Crickhowell Tutors and Crickhowell Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher and former Headteacher of a successful school with significant teaching expertise at KS1 and KS2. I am also a qualified SENCO and have vast experience in SEN. I set high standards for all my pupils and help them to achieve academic success. I am able to offer tuition in English, Maths and Science at both key stages and tuition for 11+ and common entrance examinations. I travel to you by negotiation. I can provide excellent references on request from past and present clients who have achieved and continue to achieve success in their studies at all levels. I enjoy seeing my pupils make rapid progress and achieving a high level of academic success.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English, Maths, SEN, Entrance Examinations at 7+ and 11+ and tuition for pupils who need to catch up, lack confidence and skills and need support to improve. I have vast experience teaching within excellent local schools and I am currently a Headteacher in a large local primary school. I teach children on a 1-2-1 basis to ensure that they receive the additional input that they need in order to achieve. I specialise in assisting children who lack confidence in specific areas and I am able to assist these children in improving their skill levels within their own school. I can provide excellent references on request from many happy pupils and parents.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient and understanding tutor with the ability to communicate effectively with both adults and children. My aim is to ensure that pupils develop additional skills and increased confidence in their studies. I make my lessons fun and enjoyable for pupils so that they are able to enjoy learning and are keen to attend my tutoring sessions. I keep parents updated on their children's progress on a regular basis and encourage children to share worries about specific subject areas so that we can explore them together.

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Personal Description:
My name is Lauren, I am 18 years old, and I am currently a student at Coventry University studying Spanish BA Single Honours, with TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language). I am originally from Dorset, where I studied Spanish at GCSE and A Level, acquiring an A* at GCSE and a B at A Level. I believe I am a hard working individual with every intention on making sure I achieve what I set out to do. I enjoy helping others, working, and socialising with my friends, and I get on really well with new people.

Teaching Experience:
In the past I have helped out with some younger classes at my secondary school when they needed some assistance in some of the classes. Also, as my sister is 5 years younger than me, I have always been the one helping her with homework, or helping if there is something she does not understand. This means that I have some experience working with people who are in the age group I intend to teach.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in a structured hour of work where the pupil is thoroughly engaged throughout the session. I think that there is a lot of importance in learning 'discovery' which is where the pupil is not spoon-fed information, but rather encouraged to try and work out patterns in the language e.g. grammar. Obviously if the pupil gets stuck I will help them. I also think grammar is an important part of learning Spanish language due to all of the verb conjugations and gender agreements etc. Homework is also important as doing a little each day is definitely one of the best ways to learn.

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Personal Description:
I have B.Sc in Biochemistry and completed my Masters degree from Kingston University in Biomedical science with Management studies.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Experience:

I have taught science in a secondary school as a science teacher. At present I tutor primary and secondary school students, with focus on GCSE exam preparations. I have 10 years of experience of tutoring within the UK.

Tutoring Approach:
Good communication and interaction is the key to understanding and learning. I make sure that my students understand the topic before proceeding to the next one. I provide the students with the right materials for studying which includes exam style questions.

For students preparing for their GCSEs, we work hard on learning how to answer exam questions. Techniques and skills on how to ace the questions are taught which are key to getting more marks in their GCSEs.

I am willing to travel to you but travel costs would need to be covered (£5 per trip)

If you wish to book a group session for two or more students/multiple subjects then please contact to discuss rates.

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Personal Description:
If you needed a doctor, dentist or lawyer then you would want someone who was fully qualified and very experienced. So don't settle for anything less when you need a tutor. To get the best out of your tutoring, and hence the exam grades you want, make sure that you are getting the following:

1. Someone who will sit beside you and teach you in person. If the covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything then it has taught us that online tutoring can't hold a candle to having a teacher in the same room as you.

2. Insist on someone who is a qualified teacher. Just because someone has passed a few exams themselves doesn't mean that they will be able to teach their subject well. That's precisely why we have teacher training, to help people learn how best to convey that knowledge to others.

