Coulsdon Tutors and Coulsdon Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced and successful assistant examiner for a major exam board for A Level French and have marked German and French GCSE in the past. I am an experienced, enthusiastic and friendly tutor, with a high success rate with GCSE and A level students of French and German. I love what I do, particularly helping to build student confidence and helping them achieve their best, in a fun and supportive way.

More recently I have been teaching English as a Foreign Language to Russian, German and French students. I love teaching my native language and helping students to gain confidence in it.

PGCE - University of Newcastle Upon Tyne 1998 (Secondary Teaching Qualification)
I am a fully qualified teacher of Languages and English as a foreign language, with 18 years' experience of teaching all levels.

My work as an assistant examiner for a major exam board, has given me an excellent insight into what is required by the exam in order to gain a good pass.
I love languages, teaching, music and travel.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught and supported students at all levels and for different purpose: GCSE, A Level, Holiday French and German, Primary French and German.

I have been an assistant examiner for a major exam board for A level French speaking, listening, reading and writing for the past 8 years, so can help to support students for exams and help them to become very familiar with the techniques and knowledge required to gain a good pass.

I have a 100% success rate with students. Last year, all 3 GCSE students gained A* and A (French and German) and my 3 A Level students gained A (French), and 2 C's (from a grade E/U in German).

I have taught online for Learndirect/myself, am computer literate, and have had success with students learning long distance via Skype.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a fun and enthusiastic approach to teaching and I am able to guarantee success at all levels. I have lots of success with all levels, and have been successful due to a variety of techniques, knowledge of exam papers/common difficulties when learning a language and teaching experience.
I am able to get the best out of students, by identifying their learning needs and styles.

Adult learners: I have a very successful and unique approach, which allows adults to understand how a language is constructed and which allows them to grasp the basics of a language and then 'play' with the language by adding new vocabulary and phrases. You will feel confident wiih the pronunciation of the language from the beginning, which is essential to make progress quickly and effectively.

What my previous students have said:

E - July 2012 - Intermediate Adult: I needed a quick few lessons to help me pass a resit at University, I realised this was a pressure on Sarah to help me pass but I had learnt more with Sarah in a total of 6 hours than I had in a whole year. I would highly recommend Sarah to anybody, Thank you Sarah for your help, you helped me pass with flying colours! E.

R - May 2012 - GCSE last minute help online - My daughter says " Sarah is really friendly and helpful and she gave me lots of techniques I can use to revise". Sarah has been brilliant at giving a late boost just before the exams, which was exactly what we wanted. We found her incredibly helpful and responsive and are sure she has been a major part of boosting my daughter's confidence - her grades as reported by school have gone up two levels in the last two months and Sarah has been a definite part of this

S - July 2011-May 2012 - Adult Casual - After having lessons for a few months now I can say that Sarah is a very effective teacher and has the ability to explain things in a simple and easy to understand way. I feel I have made significant progress in my learning and would not hesitate to recommend Sarah to anybody wishing to learn french.

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Personal Description:
I studied medieval languages, literature, and history at the University of Cambridge before completing an MA in Medieval Studies at the University of York. I then moved to La Rochelle (France) in 2016, where I taught English in two schools. After spending 4 months in New Zealand, I began teaching English at the Sorbonne University in Paris (2018-2020). I am now in the process of completing a PhD which focuses on medieval literature and languages (including Old French). I take a keen interest in language, especially French, and enjoy sharing this with my students.

Teaching Experience:
From October 1st 2016 until April 30th 2017, I taught English to 11-18 year olds in two French high schools. I also privately taught English to a French businessman in preparation for his travels in Australia, and to a young student studying for his baccalaureate exams. I gained a TEFL qualification in 2015.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly and unintimidating person, and encourage my students to ask questions on any linguistic point of difficulty. I will adapt my lessons to my student's needs (be it to improve reading, writing, grammatical knowledge, listening and speaking skills, or all of these in turn) so that each session is productive. I will happily teach according to school curriculum requirements, and I will also create my own teaching resources if necessary. I personally find it immensely satisfying and exciting to be able to speak and understand another language, and I encourage my students to share this pleasure.

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Personal Description:
¡Hola! I am a qualified and experienced native tutor offering quality teaching to adults.
I offer:
One-to-one lessons and Small groups (2-4 students).
ONLINE lessons: study from the comfort of your own house or office!
Intensive lessons during half-term.
All levels. Conversation. Exam Preparation (GCSE, iGCSE, A-Level, IB, Common Entrance (Spanish), DELE).

