Kirkby Stephen Tutors and Kirkby Stephen Tuition

Personal Description:
ANNOUNCING NEW AVAILABILITY:

FROM MONDAY, JUNE 6TH 2026 onwards.


Hello, all parents and potential tutees! A very warm welcome from Stuart!

I'm an enthusiastic, keen and good-humoured tutor, who teaches with commitment, dedication, passion and style!

I have been teaching Key Stage 3, GCSE and A level students now for more than 20 years - and I achieve great results.

I currently tutor students in English Language, English Literature and Maths - in the evenings and at weekends.

I am familiar with all of the English prose and play texts, as well as Poetry Anthologies and tutor students for both GCSE and IGCSE English Language and Literature.

I have a passion for poetry, I love Shakespeare, and, in my spare time, publish short stories. Creative Writing is my first love.

I also tutor students in GCSE and A level Maths - and am familiar with all of the syllabi (Edexcel; AQA; OCR).

I am currently coaching a number of students who are working towards their Entrance exams in Coventry and Warwickshire - for Warwick, King's High, the merged Bablake & King Henry Schools and Solihull School.

A native Scot, I attained my English degree (BA Honours) from Stirling University in central Scotland.

In addition to my English degree, I have a second degree in Education (1st class Honours) from Stirling University, which allows me to teach GCSE Mathematics, Sociology, Psychology and Politics.

My hobbies include swimming (I swim a mile almost every day!), writing short stories and poems and motorbiking.
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References are available upon request.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching GCSE and A level English, Drama and Creative Writing for 20 years.

I was one of the 'pilot tutors' on Warwickshire County Council's Tutoring Programme for Children in Care, tutoring teenagers across Warwickshire in literacy.

I write all of my own lessons.

Tutoring Approach:
My style is engaging and enthusiastic. I have a passion for creative writing.

I tutor in the evenings and selected weekends, and set weekly written tasks to monitor students' progress.

A normal GCSE lesson lasts one hour, but I can offer 90-minute or two-hour sessions for AS/A level students.

I also specialise in creative writing workshops, and am a published author, contributing to a number of paid-for UK magazines.

I also tutor online via MICROSOFT TEAMS.

I have had excellent recent successes. In the 2025 summer exams, four of my GCSE students scored A** (level 9) grades in Language and three scored level 9's in Literature.
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All of my last four A level English students have scored A grades.

I have also successfully tutored many students who have been accepted into Solihull School. Warwick School and King Henry School and Bablake School in Coventry.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified Science teacher with over 10 years of classroom experience and 18+ years of tutoring expertise, specialising in KS3 and KS4. I have also successfully supported learners across KS1, KS2, KS5 and adult education. With a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology and an MSc in Educational Leadership and Management, I deliver clear, engaging and results-focused lessons that build confidence and secure excellent progress. My scientific background enriches my teaching, enabling students to grasp complex concepts with ease and apply them effectively in exams.

Teaching Experience:
I am a former AQA GCSE examiner for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with experience marking live examination papers and applying grade boundary criteria accurately and consistently.

I have over 8 years of classroom teaching experience, including 6 years in inner-city secondary schools and 2 years in a specialist SEN provision, where I successfully supported learners with dyslexia, autism and challenging behaviour. My expertise is strongly rooted in KS3 and KS4 Science, delivering both Combined Science and Triple Science pathways across Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

I have planned and delivered high-quality, curriculum-aligned lessons informed by QCA guidance at Key Stage 3, and have taught GCSE content across multiple examination boards, including AQA, Edexcel, WJEC and OCR. I have also written and adapted schemes of work, assessment materials and differentiated learning resources to ensure full compliance with the latest curriculum reforms and to support pupils in achieving strong outcomes.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching philosophy is centred on identifying each learner's starting point, pinpointing areas for development, and transforming those weaknesses into strengths over time. I am a strong advocate of personalised learning, and I create bespoke resources-including concise educational videos, mind maps, and simplified flashcards-to make complex concepts accessible and memorable.

I take a diagnostic and adaptive approach during the first week to determine which learning methods best suit the student. Based on these insights, I design a tailored progress plan that includes clear goals, appropriate pacing, and systematic progress tracking. My aim is not only to enhance subject knowledge but also to unlock confidence, resilience, and independent learning skills.

For students with limited time before an exam, I adapt this approach into a focused, accelerated programme that prioritises high-impact topics, targeted revision strategies, and exam-style practice, ensuring they make rapid, measurable progress and feel fully prepared within the time available.