3. Insist on someone with plenty of experience. Practice may not make perfect, but it usually does make one a lot better, and this is often the case in teaching.

4. It's very important that a tutor knows their subjects very well and really enjoys them. Without both of these they are never going to be a good teacher.

Let's see how I measure up to these criteria. Well, I only teach in person, and from my home. On several occasions I have been offered online work, but always refused it, as I really do believe that I would be offering students a much inferior service. I have a Joint Honours B.Sc. in chemistry and physics, and for my PGCE my main subject was mathematics, and my secondary subject was physics. So I am well qualified in all the subjects that I offer: maths, further mathematics, chemistry and physics. My PGCE is from the University of Leeds, which has a very good reputation for its teacher training. I also have many years classroom and tutoring experience. As for knowing and enjoying my subjects, those who come to me for tutoring can see my large collection of maths, chemistry and physics books. I have also had a subscription to Scientific American for decades. I read maths and science for fun. Maybe that's why I gave up a very lucrative career as a software engineer to become a teacher. This is also why usually I only offer tutoring at A-level or equivalent, because I particularly enjoy teaching at this level. However, I am currently accepting a limited number of Y11 Higher Level Maths GCSE students.

Students studying maths might also be interested to know that I have written books about the best graphics calculators and also the Classwiz. So it's very likely that I'll be able to show you how to use your calculator much more effectively, which could save you time and mistakes in your exam.

Over the years many students, and their parents, have been very happy with my tutoring. Perhaps you will be too.

Please also note that I ONLY TUTOR FROM MY HOME: no exceptions. Among other reasons, this allows me to teach many more students, some of whom have been known to travel a considerable distance in order to get the right tutor.

Teaching Experience:
Let me be very frank. In the UK teaching in most schools is much less enjoyable than in many other countries. Behaviour, and what the school is prepared to spend on a teacher are often major issues. For students who genuinely want to learn this has serious implications. How qualified and experienced a teacher is may not be be a school's main recruitment criteria. Foremost may be their cost. A well qualified and experienced teacher will cost significantly more than a much younger one, so many older teachers' applications are often passed over. Also much greater weight may be given to classroom "management" skills, rather than the ability to teach ones subject.

Most of my time teaching in the classroom has been spent abroad, with a lot of it in private schools. For these schools neither behaviour nor salary is a major issue, so they recruit and retain teachers based on how well they can teach their subjects. This is the environment in which I have done my many years of classroom teaching. My years in the classroom have been spent in schools where ones teaching ability is paramount.

In regard to tutoring, this has been my main source of income for the past ten years, and most of this time has been spent teaching A-level, or the equivalent. It's probably fair to say that I spend many more hours teaching A-level than most classroom teachers, and as such I know what most students need, and where they are likely to experience difficulties.

Among the schools whose students I have recently tutored are: Ashmole Academy, Dame Alice Owen`s School, Enfield County School, Enfield Grammar School, Highlands School, Hockerill Anglo-European College, Princess Helena College, Southgate School, St. Michael`s Catholic Grammar School, The Latymer School, The Royal Masonic School for Girls, and Woodhouse College.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that when it comes to teaching I know my subjects very well. So you don't have to tell me in advance what you require help with. If you come to me for tutoring you will be able to ask me, on the fly, about any maths, physics or chemistry that you are having problems with, and I would expect to give you good help immediately.

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Personal Description:
I am a native English speaker. I enjoyed my work as a private ESL/ESOL tutor, but since I have retired, I mainly only undertake proofreading and giving advice on assignments for work or college, that a tutee may need.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified English tutor holding a Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
I have ten years experience teaching English in Further Education Colleges across Kent. I have also taught in English Summer Schools and accommodated students from abroad, in my own home, teaching them English and introducing them to English culture by taking them on excursions to places of interest in London and Kent.

