Withington Tutors and Withington 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 graduated from Cambridge University with a BA in English Literature, and then from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, graduating with a BA in acting, where I was the recipient of the Noel Coward Scholarship from 2008-2011. In July 2011 I won the Michael Bryant Award at the National Theatre, for verse speaking and Shakespeare.

When I'm not acting or tutoring I can be found in the plumbing, plastering, kitchen or grappling with a cryptic crossword.

CURRENT AVAILABLE SLOTS: 9-10am + 10-11am Sundays, weekly.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor since 2008.

Currently tutoring students in: 8+, 10+ & 11+ preparation (all four subjects); GCSE Maths. Adult English and pronunciation skills.

Previously: English - KS1, KS2, 7+ (Successful entry to Highgate), 11+ (Successful entry to, Haberdashers' Askes Boys, Trinity, City of London School for Boys, Alleyn's, St Alban's), A Level (A at A Level English and Extended English). Maths - KS1, KS2, 7+, 11+, 13+ (successful entry to Oundle, Haberdashers' Askes Boys), GCSE (grade improved from D to A*). University application assistance (Successful entry to Durham and Oxford). English as a foreign language - including public speaking and native pronunciation and grammar for business professionals.

During my gap year I spent some time as a special needs classroom assistant, working closely with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. This involved facilitating the social and academic change between primary and secondary education on a one-to-one basis.

Also at this time I ran Welsh language games sessions for primary children in non-first-language schools to improve and encourage their use of the language outside of the classroom environment.

Whilst at secondary school I taught reading skills to children who had low reading-ages.

I wrote a thesis on the connections between Maths and acting whilst at Guildhall.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is tailored to the individual's needs; firstly finding ways of fully explaining a concept, then cementing them with useful and memorable material to build students' confidence. My main objective would be to aid the student in understanding not only the specifics of the work but also the broader aspects of it, which I believe provides a truer grounding in - and enjoyment of - a subject. By making the work useful and enjoyable, and by finding alternative and effective approaches to study, I hope that my tuition will shed new light on subjects for students.

My passion is building confidence and fostering resilient approaches to problem solving.

I specialise in tutoring Maths and particularly enjoy helping those students whose confidence in the subject has become a barrier to their learning and enjoyment of the subject.

Previous Students' Comments:

'Before I met Alex, as a dyslexic, I was academically unconfident and dreaded having tutors who had never really helped me before. Alex tutored me from Year 8 to 11 and she completely changed my attitude to studying, helped me develop my organisational skills and gave me a huge amount of confidence in my abilities. As I approached GCSEs she tutored me particularly in Maths where I was struggling with a D grade. Without her expert tuition I doubt I would have been able to achieve my A* in Maths.

I think Alex is an amazing tutor because she has an extraordinary talent for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience to the extent I would genuinely look forward to our lessons. Alex was far more than a tutor to me, helping me through such formative teenage years. I consider her a friend.'

- Tally

'Alex is a truly outstanding and gifted tutor as well as a fantastic person. I have very much enjoyed being her student for over six months, and have not only learnt a lot due to her expertise and impressive knowledge but also grew to love English Literature because of the inspirational nature of her tutoring. Previously, I used to constantly struggle with my assignments since English is not my first language, however, after a few weeks of sessions with Alex my grades and confidence significantly improved. She has an ability to keep the lessons varied and interesting; always well prepared for lessons - she was kind enough to provide me with extremely useful books and personal notes. Her incredible dedication and hard working nature also deserves mentioning as she was willing to help me even in the evenings when I was panicking about coursework and the approaching exams. With Alex's assistance and firm confidence in my ability I have achieved a high A in my A-level English Literature and even a merit award in Extended English. I would enthusiastically recommend Alex to anyone who wants to succeed in their exams and learn heaps of interesting information.

- Natasza (Graduated with an MA from Oxford University)

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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 hard working, confident and enthusiastic practitioner of my subject. I have comprehensive subject knowledge in both business and accounting and am a practising teacher of 27 years.

Teaching Experience:
I have 27 years teaching experience of both GCSE and A Level Accounting and Business Studies, as well as vast experience in the delivery and support of vocational business related courses at both level 2 and level 3. I have extensive knoweldge of the AQA A level Business Studies specification, as well as AQA and Edexcel GCSE specifications. I have delivered both assessed and examined units on the new BTEC Business BTEC at level 3, including units 2 and 3. I have been heavily involved in resource production and editing for a major educational publisher, further demonstrating my subject knoweldge and awareness of different methods of assessment.

Tutoring Approach:
Relaxed approach focusing on subject knoweldge as well as exam technique. I am happy to be led by the specific needs of the individual tutee in order to provide a personlised plan of learning and assessment.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher committed to first class service.

I am flexible and adaptable. I have good communication skills.

Reliable and trustworthy. I am enthusiastic and motivated in teaching children.

