Merthyr Tydfil English Tutors and Merthyr Tydfil English Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced tutor. I have studied modern languages, art and design and I also have qualifications in law. I have had a varied career encompassing language teaching, translation, publishing and work in the charity sector. My wide interests and enquiring nature are invaluable assets in my teaching.

Teaching Experience:
English as a Foreign Language teaching experience in the UK and abroad, including for large schools and within companies, and private tuition 1-to-1. Adults and young learners.

Providing corporate training in Polish to groups of adult learners and also private tutoring to individuals.
I have been learning and translating Polish for 20 years, and I have lived and worked extensively in Poland. I have Polish family links.

Coaching for 11+ grammar school entrance exams. I have also provided general teaching support up to GCSE level in English and French to private students.

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly, encouraging and approachable, but thorough and focussed on successful learning. Very adaptable, and able to tailor lessons to suit individual learning styles, abilities and preferences.

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Personal Description:
Hi I'm Heather!

I hold a First Class Degree in English Literature and Drama from Manchester University.

I've been tutoring for nearly 15 years, working with students aged 6 years, up to 18, supporting them through KS1-4, GCSE and A'Level/IB curricula. I have also taught English as a foreign language. The content of my tutorials is entirely student- led; i.e I work towards the individual's goals and learning styles. I am experienced in the teaching of essay writing, exam preparation and textual analysis/understanding. The most important thing I can do as a tutor is to empower the student to feel confident in their own abilities and thoughts.

I have worked with students of A Level and GCSE in a diverse range of texts including Victorian Gothic literature, the American Novel, pre and post 1900 poetry, modern drama and theatre studies, post -colonial literature, dystopian literature. All of my students have achieved their personal desired A-C grades, and gained acceptance into the university of their choice.

Recent students have achieved places at Eton and Wellington college, UCL, King's and Westminster. I currently tutor students applying for or attending Kew House, Kings School Wimbledon, Fulham Prep to name a few.

I have 2 years experience of home schooling Key Stage 2 and 3 literacy and numeracy, with an excellent overview of the curriculum and a variety of techniques to engage different learners. I have worked closely with young learners with dyslexia, ADHD and autistic students

I also teach drama school audition preparation, public speaking skills and methods of overcoming academic anxiety. In addition to my work as a tutor I work for a theatre company as a director and facilitator, and bring this creativity and fun to my tutoring.

Do get in touch if you have any questions!

Heather

Teaching Experience:
-15 years as a private tutor
-Assistant Tutor; Kumon Maths (Hampstead Branch)
-6 months as a Teaching Assistant (SEN) ; Carlton Primary School
-2 months as a 1-1 learning and care assistant to a young child with non-verbal cerebral palsy
-Assistant director/facilitator at theatre company Access All Areas
-TEFL introductory course- Cambridge
-Creative writing teacher training with The Ministry of Stories
-Drama facilitator, Hackney Shed Theatre Company

Tutoring Approach:
I believe tutoring should be a dialogue, not a dictatorship. Each lesson would be highly organized to cater for the requirements and ability level of the individual student. I plan all sessions to include a range of discussion, demonstration, exercises, review of work and homework tasks if required. Crucial to my teaching approach is an easy, flexible engagement with the individual- working to their learning style and objectives, and encouraging the pupil to draw out their own understandings rather than enforce rote learning.

Areas of expertise include: Literature Romantic poetry, contemporary poetry, the dystopian novel, the Gothic novel, WWI literature, post-colonial literature, the early novel, Shakespeare, dramatic writing, film studies. History- Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, Russia from Revolution through to the cold war. Apartheid in South Africa, the Suffragette movement, the history of British Education, Chartism. Theatre- Greek theatre, Kabuki, German Expressionism, Melodrama, Realism, Naturalism, Absurdism, post 1950s British drama, contemporary theatre

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Personal Description:
I am a PhD student, undertaking my doctorate in Environmental Sciences, with a focus on soil nutrient cycling and nutrient transport to surface and ground waters. I completed my BSc in Physical Geography at the University of Exeter and gained first class honours in this.

Teaching Experience:
I carried out teacher training at a basic level with the University of Exeter in order to participate in the Students Associates Scheme. After this training I spent three weeks in a local secondary school where I actively participated in Geography and Religious Studies lessons, and was able to provide work plans for higher and lower achieving students. I also worked closely with students that had special educational needs.
I also have experience in teaching sports to groups of young children.

Tutoring Approach:
During my time at the secondary school I found that I produced good results working one-to-one with students, particularly with students that were struggling to understand concepts or were having difficulty with the teaching style being used in the classroom. I am patient, focussed and willing to work hard to enable a tutee to achieve their goals.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced primary teacher. I have taught in Foundation, KS1 and KS2 I am able to effectively support your child in Maths or English at every stage of their primary education. I can also support KS3 children who need reinforcement of the KS2 curriculum.

I tutor from my home or yours (within 3 miles). I am sometimes able to travel further if you are looking for longer sessions/holiday tuition/daytime tuition. I also offer online tuition or a mix of online and in-person which can work well.

Teaching Experience:
I am a primary school teacher with 16 years experience (importantly, I still teach part time in school so have up to date training and experience).

I have taught from foundation to year 6 and have excellent curriculum knowledge. I am skilled in teaching maths to all levels and have a real passion for English (I have an MA in creative writing). I currently work in year 6 and have excellent knowledge of KS2 SATs.

I have been tutoring for seven years and have worked with children across the primary age range. Some of my students have been with me for a short time to fill gaps and boost confidence. I have been privileged to work with some students have been for four years or more.

Tutoring Approach:
Whether your child is struggling and needs revision and reinforcement or is very able and needs extension I can offer tailored support to meet their needs. I adjust my approach to meet the needs of each individual but I am always calm and supportive while making sure learning is the focus at all times. I plan engaging activities which take account of individual interests wherever possible. I always include computer based games and activities to add enjoyment and include a sticker chart reward system which children love (even the older ones!).