Tutoring Approach:
During the first lesson I will assess my new student in order to place them at their correct level of English language acquisition. Thereafter, I can provide lessons appropriate to that level, taking into account their idividual learning needs and learning style.
I am very patient and aware of how it feels to be learning a foreign language as I have studied both German and Spanish as an adult. I like to ensure my students feel comfortable and at ease in their learning as I feel that they will progress more easily and quickly if they are confident that they will be encouraged and helped at all times along the way.

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Personal Description:
I have been involved in computers and IT for 27 years. I was first of all a professional computer games programmer / designer before moving into my current role as an IT Solutions Architect. Over the last 21 years in IT consultancy, I have developed a breadth and depth of knowledge in IT and computing which is hard to find almost anywhere in the UK having dealt with almost all types of systems and aspects of IT.

I'm not able to teach you all the intricacies of the Microsoft Office products like Excel or Word, but I can train you in system design, system support, software development and pretty much anything in between. I have detailed experience in virtually all Microsoft operating systems and applications. I am also very experienced on VMware products. I am also able to assist your training in application and web development in C, C#, VB, scripting and assembler (68000 & 6502).

Teaching Experience:
21 years of mentoring and training junior staff on systems including Microsoft operating systems and applications.
Delivered a classroom based Lotus Notes course for Computacentre.
Developing syllabi and exam question papers for the British Computer Society (BCS).

Tutoring Approach:
I would first of all need to know what your learning requirements are. What is it you want to know about and to what level? From that point, I would create a training plan for you to reach that goal.

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Personal Description:
Ciao! I'm a native Italian speaker fluent in Italian, French and English, with a First-Class Honours degree in Humanities, specialising in History and English Literature. Since 2014, I've been helping learners of all levels develop confidence and fluency in English and Italian-from beginners taking their first steps to advanced learners refining their mastery.

I bring more than just expertise to my lessons-I bring a deep love for language and its structure. My teaching is tailored to each student's goals, pace and interests, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. I believe that great teaching is a two-way exchange: both tutor and learner grow through the journey.

Whether you're preparing for exams, brushing up your conversational skills, or simply exploring a new language, I'd be delighted to support you!

Teaching Experience:
Ciao! I'm a passionate educator with over ten years' experience helping learners grow in confidence, language skills, and exam success. I hold a First-Class Honours degree in Humanities (English and History), a TEFL qualification, and I'm currently training towards a PGCE in Lifelong Learning-giving me the tools to support both young learners and adult students alike.

For GCSE students, I provide clear, structured support in English Language and Literature, helping learners approach exams with confidence and clarity. My sessions are tailored to your goals-whether it's mastering unseen poetry, tackling tricky grammar, or refining essay technique-with an emphasis on building skills that last beyond the classroom.

For Italian-speaking adults, I offer a warm, welcoming space to build your English or Italian skills at your own pace. Whether you're learning for work, travel, or pleasure, I bring patience, cultural insight, and a flexible approach to make language learning enjoyable and rewarding.

Learning with me means engaging lessons, a supportive atmosphere, and progress you can feel. 📚✨

Tutoring Approach:
"I take great pride in helping learners-especially beginners-gain the confidence to understand, speak, and truly enjoy the Italian language. My lessons go beyond grammar and vocabulary, offering a gateway into the richness of Italian culture, history, and daily life. I aim to create a welcoming, engaging environment where curiosity leads the way and progress feels both natural and rewarding."
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Personal Description:
Concert pianist and Oxford graduate with 6 years teaching experience giving music tuition in Manchester.

At the age of sixteen I began studying piano with Sam Armstrong at the Junior Department of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire and have since enjoyed increasing success and recognition. I have performed with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain as orchestral pianist at the Sage Gateshead and the Royal Festival Hall, including a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3. In 2015 I made my London concerto debut with Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No 2. The following year I sat the LRSM examination, and passed with distinction.