I have taught children for over 40 years. I was a head teacher for 28 years and loved every moment of it. I have been a self employed private tutor for over 5 years and my work is so rewarding.

I travel to the pupil and tutor on a one to one basis . I also do on line tutoring .in particular entrance exam preparation and 11 plus.

I am an animal lover and enjoy walking my westie dog in my spare time.

Teaching Experience:
I owned and ran my own private school, namely Woodlands School in Preston , for over 28 years.

I was responsible for over 110 pupils aged from 3 to 11 years of age.

I had a highly professional team of staff. Woodlands school gained excellent comments from ofsted.

I have a great deal of experience tutoring children. I make the lesson fun, exciting and bring along many resources to assist the child in learning.
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Tutoring Approach:
Praise and encouragement. I am patient and understanding. I make my lessons fun and interesting for the child in order to keep their attention.
I enjoy one to one tuition and enjoy teaching children of all ages.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher and tutor of six years' experience. After studying Physics at Imperial College, I taught maths and physics at a private tutorial college in Kensington before gaining a PGCE Teaching Certificate from the Institute of Education (University of London). Currently I teach physics at Tiffin Boys grammar school in Kingston as well as tutoring physics and maths. I am fully CRB checked through the school.

I can also provide tutors to cover other subjects outside my field of expertise. At your request I can arrange tuition from qualified teachers and experienced graduate tutors. Tutoring sessions can be arranged at our base in Wimbledon or at your home.

Teaching Experience:
I have helped many students to gain top grades at A-Level (AS/A2), IGCSE and GCSE, physics and maths, all major boards (Edexcel, OCR, AQA, WJEC) and I have tutored many younger students to pass entrance exams for independent and grammar schools. My students have gained entrance to top schools including Eton (King's scholarship), Westminster, Winchester, Whitgift, Trinity and King's College School. I also specialise in scholarship papers and have helped students gain scholarships, including the notoriously challenging King's Scholarship for Eton College and the Westminster Challenge. In addition, I have prepared numerous students for the 11+ and 13+ Common Entrance papers used by many grammar and independent schools: non-verbal reasoning as well as physics/science and maths. I also have experience working with younger primary school pupils, both in preparation for prep school exams and boosting general maths/reasoning skills.

Levels covered include:
• A-Level (AS, A2: Edexcel, OCR, AQA, WJEC)
• GCSE/IGCSE (Edexcel, OCR, AQA, WJEC)
• Common Entrance (Maths, physics/science, non-verbal reasoning: 13+ and 11+)
• Entrance and scholarship exams (Eton College/King's scholarship, Westminster/Westminster Challenge, Winchester, Whitgift, Trinity, KCS)
• Primary school

Please contact us if you would like to discuss a programme of tutoring suitable for your child or if you have any questions regarding tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer one-to-one tutoring personalised to each student's individual learning style and course of study. I use my in-depth knowledge of exam requirements to support students' learning. I also provide tailored follow-up activities to foster independence and challenge students to progress their own understanding.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified language teacher (French and Spanish) who became a professional tutor after the birth of my children.
I am passionate about making French and Spanish accessible and enjoyable to my students whilst giving them the skills which will help them achieve the highest grade at their examinations as well as the confidence to use the language effectively. A lot of my students achieve a higher grade at their examinations than the grade they were predicted.
I am a native French speaker and I tutor students of all ages, from students working towards their GCSE or A level examinations to undergraduates and adults wishing to learn French or Spanish from scratch or improve their existing competence in order to travel or have a more complete experience if they visit or live in France or Spain.

Teaching Experience:
Since obtaining my PGCE, I have taught languages in secondary schools for 13 years; French to A level and Spanish to GCSE.

I am an examiner for one of the country's leading examination boards and mark examination papers. In the summer I conduct speaking tests in schools for the A level examinations. This experience is invaluable when teaching GCSE or A level students.

I also tutor adults who have no previous knowledge of a language and want to learn French/Spanish for pleasure or to communicate more effectively on holiday. I also tutor adult students who are already very competent but who want to take their knowledge to a higher level.
I also tutor language undergraduates and students who need support or wish to improve their grades at the GCSE, A level and DELF examinations.
I started tutoring online two years ago and am teaching students anywhere in Great Britain but also abroad. I find on-line teaching a very effective way of teaching as I can share documents, play games, consolidate grammar using Powerpoints and videos, which enhances the way I teach.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly, very approachable, patient and have a good sense of humour and tailor my lessons to individual needs.
My aim is to build confidence in speaking and using languages by using a variety of materials and making learning enjoyable and rewarding whilst focussing on accuracy.
I make topic mats which help my students see what they need to know at one glance, or almost!
I systematically revise tenses with exam students and consolidate grammatical structures with Powerpoints and games, when appropriate
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Personal Description:
Specialist advanced level economics and business studies tutor providing tuition across several exam boards to young adults, undergrad and post graduate students. I am passionate about education, student progress and helping young people achieve success in a personalised learning environment, delivering engaging daytime 1:1 sessions to students within or outside the mainstream education, those overlooked in large classroom environment and lost confidence in the subject.

