West Hoathly Tutors and West Hoathly 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 have been a Biology teacher for 37 years. I am now retired and living with my wife in Hartland in North Devon.
We have four adult children.
I have taught in state schools and independent schools in UK and at International Schools in Africa and the Middle East. During my teaching career I have been Head of Biology for twelve years.
I have always enjoyed studying Biology and I like to think that I can pass my enthusiasm for the subject on to my tutees.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in UK for 19 years:
Twelve years at the Radclyffe School in Oldham, two years at St John Rigby Sixth Form College in Wigan and nearly five years at Shebbear College in North Devon where I was Head of Biology.
I have taught at International Schools for 18 years. All the institutions followed the British Curriculum:
One year at Barewa College, Zaria in Nigeria and one year at Seepapitso Secondary School in Botswana.
Nearly six years in Kenya at Hillcrest Secondary School, Nairobi where I was also the Head of Boarding.
Three years at Muscat Private School in Oman, two years as Head of Science at the British School of Alexandria, and three years at the Modern English School in Cairo as Head of Biology.
I completed my overseas teaching as Head of Biology at Al Khor International School in Qatar where I taught for two years.

Tutoring Approach:
I have always enjoyed studying and teaching Biology which has effectively been my lifetime's work. I have extensive experience of teaching students from many different educational backgrounds and I have always been able to relate to my students and nurture an enthusiasm for the subject. As a tutor I would aim to make my lessons enjoyable but rigorous and I will always try my best to boost the confidence of my tutees. If students begin to enjoy the subject they will gain confidence and the examinations will then seem less daunting.
Whenever I tutor I will always incorporate the use of a computer into the learning process. I like to refer to animations and short video clips which greatly enhance the learning process. The on-line resources can then be used by my tutees to reinforce their understanding, as well as researching new material.

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Personal Description:
Teaching is my passion. I have made higher salaries in other lines of work- I choose to tutor because it makes me happy! Therefore I don't just do this for the money, if a student isn't making progress then I will always tell clients exactly that. My primary aim is to help people, and if it isn't working, you'll get nothing but honesty from me!

Exam Results

I take great pride in the results of my students. Whether it be Year 6 SATS, entrance exams, GCSE Maths or many others, the greatest joy I feel is hearing good news on results day. To hear that I've managed to help someone change their life forever in a positive way is a high that I am constantly chasing.

Here are some of my student's recent achievements in major exams:

GCSE Maths

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed GCSE result)

GCSE Maths (2023)

1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 8 (A*)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE Maths (2022)

1 student from an 8 (A*) ----> 9 (A**)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 2(E) (started tuition just 6 weeks before exams)

GCSE Maths (2021)

1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE Maths (2020)
All exams were cancelled due to the pandemic

GCSE Maths (2019)

1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE Maths (2018)

1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 6 (B) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE Maths (2017)

3 students from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 6 (B+/A-)

Year 6 SATS

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed SATS result)

Year 6 SATS (2019)

1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard

Year 6 SATS (2018)

1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
3 students from below expectations ----> expected standard

Year 6 SATS (2017)

1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from below expectations ----> expected standard

Heckmondwike Grammar Entrance Tests

3 students passed
1 student failed
75% pass rate

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

2 students passed on their first attempt
0 students failed
100% pass rate

Teaching Experience:
Over the last 5 years I have been teaching Maths from within my own home.

Tutoring Approach:
The goal of each and every lesson is to make the sessions as interactive as possible. By engaging pupils at every opportunity, the lessons become really enjoyable with the students learning an awful lot more than if they were simply to be handed workbooks. There are many tutors that will take this approach and just watch a student go at it, I prefer to be much more involved! I also make new learning games everyday and this is a big reason why my students have been so successful at all ages.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a UK qualified teacher with 20 years teaching experience. I graduated from Loughborough University with a BSc in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 2003 and a year later completed my post graduate certificate in Education at the same university. I have taught in 3 secondary schools in Buckinghamshire and Derbyshire.

I currently teach all GCSE sciences as well as Year 12 and Year 13 A Level Chemistry at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. I am a designated Advanced Skills Teacher; recognition of my outstanding classroom practice and the excellent results that this generates for the young people I teach. I work for the Cambridge International Exam Board, being an experienced marker of A Level chemistry. In 2024 the A-level classes I taught achieved on average a whole grade higher than other students studying AQA chemistry nationally, which put my results firmly in the outstanding category as measured by ALPS.

In person I am able to offer in-person tuition in and around the Derby, Ashbourne and Uttoxeter areas. I also offer remote learning via MS Teams.

I am currently taking on students for the academic year 2025-2026. My services are usually very popular so I would suggest booking in early to secure a slot.
I charge £50 per hour, regardless of whether this is in person or online. That fee also covers my preparation for each hour long session and my time spent reviewing a students mock exams, class tests etc. The first lesson is half price :-)

Having been a 6th Form tutor for over 10 years, I am also able to offer support and guidance regarding the UCAS process, and in particular the writing of UCAS personal statements and I am able to offer preparation for interviews, including mock interviews, for courses including dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and Oxbridge applications.
I am also able to tutor Maths, particularly those wanting help and support with the 11+.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Year 7-9 Science, Year 9-11 GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics and A Level Chemistry. I also teach BTEC Applied Science to Year 9-11 and Level 3 Applied Science to Year 12-13. I am equally at home delivering AQA and OCR specifications.