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Personal Description:
I am qualified tutor/teacher of English as a Foreign Language, currently teaching ONLINE only via Zoom or Skype. I also tutor primary students and feel passionate about improving every student's level of English. I can prepare you for Cambridge English exams.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching English to all ages for many years. I hold group lessons and private lessons. I do EXAM prep for Cambridge FCE, PET, CAE. I also teach Business English, do interview preparation and CV support. I currently teach at two language schools, as well as privately.

Tutoring Approach:
My main aim is to improve your confidence as your ability grows. I am known as a relaxed, approachable teacher and I feel passionate about teaching English to every level. I have travelled and learned other languages, and understand that experiencing a new culture is difficult in many ways. So my lessons are about cultural experience as much as words and language.

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Personal Description:
Dr Fouzia has been supporting students studying Bachelor's, Master's and PhD for over 14 years, across a range of UK universities (for example, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, Warwick) and international universities (for example, Harvard, MIT). Thus, she has extensive experience in working with UK and overseas students, including students from China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and America. Her work covers the following areas: university pre-sessional courses, sociology, psychology, business, criminology, nursing, health and social care (both at college and university level), childcare, teaching, paramedical science, and beyond.

As an Examination Board Assessor, Fouzia has experience working with a myriad of examination boards, such as C&G, EDEXCEL, AQA, OCR, WJEC, NCC, CIE, ICAAE.

Moreover, her deep understanding of pedagogical principles helps guide her tutorship. Students can reach out to Fouzia out of lesson times via telephone, WhatsApp or email for any queries, progress conversations, target setting and more.

Teaching Experience:
Dr Fouzia offers face-to-face and online guidance for university students at all levels. Her work includes:

Professional editing and proofreading academic assessments for structure, style, logical coherence, clarity, and critical analysis
Proofreading of manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
Paraphrasing
Formatting
Reference management
Critical thinking
Critical appraisal of evidence and evidence-based practice
Research topic selection and identifying research gaps
Planning and structuring essays and dissertations
Shaping writing to make it crisp and concise, and reducing wording to reach desired word count
Guidance on report writing and creating PowerPoints for course work
Interpret and perform literature, systematic reviews
Research proposals across all subject
Data collection and analysis for both qualitative and quantitative methodology (manual and electronic analysis ie SPSS/ NVIVO).
Dissertation/ thesis design and methodology
Academic poster presentations
PhD Viva preparation
Time and stress management
UCAS applications
UCAS personal statements
Interview techniques and mock interviews for university/ employment applications

Tutoring Approach:
Dr Fouzia provides a personalised one-to-one service, meeting individual needs of students (incl. ASD, dyslexia, etc) which enables them to actively engage in their lesson, and boost confidence. She is punctual and offers a high standard service, and this is evident in the reviews received from previous students. Her holistic approach has resulted in excellent pass rates (Merits & Distinctions). In addition, being a lecturer, research supervisor, examiner, and interviewer, places her in an ideal position to support you or your child with medical school applications.

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Personal Description:
Hello
I'm moving to North Somercotes, Lincolnshire late August and will be taking on new students to start ready for the academic year in September.

As an experienced tutor, specialising in Primary Education and Secondary Education. I have experience in teaching Maths and English for all abilities including S.E.N.. My experience also includes 11 plus, both CEM and GL. Which would be particularly relevant for those students sitting the 11 plus in Buckinghamshire and entrance exams for the Bedford Schools.

I work with students providing a supportive environment where areas of possible weakness are identified and strategies developed ensuring the students self esteem, confidence and love of learning are enhanced.

Teaching Experience:
5 years experience within the education system at secondary schools, working as past of the senior leadership team. Have tutored adults and children, to improve confidence and self esteem, reinforce knowledge, to meet national curriculum expectations, successful completion of the 11 plus and entrance exams, S.E.N. and English as a foreign language.

Tutoring Approach:
Hello

As an experienced tutor, specialising in Primary Education I have experience i teaching Maths and English for all abilities including S.E.N.. My experience also includes 11 plus, both CEM and GL. Which would be particularly relevant for those students sitting the 11 plus in Buckinghamshire.

I work with students providing a supportive environment where areas of possible weakness are identified and strategies developed ensuring the students self esteem, confidence and love of learning are enhanced.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been tutoring on a full-time basis for over 20 years, including teaching abroad as part of my degree at Cambridge University. Over this time, I have taught pupils across the whole range of ages and abilities. I offer professional, qualified, friendly tuition in English, maths and foreign languages, always tailored to meet each individual student's needs. Travelling is not a problem, and is included within the fee quoted.

Teaching Experience:
Please see above

Tutoring Approach:
Please see above

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Personal Description:
My name is Ngum-Agnes, I am 18 years old. I live in Cardiff and am currently studying Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and French at A level.
I received all As and A*s at GCSE and A Levels and all A*s in the subject I am tutoring in.
I like to think of myself as friendly, polite and patient.

Teaching Experience:
I have had tutoring experiencing in the UK for over a year now in French, English, Mathematics, and Science.

I recently volunteered at children's orphanage in Africa where, among other things, I taught the Ethiopian children English. Doing so taught me the effectiveness and importance of patience and empathy when tutoring, as well as giving the pupil time to think through things in their own way.

Tutoring Approach:
I make sure to explain things slowly yet effectively and take time to understand the pupils way of learning and adapt my teaching in that way. I ensure that I am patient and friendly when tutoring and try to create a relaxed and calm but attentive atmosphere. I like to create a bond with my student so that they feel comfortable when learning but also eager and unafraid to ask questions when they do not understand.

