Southborough Tutors & Southborough Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a fully-qualified professional teacher with more than 30 years of teaching and tutoring experience, both in the UK and abroad. I regard myself as a friendly and approachable tutor, as well as honest and conscientious, and I pride myself on being able to communicate with students of all ages, from pre-teen to pensioner.

I am the father of two boys, and we live in the Sutton area. My wife and I successfully tutored our sons for Sutton's grammar schools (WCGS), and they have since both graduated from top Russell Group universities. My hobbies are limited to reading these days, and I am particularly fond of English Literature. Dickens and Hardy are two of my favourites, but I am also keen on modern and less serious writers, such as Tom Sharpe and the two Rankins - Robert and Ian.

Teaching Experience:
After obtaining my first degree in Spanish with Politics and Economics, I started teaching abroad; first in Spain, then in Turkey, and later in Central Asia and the Middle East. Since retraining as a teacher of English, I have taught for more than 15 years in the UK and almost 15 years abroad, where I was Head of Department at an Institute of Higher Education for three years.

Most recently I have taught English at an independent school in Sutton, and previous to that I taught Academic Writing for East Anglia University for several years. Nowadays my tutoring is split between English for the 11+ and Common Entrance (13+) exams, English for KS2 and KS3 SATs, and English, Spanish, Economics and Politics & Government for the GCSE and A-level exams (all boards).

11+ and 13+ (Common Entrance)
I am very happy to report that all but one of my twelve Eleven Plus tutees passed the SET (Selective Eligibility Test) for Sutton's grammar schools last September. Of these, 100% of them passed the second stage exam and obtained their first choice of grammar or independent school. I use a selection of published materials and those of my own creation, and insist on a high standard of weekly homework in reading, writing and language knowledge. For 11+ pupils I start tutoring in Year 4 or 5, whereas 13+ pupils begin in Year 7 or 8.

KS2 and KS3 SATs
I usually start tutoring for the KS2 SATS in Year 5, and in Year 8 for the KS3 SATs. I tend to use a mixture of focused texts and past papers.

GCSE and A-level
I am equally happy to report that all of my most recent GCSE and A-level students have passed well, with top grades from B to A* (A-level) and 6-9 (GCSE). The majority of those have gone on to their first choice of further and higher education institutes, and in most cases this has been achieved by my insisting on regular homework done to a high standard. For GCSE pupils I prefer to start tutoring at some time in Year 10, whereas A-level students typically begin around Year 12.

I also provide individual tutoring in ESSAY WRITING and STUDY SKILLS, as my experience has taught me that many students at GCSE, A-level and undergraduate level face real problems in these areas. By working together on your essays, substantial improvements can be made in style, organisation, argument, presentation, and much more. This way, I can teach you how produce more effective and mature essays, and thus help you to obtain better grades and increase your confidence in producing written work.

Tutoring Approach:
With every tutee I carry out an initial assessment of his/her needs and abilities, and my teaching begins from there. Typically I work on improving their weaknesses and consolidating their strengths, and this essentially involves them producing high-quality homework on a regular basis. I use both established published materials and those that I have created myself over the years. This approach appears to be successful, and I can provide references.

Over the past twelve years I have successfully tutored students for the following schools and universities:

Schools: Sutton Grammar, Wilsons, Wallington County, Wallington High, Nonsuch, Whitgift, Trinity, Wimbledon High, Kings School, City of London, Reigate Grammar, Caterham School, St John's, Westminster, Epsom College, Ewell Castle, and many others.

Universities: Manchester, Warwick, City, East Anglia, St Martins, Lincoln, Kings, LSE, UCL, Nottingham, Reading, Birmingham, Bournemouth, and several others.

Please note that my fees are very affordable, bearing in mind that I travel to your house and offer a personalised tutoring programme.

I currently charge between £45 and £50 per hour, depending on subject and level.

NB: Any tutoring that involves more than 6 miles travel (round trip) usually incurs a small extra charge.

