Olney English Tutors and Olney English Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a 37 year old tutor based in Lewes. For the past fifteen years I have been teaching pupils of all ages and abilities in many different capacities and have an excellent success rate with my pupils.

I also work with children with MLD & behavioural challenges as with adults of all ages and nationalities.

Should you wish to use me, you would encounter a tutor easy to relate to and learn from in an enjoyable and easy environment. I believe a student who is at ease with their tutor is far more likely to progress no matter where they are starting from!

I am actively seeking more online pupils and offer a discount for all online pupils (must be of secondary age or above).

Some reviews from previous parents:

"Rob tutored our son for a few months in preparation for 11+ exams and has been amazing at it! Although we have now stopped the lessons due to moving country, we have seen great progress in our son's abilities. Rob has been very methodical and able to recognise our son's weak areas and work on them. He particularly helped our son in his creative writing tasks! We couldn't recommend Rob more. We would be reaching out to him again if we need to in the future." (Katia and her 10 yr old son Max Secondary Entrance Exams)

"Rob has been my tutor for AS AQA Drama Theory for nearly three months now and I am thrilled with the progress I have made thanks to our lessons. Rob is an encouraging and engaging teacher and his lessons have allowed me to improve from a grade C to consistent A's in a fraction of time. I cannot recommend him enough for anyone who is looking for a one to one tutor in order to boost their grades." (Kate, 18, A-Level Drama Resit)

"Excellent work in preparing my daughter for her 11+ entrance exam (English and Math). Knowledgeable, great in explaining and keeping her interested in the subjects. Great manner and dedication, always punctual and extreamely reliable. Would not wish for a different tutor in this important time for our daughter" (Davorin and his 10 yr old daughter Sana, City of London School entrance examinations)

"Rob tutored my daughter for GCSE English. She found these sessions hugely helpful and enjoyed them even. At the time of writing this she does not have her results but she she is certainly more confident than she ever has been. Rob was very reliable and punctual. I would whole heartily recommend him as an English tutor." (Deborah and her 16 yr old daughter Yael who struggled with dyslexia, GCSE English. Yael went up from a predicted D to a B)

Teaching Experience:
St Bees School 1998-present: Various unpaid voluntary work. Drama work-shop leader on summer-camp. Directing, play-writing, and work-shopping school Junior & Senior plays
2002: Clementine School, Hong Kong EFL Teaching Assistant. Assisting head English language teacher
2002: Hong Kong Institute for young offenders. Spanish Teacher. Teaching basic Spanish to young non English speaking offenders prior to their exchange to Chile
2005-2006: Private Tuition (Ashtead, Surrey) Private tutor. Various pupils for Spanish, English Literature, Drama & English language
2006-Present: Southwark Council. Supply Teaching with 'Classroom' agency. Work with children from mainstream, secondary & primary PRUs and learning difficulty schools.
Private Tuition (Paddington) Private tutor
Government-funded scheme to increase literacy levels amongst primary school pupils
2006-Present: Private Tuition in in all subjects and age ranges offered throughout London.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe one to one private tuition requires a tutor who can adapt to the needs of the pupil. Ideally (although not crucially-entirely online is also possible) I would wish to meet the pupil initially to establish how they may best be assisted and what the pupil's key areas of concern are. Each mind, young or old, needs different approaches and I believe my strongest ability is an adaptability to meet the varying needs and requirements of every student.

My approach, in most cases would be to follow a curriculum, finding out where their difficulties lie within this curriculum and how it would be best to resolve them.

I tend to use past papers when it comes to exam based tuition as this is ultimately what they will be faced with come exam time! However, when I have a pupil for longer there is more scope for more imaginative teaching or simply assistance with difficult homework.

With each of my previous pupils I have needed and been able to assist them in a way that is individually appealing to them and I have never had a pupil who has not achieved their desired results.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Previous Students' Comments:

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

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

- Tally

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

- Natasza (Graduated with an MA from Oxford University)

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been studying Spanish, French and Italian for many years and have gained numerous qualifications. Living in several European countries has also enabled me to develop my language skills to the extent that I am now confident in my ability to teach these languages to others.

I am currently studying for a TEFL course to update my teaching skills.

Teaching Experience:
I am approaching the end of my first year of language tutoring and have enjoyed the experience. I look forward to continuing my tutoring through UK tutors as well as other bodies. I have had one or two lessons to teach and wish to gain more experience by doing more. My aim is to become a freelance tutor.