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Personal Description:
I am married, and live in Gloucestershire with our two Chocolate Labradors. Prior to teaching, I worked in advertising and then recruitment for 10 years. I have been teaching for the greater part of twenty years.
I am an avid reader, and keen amateur actor.
I speak basic - and extremely rusty! - French and German.
My other interests include tai chi and kung fu, yoga, weight lifting, and juggling.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in education since 2003, initially in the primary sector and since 2007 in secondary. My initial experience was as a Teaching Assistant, working with children with special educational needs, including one to one teaching of pupils with autism and Asperger's syndrome. Between 2003 and 2007, in addition to working in both primary and secondary schools, I tutored English and Maths at KS2 and KS3.
I took my PGCE in English and Drama in 2007, and taught full time secondary English Language and Literature at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 for 10 years. I have been an English tutor for KS3, KS4 and KS5 - both face to face and online - since 2019, working with students aged 11-18.
In my last school, where I taught for 10 years, I started and ran the Debating Society, the Mock Trial, and was also involved in a number of educational trips abroad.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is open and relatively informal. I feel that tutoring works best when a relationship is established between myself and the student - they should feel free to ask questions, raise issues, and discuss any aspect of the work that interests them. It's very different to being taught in the classroom: in addition to individual attention, it also offers the opportunity to read and study texts not on the curriculum which can augment and strengthen the school syllabus. English is essentially a skills based subject. Although there is a lot of content to learn at both GCSE and A level, students benefit from being able to access and flexibly use the techniques needed to study and criticize. Reading, debating, and discussing a variety of texts enables the student to develop and apply these skills in lessons and exams.

Tuition is available in English Language and Literature for all secondary years, including GCSE resits. I can also tutor pupils preparing for the 11+, and scholarship entry in Year 7 or Year 9. Tutoring sessions are specifically geared to the student's individual needs, and may include functional literacy, close discussion of a set text, exam revision, and past papers. We can follow a specific syllabus, with the flexibility to focus on any particular aspect of the curriculum if so desired, or study more organically, choosing interesting and challenging texts that offer the opportunity to learn effectively while developing a strong set of English skills.

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Personal Description:
PLEASE SEE 'TUTORING EXPERIENCE' BELOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THIS PAGE, THE RESULTS AND FEEDBACK

I am an Oxford graduate (English language and literature, first class), as well as a qualified English teacher, and have been tutoring since 2013. My specialism is A-level English literature.

Please get in touch for online English tuition, particularly if you are or your child is

• Preparing to take A-levels in 2026/27
• Doing coursework
• Working on the basis of continuous assessment, mocks, etc.
• Or planning to do / doing an English degree

I graduated from the University of Oxford with a double first in English language and literature, winning the prize for the best performance in English finals at Mansfield College, and the college essay prize. At school, I was awarded eleven GCSEs at A-star and three A-levels at A.

As well as tutoring, I have worked as a researcher, a copywriter, and a proofreader. I have also completed a PGCE in secondary English at the UCL Institute of Education, the highest-ranking college of education in the world ('QS World University Rankings'), during which I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools, and received A's for my master's-level assignments. I am currently pursuing a PhD in English literature at the University of Buckingham.

As well as English tuition at any level, I can help you or your child with the following:

• Oxbridge entrance (the admissions process, practice interviews, the ELAT, etc.)
• Essay surgery - how to structure and write an essay
• How to revise - note-taking, organisation, making connections, committing to memory
• Grammar, punctuation, and style (a.k.a. 'usage and abusage')
• Speech-writing and public speaking
• Proofreading and redrafting essays
• Suggested reading and resources, including access to my library of 'TES' resources
• Creative writing
• How to annotate, analyse (and enjoy) English literature - sometimes known as 'close reading' or 'practical criticism'
• If you'd specifically like written feedback on your writing - more like a correspondence course - then I can also provide that.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling, writing, and photography.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2013, teaching English at all levels (including degree level), as well as A-level religious studies and classical civilisation. I have taught AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas, and CAIE (Cambridge International), and am constantly familiarising myself with the new texts that my students are studying. I have experience helping students who have autism and ADHD. And I am interested in the role of generative AI and large language models in education, not to write students' essays for them, but as research assistants for students and teachers alike. It is of course important that students do not get the likes of ChatGPT to write their essays for them, among other reasons because they will not be able to do so in the exams. Tutoring is well placed to discourage this, since it has always been my practice to ask my students many questions about every essay they write.

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A student, June 2025: 'thank you very much for all the sessions! It has not only boosted my confidence in English literature but they really reminded me of how much I love the subject. It's always a pleasure to discuss nuance readings of the texts, and it has been a great help leading up to my exams.'

Charlotte, a parent, June 2025: 'Thank you so much for all your help and support for [L.]. We are so grateful for everything you have done with him and wish you all the best.'

Ann, a parent, June 2025: '[Z.] has thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with you and has gained so much from your guidance. We're very grateful for all the support you've given her.'

A parent, May 2025: 'Thank you so much again for everything you've done to help [G.] prepare for these exams - he has really enjoyed his sessions with you and he and we really appreciate your support'.

A parent, May 2025: '[N.] just received the below. It's an A* if the grade boundaries is same as last year. She couldn't have done it without your help. We really appreciate it.'

A parent, February 2025: '[S.] is really enjoying studying with you and has gained a lot of confidence in English. I truly appreciate the effort and dedication you put into teaching.'

A student, January 2025: 'thank you ever so much for your kindness and creative encouragement the past months. What is very special about you as a tutor is that you have never told me "what to write". Instead, you have asked me questions about my work that have led me to discover what I truly wish to write'.

Kate, a parent, December 2024: 'We're so pleased [G.] is enjoying his sessions and seems to be really motivated to read widely in between sessions, is making useful structured notes (which he didn't do before) and his confidence and awareness of what he needs to do when essay writing is really building. Thank you!!!'