Tutoring Approach:
I am able to accurately asses the needs of the student, plan short activities to address those needs and re-assess to ensure the student has made progress. I am able to explain complex science in a way that makes it accessible for young people. Sessions mainly involve looking at past paper questions and working on exam technique. In my experience most students are able to understand the science involved in a particular question, but lose marks by not presenting their answers in a format that hits the required marking points. This is where students can be coached by myself and make the most progress in academic outcomes.

I am confident that I am able to forge positive working relationships with children and unlock their potential in the sciences. I am friendly, have a good sense of humour and English is my first language.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced and qualified TEFL teacher who is passionate about making a positive difference in others and thoroughly enjoy teaching. I also teach GCSE English students.
I currently have 6 students who have weekly English Zoom lessons with me. The students are from Spain, Romania and England.
I love walking, ballet, reading, history and travelling.
I am outgoing, enthusiastic and organised.
Since moving to Honeybourne, Worcestershire I give regular Yoga classes at the village hall.
My students have gone from strength to strength and 2 of them (both Spanish teenagers) were selected by their school to attend a one week placement at the United Nations earlier this year.

Teaching Experience:
I qualified as a TEFL teacher in 2001 and have been giving regular English lessons to Spanish, Romanian and English students for the past 22 years, in Spain, Italy and the UK. Most classes are private on a one to one basis, but I am more than happy to give group or small classes.
I have taught many professional people and also those studying for exams.
I am also been a ballet and yoga teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
I treat each student differently depending on their needs and goals. My goal is to make the lessons enjoyable, with a mixture of grammar, speaking (pronunciation ) and listening. I normally ask for some homework to be completed between classes which may include keeping a daily diary of events and/or a composition.
I believe I am successful in building confidence, enthusiasm and motivation towards learning English.
I believe that my commitment to my students and their hard work has resulted in excellent results for them.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I taught French for 10 years in a school in Cardiff and left to concentrate on my educational website. The site, which is used by teachers in schools, provides interactive activities for language learners. After I gave up my job as a school teacher, I started tutoring in my free time as well because helping pupils was a side of my work that I really missed.

Teaching Experience:
1991 - 2002: I worked as a French teacher in Llanishen High School in Cardiff, Wales. I taught pupils from Year 7 all the way to Year 13

2003-2004: I worked as a consultant for a couple of training agencies, running IT courses for MFL teachers.

2001-2018: I created my own company "Language Skills", dedicated to the creation of activities for language teachers and students to use online


2001-2018: I've been a French tutor for GCSE and A 'Level pupils as well as adult learners from complete beginners to advanced level.

At the moment, I am tutoring an engineering lecturer who love speaking French and who has general conversation sessions to increase his vocab and his confidence. I have worked with him for 5 years.
I also tutor an 11-year-old pupil who I have helped for the past 4 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I know how hard and frustrating it can be to learn a new language. As a native French speaker, I had to learn English as a second language myself.
My approach is centred around the leaner and I will adapt my teaching methods to suit your needs, whether it be by preparing you for an exam, helping if you are struggling in class or just giving you the confidence to speak French.

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Personal Description:
Engineering student at Exeter University with industrial experience in finance and turbine engineering, having studied Maths, Economics and Chemistry at A Level.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored at GCSE on and off for the last two years. My younger sister is currently GCSE age also so I am familiar with the current syllabi.

Tutoring Approach:
I am familiar with the current GCSE syllabus, and with different methods students may be asked to solve the same question. I focus on identifying a students weaknesses early on, then providing a simple solution. Additionally, I can help students with exam technique and offer methods to maximise the time given for the paper.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic teacher of Physics with 17 years` experience. I enjoy hill walking and off road cycling. I am married with a son living away from home. I specialise in teaching A Level Physics and Cambridge Pre-U and have experience with all examination boards and with both A and B specifications.

Before becoming a teacher I had a wide experience of industry and also worked in two university departments: Trinity College Dublin as a Physics Lecturer and Durham University as a Computer Science lecturer.

Teaching Experience:
I have spent most of my career in industry and left to train as a teacher in 2003 years ago. I taught KS4 and KS5 Physics at Emmanuel College and was Head of Physics at Barnard Castle school. Since my partial retirement I have taught Physics at Durham High School for girls in 2019 and 2020. I have now retired from full time employment and am available throughout the working day and in the evening to provide online tuition.

Tutoring Approach:
I always aim to build a warm and friendly relationship with my students. In my online lessons I typically spend about half the time reviewing the subject material and the rest of the time in working through questions with the student. I use an online whiteboard and send a copy of the notes from the session to the student. I generally supply additional work to be completed for the next session, although this is optional and depends on individual needs.