I graduated from Oxford University in 2018 with first class honours in Music. I am grateful to have been recognized with the Anjool Maldé Scholarship from St Peter's College in 2016. Currently I am studying for a Master's in piano performance from the Royal Northern College of Music, where my studies are supported by an Oglesby Charitable Trust scholarship, as well as postgraduate awards from Help Musicians UK and the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. Alongside solo recital engagements, I maintain a busy schedule of collaborative projects with singers and instrumentalists throughout the UK.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching piano and music theory and history to students of all ages and levels for six years. Students have passed grade 8 piano and grade 5 theory exams with distinction - no student of mine has yet got less than merit in ABRSM exams. I myself receive first class honours from Oxford University and am an active concert pianist.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is flexible according to the needs, ambitions and level of my students. In tutorials we will work together through problems to ensure students are comfortable with the hows and whys of music. I am a patient, articulate and conscientious tutor.

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Personal Description:
I am an undergraduate student studying Actuarial Science in one of the top Universities for Actuarial Science in Europe, Bayes Business School. I have tutored many GCSE and Alevel students in a tutoring centre and private classes, of which most of them got A to A*. I did A level Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Tamil and received 2A* and 2A. I also completed AS Level Further maths in which I obtained an A.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught many students, ranging from year 5 to A level, in a tutoring centre.. I am also currently teaching A level and GCSE students privately. Many of my students have obtained grades As and A*s in their A levels and 7-9 in their GCSEs. I've been involved in tutoring for more than 2 years and I will use the best teaching strategy that is suitable for the student.

Tutoring Approach:
I ensure that every student understands the subject or topic by the end of the lesson. I will make sure that my GCSE and A level students feel confident and comfortable when facing their actual exams, as I tend to do a lot of past paper questions for the students to grasp the technique. If necessary, I will give out discounted tuitions to go through the past paper questions near their exam. I will use the online whiteboard to describe the concepts clearly and I will go through it as many times as the student wants, to ensure that they have understood the concept.

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Personal Description:
After graduating with a Mathematics degree I worked at the University of Manchester for a number of years and also gained an Msc in Epidemiology (Medical Statistics). I have gained most of my practical teaching experience from my time in the NHS, where I worked as an information specialist. I gained a PGDip in Management at Bradford University and went on to work at all levels in the NHS, ending as being the National Director for Analysis. In that time I have taught mathematical and statistical skills to hundreds of NHS analysts, and delivered degree level research training to staff at all levels for over 20 years,

In 2018 I set up my own training and consultancy business which aimed to teach, train and support staff at all levels in their use of data and I subsequently was awarded the Northern Enterprise Awards "Best analytics and research training provider - Yorkshire" in 2021.

This experience has made me ideally placed to understand the different ways that people learn, and the areas that can be seen as difficult. The training skills I have developed means that I approach tutoring in a different way than those with a formal PGCE which can be of great benefit.

Teaching Experience:
I have had a number of different training / teaching / tutoring experiences within my career.
I have taught on a degree level Research course within the NHS for 20 years - concentrating on research methods, data and critical analysis skills.
I have delivered lectures in data related subjects to undergraduate students at Huddersfield and Bradford Universities within the UK, and Buffalo University within the USA.
I was honorary visiting lecturer to Leeds University for a number of years.
Since 2018 I have delivered private training in analysis, data and research across the UK, as well as in the USA and Gibraltar to a wide mix of ages and professional groups.
In 2019 I lectured online for a PhD course at Fordham University in New York.

I have tutored in GCSE and A'level subjects for the last 4 years both online and face to face. (AQA syllabus, although I have access to other syllabus material such as EdExcel).

Tutoring Approach:
Every learner is different, so I like to find an approach that works with each of my students. Having taught people who struggled with subjects at school I try to find easy examples to illustrate particular concepts. I also believe that humour is a key part of the learning environment, and that learning should be enjoyable as well as educational.