Eleni, a parent, December 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that [D.] received an offer […] today! She is super happy! […] I wanted to thank you again as [D.] found your sessions incredibly helpful and inceased her confidence during the exams process.'

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A-level results, August 2024:

'I wanted to write to say a huge thank you to you for all the help, support and inspiration you have given [E.] over the past year. You have not only given her the technical advice and support to help her make the most of her essays and exams, but more importantly you have helped her keep the love of the subject alive. I know a big part of the reason she is so excited to study English at university is because of how much she has enjoyed your conversations, and how you have helped her to consider texts in a way that the rather narrower scope of teaching at school does not allow. I am so very grateful to you and I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into her sessions - thank you so very much. […] You've been so great, and any other student/parent would be lucky to have access to your teaching.'

'I have just opened my results and am happy to confirm that I am off to Bristol this September with an A* in English! I just want to thank you again for making this possible.'

'I got an A in English, and will be going to Exeter, so mission accomplished. I wanted to thank you for all your help, not only for helping me to get what I needed, but for giving me back my confidence and enjoyment of the subject in the process.'

'Just to let you know [I.] got her results this morning and achieved an 'A' in English. We are over the moon […] Thank you again for all your help with the English, it's much appreciated.'

'thanks for your help this past academic year! Got two A*s in English and Philosophy'.

'I got a B and I was accepted into my firm university (Durham) which I am very happy! Thank you for all your help and support.'

'I was really happy to receive […] A in English Literature […] I secured a placed at my firm university. I will be studying English Literature at Durham University this September and I am very excited! Thank you so much for all of your support, I really appreciate it!'

'i got into Warwick with […] an A* in English!!!!! I am very happy :) Thank you for all your hard work, wisdom and wit over the last year or two'.

'Thank you so much for all your coaching and advice that you shared with [L.], it made such a difference to his confidence leading up to his exams. He is (as are we) delighted with his English result.'

'an A awarded in English […] so she is off to her first choice of Edinburgh University to study History of Art and English Literature.'

'Results day went well and I'm going to the university of Kent. Thank you so much again for all the time spent helping me to prepare for my exams it means a lot I'm very excited to continue my English literature journey.'

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A student, June 2024: 'Thank you so much for being the most amazing English teacher! It has been an immensely rewarding and interesting journey exploring so many books […] I have learnt so much from GCSEs to continuing with more amazing literatures in A-levels'

A student, June 2024: 'I […] wanted to say thank you for the tremendous help you have provided with the English content throughout the A level period. The resources that you provided for me were quite helpful in refining my knowledge in many areas of the syllabus so thank you very much.'

A student, May 2024: 'I've just received the results for my english coursework and wanted to thank you for all the help and feedback!!'

A parent, February 2024: 'your help has kept her love of the subject and her enthusiasm alive and I can't thank you enough for that.'

A parent, February 2024: 'You were such a huge help to [S.], we will always be very grateful to you.'

Kath, a parent, February 2024: 'We would both like to thank you for all your invaluable help, especially all the helpful feedback on the coursework essay. [S.] has definitely learnt a lot and grown in confidence, especially in her knowledge of Twelfth Night.'

A student, January 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that I got an offer from Oxford! Thank you so much for checking over my personal statement and all the help that you have given me since GCSEs. I really enjoy our sessions every week, the discussions keep me constantly creative and thinking.'

A parent, January 2024: 'Thank you as always for all your continued help and support for [E.]. I know she gets a tremendous amount from your sessions and I'm very grateful.'

A student, January 2024: 'Just emailing to let you know I did get an offer from […] Cambridge yesterday so thank you so much for all your help! It is really appreciated and I'm really looking forward to starting my degree in October!'

A student, December 2023: 'So thank you so much again for all your help; your insights have been very useful and I have really enjoyed talking about literature with you.'

Tara, a parent, November 2023: 'you are really helping [R.], he is becoming much more confident. Thank you so much'.

Paula, a parent, November 2023: '[M.] is always delighted with your teaching. You are asking questions no one else does. My husband and I see her grow academically after every session with you.'

Liz, a parent, October 2023: 'Thank you so much for all the work you have done with, and the kindness you have shown, [E.] to date. She really enjoys her sessions with you, and you've helped keep her enthusiasm for English very much alive. I'm so grateful.'

Kim, a parent, August 2023: 'I cannot tell you how happy we all were and your help was clearly instrumental in that. Not sure if he told you but he got 12 points above an A* and it was his best A level result!'

A student, August 2023: 'I really enjoyed our lessons and think it has really helped prepare me for the Oxford style tutorials.'

A student, August 2023: 'wanted to let you know I ended up getting an A* in English, thanks so much for all the help!'

Mark, a parent, June 2023: 'Many thanks josh for your help this year. [E.] has said to me it has really helped, you started assisting her at a time when she felt behind her class mates for the whole of the first year, having switched to English half way through term one.'

Melanie, a parent, June 2023: 'Thank you so much for all your time and effort with [T.]'s English literature. She really enjoyed your sessions together and it really boosted her confidence and inspired her to think more deeply and critically about the texts. It also confirmed that she is happy and excited to study a literature based course at degree level.'

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

'[L.] came home from university yesterday to attend her school prize giving ceremony, and this morning as she was leaving she asked me to let you know that she won a special prize in English […] Until last night, she wasn't aware of any of her awards, apart from her scholarship, so it was all a lovely surprise. Furthermore, the essays she wrote in her A level English exams have somehow found their way into her teachers' hands; they told her, with beams of pride , that the three marks dropped overall were actually in her *non exam* assessment, so 30/30 in all questions across all papers under exam conditions, something she had never achieved before. She had admitted to me in the aftermath of the exams that when she was writing her English papers she had really enjoyed the process, her thoughts flowing pretty effortlessly on to the paper. But she had also worried this stream of ideas might not be fit with the mark schemes. […] she […] wanted you to know about her prize, as she thought you'd be pleased, and she also wanted to say thanks one last time for your inspirational teaching that led to it.'