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Personal Description:
I am 56 years old, am a qualified teacher with 15 years experience. I am an easy-going reliable person who likes to make my students feel at ease at all times.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching seconday school students since qualifying in 1998. I have had two full-time posts, worked as a supply teacher as well as having private students. I have worked in Inner London, Outer London, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire schools. I have also worked in France at a small private school during the '80's, predominantly teaching adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach French using the native tongue as much as possible. I use my own resources although I use the Internet for ideas whenever it's suitable.
For Maths I follow the syllabus laid down by whichever examining board the student is using and resources come from a wide variety of places usually from where I have recently been teaching. I gather information from colleagues who sometimes have great ideas. I like to be able to go through past papers with students marking work as we go through a course.

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Personal Description:
My name is Michael and I teach private one to one drum kit lessons to people of all ages, in and around the Yorkshire area. I have been playing the drum kit for over 20 years and started playing at the early age of 11. Since then I have been in many bands and performed in many venues in and around the Yorkshire area.
After studying music at school in Scotland and forming my first band I soon found myself addicted to the drum kit. I decided I wanted to further my skills by getting private drum kit lessons which helped me gain my Standard Grade/GCSE and Higher Grade/A-Level in Music. I then furthered this by studying a BTEC in Popular Music at Huddersfield Technical College and a BA (Hons) in Popular Music at the University of Sheffield. I have also recently completed my PGCE in Life Long Learning at the University of Huddersfield and hold QTLS with IfL.

Teaching Experience:
I had my first teaching experience when I was 16 years old at a music workshop during the summer holidays where I was involved in teaching groups of people how to play the drum kit within a band setting. At the end of the workshops each group that had formed had to perform their songs to the public.

Since then I always had a desire to pursue my teaching and in 2006 I started teaching at Rhythm Inc Music Tuition in Barnsley. Initially, I only had a couple of students that I would teach in my spare time between my job and other commitments. However, more students started coming and having only started with a couple I soon had enough to become self-employed and put my all into my teaching.

In 2007 I started teaching at Take 2 Music Academy in Birdwell, Barnsley and at Rockem Music in Rotherham. I have taught at other private music schools and in local schools in the Yorkshire area. I also have experience delivering group workshops within both private and local schools.

Currently, in 2012 I opened my own teaching studio based in Wakefield, and continue to teach at Rhythm Inc Music Tuition in Barnsley, Take 2 Music Academy in Birdwell, Barnsley and at Rockem Music in Rotherham. I have recently completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Lifelong Learning and hold QTLS with IfL (Institute for Learning)

I am fully CRB and DBS checked and currently have a 100% pass rate for students sitting their graded exams.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are taught on a one to one basis using two drum kits, one for the student and one for myself. Choice of electric of acoustic drum kits. Lessons are taught at the students own pace and involves practical work.

GROOVES
Learn all styles of drumming such as Rock, Blues, Latin, Metal, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Funk, etc.
Learn drum grooves from songs including your own favourite songs.
Learn how to improvise on the drum kit to backing tracks including soloing.
Learn all grades from the Rockschool or Trinity Guildhall syllabus.
and more…

TECHNIQUE / TECHNICAL
Learn hand and foot techniques
Learn all 40 Rudiments and how to apply them to the drum kit
Learn syncopation and independence studies including Accented Studies
Learn Time Keeping exercises
and more…

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP SKILLS / THEORY / AURAL SKILLS
Learn how to hold the drum sticks correctly
Learn how to read drum notation including sight reading
Learn the drum kit voices
Understand note values and rhythms
Learn how to play a drum part from Ear and identify rhythms
and more…

SONGS
Learn songs from the graded syllabus
Learn songs of own choice
Learn recommended songs
and more…

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Personal Description:
I have been playing guitar from the age of 14, firstly teaching myself and then learning from teachers such as Gypie Mayo (Dr Feelgood). I formed my first band at 15 and have been teaching, playing and song-writing in bands ever since, playing in venues such as Ronnie Scott's, Dingwalls, The Marquee, Chinnery's, 100 club, playing alongside artists such as Finley Quaye, Boy George and the Brand New Heavies. My band Sentivo was on Long Lost Brother Records (Jamiroquai, SIA) making recordings for producers such as Mickey Most, Joey Negro and Mark Knight. I studied Music/Guitar Theory at a college in London where I gained my Music Diploma. I am now currently teaching guitar part time at a college in Southend and teaching private and one to one guitar lessons whilst playing, singing and writing music & lyrics for my new band