Teaching Experience:
With over 12 years experience as an examiner and prepping students across the major UK exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, IB & OCR), I provide highly-structured and targeted curriculum review, exam techniques and practice routines taking every student's ability and aspirations into consideration.

For young adults or adults at the undergrad and post-grad levels, I bring course works, essays, term papers and dissertation projects proposal, methodology and design into practice to enhance high grade outcomes.

Tutoring Approach:
As a professional and entrepreneur, I use real-life scenarios, case studies and bespoke classroom resources to accentuate learner-centric understanding, subject application and critical analysis and evaluation to guarantee maximum performance.

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Personal Description:
I am a certificated Senior Chinese Language Teacher with IPA Certification. I have taught adult individual students as well as children in groups. I have lived in Beijing, Tianjing, Xi'an and Shenzhen and am well travelled throughout the rest of China. It would be a plus to choose me if you are interested in Chinese architecture, gardens, business culture, or different kinds of Chinese food, as well as Chinese calligraphy. I have lived or travelled in many countries in Europe, America, Africa, Asian and Oceania. So, with my international background, I am comfortable with a diverse range of people.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught adult individual students, individual children and children in group. One of my adult student is an university researcher. I have taught him spoken and written Chinese for several years. My children students liked my class very much. Sometime, I taught language together with sports for children.

Currently, I am teaching in a community school in Manchester. My students are 12~13 years old, a group of 24 boys and girls. They like the Chinese language class and asked many questions about Chinese language and culture. Every weekend, I teach a 7-year old girl and her father at the same time. They are learning Mandarin listening and speaking. I really enjoy teaching them all.

Tutoring Approach:
I taught Chinese language in different ways according to my student's needs. I would like to know my student's language aims and time he or she will have to spend before we start to work together. I taught my university researcher student with listening, speaking, reading and writing all together, from begining. For another student, I taught her spoken language through discusing daily life and Chinese cultural topics she was interested in. Sometimes, I taught my children students Chinese language through yoga postures and games, which they liked very much.

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Personal Description:
My name is Jose and I love this country. I like travelling, cooking, teaching, kids... This is my 8 time in London, but it is the first for working.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently working in a SEN school, like teacher assistant. In Spain, I have worked more than 5 years in primary and secondary schools and more than 10 years in after school clubs and tuition 1 to 1.

Tutoring Approach:
I am looking some tuition for the Easter holidays, because I will not have any job that period of time. But in advance, I can teach after 4.00 pm and weekends.

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Personal Description:
My teaching style is student focused and I focus on making the concepts clear and then engage in problem and exam questions.

My first lesson is designed to evaluate the student learning and knowledge which provides me foundation to design my lessons. I prepare lessons by following the National Curriculum of different boards or I tailor the lecture as per learning requirements of students. This means the lessons can be fully personalised as per student choice.

Teaching Experience:
I have 15 years of teaching experience.
GCSE Chemistry
A-level Chemistry
University level Chemistry

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is student focused and I focus on making the concepts clear and then engage in problem and exam questions.




I modify/update my lessons according to the needs and learning requirements of the students.

My priority is to make the topic easy to grasp for students which I accomplish by providing examples from surrounding systems and natural processes with which students are familiar.

I have deep knowledge of the topics set for different boards and I can prepare the students for best exam results by extensive exam preparation sessions

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic, calm and kind teacher of English who is passionate about every child achieving their full potential. I live in Burgess Hill and have three children of my own. We also have a dog and enjoy going for walks in the countryside. Reading and the theatre are also my greatest passions. I thoroughly enjoy teaching children the love of reading and will focus on exam skills and strategies by breaking down the content into manageable chunks so that my students achieve their very best.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher of Secondary English from KS3 up to GCSE and A Level and have been teaching in West Sussex schools for over 20 years. I have a degree in English, PGCE, and MA in Education.
I am currently teaching at a comprehensive Secondary school in West Sussex and cover the AQA syllabus. Although this is my specialism I also have experience in Edexcel and OCR exam boards. I have also been an examiner for AQA for many years and use this experience to help my students understand how to break down the questions and understand the marking criteria.
I have tutored privately for over 5 years now and have many families willing to give current references. My recent success stories are in my reviews please take a look!

Tutoring Approach:
I am able to break down the current GCSE requirements from all exam boards and coach young people in a way that they can understand.
I work at the pace set by the student and help them in such a way that they feel a sense of achievement after every lesson.
In negotiation with the student I can set weekly homework tasks as part of the tutoring session if required and also include the marking of these in my fee. I am very flexible and can offer short term help on GCSE English Language or long term support to cover both Language and Literature. Online tutoring and booster sessions in school holidays are also available.

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