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Spanish as a foreign language over the last twenty years in different countries. I worked at schools, language institutes and as a private tutor. In the UK, I worked at Tonbridge School, Tonbridge, Kent. I am also fluent in French and Portuguese.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are dynamic and based on a communicative approach. All four skills are taught - speaking, listening, reading and writing - though emphasis is on oral communication and Spanish culture.
My Students benefit from:
-Extra online support via email
-Motivating and effective tuition
-Variety of learning resources

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Personal Description:
I am a native speaker with over ten years of experience in teaching English as a foreign language, specialising in teaching the IELTS, CAE, and FCE exams, but also teaching general English.

Teaching Experience:
I began teaching English full-time in 2008, and since then have taught both overseas and in the UK, to groups and private students, and have increasingly focused on preparing students for the IELTS and Cambridge exams.

私は２年間日本に住みましたから、すこし日本語わかります。

Tutoring Approach:
The first step is to identify the student's weak points and systemic errors; a seemingly huge improvement can often be made with just a little effort, if that effort is applied in the right places!

After identifying the student's main language problems, I create a plan of action to repair these issues and improve the student's fluency and accuracy.

It's a cliche, but every student is an individual, and what works for one person will not always work for another. It is important to develop a lesson plan and study structure that fits the individual student.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching French and German for the past 30 years.
I retired from classroom teaching in July 2022, in order to focus on offering private tuition.
The bulk of my private tuition is French and German GCSE. However, I am also delivering German IB (diploma) and A level, as well as English as a second language.
I also have some adult learners as well as children from age 6-10.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching French and German at all levels but mainly secondary school.
I have worked for 27 years in two London comprehensives.
My results have always been excellent.
I have outstanding subject knowledge and am familiar with the main exam boards.
I also have access to all relevant materials.
I am currently working part time in a local secondary school teaching French and German A level.
My current tuition timetable includes:
French GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Edexcel IGCSE)
German GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE)
German A level (AQA and Edexcel)
German adult learners - beginners.
English as a second language - IGCSE, IELTS
Beginner's German to adult learners as well as children aged 6-11

I have students attending UK top grammar and independent schools, as well as state comprehensives. I have experience in stretching and challenging the most able as well as helping students gain an acceptable pass in what is sometimes their weakest subject.
In the last two years, those of my tutees taking higher GCSE, have all gained grades 7-9 and those taking foundation, a grade 5.
All of this information can be verified on request.
I also have a number of adult learners for beginner's German. This has been very successful. Current students can provide testimonials if required.

Tutoring Approach:
I have done a lot of private tutoring, mainly GCSE but also some A level and adult learners.
I am a calm and patient teacher and know how to get the best out of my students.
Each lesson is tailor made to suit the needs of the individual.
I pride myself on being flexible and as a parent myself, understand that unforeseen circumstances can crop up. Therefore, I do not charge for late cancellations.

Recent, verifiable testimonials (updated August 2023, following GCSE results)

Alison was a great tutor. She is very easy to understand and made french as a subject a lot more simple for my son to understand. My son was originally getting 3s and 2s in his mocks, but she was able to assist him in getting a good result in the GCSE. I can't thank her enough for the help. She's a great tutor.
I would like to recommend her to everyone.

Allison has tutored my son for the past 2 years and I was delighted that he got a 9 for his GCSE German exam this year. My son took his GCSE exam early at the end of year 9 and his grade is a true reflection of what an exceptional tutor Allison is. Allison has been a truly amazing tutor and my son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with her. He will continue his tutoring with Allison as he has now opted to take A/S Level German next year. I highly recommend Allison if your child needs tuition for German.


Allison has been tutoring our daughter in French for the last few weeks, to help her prepare for GCSE's.
I cannot recommend Allison highly enough. She is easy to contact and on time to every lesson. My daughter was initially sceptical about having a tutor, but from the first lesson she soon saw the benefits. Allison is very personable and gave me feedback on what our daughter should be focusing on and how she has improved. Allison has great knowledge of the school syllabus and gave my daughter key areas to focus on outside of the lessons. I would like to thank Allison for giving our daughter more confidence in what used to be one of her weaker subjects

Allison provided tutoring for our daughter ahead of her GCSE in German. She knows the syllabus extremely well and identified the main areas on which to focus. She was very flexible on when she could come to our house and helped our daughter get the most out of each hour of tutoring. The overall impact was very positive with our daughter getting a 9 in her GCSE. I can thoroughly recommend Allison to anyone looking for help in either German or French.

We had Allison for about a year, and my son continues enjoying the lessons. Allison is very reliable, personable and flexible. She understands the help and support that is required for my son and applies her skills and knowledge to help. Her calm manner and being very accommodating are helpful add-ons to the help we get from her.