Tutoring Approach:
I would be interested in teaching TEFL Spanish, and French to either young children or adults. I make use of the latest technologies that will make it a pleasure for you to develop new language skills.

I will help you develop skills in listening, reading, speaking and writing as I think these have an important part in every day life in foreign languages.

I am flexible, approachable and patient and will tutor you to whichever level you need.

Subjects

Personal Description:
- I am currently working as a full time tutor after completing my Masters Degree in Social Policy at LSE. Before this, I was studying a BA in History at UCL. I am absolutely passionate about education and helping students to achieve their full potential. I take a personalised approach that caters directly to the individual. I have been tutoring for 5 years.

Teaching Experience:
- I have held various posts at my school like History Buddy, Maths Support Club. Through doing this I feel I have gained a sense of nurturing and helping people, which I feel would be beneficial in a tuition role.

Tutoring Approach:
First and foremost I hope to instil an appreciation of the subject in the student. I am able to explore the syllabus in a fun way. This can be particularly important if they have had a negative experience thus far with their own teachers. I feel able to relate to students as I have in all likelihood recently experienced similar problems myself and could thus be more accessible than a parent or teacher.
I am able to provide an interesting, insightful and dynamic way of learning.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a native English speaker (born and educated in America), currently a permanent UK resident. I've been working in schools for the past 21 years and tutoring for 13 years up to KS3. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as a TEFL certification. I also have specialised literacy training and experience, including dyslexia.

I have been tutoring for a circle of families for the past several years. They have all either moved away, or no longer need tuition, so I am lookin for new students.

I have a good rapport with the students I have worked with and am able to make learning fun!

In addition to tutoring, I am also available for application, CV and proof reading assistance.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a supply teacher, learning support assistant (special needs and behaviour difficulties), 1:1 literacy teacher and a tutor for the past 21 years in America, The Channel Islands and London.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that learning should be an enjoyable experience and try to keep my lessons lively and interactive. I welcome feedback from parents and caregivers, as I feel that family centred learning is important.

The first lesson will be to get to know the learner and make an assessment as to his/her strengths and weaknesses as well as their learning style. I can then tailor my lessons to suit.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am flexible and calm. I am always well prepared and very patient. I am punctual and try to make my classes fun whilst ensuring steady progress is being achieved.

I have learnt many teaching techniques over the past 22 years which allows me to adapt my style as per the clients requirements. As a result I have been able to maintain high standards.

In addition, I ensure key mistakes that are being made are noted and not repeated. I've found this has helped gained significantly more marks in the final exams.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored for 22 years and am vastly experienced. I teach across KS1 to GCSE's and entrance exams (11plus).

The subjects I focus on are maths, English and science ( biology, chemistry and physics).

Typically under my supervision my students achieve grade 7 or above for core subjects.

I'm confident I can help identify your weak areas too and help make significant improvements.

Tutoring Approach:
All my tuition lessons are tailored to students individual needs.

I carry out an initial assessment to gauge level of understanding and prepare exmaples tailored to their needs.

I focus on exam techniques to pick up as many marks as possible.

Under my guidance many of my students have improved from obtaining relatively low grades, (C/D) to A/B.

Happy to offer FREE 15 mins consultation.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A qualified teacher of Russian and Art, I taught in secondary schools and professional colleges before moving to UK in 1994. Since then, I've worked in UK in various educational settings as well as engaging in private tuition.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 20 years of experience supervising learning, teaching and tutoring children and adults of varied abilities and backgrounds both in the UK and abroad.
Since 2020 I have been working with National Tutoring Programme providing English and Maths tuition for children in KS1 - KS2.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor my lessons to suit the needs of each of my students. I identify learning gaps; devise study plans; prepare learning materials and deliver tuition on a one-to-one basis or in small groups both online and in person.
With learning targets in mind, I build lessons to incorporate words, phrases and terminology the student needs; and choose resources that suit each learner best.

Zoom/online option is available. It is a sure way forward for distance learners.