If you are looking for a fully-qualified, highly-experienced and versatile tutor, you need look no further. Here are a few messages from some of my most recent successful tutees:

Hello Jeff, I just got my IELTS results and I FINALLY passed it! Listening 8, Reading 7.5, Writing 7, Speaking 7.5 and it's 7.5 overall. I would like to THANK you sooooo MUCH for your help and all advice you have given me! It would not be possible otherwise. (Vanja)

Sam got into Wilsons and we are pretty sure that his English performance carried him through. Sam said we ought to say 'thanks' to you as you made a massive difference to his standard of English in a very short period of time. Not sure how, but you made something click in his brain where his school teachers had failed! (Cathy)

Hi Jeff, hope you are well. I am extremely delighted to tell you that Rick has a place at Westminster, and we are going ahead with that. He has also had offers from HABS, KCS and RGS Guildford. Thank you so much for all your support. (Animesh)

Hi Jeff, just to let you know that Dillon got a place at Sutton Grammar on Monday. He also received places at Whitgift, Trinity and Epsom. We have decided to accept Sutton Grammar, and thank you for all your help and time.
Thanks - Paulomi and Dillon.

Dear Jeff! Thanks you so much for tutoring me last year. You have helped my English greatly and without your advice and guidance I would have had a nervous breakdown when I was given the task of an essay. You taught me about causal connectives, signpost words, paragraph structure and much more vital strategies of writing an amazing essay.
Finally, I am happy that I got a place at Wilsons and know I would have failed the English language test without what you taught me. I am very grateful that you gave up your time to help me pass.
Yours Sincerely, Makar

Hi Jeff, I hope you're well. I just wanted to let you know that Andriy got offered a place at Whitgift and we have accepted it. Thank you very much for helping and recommending this great school to us. Andriy is really excited about it and cannot wait to start.
(Oksana)

Dear Jeff, sorry for the delayed reply as we are in India. Rishi has done well, has received English Language 9 and English Literature 7, and scored 8 in six other subjects. He could achieve good results only because of your support. Thanking you.
(Chandra)

Hi Jeff, I am pleased to inform you that Mahati cleared the 2nd round. Her cut-off score is 354. We hope she gets into either of the two schools. Thanks a lot for your support throughout.
(Sassi)

Hi Jeff, Tamana's results have come in for the Sutton Stage 2 test. She has passed with a relatively good score of 315, and based on last year's stats, she should get in comfortably to Nonsuch or Wallington. Thanks for all your lessons that significantly helped her in the preparations.
(Vedant)

Hi Jeff, hope you're doing good. We have got the exam outcome, and Samrudha is able to apply for Nonsuch. Her score is 309, and the highest total score is 389. Secondly she has cleared Tiffin's Stage 1 test and has been invited for Stage 2 on November 11, and we would like to take your help whenever possible.
(Kirthi)

Hi Jeff, I just wanted to let you know that Ed passed the entrance exams for all three schools. Thank you so much for all your support! (Emma)

Hello Jeff, I hope you are well. Vivaan passed the exams for Wilson's, Wallington and Sutton. He also got through Tiffins Stage 1. Thanks very much for your help and support! His English improved massively under your guidance.
Kind regards
Jyothi

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Personal Description:
I am a Mathematician and Computer Scientist with 30 plus years plus experience working across both research institutes and business firms. I have a bachelor degree in "Mathematics and Computing", a Master degree in "Mathematics - Numerical Analysis" and I a Doctorate degree in "Computer Science". I am friendly, enthusiastic and honest. I am also bilingual - English and French.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored Mathematics and Computer Science to "GCSE" students and above. I have given 1-2-1 tutoring/coaching to individuals, and courses/seminars to small and large groups of university students and professionals.

Tutoring Approach:
I provide friendly, relaxed lessons either individually or in groups of up to twelve students, tailored exactly to the requirements of my students.

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Personal Description:
I am passionate about Art and I work in a secondary school teaching Art and Design at KS3 and KS4. I have proven track record of excellent GCSE results. My colleagues and students would describe me as friendly, approachable with a good sense of humour.

I have lived in London for the last 16 years. I enjoy painting and discovering new artists and techniques.

Teaching Experience:
I have ten years experience as an Art & Design( Fine Art) teacher in London.