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced and qualified Guitar tutor having achieved a Diploma in Music/Music Technology and have also completed a level 4 PTLLS teaching qualification. I am currently working at a college as a Guitar Tutor which I thoroughly enjoy and has given me great teaching experience and teacher training especially in teaching in groups and also one to one. In the last 17 years I have been tutoring and teaching privately which has given me great confidence and experience in teaching on a one to one basis. I also hold a current DBS certificate. I teach a number of different styles ranging from blues, rock'n'roll to rock, funk, jazz and soul Please give me a call or email to book a lesson whether you are an absolute beginner or want to improve or build on the level you already are.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to keep teaching relaxed and fun and like to get the student up and playing straight away, especially if you're a beginner as it's important to come away with something gained to boost the confidence and enthusiasm so you feel like you have achieved something solid and want to carry on playing. If you're already playing then I like to build on your skills and strengths and also focus on any weak areas to make you the best player you can possibly be. It is your lesson so you choose what you want to learn whether it is chords/progressions, melodies, scales/modes or songs or maybe tools to improve your own compositions and song writing. I can teach from my home and have a dedicated music room which is specially set up in a relaxed and musical environment to inspire the creative musician.

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Personal Description:
Enthusiastic Music Tutor (ABRSM friendly)

My music studies began at the age of 9 with classical piano.
Since 1990 I began studying and playing as a keyboards and bass player in many different music's styles bands.

During my music studies I also had the chance to attend several masterclasses in improvisation, music harmony and theory with important musicians as: George Garzone, Bob Brookmeyer, Ayn Inserto, Scott Henderson, Gary Willis, John Stowell, Bob Mintzer, Dave Holland, Kurt Rosenwinkel and more.

Teaching Experience:
Since 1997 I'm teaching in several schools and as a private tutor piano, keyboards, guitar and drums for beginners. Bass guitar and Music Theory for all levels.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is based on analyzing and listening with deep attention at
students' needs and requests, being patient while motivating with positive and neutral critic.

I also responsibly acquire an appropriate teaching material and resources relating to individual students' needs ensuring an up-to-date knowledge and a critical awareness about
their level.

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Personal Description:
Another great year with all my tutees gaining the top grades and the university of their choice. I am very proud that my tutees achieve such excellent grades as I am able to improve essay and short answer grades, often considerably, due to my extensive experience at A level.. I am a friendly, very patient and good humoured tutor who is highly professional in my approach to tutoring whether online or one to one. I work hard for my tutees and am always prepared to go the extra mile. My commitment to my students is not just in the tutoring session as I will assess work and give help whenever my tutees ask for it. I have a very extensive understanding of Economics and Business and I keep up with all the latest developments in my subjects. I believe I have warm and friendly personality with a good sense of humour and that I am also a good listener.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified, teacher with over thirty five years experience teaching and tutoring Economics and Business. I have worked for all the major examination boards as a moderator, examiner and question setter. I have a great deal of understanding of what GCSE and A level examiners are looking for in awarding top grades. As a result I get a huge satisfaction when my students gain really improved grades, year on year, very frequently exceeding their own targets. The feedback from students, parents and carers is always extremely positive and it is this high praise that makes me want to continue teaching and making the difference.

Tutoring Approach:
I firmly believe that the majority of teachers and schools/colleges do their best to help their students. However, many students have weaknesses especially in their written work. To gain high grades students need to be able to analyse, apply and evaluate their knowledge but those skills are often not developed by their school or college. However, my experience and individually focused sessions can remedy this and as a result my students soon are making far better responses to essay questions, data response and case studies than before they started tuition. As confidence grows I work with my students to help them achieve consistent high grades and a very pleasing final grade.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching Russian Language for more than 18 years with 9 years experience working in London, and in addition, have also taught Russian Literature.
From January 2009 until present I have been teaching children from the age 3 -18-year-old and adults. I am using the communicative methods to teach my students. I started to work as a private Tutor of Russian as soon as I came to London. Since that time I have developed an extensive database of students, especially young children due to the fact that their parents employed me when their children were 3-4 year old. I have been tutoring the same students until they reach the age of 14 -16 year old.