Note: missed lessons that were not canceled at least two hours prior to the start of the lesson will be charged at a full rate.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced tutor with a wide range teaching experience over the last fifteen years, including the following subjects: English Literature, English Language, English as a Second Language, IELTS, Creative Writing, GCSE, A Level, PSHE and Drama. I completed my PGCE with QTS in Secondary English in 2020, working across two schools in Cornwall, before moving to Bristol to teach full time. I have a Master's in Creative Writing at Kingston University and a BA(Hons) in English Literature with Creative writing. I also have a TESOL qualification certified by Trinity College, which is one of the highest acclaimed foreign language qualifications. I am British but I grew up in Hong Kong and Thailand, so I really enjoy working with people from different backgrounds.

Teaching Experience:
I taught years 9 through to 13 at Clifton College for the last five academic years, where I was responsible for multiple GCSE and A Level Groups, seeing them all through successful examination results. I taught Edexcel IGCSE for first language English and Pearson Edexcel A-Level, studying a range of non fiction texts, poems and other literature such as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Merchant of Venice, A View from the Bridge, Jekyll and Hyde, King Lear, The Handmaid's Tale and Frankenstein. I was also responsible for English as a Second Language GCSE groups, using the Cambridge IGCSE exam, as well as teaching IELTS for several years.

I started teaching when I was 18 years old and so have a range of experience in teaching English at all levels and for a range of purposes. I have taught in Thailand and Australia, as well in London, Cornwall and Bristol. I have been a private tutor for almost as many years and I am comfortable with working with all ages and abilities. I have successfully carried students through the 11+ entrance exams for private schools in London.

Tutoring Approach:
I begin tutoring sessions with an informal meeting where we get to know each other. Tutees will complete a language assessment questionnaire which will help me determine what level they are at. By finding out tutee's strengths and weaknesses as well as what they want to achieve, I can create lesson plans beneficial to their learning.

One of my main aims when teaching English is to try and foster a love for reading in my students, so that they can approach language and writing with enthusiasm and confidence. I also try to encourage creativity at every opportunity and will often include exercises for students to produce their own pieces of creative writing, so they can implement the techniques and language they have read in books. This can be an incredible confidence boost for children and adults alike to see that they can produce their own creative and engaging pieces of work.

Subjects

Personal Description:
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A DEDICATED, PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERIENCED PRIVATE TUTOR?

I am a highly experienced and successful private tutor in English language and literature, with over 40 years teaching experience in secondary and further education.

I have been a private tutor for the past 10 years, and find it extremely rewarding to continue to use my expertise to support students preparing for challenging English qualifications, which are so vital for success in life.

This is what the mum of one of my 2024-5 tutees has said about my support for her son, who completed his A Level English Literature in summer 2025:

"During the 2nd year of my son's A Level English course it became evident that he felt very uncertain of some areas of the English course curriculum.
He hoped that a tutor would be able to get him back on track and fill in the gaps.
My son instantly felt comfortable with Isla. He knew she would be able to help. This confidence came within one lesson as Isla asked him the right questions to ascertain his strengths, and concerns.
Isla provided the additional support that my son needed in a calm, considered way. As a parent I was also updated about the form of the lessons and my son's progress on a weekly basis.
Isla continued to support my son during the revision period and provided last minute tuition and encouragement which was invaluable.
Isla teaches passionately to the individual and has clear objectives that are communicated well. Most importantly she does this in a friendly way, in a safe and comfortable environment.
My son achieved a B for English Literature and he was delighted.
In our opinion Isla played a large part in him achieving this result."
Mrs HS, Rutland, August 2025

Here is another testimonial from the mother of one of my GCSE tutees who took his exams summer 2024:

"Isla is a wonderful, dedicated tutor and I really couldn't have wished for a better tutor for my son's GCSE English. Isla's lessons are extremely well-planned, resourced and delivered, and she has created an excellent method of teaching which helped my son to engage and focus on his preparation for the exams. Most importantly, however, was the strong teacher/pupil relationship that Isla built with my son. From the first lesson, my son had great respect for his tutor, valuing her feedback and acting upon the advice given. I realised after the first tutorial that Isla's teaching style is perfect for today's students. Thank you so much Isla for your guidance, We are grateful for all your help!"
Mrs PD, Grantham, July 2024
Footnote: this tutee who has dyslexia gained a level 6 in both English Language and Literature.

You can see more reviews in my testimonial section below.

MORE ABOUT MY TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

After I retired from full-time teaching , I decided to continue teaching by becoming a private tutor, because I love teaching.