'I got AAA* for my results much higher than my predicted! particularly for english'.

'[G.] got an A star in English. And is off to Oxford. […] Thanks so much for everything - you were honestly amazing and really helped her get there'.

'[L.] got 3 a stars and an A star as well in her EPQ. Her highest marks were in English Literature ( 197/200)'.

'I achieved 4A*s in my Alevels - one being in English Literature. My teachers also let me know that I got full marks in both the exam papers'.

'[T.] smashed English Literature, A* […] she is absolutely over the moon . Thank you so much for all the work you put in with her !'

'I got a D[distinction]2!!! […] I got full marks on my PI!'

'I got an A* in English!!! Thank you so much for all of your help I wouldn't have been able to do it without you!'

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A student, January 2023: 'Just wanted to let you know I got an offer from Cambridge, thank you so so much for all your help.' And Kathryn: 'You were such a great help to [E.] in her preparation for the Cambridge application and interview and we were all delighted when she was offered a place this week. Thank you for all the support you gave her.'

Shaun, a parent, January 2023: '[E.] has found the sessions really very helpful (and has enjoyed them!)'

Guifang, a parent, December 2022: 'From what I hear from [S.], she really enjoys her discussions with you, it's really one of the highlights of her week.'

A student, November 2022: 'I'm extremely happy to tell you that I received an 8.3 for the literary review […] Thank you for explaining to me what a literary review is […] I remember whilst working on it I was so worried about my grade, but it appears I've survived.'

Deborah, a parent, September 2022: 'a huge thanks again to you for all your work with [S.]. I know he has been in touch to let you know that he got 9s in both English Language and Literature. He was over the moon - well beyond his best hopes, so thank you again for being instrumental in helping him attain those grades.'

Karen, a parent, August 2022: 'Both my girls really like your way of teaching and talking to them, they feel really listened to and respected for their opinions (as well as respecting yours obviously), so thank you :)'

Helen, a parent, July 2022: 'Thanks so much for all the help you gave [J.], he really benefitted from the sessions he had with you.'

Tara, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all your help and patience - I think you have been brilliant for her confidence. She found English exams really very difficult before she started talking to you and it's amazing to see how much calmer (relatively speaking!) she has been going in to her A level English papers. Whatever the result, her sessions with you have definitely helped her to enjoy English again and I'm really grateful.'

A student, June 2022: 'This is incredibly insightful and thought provoking feedback. Thank you so much.'

Mei, a parent, June 2022: 'She found your lessons very helpful and always remarked to me how much you went the extra mile for her ; looking up and sending on links to whatever you'd been discussing. Much appreciated!'

Marguerite, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all you've done for [T.] in the past year . […] you are a very talented teacher.'

Monica, a parent, June 2022: 'You have been an absolutely wonderful tutor to [L.], and how time has flown since she first met you! […] Many a time she has needed someone to talk to, not so much about AO1-5, but rather about the beauty and burden of literature and life. You have always been willing to do that, and she is richer for it.'

A student, June 2022: 'Thank you for teaching me for the last year; I have enjoyed our lessons and I feel I have grown as an English student, with thanks to your teaching.'

A student, April 2022: 'I received an 8 for my essay!! I want to thank you for your tutoring on Keats and Wordsworth- I wouldn't have gotten such a grade without it!! […] I learned tons because of you.'

Ngozi, a parent, March 2022: 'Thanks for everything that you're doing for [G.] - it has been very helpful.'

A student, February 2022: 'Really, thanks so much. Was such a good and efficient service. Your feedback looks really good and I'm going to implement it today. […] Thanks again for doing this on such short notice'.

Deborah, a parent, October 2021: '[S.] said you make it really fun - he said at school his energy goes down in English lessons and with you it goes up! So that is praise indeed from a teenage boy!'

A student, August 2021: 'I got the A grade ! I'm so pleased, thank you for all the help and the essays really paid off :).'

Monica, a parent, July 2021: 'As would be expected from his first class qualifications, Josh is extremely intelligent. However, in my opinion, he has a a very particular advantage over others of a similar academic background, namely his ability to exhibit an authentic interest in the ideas his students express. He is always kind and encouraging, but without sacrificing rigour; this approach has had a hugely positive impact on my daughter when speaking, writing and reading. Furthermore, Josh has introduced her to a range of authors, poets , films and philosophical thought, thus enriching her far beyond the school curriculum. In the future, my daughter will undoubtedly look back on her time with Josh with both fondness and gratitude. I have no hesitation in recommending Josh as a tutor'.

Guifang, a parent, July 2021: 'I have know Joshua for 2 months and He has been supporting my daughter excellently through her GCSE courses, helping her to achieve a 9 in predicted grades. From this, Joshua has always been very serious with the work, needless to say, always punctual and gives detailed homework feedback. I know him to be a wonderful tutor to my daughter.'

Susan, a parent, May 2021: '[T]hank you so much for all your help with [N.] […] [N.] found your lessons extremely helpful which enabled her to enjoy and understand English in a greater depth […] it was excellent tuition . Thank you'.

Jamal, a parent, May 2021: 'Thank you Josh for all your efforts, you have greatly assisted [S.] in better understanding English Literature as whole.'

Zahed, a parent, May 2021: 'We are grateful for all your help and support. We are in no doubt that [A.] has improved a lot in English Literature under your guidance.'

A student, May 2021: 'I just got my coursework back and got an A in it. Just thought i should let you know thanks you!'

Margaret, a parent, March 2021: 'Thanks for helping [M.] to improve her English understanding. She really enjoys her lessons and chats!'

Chris, a parent, March 2021: '[R.] is benefiting immensely from your lessons and is definitely getting more confident in expressing his thoughts in writing! Thank you.'

