Chester le Street English (Foreign Language) Tutors and Chester le Street English (Foreign Language) Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced mother-tongue tutor of English as a Second Language. I have worked in the UK and abroad and am an enthusiastic and motivated professional who loves her job.

I am passionate about lifelong learning and learn something new every year for fun. I am a coffee-drinking, book-reading, cake-loving, walker in the rain. I do yoga every day in the garden to the alarm of the cat next door. I enjoy travel, diverse cultures and meeting new people.

I think that accurate communication is vital. We must understand each other in our global village.

I believe that my role in life is to help people to develop their English skills and communicate without misunderstanding.

And to experience as many different books and cakes as possible in one lifetime…!

Teaching Experience:
I am qualified, experienced and professional English Language tutor (ESOL). I have taught individuals; small classes; large groups; all levels from Beginner to Advanced; exam preparation; CV building; job applications; interview skills; English for specific purposes, eg legal, medical or engineering, I have worked in multi-cultural classes with many different languages. I also taught in Sicily where all students shared a common language. I have high exam pass rates and excellent student retention rates.

Tutoring Approach:
Stress free! I believe that you must be relaxed to learn a language successfully. My focus is always on the needs of the individual student at that moment. I encourage, motivate and build confidence so that students can go easily and quickly into the real world and use their English skills without hesitation. I hold students accountable so that there is a real sense of progress from lesson one. I establish rapport easily and am reliable with a good sense of humour.

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Personal Description:
I am an MFL teacher with bags of enthusiasm and an immense passion for education and children. I currently work part-time in a secondary school in Surrey, and have previously in a Boys Grammar School in North Kent, as well as having enjoyed spells living in Quebec and Aix-en-Provence in the past. I find empathising with students easy, and have girls and boys between 6 years old and adult on my books. I currently tutor in French, Spanish, English, Maths and 11+ preparation.

In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, reading and cycling, having recently completed the London to Brighton cycle in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Teaching Experience:
I currently work part-time in a secondary school in Surrey, and have previously in a Boys Grammar School in North Kent. I have also done a year's supply in South Yorkshire, as well as in a primary school in France. I have held departmental and pastoral TLR positions at various schools, and have tutored for over ten years. References available.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to support students in their learning by being thorough, professional, but approachable. My effective tutoring in the past has helped students to feel more confident, happier and ultimately this shows in their results. I am often very proud of my students when they make progress in areas such as confidence, as well as ability.

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Personal Description:
I am a 45 year old lady residing in Ashford, Kent. I originally come from Africa and have been in England for 10 years now. I trained as a primary school teacher but resigned after 16 years mainly because I wanted to travel and broaden my experiences. My hobbies are reading and writing (for leisure), travelling and sightseeing, aerobics and swimming. I could however easily call teaching one of my hobbies because I always find myself teaching people wherever I go!

Teaching Experience:
I was a primary school teacher for 16 years but I also did private tutoring as a sideline. I taught English to the age group 9-10years and outside working hours I taught adult literacy classes. I think I did well because I always found myself with so many private students to teach that sometimes it was hard to cope . All the same I enjoyed every minute of it. I have also recently qualified as an EFL teacher and am hoping to start soon.

Tutoring Approach:
When I meet a student for the first time I always believe in taking time to know them. By this I mean their well being and /or state of mind. For example, if a student has come to class only because someone has insisted, then learning will be a chore. Or if they have personal problems, or they are hungry, tired or ill then we will not get very far. So I will take a few minutes to chat and get to know their state of mind as well as reassure them before we start and if there is anything I can do to settle them then that is what I will do first. I am saying this with a view to teaching adults because that is what I hope to do. I also believe in teaching in a very relaxed environment that is conducive to learning so I always try and get rid of all distractions before we start. I have been known to be a good teacher and I hope I will continue with my good style and reputation.

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Personal Description:
Confidence is often the stumbling block for learners, and I always encourage all of my students to feel an early sense of achievement. Enabling students to see real progress quickly is essential to the building of self-esteem. I am very approachable and my style of teaching is relaxed and friendly. I love my job and hope that my own enthusiasm inspires my students to excel. Recently I have added French to my repertoire, for absolute beginners. I am sure French will be as popular and exciting as English and Maths have been.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher since 1976. I have taught all age groups, from nursery to A Level. Teaching is a wonderful and totally satisfying vocation. I moved across to tutoring as I felt I could offer all of my experience in this role. Being a teacher is definitely something I was born to do, and I love it.