Formerly, I taught 11 to 18 year olds : Key Stages 3, GCSE and A Level, and in my work I had an excellent track record for enabling my students to achieve their academic potential; my school pupils achieved consistently good or excellent GCSE and A Level grades and this has continued to be the case with my private tutees.

I love my subject and I am a thorough and kind teacher dedicated to raising standards of literacy through my teaching of English language and literature, and to the educational and personal development of young people more widely. Reading and writing skills are vital to success, and I want to empower my tutees by helping them to acquire those essential skills.

As well as teaching my academic subject, I was a sixth form personal tutor ( Years 12 and 13) in my school for 18 years, monitoring my students' academic progress, and guiding and mentoring those applying to university, assisting with UCAS applications and personal statements, or helping tutees plan for a gap year or for employment - a role which I found particularly fulfilling. I am available to support UCAS application personal statements. I get on very well with all my students and oerhaos especially those aged 16 - 18.

I also have experience of teaching in further education and have taught mature students from different cultural backgrounds.

I have also supervised sixth form students taking the AQA Extended Project Qualification. I greatly enjoy one - to-one tuition.

TUTORING EXPERTISE

In my long teaching career, I have built up extensive subject knowledge and teaching expertise, which I can adapt to students ranging from 11 years to adult, and taking exams with various examining boards, with my main focus as a private tutor being on GCSE and A Level.


A selection of TESTIMONIALS

I love working as a private tutor, helping my tutees to gain confidence in essential reading and writing skills and to achieve exam success.

In addition to the two above, here is a selection of testimonials from former tutees and their parents:

GCSE:

"When my daughter was about 14 it became apparent that she was really struggling with English. She had other difficulties going on that had made the subject very difficult for her. Her main problem was she didn't know how to approach answering questions and didn't understand how to structure an answer. We realised the importance of getting our daughter extra support, not only for her English Language and English Literature GCSE but as a foundation to other subjects and her future in life. We were very lucky to find Isla, who had experience of the exam board that we were using and many years teaching experience. She worked with my daughter on a weekly basis, through Year 10 and Year 11; Isla always planned our sessions and she covered all areas of the curriculum across both English GCSE subjects. By the time my daughter came to take her exams she was really prepared and had a new found confidence. I know that whatever her results are they will be better than they would have been. Do not hesitate to get support from Isla, she will work flexibly with you and listen to your needs."
Mrs LC, Stamford, July 2022
Update following exam results August 25 2022: this tutee is very pleased to have achieved a level 5 ( strong pass) in GCSE English Language and a 4 ( standard pass) in English Literature.

"My son was really struggling to get any motivation to study either English literature or language in both the first and second year of his GCSE course and so I made the decision to get him some support and contacted Isla to help him. Over a period of about 12 months Isla steadily helped Josh to work through the syllabus and both supported him and stretched him in order to help him maximise his potential. In his finals Josh received a solid B in both subjects and has gone on to study A level literature. I have no doubt he would not have achieved this without Isla's ongoing help and support."
Mrs M.M. Rutland , 2018


" Our son needed help to raise his GCSE English grade from a C to a B. We are so pleased that we found Isla to help him. He thoroughly enjoyed the sessions with Isla, which were paced at just the right level for him. He produced homework each week which was marked before his next session. He responded well to Isla's teaching methods and worked a lot harder than he had at school. Results day was brilliant - he gained an A grade. Fantastic! We would recommend Isla wholeheartedly."
Mrs J R, Rutland, 2017

Isla has helped both of our boys this year - one with his Personal Statement for his University application and one with his Dissertation for his degree. Both boys found Isla very easy to work with, approachable, friendly and very knowledgeable. Both boys have now moved on to University and work - both having benefitted from Isla's fantastic help.
Mrs J R Rutland, 2019


"Knowing her for roughly around two years, I found Isla to be a very professional, sincere, caring and accommodating teacher who has a passion to deliver the best she can offer. With no love for literature at all, my daughter struggled with GCSE English specially the literature where she would get C/low B compared to her other subjects. We were really concerned and wanted to push up her grade in English. That's when Isla came in as a great help. She quickly picked up and addressed the areas of concern and gave enough advice and support on revision techniques preparing her for the exam.. My daughter got a 9(A*)in Eng language and a 7(A) in literature in GCSE. In my daughter's own words: "Isla has been absolutely instrumental in boosting confidence within me without which I couldn't have asked for this result. No doubt - we highly recommend her."
Mrs P, Peterborough, 2017