Teaching Experience:
I have completed a Thesis in Pedagogy studies, and I have achieved a PhD in this subject.
Expertise in all levels of student education primarily with children age groups from 3 to 18 years of age and adult learners. Able to assist in supervision, organisation of all areas of student curriculum, including preparation of GCSE and A-level.

Tutoring Approach:
My professional focus is on teaching Russian as a Foreign Language and I recommend the communicative method to improve conversation skills, developing grammar and vocabulary, the key phrases and expressions that can be used in real life situations.

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Personal Description:
I Have worked in education for 30 years. I have been involved in Support for Learning for most of this time. I have supported many students in schools at at home and have proven experience in raising attainment.

Teaching Experience:
25 years Teaching Experience in Support for Learning in both Primary and Secondary Schools. I Have specialised in working with small groups and individual students. I have expertise in Dyslexia and devising ways in which learners can overcome barriers to learning.

Tutoring Approach:
Understand importance of building up a good working relationship. Identify learners needs and style and match teaching to their requirements. Break learning down to achievable goals and talk through targets.

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Personal Description:
I am a Specialist Dyslexia Tutor with over 10 years' experience of supporting students in secondary, further and higher education. I am a Professional Member of the British Dyslexia Association and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

I am passionate about helping students achieve their potential. My experience has shown me just what a difference one-to-one tutoring and specialist intervention can make. Not only have I seen the improvement in my students' academic ability, but the difference to their self-esteem and confidence has been immeasurable.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified secondary school English teacher and have previously worked for three London universities as a Specialist Study Skills and Academic Writing Tutor. I currently work with students in the east of England.

I support students with all aspects of their academic work. I help my students to plan and write their essays with confidence, stay on track with their academic reading and most importantly - reach their academic potential. My knowledge and experience enable me to use a blend of specialist teaching strategies which help students to understand and work with, rather than against, their dyslexia.

My tuition also helps students develop strategies to learn effectively and successfully online.

I also regularly carry out full dyslexia screenings. This is a comprehensive test which is followed by a detailed feedback report.

Tutoring Approach:
When working with students my aim is to boost their confidence, and in turn their ability, through friendly, patient and creative tutoring. My lessons are tailored towards the individual strengths and talents of the learner and are designed to improve their writing and study skills, whilst also enabling them to become successful independent learners.

My tuition always begins with an assessment of needs. Prior to our first session, I will request any diagnostic assessment reports you may have. This will enable me to gain an understanding of your unique dyslexic profile.

Together, we will discuss what you would like to achieve during our sessions. We will consider your strengths and areas for development and subsequently identify your learning goals. Based on this discussion, we will create a learning plan with clear objectives and review dates. Learning goals will give our sessions a clear focus and allow us to jointly evaluate your progress.

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Personal Description:
I am a Greek native speaker. I worked as a teacher of Greek Language and Literature at The English School, Nicosia - a historic, prestigious secondary school in Cyprus - from 2006 - August 2022.

During my 16 years at the English School, I have taught Greek as a second/foreign language at different levels, as well as Greek as a first language from KS3 to IGCSE and A-Level. I am well familiar with the Pearson Edexcel Qualifications, since I have been teaching and marking these qualifications for many years.

I hold a Master's degree in 'Greek Language and Literature' and a Bachelor's degree in 'Classical Studies and Philosophy'.
I love teaching because I believe in progress and change.

Teaching Experience:
Advanced GCE in Greek (listening, reading and writing) (9GK0) (2019-2022)
Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Greek, Unit 1: Understanding and Written Response (2006-2018)
Advanced GCE in Greek, Unit 2: Understanding, Written Response and Research (2006-2018)

IGCSE Greek (First Language) (4GK1) (2018- 2022)
O Level Modern Greek/IGCSE in Modern Greek (2006-2018)

Greek as a second/foreign language (pre-A1- B2) for adults (2004-2006) and teenagers (2006-2022)

Modern Greek Language and Literature for native speakers (KS3 - KS5) (2006 - 2022)

Classical Greek Civilization (KS3) (2006 - 2022)

Classical Greek Language (KS3) (2006 - 2022)

'Certification of Very Good Knowledge of Greek Language', Ministry of Education of Cyprus (2006-2019)

Tutoring Approach:
Well-prepared and structured lessons.

Differentiated teaching according to students' needs and targets.

Interactive work on all skills (Listening, speaking, reading, writing)

Use of active learning strategies.

Targeted support and guidance for exams: past paper practice, use of success criteria, effective feedback.

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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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