Tutoring Approach:
Students can learn by either visiting my home or at a distance using Skype. Every student is assessed as an individual and the content of their course tailored to their needs. I test my students periodically to ensure progress is going smoothly; also testing is a good way for students to observe their own progress. We use a variety of materials: books for writing and reading in English, and for revision in Maths; the computer for visual skills and games, listening and speaking is a major part of the programme for EFL students. Children learn in different ways, and I like to offer my students visual, auditory and kinetic tools, we can see which is most comfortable for the individual. The speed of learning is not as important as the confidence of the individual and their inspiration and motivation to progress.

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Personal Description:
I am 54 years old, I am married with four children. I have a degree ( Joint Honours, 2.1 in Agriculture with Agricultural Economics) and a Cert Ed. I am a member of the Institute for Learning. I have taught a wide range of subjects over 28 years and am able to coach you to success whether you are looking for science, geography, Excel spreadsheets, English as a Foreign Language or even French and German ( I worked in both countries when I was younger)

Teaching Experience:
I can help you prepare for exams in Geography, Biology, Ecology, French and German. I have taught English as a Foreign Language over many years. I can also help you with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, particularly for Business. I am a patient, enthusiastic and committed teacher with 28 years experience particularly with post 16 and adult education. I have taught agriculture and related topics over that time, and very much enjoyed diversifying my teaching portfolio as new courses arose at the college. I have taught a range of biology and geography related topics, including plant and soil science, crop science, crop production, livestock production, environmental issues, ecology, woodland management. In business I have helped many people develop diverse enterprises, preparing carefully costed cash flow projections. I very much enjoy seeing people develop confidence with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, which are an invaluable tool.

Tutoring Approach:
I am convinced that one-to-one tuition is by far the most efficient way in which a person can progress and gain confidence. Often someone can grasp a topic in 5 minutes of one-to-one that would have taken 2 hours to cover with a larger group. Once you are confident with a topic, we move on rapidly to the next one. A current A level tutee of mine told his father "I learnt more in that 2 hour session than I have all term at school" and his headteacher wrote to congratulate him on his improved grades. (The reason for this is not that his teacher is bad, far from it, but a tutor can give you personal one-to-one attention, concentrating on the bits you need) I always ensure that the learners are confident with each step before progressing further.

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Personal Description:
I am a warm friendly, patient, understanding and highly motivated tutor.

I have the ability to attend to all your learning needs.

I am extremely resourceful and knowledgeable on the subjects I tutor in.

I will work out the best way that you learn and teach to your learning strengths.

Your success is my success!

Teaching Experience:
I have been an English as a Foreign Language for over twenty years.

I have experience of teaching all levels of English from pre-school to Business Studies.

I currently work for a training agency and college which requires me to teach both mathematics and English for Level 2 Functional Skills as well as support those wishing to work towards their GCSE in maths.

I have also been a Primary School Teacher for 20 years +.

I have regularly coached students for the SATS tests, 11+, Functional Skills, GCSE Maths and English and IELTS.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to get to know you the person a little first.

I like to establish what specifically you want from the tutoring sessions.

When I have established your requirements I can then start to build a profile of your learning; what methods best work for you.

Your success is my success.

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Personal Description:
I am an Arabic linguistics PhD student at the Language and Linguistic Science Department of the University of York, UK. I hold a BA in English literature and linguistics as well as an MA in translation studies. My study makes me familiar with written Arabic and spoken Arabic in its different forms (dialects). This is why I am quite familiar with Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Gulf and Sudanese Arabic. In addition, I am also a CELTA-trained teacher and an Assistant Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English as a foreign language for 10 years at Minia University, Egypt. I also taught Arabic to adults as well as young people for 5 years in England. I teach face to face and online.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching depends on immersing you in enjoyable daily-life situations so that you can easily imitate and, after not too much effort, read, write and speak Arabic/English like a native speaker. Culture cannot be separated from language. So, I also immerse you in the main cultural aspects of Arabic/English-speaking countries in general and offer a brief background to language as reflected in culture. Also, I try to compare Arabic and English (as a language) and the culture represented by it with other languages, including French and German (languages that I am familiar with).

