Colyford Tutors and Colyford Tuition

Personal Description:
A Royal Academy of Music graduate, I have taught piano privately for over 20 years. As well as children and adults from the ages of 4 to 84, I have tutored and mentored high profile rock musicians, film composers and producers.

I taught composition in the music technology department at London College of Music (Junior College) for twelve years where I became department head from 2004--2012. I was mentor on the MA course in music production at Leeds College of Music from 2006-2009, and have guest lectured at The Academy of Contemporary Music and West Thames College.

As a composer and producer I have two decades of experience writing for theatre, TV, film and the concert hall. I have written scores for theatre companies including Hampstead Theatre, The National Youth Theatre, EmpathEyes Theatre and Baraka Theatre, and my music has been synced to many television productions and documentaries including BBC Horizon, BBC Natural World, Top Gear, Sky Box Office, Ghost Whisperer and America's Most Wanted. In addition to this I have worked for the music production house 'Soundtree' on various projects most notably as assistant to Peter Raeburn on his score for the 2018 feature film Nancy.

My concert works have been performed at concert platforms including the Huddersfield Festival; The South Bank Centre; De Doelen, Rotterdam and Kunstmuseum, Liechtenstein, with commercial recordings and broadcasts across Europe.

I have written string arrangements for bands and worked as session pianist for several artists including Cathal Smyth (Chas Smash from the ska band, Madness). 

Teaching Experience:
1997 - present: Private tutor (piano, music theory, music technology, composition)
1997 - 2010: London College Of Music (junior college) - composition and music technology teacher.
1999 - West Thames College - guest lecturer
2004 - 2010: London College Of Music (junior college) - music technology department head.
2003 - Academy Of Contemporary Music - guest lecturer
2006 - 2009: Leeds College Of Music - mentor on MA Music Production course.

Tutoring Approach:
Piano (all levels/styles) - I have a 100% pass rate for students entering the ABRSM exams (grades 1-8). Students who do not wish to take the classical route can learn using my method for playing by ear. As well as teaching classical, I specialise in teaching jazz piano and theory.

I also offer tuition in Composition, Orchestration, Theory, Logic, Sibelius.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am 54 years old, I am married with four children. I have a degree ( Joint Honours, 2.1 in Agriculture with Agricultural Economics) and a Cert Ed. I am a member of the Institute for Learning. I have taught a wide range of subjects over 28 years and am able to coach you to success whether you are looking for science, geography, Excel spreadsheets, English as a Foreign Language or even French and German ( I worked in both countries when I was younger)

Teaching Experience:
I can help you prepare for exams in Geography, Biology, Ecology, French and German. I have taught English as a Foreign Language over many years. I can also help you with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, particularly for Business. I am a patient, enthusiastic and committed teacher with 28 years experience particularly with post 16 and adult education. I have taught agriculture and related topics over that time, and very much enjoyed diversifying my teaching portfolio as new courses arose at the college. I have taught a range of biology and geography related topics, including plant and soil science, crop science, crop production, livestock production, environmental issues, ecology, woodland management. In business I have helped many people develop diverse enterprises, preparing carefully costed cash flow projections. I very much enjoy seeing people develop confidence with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, which are an invaluable tool.

Tutoring Approach:
I am convinced that one-to-one tuition is by far the most efficient way in which a person can progress and gain confidence. Often someone can grasp a topic in 5 minutes of one-to-one that would have taken 2 hours to cover with a larger group. Once you are confident with a topic, we move on rapidly to the next one. A current A level tutee of mine told his father "I learnt more in that 2 hour session than I have all term at school" and his headteacher wrote to congratulate him on his improved grades. (The reason for this is not that his teacher is bad, far from it, but a tutor can give you personal one-to-one attention, concentrating on the bits you need) I always ensure that the learners are confident with each step before progressing further.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native Turkish speaker. I was born and brought up in Turkey. I have been living in the United Kingdom for 14 years and I have British and Turkish citizenship.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working in private organisations. I have 7 years experience in teaching Turkish. I have thought different kind of students: one-to-one classes, small goups, beginners-advanced students

Tutoring Approach:
I belive within a very short time you should find that your listening skills have develop, you recognise Turkish words and phrases and your speaking skill are enchanced.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Fernando, and I'm a (European) Portuguese native speaker.