Amanda, a parent, December 2020: 'Josh has really helped join the dots, encouraged a depth of questioning and ways to interpret and compare ideas, extracting and bringing fresh meaning to narrative styles and creative use of language. Josh has been a great support and steered [R.]'s confidence to look more thoroughly and develop a greater understanding all round. Josh has a kind, approachable style and encouraged [R.] with debating aloud and suggestions for further reading which all continue to be an invaluable help and inspire greater confidence in approaching exams and further reading in future!'

A student, December 2020: 'He helps focus my understanding and makes sure i understand the topic we are learning before moving on. Josh will make sure to ask you questions throughout the process and is always ready for your ideas even if you think it's wrong. He will set homework but makes sure to switch it up each week to make it more interesting and gives his feedback to help me understand what i need to do to improve.'

Diana, a parent, September 2020: 'Josh worked with my daughter for her A Level in English Literature. He was outstanding with his ideas and expanding her critical thinking. He went above and beyond to develop her analytical skills and as a result helped her obtain an A*. He is an absolutely lovely, gentle but dynamic and reliable tutor who has a rare ability combine his academic achievement with a natural talent for teaching. A real gem and we cannot thank him enough.'

A parent, September 2020: 'Joshua is an excellent tutor with great communication skills . He is very patient , helpful , approachable and takes time to explain everything clearly to my daughter . Joshua has been able to breakdown and explain in full detail all aspects of the A Level content.'

A student, June 2020: 'it's been great being taught by you, I've learned so many critical thinking skills in such a short space of time.'

A parent, March 2020: 'I can't thank you enough for everything that you've done for her - you've been the best English teacher she's ever had and she has loved her time with you.'

*

During my teacher training, I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools.

While at Oxford, I was part of an 'e-mentoring' scheme to help candidates from schools without a history of Oxbridge applications.

At Christ College, Brecon, I ran two series of seminars, for sixth-formers studying RS and English literature. In English we covered 'The Tempest', Gothic literature, Pat Barker's 'Regeneration', 'Jane Eyre', Wilfred Owen, and 'The Canterbury Tales'.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to combine three things that I want my students to do, which are three forms of thinking: speak about complex ideas, read high-quality material, and write essays for which they will receive detailed feedback. For obvious reasons, lessons are weighted to speaking, and homework to reading and writing.

Speaking

Pedagogy's holy grail is measuring progress, which is difficult in a classroom and impossible in a lecture. Happily, the tutorial system allows this to occur continuously and efficiently via dialogue. Can a student re-express an idea they have heard or read in their own words? If the answer is yes, they have probably understood the idea. Hence the constant questions!

As well as understanding the ideas of others, speaking is essential for students to develop their own. I love the quotation from the novelist E. M. Forster, 'How can I tell what I think till I see what I say?' We improve the quality of our ideas through the process of articulating them.

For my part, quite a lot of what I say is explaining what texts mean. This might sound obvious, but great works of literature are complex, so, to understand their meaning, one's own interpretation probably needs the support of others' prior interpretations.

I sometimes like to break the question of a text's meaning into two: What's it about? And what's it really about? Answering the first question is comprehension, a necessary first step. To answer the second question is to understand. In 'A Streetcar Named Desire', for example, Blanche goes to live with her sister in New Orleans. She expresses a strong dislike of her surroundings and is frequently associated with images of water. She declines mentally and is eventually taken away. So what's the play really about? Blanche is a Romantic idealist who is disappointed with her life but still tends to imagine things in their perfect form. The play is about the human soul conceiving of things being as good as they could be (as if cleansed by water), reaching for the conception, and failing to grasp it - shuttling back and forth, in other words, on the streetcar named desire.

One thing I frequently encourage is making the link between those oft-cited elements of a good essay, themes and quotations. These are not unrelated ingredients, they are the text itself viewed from different distances. A theme (the desire to be cleansed) is a wide shot, and a quotation ('the land of the sky blue water') is a close-up. So the student of English has to practise their ability to zoom in and out.

Another way I try to support my students' studies is by making connections between the texts they are reading, which in my experience doesn't happen that much at school. Particularly at A-level, there are often many fruitful connections between the half-dozen or so texts being studied: the Romantics were devoted to Shakespeare and Milton, the Gothic is an aspect of the Romantic, the Aesthetic Movement drew on particular strains of Romanticism, etc. When these connections get made with reference to particular writers, they are no longer just isms. They make the material deeper and easier to understand at the same time. Towards the end of their school careers, students of the humanities should be able to get the sense of taking part in 'the Great Conversation that began in the dawn of history and that continues to the present day' (Robert M. Hutchins).

Reading

I regularly give my students PDFs of high-quality secondary material pitched at their level or just above it. Explanatory notes, commentaries, and essays can help with understanding, particularly when it comes to context. (And all exam boards have assessment objectives relating to historical context.) To know that a text was written during a particular period and what characterised that period is to have a mental scaffold that does not limit movement but frees it. In studying the humanities we are studying human culture, and no one can do that without a bit of structure. It also helps when thinking about texts in relation to each other - when writing a comparative essay, for example. I like to think of honing in from context to text, e.g. Romanticism (late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries) > William Blake (1757-1827) > 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience' (1794) > 'The Tyger'. (What's 'The Tyger' about? There's a question!)

In my experience, knowledge acquisition operates according to the Matthew principle, named after a verse in the Gospel of Matthew: 'unto every one that hath shall be given'. In other words, the more you've got, the more you'll get. Every time you learn something about Romanticism, the greater will be your understanding of the poetry of William Blake. Your internal bookshelves expand - more connections, greater understanding. Reading secondary material is obviously 'extra', but it works to enhance students' understanding of set texts rather than crowd them out. Homer Simpson said, 'every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain', and we laugh because it's not true. You can't fill up a brain, so the cliché about people's (particularly young people's) limitless potential is true. Every time you learn something new, you enrich your contextual understanding of everything else you have ever learnt. '[E]very moment is a new and shocking / Valuation of all we have been', as T. S. Eliot put it in 'East Coker'.