I am currently working as a full time Art teacher in a secondary school. With all the changes which have happened over the last few years in the curriculum, it is fundamental that tutoring Art is tailored to each individual's needs to enable them to progress in each lesson so pupils can reach their full potential.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor my lesson plans according to each individual as I believe that every student's learning is different. It is important for me to be able to communicate with my students, to understand their needs and to plan an Individual Educational Plan (IEP)to accommodate the requirements of each pupil. Resources are provided to reinforce learner's knowledge and homework is set weekly. Tests are held regularly to assess student's progress. Furthermore, I believe that regular contact with parents help ensure that student's targets are met accordingly.

When teaching Art to KS3, the fundamental values in Art are taught thoroughly to enable pupils to master techniques which will enhance their natural progression into KS4. At KS4, supporting pupil's art work through teaching them skills and principles to unlock their creative potential and develop further more their drawing and painting skills. Pupils will have the opportunity to access a range of techniques through a series of mini projects to further develop their research and techniques in different media.

PS: I have a CRB as I work in a Mainstream Secondary School. Reference from my current school can be available on request.

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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

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Personal Description:
Hi there! I`m a young professional drummer based in London. I am an enthusiastic and down to earth educator and have been providing drum tutoring for a number of years to all ages and abilities. I cover a wide range of styles and techniques, providing my students with the best tools to achieve their full potential.

I am happily married to my wife Ruth and love music, motor racing, films and good coffee! Thank you very much for your time.

Teaching Experience:
I received private drum tuition myself for a number of years from an excellent educator. I have been teaching drums to young children, teenagers and adults for over 4 years. I have taught classes at professional music schools, and provided one to one tuition as well. I have lots of experience reading and writing drum music, have been a professional musician for 10 years, and love it!

Tutoring Approach:
I have a thorough and practical approach to teaching. I believe in my students setting their own goals (with some suggestions from me), whilst encouraging and equipping them to achieve their best. I use a very down to earth and open approach to education. I hope to develop an excellent rapport with any student, so they can share their own goals and musical aspirations, so we can work together to achieve them. I am keen for my students to pursue practice in their own time, and provide them with the encouragement and inspiration to make that happen. I aim to build my students confidence greatly on the instrument, and give them a sense of real accomplishment in music.

I recently passed a DBS check for work within a school. I`ve been a member of the musicians union for many years, and can offer a great insight into the world of music through a professional`s eyes.

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Personal Description:
I am a primary school tutor from Yorkshire and a modern foreign languages graduate from the University of Edinburgh. I have spent time teaching EFL in France and Spain and primary subjects in the UK both in schools and as a private tutor. I am now offering primary tuition services online in York during this time when parents might need to be working from home and need extra support with their child's homework.

Teaching Experience:
I taught as a private tutor in Salamanca whilst studying for my degree and for one year in Barcelona following this in a nursery, primary and secondary school. I additionally taught in two primary schools in Paris. I have worked as both a teaching assistant in the UK and as an English as a foreign language tutor in a Languages College. I have a PGCE in primary education and now teach in schools in and around York.

Tutoring Approach:
I have had experience of teaching all age groups from early primary to adults, of planning lessons and carrying out assessments. I know how to encourage all students to achieve their full potential and believe that appropriate challenge and enjoyment of learning is the key towards achieving success. I have a positive outlook and aim to develop a good rapport with all pupils and create a cooperative and calm atmosphere. It is my aim to deliver exciting and engaging lessons using familiar, real life experiences, engaging and fun games and tailored resources using a variety of teaching methods best suited to each individual child. I am patient and flexible with my time and I am willing to persevere in order to ensure that all students have fun whilst succeeding in reaching their goals.

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Personal Description:
A native Japanese from Tokyo with the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language. Lived in the UK for over 25 years. Specifically trained to teach non-Japanese learners. Teaching full time as a profession. My background is in graphic design but I travelled around New Zealand and Australia before coming to the UK. Through my travel, I met people from many different countries and greatly enjoyed the experience. I live in Kings Norton which is in the south side of Birmingham.