While I am happy to meet face to face, I find that online tutoring works equally well and has the advantage of being able to record sessions that can be used by the student when revising. The use of interactive whiteboards still provides a great learning experience, and whiteboards can also be saved for the student to use later.

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Personal Description:
I am a television producer who is currently looking to build upon the work I have previously done in education. I enjoyed school and learning, but I realise that I was fortunate enough to experience an ideal set of circumstances (including good teaching) and that many people find studying difficult, challenging and/or unenjoyable.

I really love working with people to plug the gaps in their knowledge and/or formal education, and I take a person-centred approach to finding what's right for each particular individual. I believe that this style allows people to feel empowered, makes things "click" in a way that is natural to the individual, and ultimately allows that person to walk away with a feeling of satisfaction and confidence in their abilities.

As a TV producer, I have worked around the world with a multitude of different types of people, and I pride myself on the ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. I am half Spanish, so have always had a knowledge of and been surrounded by the language. I am currently working on perfecting my fluency, so am working through the formal qualifications this year, currently operating at Pre-Advanced (B2). At this level, I am more than equipped to tutor in Spanish up to A Level.

Teaching Experience:
I trained in dance from the age of 3, and when I was about 13/14, started helping with the teaching of the younger children at the school. This was where I discovered my passion for helping others to learn. I took a huge amount of pleasure in helping people figure out a way to finally crack something they'd been finding difficult.

When I then went to uni, I spent my spare time working at Salford Young People's University to lead marketing and radio production workshops, amongst others. Upon leaving education, whilst trying to start my career as a television producer, I worked part time in a local high school as an administrative assistant, exam invigilator and cover support officer, covering classes when teachers were absent. Having obtained majority A grades at school myself, I found a great deal of joy working across all national curriculum subjects to help students complete their work and understand things that they were finding tricky.

Over the last decade, I have spent a great deal of time outside of my day job leading workshops in schools, universities and other teaching organisations to inform, educate and empower young people to pursue a career in television. I have also mentored upwards of 80 individuals, each time taking a person-centred approach to figure out what is right for that particular person. My mentees describe me as someone who is gentle, patient, knowledgeable and inspires confidence. There are testimonials from some of my former mentees. I understand the importance of finding the right tutor, and am happy to supply a full CV prior to commencing any tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
I love working with people to plug the gaps in their knowledge and/or formal education, and I take a person-centred approach to finding what's right for each particular individual, i.e. I do not follow a set formula with every person. I believe that this style allows people to feel empowered, makes things "click" in a way that is natural to the individual, and ultimately allows that person to walk away with a feeling of satisfaction and confidence in their abilities.

Ideally, I'd have students bring homework they are struggling to complete so that we can work through it together, but if that is not an option, I am very happy to discuss the individual needs and then find appropriate resources. I am happy to work either online or in person.

Testimonial from Spanish tutee:
"I absolutely loved my Spanish lessons with Melody. She prepared bespoke pages for me which we worked through, and gave me little tips and tricks to remember things that helped to improve my Spanish tremendously. She also provided me with extra activities (like watching specific music videos on YouTube) to do outside lessons that further improved my Spanish."

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Personal Description:
I am a Head of Department (of RS and Theology and Philosophy) at a highly successful independent secondary school. I am father of two girls and have been a teacher for 16 years working with students of all secondary school ages (11-18) and abilities.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher of RS/Philosophy for 16 years and have been a Head of Department for nearly 10 of those years. I have been an A Level examiner for AQA Philosophy and teach GCSE RS, A Level RS/Philosophy, IB Philosophy and a range of other qualifications. I have been a tutor before and successfully brought students through GCSE and A Level to achieve the very top grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer an online tutoring session and seek to provide clear delivery of key course content with short activities to help recall and then very clearly explain concepts so students can understand the ideas very well. I use illustrations and analogies to help students relate to the information and make it relevant to them. I find this really helps the content be understood. I have a wealth of resources from my extensive teaching experience upon which I can draw depending on the exact course I'm teaching.

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