Writing

Speaking and reading are in a concrete way preparation for writing. If you think and make notes while speaking and reading, by the time it comes to writing an essay, the question should not be about what to say, but how to arrange the things you want to say. So annotation is an important skill. It's a bit like getting 'in the zone' for a sportsperson - students must practise getting there and staying there. I model the annotation process something like this:

Read with a pencil in your hand. What makes you underline? Something fires in your brain, so that you have a response - you spot a developing theme, you're reminded of another book, you agree or disagree, there's a word you don't know and need to look up, you like the way a sentence sounds. It could be anything. Read until you've underlined twenty words or sentences. Work out the three or four connections between the things you have to say, and you've got a paragraph plan. Work out the main thing you have to say, and you have a thesis for your essay, which, as you aim your paragraphs at it, will accumulate force.

A lot of learning (and life) is about noticing connections, so getting into the habit of doing so is something like learning how to learn. If a student has developed this habit, they shouldn't really have to think 'What shall I write?' in front of a blank sheet of paper or screen. The content of the essay will be a sort of emanation of prior thinking.

When it comes to giving students feedback, I keep in mind one of the best incites I heard early in my PGCE: attend to your students' writing as you would a piece of literature. This way, the marking progress becomes analogous to the writing process. What are all the things that could make this essay better? And is there a connection between them, i.e. what's the main thing this student needs to focus on? (I usually give feedback using comments and 'track changes' in Microsoft Word.)

Why study English?

It has been said that 'If you can think, and speak, and write, you are absolutely deadly', and I think that's right. Learning how to construct and articulate good arguments is learning how to impose ideas on the world. To the extent that English is about feelings, it is about their articulation, and there is a great deal to learn about how feelings have been and can be articulated. Moreover, because English is the medium of instruction in all other subjects, command of it confers a freedom to range through the history of ideas and discriminate between reliable and unreliable, including online. Language is a prerequisite for thought - doing English properly is learning how to think better.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a very experienced teacher of English and Drama at GCSE, A-level, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I believe that every student has the potential to make progress and that with the right direction this is possible. In my experience students develop in a supportive environment and I work hard to make this a key part of my teaching practice. This is based on my teaching experience that ranges from year 7 to postgraduate, through which I have developed an excellent understanding of learning styles and how they impact exam results.

Teaching Experience:
Primary/GCSE - Math
GCSE - English Literature, English Language, Media
A-Level - English Literature, English Language, Media, Drama
Undergraduate - English Language, Media, Drama
Postgraduate - Media, Drama

I am currently Curriculum Leader for KS4 GCSE English Literature/Language in a school. This means that I manage the progress of 1200+ students as they prepare for exams. I provide GCSE English training to staff and have consulted at other institutions.

I have also had Examiner training for GCSE English Language.

Tutoring Approach:
I work to identify areas of concern and ensure that we are focused on closing any gaps in knowledge in a friendly and supportive way. Lessons and homework is supported with excellent quality materials, which I write myself. These and other strategies ensure that students feel confident about their work and are able to apply their knowledge in exams.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A patient and friendly TEFL qualified teacher with a bachelors degree in English Literature and Drama from Cardiff Metropolitan University. I have over 2 years' experience tutoring a range of students from differing ages and backgrounds. I tailor bespoke sessions to an individual's needs and I find creative and innovative solutions to learning.

I have a unique professional background living and working in London in Marketing, Publishing and TV Production. This has allowed me to bring a wealth of experience and personality to my teaching style.

I am a creative person with a love for acting, TV and Film. I enjoy all forms of storytelling and have explored my passion through music video production, radio broadcast assistance, acting and comedy.

My other passions in life are writing, reading, self-development, yoga, running and travel. I have recently returned from a 6-month travelling trip around Asia!

Teaching Experience:
I have a passion for learning! I am experienced in online tutoring both adults and children in Academic English, Business English, pronunciation, general English grammar and vocabulary, and conversational English.
I also tutor students in KS2 and KS3 English and KS3 and KS4 Drama studies and tailor a bespoke and individualised package for each student.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring approach is kind and patient. I understand that no two people have the same learning style. This is why I tailor my teaching to the individual's needs and preferred learning style. I work with the individual to provide an enjoyable lesson that achieves the desired outcome. Whether that's confidence building in your child, gaining a higher grade in school right through to teaching children and adults mindfulness tools and techniques. I bring my unique background to my lessons to provide a memorable learning experience.

Due to our current situation, I tutor online via Zoom. I am also able to provide students with small homework tasks after each lesson which help retain what they've learned with me. I try make my lessons fun, entertaining and variable so you/your child enjoys the lesson and comes away feeling happy and stress-free!

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Personal Description:
Enthusiastic and encouraging with specific take away tips to improve not just knowledge and skills, but also mindset. My practice includes NLP techniques to build success, whatever your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I am English teacher of 15 years and hold a CELTA qualification to teach English as an additional language.

Tutoring Approach:
I have been a tutor since 2015, tutoring ages 5 - adult. I specialise in technical areas and English exam preparation. My NLP background allows me to address any mindset issues that may be holding back exam performance.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Qualified, experienced, patient tutor
An outstanding practitioner, as evidenced in inspections and lesson observations.
I have had extensive training in supporting students with special educational needs. I am able to tailor approaches and resources to suit the individual needs of every pupil.

Teaching Experience:
27 years Headmistress Primary and Secondary School, retired.
15 years private tuition experience.
35 years teaching experience.

Tutoring Approach:
27 years' experience, including as Head Of Department and Headmistress.
Qualified teacher and subject specialist.
I am supportive, warm and encouraging in my approach.