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Personal Description:
My name is Antonia. I am from Greece and I am a passionate teacher of Ancient and Modern Greek. I am a graduate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a degree in Greek Philology specializing in Linguistics and a Master of Arts in Linguistics. Enjoys sharing knowledge, and inspiring both children and adults. Now, I am Modern Greek after almost 2 years at Durham University. Besides that, I am teaching Greek as a second/foreign language to students for 4 years. Experienced in lecturing private lessons to students of secondary education in Greece. Also, I have taught ancient Greek and Latin to high school students with great results. Experienced in teaching Greek as a foreign language to all levels, from children to adults. Also, I am awarded Qualified Teacher Status for Britain.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a Greek teacher for 2 years at Durham University. Also, I have experience in teaching Greek as a second/foreign language for 4 years. I am experienced in lecturing private lessons in Ancient and Modern Greek to secondary education students in Greece.

Tutoring Approach:
I adjust the lesson depending on the level of the students and their needs. My method in Ancient and Modern Greek is to teach the grammar through exercises for better results in understanding the grammar. I use modern books and online tools such as videos. My lessons are interactive and my students have made significant progress because they really enjoy my courses.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Creative educator in Communication Skills.

I support people to gain the confidence and skills to be able to connect with others, set boundaries and make the most of their interactions as they keep being authentic and natural.

I have been a teacher and mentor for 23 years, I have learnt how to stay calm when stakes are high by experience working with vulnerable collectives and in difficult situations, and trained in Verbal Self Defense and in Verbal Aikido (TM), becoming an Advanced Practitioner.

Now I am sharing many years of experience in learning and teaching how to have better conversations and make your voice be heard, so you can achieve better communication in less time!

I am native Spanish and can teach conversational, advanced and everyday holiday Spanish online.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in non formal education since 1997 a variety of disciplines starting with music. I have written in books and articles about education in my native country (Un Angulo Me Basta, Editorial Tres Hermanas) and I am a keen teacher and trainer in verbal self defense. If you are facing bullying or uncomfortable situations, this is for you.

I have combined my teaching skills with mentoring and providing emotional support.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to Tutoring is absolutely practical, with some theory but to be put into practice, spoken,felt and used immediately and on cam.

When I tutor 1-1 there is great flexibility, so I first listen to your needs in order to tailor your class to what you actually need.
I can teach online or in person if you would like to travel to me in Aldershot.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am teaching French and German I will start off using speech methods, so that the student feels relaxed and able to learn. This is very important. Depending on how we go we can then progress to pens and paper. Learning at this level ought to be enjoyable. I also teach adults at this level. I seek to build confidence in students, so that they can encounter native speakers and be able to do simple tasks like ordering meal in a cafe and an item of clothing in a shop. I have GCSE French and A level German.

Teaching Experience:
I have dyslexia, so I am sensitive to those who have this condition. I go at a slow pace to make sure the knowledge is consolidated before we move on. There is no hurry in learning either of these languages. Better to learn solidly and slowly
than poorly and in a rush. I teach in short sessions as these are most beneficial. There is homework if students want it. I am DBS cleared.

Tutoring Approach:
I am patient and empathetic and these are vital qualities in a teacher. I have travelled frequently to France in recent years, chiefly to Burgundy and also to Paris. I have a also been to Germany --I know Konstanz quite well and have been to Berlin.
Part of learning a language is learning more about the culture of these countries. I hope the students will be able to do this.

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Personal Description:
Spanish Tuition
With over 22 years of teaching experience at Dulwich College, I have a proven track record of guiding students to achieve top A-Level results, including A* grades. Now retired from full-time teaching, I offer private tuition tailored to the needs of each learner.
Whether your goal is to refine conversational fluency, master advanced grammar, or explore Spanish literature and culture, I provide expert support to help you succeed.
Limited spaces available.
Tuition is also available for adults at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced speakers.

Teaching Experience:
1981-82: I.L.E.A.: -Dunraven School, London
"O"Level Spanish
Group of 8 students

Richard Atkins School, London
"Spanish for beginners"
Group of 10 students

Stockwell Manor Branch, London
"Spanish for beginners" Level 2
Group of 10 students

2001- City Lit Covent Garden London
Spanish Art in Spanish Level 5
33-week course introducing the History of Spanish Art as a means of
practicing conversation skills.

2002-2022 -Dulwich College London
Spanish Lectora

2002-2004 -James Allen's Girls' School - Dulwich
Spanish Lectora

Tutoring Approach:
About Language Teaching
I believe that teaching is an art. Everyone has the potential to learn, regardless of mental hindrances. In my view, the role of a teacher is to understand both the limitations and strengths of each pupil and tailor a unique course accordingly.
The most essential requirement for a pupil is passion and the willingness to learn; the rest is the teacher's responsibility.
I started teaching Spanish as a means of earning a living when I first came to the UK in 1973. Ever since then, it has always been a source of income. I am a professional painter, but selling paintings is not a reliable form of income. I have excellent references from former students that I can provide on request.

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