Born in Portugal, I moved to the London in 2010 and worked in education and safeguarding professional up to 2024. At the beginning of 2025 I moved up north and I'm now self-employed - mostly teaching online and doing interior design jobs whilst retraining in this area and overseeing/project management my new home renovation work.

I provide high quality private language tuition - listening, speaking, reading, writing & grammar - with consistently excellent results:

"What Fernando did was to start with my interests, which really made the lessons fun, and helped me to learn Portuguese more quickly!" Alex

Do you want to?
• Learn European Portuguese?
• Prepare for a Portuguese proficiency examination
• Pick up a few useful phrases for a holiday?
• Improve your business communication skills?

Portugueses: Procuram melhorar o vosso nível de inglês falado e escrito?
Brasileiros: Vocês estão procurando melhorar o seu aprendizado da língua inglesa?

NOTE: At the moment I'm not teaching Brazilian Portuguese. I believe students should find a native teacher from the specific country they aim to visit/live. Any tutor can teach the grammar and basics, but in terms of speaking practice there is a real advantage to learn with a native speaker/tutor.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching methods are reinforced by my significant experience as a tutor, trainer, a college teacher, a mentor for young people, and a coach for adult learners. I am patient and dedicated in my approach, with and an unshakeable belief that my students WILL achieve their goals.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching practice encompasses:
• A range of resources of the highest standard
• Fun and flexible materials such as music, film clips and games
• Thorough linguistic knowledge
• Tailored lessons to meet your learning needs
• Engaging and relevant homework
• Continuous assessment with ongoing feedback
• Cultural and historical essentials

It's important to me that the tuition experience is comfortable and convenient for you. Due to COVID-19 I've decided to only offer online tuition until further notice.

"I found Fernando really knowledgeable with excellent organisation skills. He was especially considerate about organising the tuition around my job" Ian

I teach all ages from beginner to advanced levels
• Book stand alone lessons: pay £25 (one hour lessons)
• Book 5 lessons and commit to 1 lesson per week: pay only £112.50 (get 10% off = saving £12.50)
• Book 10 lessons and commit to 2 lessons per week: pay only £212.50 (get 15% off = saving £37.50)
• Book 15 lessons and commit to 2 lessons per week: pay only £300 (get 20% off = saving £75.00)
• Book 20 lessons and commit to 3 lessons per week: pay only £375 (get 25% off = saving £125.00)

I'll be flexible in rescheduling lessons within same week/next week so long as these are canceled with more than 24 hours notice.

Lessons will be counted if failing to attend without any notice or less than 24 hours notice (aside from extraordinary reasons).

Failing to adhere to the original learning plan and not rescheduling within the expected period will mean you'll loose unused lessons as these will expire after the allocated weeks (5 and 10 lesson packs have a max learning period of 6 weeks; 15 and 20 lesson packs have a max learning period of 8 weeks).

Get in touch for more information about:
• Group classes
• English/Portuguese translation
• Proofreading Portuguese

Get in touch to book your initial lesson so I can assess your level and your preferred learning style (25-minute assessment for £20).

I look forward to learning together!

Fernando

Subjects

Personal Description:
I can help with GCSE/GCE exams and Brighton College and Westminster School scholarship coaching are recent successes. I am also a former Advanced Skills Teacher with many years of experience working in a comprehensive school with all abilities from GCSE to A levels / Oxbridge entrance. My key priority is to provide a safe learning setting where the learner and my starting point is always to be where the learner is rather than a fixed programme in advance.


Clearly you will need to know if this will be the right arrangement for you, so the first lesson is free with no commitment to continue.