Teaching Experience:
I taught my son Japanese singlehandedly from home without outside help and he got A* for both Japanese GCSE and A level. I take on both adults and students ranging from adults with Japanese connection in business, students who are studying for GCSE/JLPT. Young people who want to live and work in Japan in the future, people who want to watch Japanese anime without subtitles, people who want to visit Japan on holiday and much more. The level of my students range from complete beginners to upper-intermediate. I have also taught groups of children, and also a group of adults at a company. Both group types had some cultural sessions in which I received excellent feedback.
Number of people I teach weekly on one to one bases as of July 2022: over 30 people

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated, and am happy to incorporate various aspects of Japan such as culture, anime, food etc. to add depth and insight in order to enrich your learning experience. I use Skype and online notepad for online lessons, and for both face-to-face and online, I normally issue 'no obligation' weekly homework unless you opt out, from over 30 textbooks and workbooks which I have accumulated over the years. Lessons normally continue throughout the year including school summer holidays and Christmas.

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Personal Description:
Hello!

My name is Karolina and i'm currently an online English Teacher.
I teach children aged 4 - 13 daily for a Chinese Company so i'm well trained tackling different aged students and their needs.

Fully TEFL Qualified and University Degree in Fine Art and History.

What i can provide your child is a committed and fun learning environment. From reading, writing and pronunciation to developing their speaking skills and growing their confidence. I provide fun and diverse materials to excite any child and motivate them to develop a stronger level of English, I'm very comfortable with children with very little or no English skills as i can provide growth, and development by polishing their level and increase the speed of learning.

Very comfortable traveling to meet you in the Bristol area or Teaching online via Skype.

Teaching Experience:
Already been working for an online Chinese company, teaching children aged 4 - 13. Covering different materials and focusing on pronunciation, i absolutely love my job and connecting with younger children and seeing them grow their skills. (July 2018 - Present)

I have also worked in Boys and Girls Grammar Schools - Assisting in class. (April 2017)
Torquay Academy - Assisting in classes (January 2017)
Barton Primary School - Helping deliver and control classes - (March 2016)
Mayfield Special Needs School - Mentoring young pupils in lesson - (February 2016)
Paignton Primary School - Helping deliver classes - (February 2016)

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to fully support my student needs and grow confidence in learning English. I provide wide and diverse materials and equipment to get the best results and cover needed topics. By communicating 1 to 1 basis i get to fully engage with the students and commit my time seeing them shape to be better speakers but also challenge them to step out of their comfort zone.

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Personal Description:
Experienced teacher of 12yrs with an MEd, able to tutor in 4+/7+/11+ common entrance, EFL, IELTS preparation, lower primary English/maths/homework help, homeschooling, language and literacy support, early years, Phonics and end of year exam preparation. Can also offer drama, voice & beginners guitar tuition. Will travel locally. Enhanced DBS checked.

Teaching Experience:
12 years in EFL, Early years education and general primary education in the UK independent sector and in international schools overseas. 8 years experience as a private tutor. IB PYP, Montessori, UK EYFS, KS1&2 and US Common Core training and experience.

Tutoring Approach:
Tailored lessons to suit individual needs, aimed at heightening engagement for younger learners as well as thinking skills, confidence and curiosity. 1:1 attention with homework help and distance learning or homeschooling. Available on weekdays. Reduced rates for online tuition.

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Personal Description:
I'm a fully qualified primary school teacher with over eight years of experience helping children reach their potential. I specialise in English and Maths for Key Stage 2 and provide tailored tutoring for a wide range of learners. I'm passionate about education and giving every child the personalised support and encouragement they need to feel confident and enjoy their learning. Outside of teaching, I enjoy running, live music, and exploring the outdoors. I'm also a keen traveller and a lifelong dog-lover, and I love bringing curiosity and care into both learning and life.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a variety of schools across the UK and internationally, supporting children of all abilities, including those with SEND and neurodiverse learning profiles. I've worked with every age group from Nursery through to Year 6, and I always design my lessons to be personalised, engaging, and confidence-building. Alongside my classroom roles, I have provided extensive tutoring, including 1:1 lessons both online and in homes, as well as small-group tuition in schools through the National Tutoring Programme.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that with the right approach, every child is capable of success. I am passionate about making learning enjoyable, building confidence, and showing children that progress can be both fun and rewarding. While traditional classrooms work well for many, I recognise that some children thrive with a more personalised approach that reflects their needs and interests. My lessons are carefully structured and interactive, with clear explanations, encouragement, and resources tailored to each child. I work with children who need support to close learning gaps, those with additional needs who benefit from a quieter, more personalised space, and high-achieving pupils who are ready for extra stretch and challenge. My goal is always the same: to make learning a positive experience.