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Personal Description:
I am married with a daughter at university and a son at college. I am interested in many different things, from sports to wildlife. I think I am friendly and fun, and because I have tried learning foreign languages myself, am sympathetic towards my students needs!

Teaching Experience:
I have actually taught TEFL for about 10 years (and have been in the TEFL business for much longer, publishing books for TEFL). I have worked in Japan, Egypt and Spain and also taught at the IH Executive School in Piccadilly, London. Since 2009 I have specialised in teaching 1:1, all types of students, from young learners to senior business people.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to find out what the student wants and needs and then to try to give it to them in a logical and effective way. I try to make the lessons varied, interesting and relevant. The aim is always to help the student get closer to achieving their language goals.

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Personal Description:
I grew up in Peru and lived in the USA and UK before moving to Brazil for 10 years and Bolivia for 2 years before returning to England (Taunton and London). Mike my retired-vicar husband also worked in Africa and served as advisor at The Royal Institute of International Affairs.We have four grown-up children, each born in a different country, and as a family we all share a fascination with different cultures, religious beliefs and ethnic groups. My interests include foreign travel, cooking from around the world, candle-making, films and play-fighting with our cat Mimi. I enjoy teaching children games and crafts, reading spy novels. and voluntary work with youth groups.

Teaching Experience:
After obtaining my CELTA Certificate from the prestigious International House in London in the year 2000, I accumulated almost 3000 hours teaching experience on a one-to-one basis with Home Language International, Concordia International and Crest School of English, Edgware. Since 2002 I have provided residential tuition for over 120 tutees, who have travelled to our home from countries as diverse as France, Italy, Russia,Siberia, Brazil, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Germany, Holland Argentina, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Japan, Germany and Spain. These students have varied in age from children to grandparents, and include a number of married couples.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer the richness of residential tuition, since cultural immersion can lead to deeper relationships and a more holistic grasp of the culture behind the language. Nevertheless I have also a wide experience in one-to-one teaching in daily or weekly sessions. I quickly adapt my material to the ability and requirements of the pupil, making use of visual aids, games, cuttings tape recordings and other kinaesthetic tools to make lessons more interesting, and often draw on a wide range of personal stories from across the world to illustrate the material. When the tuition is residential, I supplement the formal lessons with visits to local attractions, depending on the students' particular areas of interest;-
• English Mediaeval History (Berkeley Castle and Gloucester Cathedral)
• Jane Austin and Georgian England (Bath and Cheltenham)
• Industrial Archaeology (Stroudwater Canal, Sapperton Tunnel and cloth-mills in the Golden Valley)
NATURE
• Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust
OTHER
• Cotswold Attractions (Bibury, Stow-on-the Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh)
• London
• The filming of Harry Potter (Gloucester Cathedral, New College Oxford, Chepstow, Symonds Yat and Lacock Abbey)

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Personal Description:
I was brought up in Cardiff and my claim to fame is attending the same school as Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton. I'm a Christian, married to Jifelane - the most wonderful woman in the world. She's from Mindanao in the Philippines and we met online! I'm a proud dad to two beautiful children, Isaac and Hannah. I'm much travelled, play guitar, write songs and enjoy carp fishing especially on a warm Spring or Summer day. I am also an author! I published my first book 'Moondust' in 2015 and have recently self published another two, available in the Blurb Bookstore.
As a person I am patient, reflective and believe strongly in integrity. I am compassionate and enjoy seeing the funny side of life - I attempt to bring these qualities to my work. I am a dedicated, adaptable and friendly practitioner who loves to bring out the best in children and others. I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference. I saw that children were the hope for today and for the future and that schools were vital training grounds for life. Now as an experienced practitioner, I still have an infectious enthusiasm and passion to see children learn and reach their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
My professional experience is rooted in the breadth and depth of a teaching adventure which spans over twenty five years. Teaching mostly across Key Stage 2 (but also including KS1), it is entwined with close collaboration with colleagues from Reception through to Y6. I am keenly aware of the learning journey through the Primary School. Most of my teaching career has been in England and I have taught in a diverse range of schools. I am familiar with and use a range of teaching and learning strategies and believe that getting to know the child, coupled with quality assessment is the best way to help move them forward.
In recent years, I have been an integral part of two highly successful schools. My last school received an exceptional report from the most recent ISI inspection at the end of 2014. I quote:
'Staff are highly successful in shaping the educational programmes around the children's' interests and needs, providing a range of highly stimulating learning opportunities across all subjects through a creative curriculum that frequently takes learning outside.'