If your child has the potential, I can enable him or her to achieve their highest potential grades provided they commit to the project: knowing what the exam requires you to do will make a difference

Teaching Experience:
I have coached a pupil who gained a scholarship for Brighton College and another who was awarded the Queen's Scholarship to enter Westminster School, London. In both cases exams tested a whole range of traditional skills set at a relatively demanding level for this age group. Future candidates would be welcome to contact me.

Prior to this, I have taught pupils from 11 years upwards to Advanced Level pupils heading for Oxbridge. I have worked as an examiner for an exam board, set and marked papers at GCSE and taught adults in evening classes.

Tutoring Approach:
Tuition offered via Skype which offers greater flexibility of timings, lengths of lesson etc as well benefits for teaching using Google docs which record lesson progress, better use of resources etc.

On-line tasks can be set in between lessons to practise skills learnt.

Lively approach including games where appropriate.

Teaching linked to the exam board specification you are working towards including specific skills at GCSE / A level.

Grammar taught relevant to your needs: to include the new course requirements when published.

Feedback after each session to parents/ guardian or carer if requested to include likely grade potential at GCSE / A level or IB

A / AS / IB level students will work through short accessible texts to build up topic vocabulary but also support class tuition in your college or school.

Common Entrance Level candidates or specific entry exams for schools will receive very focused teaching to prepare for the exam.

Adult tuition for business or leisure.

I would be pleased to work with students in groups of 2 or 3 for a reduced fee per person all online.

Fees are a little higher than perhaps for other tutors, but you will be receiving a premium service with many more benefits than a session's tuition.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am married with a daughter at university and a son at college. I am interested in many different things, from sports to wildlife. I think I am friendly and fun, and because I have tried learning foreign languages myself, am sympathetic towards my students needs!

Teaching Experience:
I have actually taught TEFL for about 10 years (and have been in the TEFL business for much longer, publishing books for TEFL). I have worked in Japan, Egypt and Spain and also taught at the IH Executive School in Piccadilly, London. Since 2009 I have specialised in teaching 1:1, all types of students, from young learners to senior business people.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to find out what the student wants and needs and then to try to give it to them in a logical and effective way. I try to make the lessons varied, interesting and relevant. The aim is always to help the student get closer to achieving their language goals.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My adventure with Martial Arts began in 1991 joining in Karate Kyokushin club in Lublin Poland. After 3 years of training, I become an instructor leading numerous groups for children and adults teaching Karate and Self-Defence. Over the years my interest was directed as well onto other Martial Arts, Aikido, Judo, Ju-Jutsu, Shaolin Chi-Na, Jeet Kune Do, moreover I was practicing with Nunchaku, Bo, Tonfa, and Japanese Fencing Kendo. In 2003 I Have erected Bushido School in Lublin teaching Karate KyokushinKan, Free Running, and as a first person in this region Kendo. In 2006 I moved to Edinburg Scotland where In 2010 reached for 3rd Dan in Karate KyokushinKan and become Branch Representative in Scotland. During that time I took part in numerous Tournaments both regional and international competing in Kata (forms) and Kumite (free fight) Achieving 2nd Place In International Tournament Oyama Cup Gdansk 2003.
I was involved in organizing Self Defence seminars with international recognized specialist Rory Miller in Edinburgh and Coordinating his tour in the UK.
Additionally, I have Master Degree in Sociology of Culture Maria-Curie Sklodowska University in Lublin Poland, and I am qualified Hypnotherapist, currently studying Counseling.
Now I am providing individual and group sessions to motivated and open minded students.