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Personal Description:
Hi! I'm Masaoki - a professional Japanese tutor. I have 10 years of experience as a Japanese teacher and hold a professional teaching qualification.

I've taught many students of different ages and levels, from complete beginners to advanced learners.
Teaching is not just my job. It's something I truly care about. I really enjoy teaching and sharing Japanese language and culture.

I'll help you build real confidence in Japanese with lessons that are engaging, effective, and tailored to your needs.

Teaching Experience:
I've taught many people in various settings, including at a Japanese language school in Tokyo, through one-on-one online/in-person lessons, and in corporate Japanese training programs. I've been living in the UK for three years, where I currently teach Japanese.

Tutoring Approach:
✔️ Absolute beginners are welcome.
You can learn Japanese from scratch - hiragana, greetings, simple grammar, and everyday expressions.

✔️ Fluency improvement
You'll have lots of chances to speak and express yourself. Don't worry about making mistakes!
I'll give you gentle and constructive feedback so you can learn with confidence.

✔️ English support
I can explain grammar and meanings in English whenever you need.

✔️ Tailored lesson
I tailor each lesson to suit your level and learning needs.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced English and History tutor specialising in 11+ and 13+ entrance preparation, GCSE and A-level tuition, and independent-school admissions.

I have delivered more than 6,500 hours of one-to-one tuition and have over 16 years' tutoring experience. My academic background includes a BA in History and an MA in Cultural History, and I have also taught undergraduate seminars. I have extensive experience in assessment and examining, including work as a Senior Examiner for the British Council.

I particularly enjoy working with students who need to develop confidence, independence and intellectual curiosity, as well as ambitious students who need to be stretched beyond the standard curriculum. My aim is not simply to improve a student's next grade or entrance-exam result, but to make them a stronger reader, writer and thinker.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English and History from upper primary through to A-level, with particular expertise in 11+ and 13+ school admissions, GCSE English Language and Literature, GCSE History, and A-level English Literature and History.

I have prepared students for admission to leading independent schools including Winchester College, Hampton, Abingdon and St Mary's Ascot, as well as a wide range of other selective schools. My admissions teaching includes English entrance examinations, ISEB and other pre-tests, interview preparation and the broader academic skills students need to thrive after gaining a place.

At GCSE and A-level, I combine detailed subject knowledge with extensive assessment experience. I teach students how to analyse texts and sources precisely, construct convincing arguments, plan effectively and write with clarity and sophistication. I am familiar with the requirements of the major examination boards and adapt lessons closely to each student's course and objectives.

I have taught students with a very wide range of abilities and personalities, from those who have lost confidence or developed gaps in their knowledge to highly able students aiming for the highest grades and most competitive schools.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching is highly individualised. I begin by identifying what is actually preventing a student from progressing: this might be a gap in knowledge, weak analytical habits, difficulty organising ideas, lack of confidence, inefficient exam technique or simply not having been sufficiently challenged.

Lessons are active rather than lecture-based. I use questioning, discussion, modelling, targeted practice and immediate feedback to make students think for themselves. Instead of simply supplying an answer, I break difficult skills into manageable stages and gradually remove support as the student becomes more confident and independent.

In English, I place particular emphasis on close reading, vocabulary, analytical thinking and developing a controlled, engaging writing style. In History, I help students move beyond memorising information towards understanding causation, significance, change, interpretation and the construction of evidence-based arguments.

For entrance examinations and interviews, I avoid teaching students to reproduce formulaic responses. I develop the underlying comprehension, reasoning, communication and writing skills that enable them to respond confidently when faced with unfamiliar material.

Above all, I want students to understand why something works. Good tutoring should produce more than a short-term improvement in marks: students should leave with better habits of thought, greater confidence and skills they can transfer to new subjects and challenges.

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