Why choose me?
100% success rate in helping pupils get into their first choice schools, including Cheltenham Ladies' College, Haberdashers', St Paul's and Westminster College.
I provide expert private tuition for 11+, 13+, GCSE, A-level and International Baccalaureate examinations.
I am experienced at teaching pupils of all ages between 7 - 18.

Testimonials

Wendy was recommended to us by a colleague for her excellent quality of tuition. She has an extensive knowledge of the GCSE syllabus for literature and language and has considerable experience in the field. She is reliable and has a great work ethic. She has enabled my son to reach his potential and is able to focus on points of weakness, build confidence and motivate him into writing essays, which he did not enjoy or do prior to Wendy. Wendy has tailored her approach to teaching him in how to answer questions for the best possible outcome. His improvement in English has helped him progress in other subjects and is now looking at higher grades in History and RE due to a more articulate approach to answering questions. Less importantly my son has enjoyed his English lessons and always looked forward to them.

S, Chesham, Bucks

Wendy has been such a blessing for my daughter, completely turning around her expectations with regards to her academic ability and hugely affecting not only her English results but all her other subjects. Now, thanks to Wendy, she has the right tools to construct an essay. Her marks have improved by two grades across the board. Wendy is a wonderful and inspiring teacher and I just cannot recommend her highly enough.

Rachel, Amersham, Bucks

Lovely Wendy is the most amazing and caring tutor I could ever wish for. She deserves a medal for her work and her students are so motivated in these crazy times it is wonderful to know my son is being so looked after. He enjoys every lesson.

Lucy, South Heath, Bucks.

I highly recommend Wendy. Her long experience, personal approach and carefully planned English lessons have been incredible for over two years now. She also provides excellent feedback following each session and takes time to stay close to parents to gauge how and where she can add most value. I am happy to email or speak to other parents about how she has helped us!

Sarah, Great Missenden, Bucks.

I am so delighted we found Wendy to help with my son's preparation for his GCSE in English Literature and French to A level. I thoroughly recommend her tutoring services. She is consummate and professional and well prepared for each session with a myriad of printed materials to support the lesson. She is knowledgeable about her subject and importantly about what the examiners are looking for in assessing examination answers. She is also friendly, approachable and has a rare gift for imparting her understanding and enthusiasm for literature. My son positively looked forward to both English and French studies with her - something sadly he never felt at school. He now looks forward to University with every confidence

Tokeer, High Wycombe, Bucks.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I am Ana, the founder of a company. It was created from my own passion for languages and entrepreneurship. I am here to help you to learn Portuguese in line with your desired pace and previous experience of learning languages.

Teaching Experience:
I have attended João de Deus University in Lisbon and I also hold a QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) recognised by the National College for Teaching and Leadership UK. João de Deus was a poet and pedagogue whose teaching methods I have adopted in my practice. I work as an Examiner for UK examination boards: Cambridge Assessment International Education & Pearson Edexcel UK.

Tutoring Approach:
I am here to expand your language skills, help you to speak confidently and to achieve your true potential. Positive minds, positive vibes! Learning a language does take time, so be patient and have fun!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a dedicated and approachable Law and French undergraduate at the University of Bristol with a strong academic track record and extensive leadership experience. I have honed my teaching and mentoring skills through roles such as Vice President of the Debating Society, where I led workshops for younger students. My commitment to clear communication and ability to adapt my approach to different learning styles make me an effective tutor. Additionally, my experience as a volunteer during my year abroad demonstrates my ability to collaborate and provide support in diverse settings. I am eager to bring my enthusiasm and expertise to support students in achieving their academic goals.

Teaching Experience:
During my time at Downe House, I gained valuable teaching and mentoring experience through various leadership roles. As Vice President of the Debating Society, I led junior debating workshops, teaching younger students the fundamentals of argumentation, public speaking, and critical thinking. This role required me to tailor my mentoring approach to suit different skill levels and encourage confidence in their abilities. Furthermore, I've previously tutored students at a GCSE level.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is student-centered and tailored to individual learning styles, ensuring that each session is engaging, interactive, and productive. I believe in creating a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel confident to ask questions and express their ideas. Drawing on my mentoring experience, I focus on breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps, using real-life examples to enhance understanding and retention. I emphasize active learning through discussions, problem-solving, and personalized feedback to help students build their skills and confidence. My goal is not only to assist with immediate academic challenges but also to foster independent learning habits that empower students to succeed beyond our sessions.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a highly qualified, very experienced tutor of all aspects of English, with many testimionials (please ask for details). I teach all abilities and levels, and have high standards both professionally and personally. I teach lower secondary, GCSE and IGCSE (all boards), A level English Literature, English Language, and also Language and Literature. I also offer all aspects of undergraduate English including critical theory and essay/dissertation writing.

I teach both in person and online (currently on Microsoft Teams).

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching English for 25 years, across a range of levels and contexts, and have worked as an A level examiner (senior and principal) for over 15 years. I ran the GCSE provision in a local FE college for 5 years, along with A level and Access to HE teaching at the same college. While I studied for my PhD (in Shakespeare's language) at the University of Birmingham I taught both Shakespeare and introduction to Linguistics at that university and several others in the region, at undergraduate and masters level. I began full time tutoring in 2011, teaching a wide range of levels, from lower secondary to A level and undergraduate. I have high success rates in all of these. I have worked successfully many times with dyslexic students.

Tutoring Approach:
Although I have considerable subject knowledge and experience of delivering all aspects of English, I have learned over the decades that understanding my students and their needs is what makes the most difference. Developing their confidence makes it possible for them to learn more successfully, as I see year after year. English teachers in schools have challenges and pressures that mean they cannot always give individual attention to their students, meaning that they don't get the feedback or support they need. I aim to do just that: to tailor my approach to their individual needs, and work with them towards their goals.

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