I was so busy to let you know how impressed my boys are of both of you. Because of you and his German teacher now, D. studies German with pleasure.

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Personal Description:
I am a biology specialist teaching KS3 and KS4 in an outstanding secondary school. I am friendly and approachable, as well as having excellent subject and curriculum knowledge.

Teaching Experience:
I am in my 4th year of teaching after completing my PGCE.

Tutoring Approach:
I work collaboratively with tutees to help improve their retention, overcome exam anxiety, and give them confidence.

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Personal Description:
Paolo is an Italian songwriter, composer, and stage director based in London.

He has independently composed, produced, and released solo albums, as well as soundtracks for theatre productions and songs for other artists. Beginning his music career in 1992, Paolo is also an accomplished singer and guitarist who has performed across Europe and collaborated with numerous international artists.

His unique writing style has evolved over years of traveling, literary studies, and ongoing poetic exploration, which earned him first prize in poetry at the Pirandello Stable Festival in 2012.

Paolo's theatre and cinema career began in 1998. Alongside intensive drama school training, he spent seven years honing his acting and directing skills at the Teatro Regio di Torino, working under renowned directors Franco Zeffirelli, José Carlos Plaza, Ugo De Ana, Giuseppe Patroni Griffi, and John Cox.

Since 2002, he has written and directed numerous plays, including The Bald Soprano by Ionesco, The Trojan Women by Euripides, and A Doll's House by Ibsen, staged in various UK venues.

Throughout his career, Paolo has taught Italian Literature, Humanities, Music, and Geography in primary and secondary schools and academies. He holds an MA in Humanities and Arts from the University of Turin, a Diploma in Classical Guitar from Trinity College London, an MA in Archaeology from UCL, and is currently pursuing PhD research at Cardiff University.

He is the founder of a website dedicated to his archaeological research, and, a video-audio production company.

Paolo recently published the book for beginner guitarist and a collection of his poems; both books are available on Amazon.

Teaching Experience:
I qualified to teach:

- Italian Language and Literature, Archaeology, and Humanities (Geography, History, and Religious Studies up to GCSE Level).
- Classical, Acoustic and Electric guitar lessons up to Grade 8 and DIplomas (Trinity College, ABRSM, RockSchool).
- Piano, Bass guitar and Singing lessons up to Grade 6 (Trinity College and ABRSM).
- Music technology, sound design and audio editing tuitions and workshop on Cubase (v. 7 to 11) and Logic Pro X .
- Music theory, songwriting classes, and private tutoring for GCSE students who need extra help are also available.
- Adobe Premiere and Photoshop for video and photo editing (beginner and intermediate).
- Italian grammar and literature up to A-Level and for adult learner.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe anyone can achieve excellence with the right motivation. While exam success is important, I emphasize the joy of learning itself, sparking curiosity and passion in my students. My teaching approach blends exam preparation with fostering creativity and confidence in a supportive environment, where students feel free to explore and grow.

Since starting my teaching journey in 1998, I've taught Literature, Humanities, Music, and Drama in Italy, and since 2015, I've been teaching music in UK schools. I offer personalized lessons in guitar (up to Grade 8 and Diplomas), piano, bass, singing (up to Grade 6), and music technology, including Cubase and Logic Pro. Whether it`s music theory, songwriting, or GCSE/A-Level tutoring, I tailor my teaching to each student`s unique style, always ensuring a fun and engaging atmosphere for optimal learning.

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Personal Description:
Hello. We've taken the traditional guitar class and turned it on its head with a range of lessons, courses, jams and events that have entertained and developed thousands of guitar players, just like you.

We aren't just about scales, theory and solitary practice (although we do encourage all of those things) We're about the magic that happens when musicians meet.

Everything we do is done from our bar/music venue. We also stream all of our classes so that people all over the world can still take part.

All our learners get to know each other. Our purpose-built venue in East London is our hub where we host classes, run events, serve food and drinks and make musical connections.

See you in a session soon.

Teaching Experience:
Thomas has over a decade of experience teaching guitar to a range of learners - from experienced musicians looking to fine-tune their skills, to visually impaired individuals, to students just taking their first steps on their guitar journey. He has taught in schools, prisons, on boats and in the street. Thomas has delivered over 7,000 hours of classes to over 2,000 people.

Tutoring Approach:
Learning through the music that you love. A focus on theory and the more academic side of things, as well as on confidence in performing, writing your own music, playing with others, and harnessing the joy of making music. We run a range of courses and one-off teaching events - we can help you find one that is perfect for your level and interests.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Charlie. I'm a 25 year old Musician and Graduate from the Academy Of Contemporary Music in Guildford.