Tutoring Approach:
I endeavour to use a range of communication strategies which include listening, observing, questioning, explaining, modelling, storytelling and coaching. I have high expectations of myself as a tutor and high hopes and expectations of the learners in my care. I believe that effective teaching and learning comes from a being a reflective and critical practitioner, so whilst I will use tried and tested approaches initially, I will then adapt to suit the learning needs of the tutee. Assessment for learning methods such as strategic questioning, using success criteria and regular quality feedback are embedded into my teaching and learning ethos. As much as possible, I endeavour to make learning fun, stimulating and child centred, sensitive to individual needs. Developing close but respectful relationships with the students lays the foundation for being secure enough to take risks and improve their learning.

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Personal Description:
I am a 21 year-old Italian student of English literature and Sociology in Scotland. I am easy-going and look to create a friendly learning environment. I love languages, both learning and teaching them, as I believe they help us thinking from different points of views.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored children back in Italy, teaching some basic English.
I have spent six months in a international language school in Canada, where I have been in contact with inspiring teachers and modern methods of teaching. I have attended IELTS courses as well, and I'd be willing to help students to prepare for this certificate.
I myself have received a score of 7 when I attended it 2 years ago, before starting college.

Tutoring Approach:
First I will have to assess the student's level, then I can proceed accordingly. Depending on what is being requested from the student, like improving grammar, comprehension or writing, I will provide enjoyable exercises or even games when possible, as there is no fastest, easiest way of learning than having fun.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching French and German for the past 30 years.
I retired from classroom teaching in July 2022, in order to focus on offering private tuition.
The bulk of my private tuition is French and German GCSE. However, I am also delivering German IB (diploma) and A level, as well as English as a second language.
I also have some adult learners as well as children from age 6-10.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching French and German at all levels but mainly secondary school.
I have worked for 27 years in two London comprehensives.
My results have always been excellent.
I have outstanding subject knowledge and am familiar with the main exam boards.
I also have access to all relevant materials.
I am currently working part time in a local secondary school teaching French and German A level.
My current tuition timetable includes:
French GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Edexcel IGCSE)
German GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE)
German A level (AQA and Edexcel)
German adult learners - beginners.
English as a second language - IGCSE, IELTS
Beginner's German to adult learners as well as children aged 6-11

I have students attending UK top grammar and independent schools, as well as state comprehensives. I have experience in stretching and challenging the most able as well as helping students gain an acceptable pass in what is sometimes their weakest subject.
In the last two years, those of my tutees taking higher GCSE, have all gained grades 7-9 and those taking foundation, a grade 5.
All of this information can be verified on request.
I also have a number of adult learners for beginner's German. This has been very successful. Current students can provide testimonials if required.

Tutoring Approach:
I have done a lot of private tutoring, mainly GCSE but also some A level and adult learners.
I am a calm and patient teacher and know how to get the best out of my students.
Each lesson is tailor made to suit the needs of the individual.
I pride myself on being flexible and as a parent myself, understand that unforeseen circumstances can crop up. Therefore, I do not charge for late cancellations.

Recent, verifiable testimonials (updated August 2023, following GCSE results)

Alison was a great tutor. She is very easy to understand and made french as a subject a lot more simple for my son to understand. My son was originally getting 3s and 2s in his mocks, but she was able to assist him in getting a good result in the GCSE. I can't thank her enough for the help. She's a great tutor.
I would like to recommend her to everyone.

