

I have extensive training and hands‑on experience supporting learners with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, ASD and other specific learning difficulties. My approach is always individualised - no two students learn the same way, so every lesson is tailored to their needs, pace and confidence level.

My tutoring focuses on building confidence first, then developing strong problem‑solving skills through clear explanations, multiple approaches and engaging practice. I aim to make learning relaxed, enjoyable and achievable, helping students believe in themselves and recognise their progress.

I currently teach KS3 and KS4 Science in a high school in Wales and tutor Maths and Science privately. I am passionate about inspiring learners, helping them overcome barriers, and enabling them to reach their full potential.

Tutoring Approach:
I have relaxed approach to tutoring and like to keep a good pace to my lessons to keep the students interested and engaged.

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Personal Description:
I am an A level student who is currently taking maths, biology and chemistry. I got a 9 in GCSE Edexcel mathematics and a A^ (9) in GCSE further mathematics AQA.

Teaching Experience:
This will be my first tutoring job, however, as I have only just completed GCSE, I believe that I am well equipped with the right knowledge to help students with their GCSEs.

Tutoring Approach:
Our sessions will consist of pre recorded videos and video calls. During the lessons will explore each topic thoroughly with hand written notes and powerpoint presentation. When the pupil is confident and has understood the topic in hand, we will then go through the different worked examples to help them understand the examiners techniques and tricks.

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Personal Description:
I'm a patient, friendly, knowledgeable maths and physics teacher. I'm a qualified teacher with a Master's degree in Physics with Astrophysics and 15 years of classroom experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have 15 years of experience helping young people realise their full potential. I have always tutored alongside teaching in schools. It's been so successful, I'm now tutor full time.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is adaptable depending on the needs snd aspirations of my student. I readily identify and correct misconceptions. I am able to inspire and build confidence with a focus on conceptual knowledge over procedural fluency.

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Personal Description:
My name is Irina but in the artist's world, I am known as an artist Irisha.
I have been drawing and painting professionally for 14 years. Most of the time I am creating my paintings with pastels and throughout my carrier as an artist, I learned quite a lot about this medium and how to use it to achieve the desired results. I also work with oils. But my private lessons will be concentrated on creating pastel artworks.
I am specializing in pet portraits but I also have done quite a lot of people's portraits and landscapes.

Teaching Experience:
I have a University degree in teaching and in the past I had a good experience in private tutoring on general subjects. Throughout my art carrier, I had private art classes occasionally but I didn't have much time to take it to the bigger scale.
Now that I have got my own studio and a big bag of knowledge as well as more time I am happy to share my experience!

Tutoring Approach:
I will base my lessons according to your experience and wishes. During my tutoring time, I will provide you with a 45 min of knowledge and experience about pastels. We will learn about this medium and will experiment with different styles, I will share with you all the useful tips I learned from my own experience. You will learn how to professionally paint portraits with pastels whether it is a pet portrait, a people's portrait or a landscape. If you would like to paint the portrait of your own subject I am happy to use your photo as a reference, otherwise, I will provide you with a selection of topics/subjects which will help you to become more advanced and confident in working with pastels. For the first two lessons, I will provide you with all the professional art materials you need and then if you would like to carry on with your lessons I would give you a list of necessary items to get.

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Personal Description:
Lessons will take place in Twickenham in a bright and airy room with a café area for parents to wait comfortably, right in the heart of Twickenham with parking nearby.

I am a dedicated primary maths and English tutor who believes every child can succeed. I create a calm, supportive, and joyful learning environment, making lessons fun, creative, and engaging while building strong foundations, boosting confidence, and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

Teaching Experience:
My journey in education began overseas, teaching English to children and young adults in Thailand and New Zealand. That experience inspired me to train as a primary teacher, combining my love of working with children with my passion for helping them grow into confident, capable learners. Since then, I've taught in both state and independent primary schools across New Zealand and London, led the maths department at a leading London prep school, and taken on leadership roles that have deepened my understanding of how children learn best.

For me, great teaching is about more than just covering the curriculum. It's about knowing each child, recognising their strengths, and giving them the tools to overcome challenges. I believe that when children feel safe to take risks, proud of their progress, and inspired to explore, they can discover abilities and potential they never knew they had. That's why my sessions focus on building strong foundations, boosting confidence, and developing independent learning skills, while fostering a joy of learning that will carry children through life.

Every session is an opportunity for children to explore, grow, and be challenged in a way that feels exciting and achievable. Seeing the children embrace new concepts, solve problems with creativity, and leave with a sense of accomplishment is what makes learning so inspiring.

Tutoring Approach:
Our approach is built around three guiding pillars:

*Curiosity* - sparking wonder and a love of discovery.
*Confidence* - building self-belief and the courage to take responsible risks and tackle challenges.
*Joy* - celebrating progress and making learning fun.

With extensive experience teaching across the UK curriculum in both state and independent schools, I have led the maths department at a top London prep school and held various leadership roles that have shaped my approach to education. I am experienced in preparing children for 7+, 8+, and 11+ examinations, ensuring they not only master the required content but also develop the confidence and mindset to succeed.

Maths:
My maths programme blends Singapore Maths mastery with White Rose Maths resources, fully aligned with the UK National Curriculum. Children develop number fluency, reasoning skills, and a love of problem-solving.

Each 1-hour lesson follows the CPA approach (Concrete → Pictorial → Abstract), helping children understand concepts through hands-on manipulatives, visual representations, and written methods.

Times Tables: Dedicated practice with a clear progression from basic doubles to all tables 1-12, including fun games and short tests to track progress and celebrate achievements.

English:
My English programme helps children become confident, creative communicators.

Reading: We use the VIPERS framework to strengthen comprehension through Vocabulary, Inference, Prediction, Explanation, Retrieval, and Summarising.

Writing: We guide children through creative and descriptive writing, helping them plan, draft, and refine their work, with supportive tools such as word banks, sentence starters, and prompts to spark ideas and build confidence.

Handwriting & Spelling: Ten minutes of cursive practice plus spelling tailored to year groups (Years 1-2 phonics-based; Years 3-6 statutory lists).

Grammar: Engaging, nature-inspired activities from The Natural Curriculum, linking learning to wildlife and the environment.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a calm, supportive environment where learning is a joy. I combine strong subject knowledge with creative, engaging lessons that make even the most challenging topics feel approachable and enjoyable. My aim is always to build solid foundations in maths and English while nurturing essential lifelong skills such as problem-solving, resilience, and curiosity.

Over the years, I've seen children flourish when they feel believed in, inspired, and challenged in the right way.

Each child follows their own bespoke learning plan as part of a small group and works at a level and pace that is appropriate for them. The student to tutor ratio is a maximum of 5:1.

We're excited to offer free trials so you can experience how we can support your child.

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