Teaching Experience:
1993-2003 Instructor of Karate Kyokushin ans Self-Defence working for Lubelski Klub Karate Kyokushin. (Adult and children groups)
2003-2006 President of Bushido School in Lublin, teaching Karate KyokushinKan, Self-Defence, Kendo, Free Running. (Adult and children groups)
2006-until now. Teaching one to one and groups (seminar system)
2016- until now Archery instructor in Leith Archery Edinburgh (Adult and children groups)

1997-2008 Instructor on various Karate Kyokushin Training Camps

2009 I was involved in final preparation for 2 Dan graduation of my Student / Close Friend

2003-2006 Founder and Head Instructor of Ken-Do Association in Poland Lublin (Szkola Bushido)
2003-2006 Founder and Head Instructor of Free Running group in Poland Lublin (Szkola Bushido)
2003-2006 Head Instructor of Kumite (tournament system), Kata and Self-Deference Seminars in Poland Lublin (Szkola Bushido)

2010- Branch Chief Nomination for Scotland in Karate KyokushinKan

Author of:
"Moje Karate" available ksiegarnia.publikatornia.pl
and
"Modern Martial Arts" Amazon

Tutoring Approach:
I accept students who are motivated to develop skills on One to One basis or groups.

Student needs to commit for full one grade study (Karate Kyokushinkan). The length of study is dictated by the level Kyu, Dan.
Students who would like to take Karate Study will be registered with the international Karate KyokushinKan Organisation.

Self Defense Students depends on the program (theory of violence, practical application, power generation, tactics) Booking for full blocks.

Japanese Fencing, practical application (no grading available) one session booking or package available.

Archery, one session booking or package available.

Subjects

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)

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Nurturing and calm individual who has experience working with early years upto high school age in a classroom setting. Degree in disability and inclusive practice.
Based in Cheshire and currently working in a primary school.

Teaching Experience:
Qualified TA for 10+ years. Huge amount of SEND experience, working 1:1, general class support, interventions and whole class PPA teaching.
Also taught first aid to children and adults for many years

Tutoring Approach:
Flexible approach depending on needs of the learner. We must build up a good working relationship and form the trust to get the best from them.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi! My name is Claudia, I'm a 26 year old artist, illustrator, and mum of one.

I work part time in a secondary school/sixth form as an art technician and a large part of my role is assisting our wonderful students with their projects. I often get allocated 1:1 time with students that are having a harder time than others in some way, and I find this element of the job particularly rewarding.
Due to the nature of my work, I have a good understanding of the current curriculum, as well as the GCSE and A-Level programs.

I graduated in 2019 with a bachelors degree in Fine Art from AUB, as well as a foundation diploma in Art & Design from UCA. Since graduating I have been continuously developing my own artistic practice and working on a wide range of commissions, alongside raising my little boy.

Teaching Experience:
As mentioned above, my teaching experience comes from working in a school/sixth form.

Tutoring Approach:
Art should ultimately be about personal expression and expansion. And it should be fun!! A big part of my approach is about helping my students to identify their own blocks and challenges, and then finding ways to push through these into new and exciting territories.
I'm a big advocate for daily sketchbook practice, and I offer my students all sorts of exercises and techniques that aid them in 'loosening up' and discovering their own unique style.
I can also assist with enhancing understanding of, and ability in, a range of more technical artistic elements (colour theory, perspective, accurate drawing etc)

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Final Year Postgraduate Medical Student at Newcastle University. Graduated from Clinical Sciences in 2020. Alongside medicine I work with Multinational companies in marketing and help in the running of major events such as Fashion Week. Being able to balance these responsibilities is something I take great pride in and the skills to do so are something I look to instil into my students.

Teaching Experience:
I have been guiding people through the medical school application process for years. I cover everything from Interview preparation, to Personal Statements, to my own UCAT masterclass. I have been doing one-to-one sessions online for 4 years now. As part of medicine you are expected to educate those less experienced than you. I have run sessions for medical student in clinical skills, specific modules such as Emergency medicine and cardiology and OSCE preparation

Tutoring Approach:
I need to understand the person I am talking to, we'll start off with a short initial encounter so we can both understand what you're trying to get out of the session.

My experience as a sports coach has also enlightened me to the psychological side of education. We can often get in our own way when trying to maximise our achievements. Don't let that be you.

The little things matter. The nature of the medical field means the highest achieving students from all over the world compete against one another for a finite amount of places. Get in contact and I'll show you how to set yourself apart instantly.

Subjects