Allison has tutored my son for the past 2 years and I was delighted that he got a 9 for his GCSE German exam this year. My son took his GCSE exam early at the end of year 9 and his grade is a true reflection of what an exceptional tutor Allison is. Allison has been a truly amazing tutor and my son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with her. He will continue his tutoring with Allison as he has now opted to take A/S Level German next year. I highly recommend Allison if your child needs tuition for German.


Allison has been tutoring our daughter in French for the last few weeks, to help her prepare for GCSE's.
I cannot recommend Allison highly enough. She is easy to contact and on time to every lesson. My daughter was initially sceptical about having a tutor, but from the first lesson she soon saw the benefits. Allison is very personable and gave me feedback on what our daughter should be focusing on and how she has improved. Allison has great knowledge of the school syllabus and gave my daughter key areas to focus on outside of the lessons. I would like to thank Allison for giving our daughter more confidence in what used to be one of her weaker subjects

Allison provided tutoring for our daughter ahead of her GCSE in German. She knows the syllabus extremely well and identified the main areas on which to focus. She was very flexible on when she could come to our house and helped our daughter get the most out of each hour of tutoring. The overall impact was very positive with our daughter getting a 9 in her GCSE. I can thoroughly recommend Allison to anyone looking for help in either German or French.

We had Allison for about a year, and my son continues enjoying the lessons. Allison is very reliable, personable and flexible. She understands the help and support that is required for my son and applies her skills and knowledge to help. Her calm manner and being very accommodating are helpful add-ons to the help we get from her.

I was so busy to let you know how impressed my boys are of both of you. Because of you and his German teacher now, D. studies German with pleasure.

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Personal Description:
I am currently specialising in Plastic surgery and burns.I can teach all the medical school subjects including basic siences,medicine ,and surgery.

Teaching Experience:
i love teaching medicine related stuff to students and help them understand the basic concepts of everything.I teach medical students ,interns and registerars in hospitals

Tutoring Approach:
i believe in clearing concepts rather than craming.i believe that the knowledge stays longer.Especially in medicine when u have lots of things to cover u need to clarify concepts to clear exams and also to work in hospitals.I have extensive medicle knowlege and good teaching style.I believe in teaching in a friendly enviroment where the student can ask questions and help them in increasing their knowledge

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is George and I am a PhD student settled in Durham during term-time. I am passionate about teaching children and grown-ups of all ages in a manner that is both educational and enjoyable for the students by incorporating their hobbies and interests in their education. I have been a private tutor for a year, but I have always been eager to help people whenever in need. I have been tutoring mainly in English grammar and foreign languages such as German and Russian, but I am also interested in teaching subjects such as history, sociology, critical theory, and humanities in general. I have taken education related modules during my BA, and I also possess a Developing Your Potential certificate for education after completing a series of online courses.
In case you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. I am more than happy to teach online, especially in the given circumstances, but if this were not the case, I would be happy to drive up to 30 miles from Durham during term-time. I am available any time of the day, including weekends, unless specified otherwise.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a personal tutor for English grammar, German, and Russian for two years now. I have been teaching my students regularly once a week, and I have received positive feedback for my teaching methods, as well as my approach when helping to improve my students' language levels.
I possess a "Developing Your Potential" certificate, which I acquired after attending online courses that related to teaching. The courses included lessons on the British curriculum, as well as advice and skills on how to approach with children with disabilities such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism. These courses have helped be gain an understanding and insight in the ways I should approach students with special needs, and I see it as a very important skill as a person who supports the right for equal opportunities in education.
I also taught in classroom environments while taking modules in education during my Eramus+ exchange studies in Sweden. This has helped me gain experience working with pupils in primary schools, which also helped me familiarise myself working with more than one student as well.