I specialise in guitar, production and guidance through GCSE and A level work. I have been playing guitar since Junior school, whilst also singing and developing into a songwriter. I have vast experiences of being graded on my performances, my songwriting and production work.

Teaching Experience:
I spent my work experience in my secondary school as a teachers assistant, supporting in year 7-10 music lessons (aged 11-16). Throughout this I helped out with organising lesson plans, whilst also advising and guiding students during their work periods.

Alongside this, I also have experience running workshops with younger primary school students (6-8 years old) these were more lighthearted, friendly introductions into music as a subject.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is relaxed, supportive, and tailored to each individual. I start by getting to know where you're at, what you'd like to achieve, and how you learn best. Whether you're aiming to master Grade 5 theory, improve your GCSE or A-Level coursework, develop your guitar playing, or dive into music production with Ableton or Logic Pro, I'll help break things down into manageable steps that suit your pace and style. The goal is to build confidence, keep things engaging, and make sure you're always moving forward toward your musical goals.

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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:
I am an international student in London seeking to be a private tutor. I am good at teaching English and I have a strong passion for the language. I have achieved an overall band score of 8.0 in IELTS. I can help you learn English and Computer Studies. I can also help you prepare for Cambridge English exams and IELTS.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of tutoring juniors at high school as they prepared for the university entrance exam in my country.

Tutoring Approach:
I will prepare PowerPoint slides as well as interactive online activities such as Kahoot for children to learn. I can do in-person tutoring as well.

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Personal Description:
Outside of tutoring, I enjoy photography, baking, wildlife gardening, health and fitness, including swimming and woodland walks, as well as spending time with family and friends.

I'm very proud of my daughter and three young grandchildren who also share my interests in photography, forest adventures and baking!

Since becoming a vegan, I have enjoyed creating a wide range of delicious meals which are also enjoyed by family and friends!

I am also passionate about wildlife conservation and have initiated campaigns in my local area to conserve areas of habitat for wildlife. For example, two years ago, I collaborated with local schools and councillors to stop the felling of 43 healthy trees at a historic green space in the town centre.

Teaching Experience:
I am a PGCE qualified teacher in Primary Education, specialising in Special Educational Needs, with 15 years of school teaching experience.

I chose to reduce my hours as a school teacher five years ago so that I could focus my attention on my tutoring business full time.

My main areas of expertise are English and Maths, where I can quickly diagnose a student's tuition needs and plan personalised lessons to help them to reach their learning targets.

I have taught many students with a wide range of learning needs, including learning difficulties such as dyslexia. For example, I recently tutored a boy with moderate dyslexia who was in Year 6. During this time, his confidence in his abilities in English increased significantly to such an extent that his grade increased from below to the above expected levels in Year 9.

I embrace all opportunities to keep up to date with developments in the National Curriculum by continued research in the public domain as well as attending training webinars and conferences

Since becoming a Private Tutor 20 years ago, I have helped over 1000 students to increase and exceed their grades in Maths and English Lanuage and Literature, sometimes by up to three grades.

I have also successfully coached adult learners for Functional English and Maths tests from Level 1 to Level 3, as well as students who speak English as a second language, for GCSE and IGCSE English and Maths exams.

Additionally, I tutor students in entrance test preparation skills for the 8, 11 and 13 plus exams.

I am always extremely proud of them when they exceed their predicted grades in their exams and gain entry into their chosen independent school.

Here are some recent reviews:

`Thank you Tina for helping me to take a long way in a very short time. My English was grade 2 at the beginning of the year 11. With the support from Tina, I have achieved grade 5 in both English Language and Literature. Thank you so much.`

`Tina`s teaching style allowed me to learn at my own pace and she always had a clear plan for each lesson.`

`She is patient and thought provoking, encouraging her students to `learn to learn`, rather than reproducing someone else`s ideas.`

"My daughter`s confidence in English has dramatically improved in both herself and in the classroom, thanks to Tina."

Tutoring Approach:
I would describe myself as a friendly and inspiring tutor who works with students in a calm and encouraging way.

I have been fortunate to teach in a variety of learning contexts, including nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools and colleges, which has enhanced my ability to adapt my expertise to a wide range of differing tuition needs.

I believe that by engaging with each student on a cognitive level, I am able to establish a positive rapport with them.

It is very rewardingl when I see a 'light bulb' moment happen when a student seems to glow from feeling a renewed sense of understanding and achievement.

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