Tutoring Approach:
I usually teach a student once per week, but if it is necessary, I am willing to top it up by teaching the same student twice a week even. I also offer the first lesson at half price as a an introductory lesson.
My lessons usually last an hour, but I am also happy to top it up to two hours, with a 5-10 minute break, upon request.
Any cancellations or changing of schedules should be noted within 24 hours at least.
I am also more than happy to teach more than one student at the same time within a "classroom style setting" online, given that the students are doing the same subject at a more or less equal level.
I am available every day, including weekends, and I am flexible with time as well.
At the end of every lesson, I will always give homework to students and expect them to do it until our next lesson. I am however tolerant in unforeseen circumstances, or if any other personal issue arises.
At the beginning of every lesson and after checking the homework, I shall ask short questions related to previous lessons. Thus, I expect students to learn and take notes from every I teach on their own initiative, although I will remind this every now and then.
As a tutor, I am also aware that time is very valuable for every lesson. This is why I ensure that no lesson will be wasted by teaching topics already known by the student.
Finally, I also like to make my lessons fun and entertaining, as I have always found this the best way to learn. This is why I will offer the students the freedom to choose which topics to discuss that would fit with their interests or hobbies, as well as offering them tasks that would make learning more entertaining as well as educational.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Billy!

I've recently graduated from studying English at Exeter College, Oxford and have began teaching full time. I love reading, music, dancing and travel - mainly things that bring me closer to understanding and connecting with people. As a tutor I am firm and supportive, but can tailor my approach depending on the goals of the student.

Teaching Experience:
I've consistently been working as a tutor for over 3 years.

I've worked as a full-time teacher and activity leader for Bayswater College and LSI Cambridge.

I obtained a CELTA qualification from IH London.

Tutoring Approach:
My main aim as a tutor is to ensure students leave my lessons with greater knowledge and understanding of the subject. I believe this is best achieved through enquiry-based learning: I always encourage students to ask questions, because doing so helps stimulate critical thinking and allows them to take an active role in their learning. We can start from the basics and gradually work our way through the subject using a series of custom-made study notes, intensive revision sessions and back-and-forth conversations!

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Personal Description:
I was born and raised in Greece where I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Greek Language & Literature at the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens.I recently moved to the UK (2020) to earn my Master's Degree in Language Sciences with specialization in Neuroscience of Language(University of Reading).

I am fluent in both Greek and English. I also speak Spanish and French (proficiency level).

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching the Greek Language (Modern & Ancient Greek ) since 2012, preparing high school students for the country-wide university entrance exams. In parellel, I was delivering in-home classes to assist students of various age groups with their curricular activities in humanitarian subjects such as History, Modern Greek Language & Literature, Ancient Greek, Philosophy & Religious Studies.I have also worked as a volunteer for the non-profit organization ''METAdrasi'', where I taught young refugees Greek as a second or foreign language.In 2020, I started working for the Greek School of Oxford, preparing students for their GCSE exams in Modern Greek and teaching Year 5 and Year 7 the Greek Language as a Second/Foreign Language.

Tutoring Approach:
Basically I use constructivist teaching approaches and strategies to help my students. I encourage them to actively participate in the learning process and help them develop critical thinking and communication skills in the target language. The material I share with my students is accumulated through all the years of my teaching work and there is a variety of types of exercises I offer to them. I also use a lot of interactive online material like live worksheets, language games such as Wordwall etc. and different kind of resources; newspapers articles, songs, poems, movie dialogues, inscriptions, texts published on social media ,recorded day-to-day conversations between native speakers etc.This helps them not only reinforce their academic knowledge (grammar and syntax) but it also broadens their experience on the cultural and contextual aspects of the language.

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Personal Description:
I'm a Music Graduate, and will soon be a Philosophy Graduate [Edinburgh Napier University and University of Wales TSD, respectively]. I work in the third sector covering off humanitarian needs in Africa, Animal welfare in Asia and the care environment/Homelessness in the UK.

At the moment I manage volunteering contracts with Goldman Sachs, National Grid, Moorhouse Consulting, Visa and Prysmian Group.

I'm quite relaxed about most things, I do some consulting with small charities and I play a lot of music!

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching music and English language periodically for around 20 years. I have taught privately, at Music Workshop Bath and Bath City College. I taught English language at a number of summer schools in Edinburgh, Bournemouth and at Cardonald College in Glasgow.

Tutoring Approach:
My style prioritises the needs of the student. Sometimes this is in relation to their immediate curriculum and is supplemented with a view to future study, if there is expectation that future study is probable. Sometimes, if the focus is solely on lifting a grade or working on soft skills around the subject - research/focus etc. then I make that the priority. All in agreement with the student.

In short - student focused.

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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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