"Isla provided excellent support during Year 10 and 11 to our daughter in relation to her GCSE studies in both English Literature and Language. This complemented her learning at school and enabled focus on those areas where extra support or explanation was needed. Isla was very flexible in her approach, tailoring her lessons to our daughter's needs and providing additional support on the run up to the exams themselves. Although our daughter isn't continuing her English studies at A Level, Isla is going continue to provide support in relation to essay structure and comprehension in the subjects she has chosen to study. We would highly recommend her."
Mrs R M, Leicestershire, parent of GCSE pupil, 2015

A LEVEL:

Isla is a very dedicated English Literature teacher. I saw the benefit of her lessons from the outset! Isla is reliable and meticulously organised as she always had the session planned which allowed us to make the most of every lesson. I am very grateful to have found Isla as I not only gained a clearer understanding of the books taught, but also my confidence in exam technique improved immensely due to Isla's support. I highly recommend Isla, she is a very kind person as well as an incredibly devoted teacher. Thank you Isla for your guidance and support.
DD, Grantham, September 2023
Footnote: my tutee DD gained a grade B in English at A Level and A grades in Mathemarics and Economics . She decided to take a gap year and is now studying for a degree in Economics at LSE.


"Isla has been a wonderful tutor for my son, and was able to support him enormously in all aspects of his AQA A level English Literature. Isla is very knowledgeable and thorough in her approach and assisted with his research and planning for his coursework, and with close study and revision of the challenging texts my son studied over the course of the 2 years, until he took his final exams in June 2019 . She also supported him in developing and writing his personal statement for UCAS, which resulted in excellent offers of university places. My son found Isla to be very approachable and very easy to work with as her teaching style is friendly, patient and clear, and she was also open to scheduling extra sessions when needed to fit around his studies. Isla"s support has been invaluable and has enabled my son to achieve a good set of A Level grades, including a creditable grade English Literature, and he is now settled into his first term at one of the top universities in the country, studying Economics. We would have no hesitation in recommending Isla as a private tutor.."
Mrs J.M., Leicester. October 2019

We turned to a private tutor because our daughter received a disappointing result in her first year of A Level English, but she knew she could do better and wanted to go to a first class University to study English. Her coursework had been excellent and most of her homework was good, too, but her exam technique was less secure. Isla definitely made a difference. She is a nurturing teacher who interacts with the student really well. Isla gave good advice about preparing for the exam paper and gave support in revision of the various texts, which boosted our daughter's confidence. Having achieved the necessary entry grades, our daughter is now at Newcastle University starting her degree course and wants to keep in touch with Isla."
Sally S, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, parent of A Level student, 2016

"As someone who wanted to pursue English at university, my grade C at AS Level was not good enough, so during Year 13 we found a private tutor to help me with my A Level English Language and Literature course. Isla put lots of time into helping me come out with an overall high grade B. She gave me wonderful advice with my creative coursework and really enhanced my knowledge of the two plays I was studying for my written exam. I am so grateful and will continue to keep in touch with Isla as I enter my degree course at Newcastle University for English Literature and Creative Writing."
Emily S, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, A Level tutee, 2016

Update from Emily S, Peterborough (above) received June 27 2019:

"I wanted to send you a quick email to let you know that I have received a First Class Honours from Newcastle University in English Literature and Creative Writing!
I am really thrilled as I wasn't expecting it!
You were a real help to me and my time with you was the beginning of me finding my feet with poetry; I went on to write a creative portfolio of poetry instead of a dissertation and received a mark of 75 for it.
So this is just to say, thank you very much!! "


"Isla has helped both of our sons this year - one with his Personal Statement for his University application and one with his Dissertation for his degree. Both boys found Isla very easy to work with, approachable, friendly and very knowledgeable. They have now moved on to University and work - both having benefitted from Isla's fantastic help."
Mrs J R, Rutland, 2018

I assisted a former GCSE resit tutee in his final year at university . This email arrived from his mother to tell me about her son's graduation:

Just to let you know that XXX got a 2.1 in his Sports Psychology degree!
We are very proud of him.
Thank you so much again for all your help and support.
June 2021

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor for 9 years. Private tutoring enables me to stay in touch with young adults and to continue to use the teaching skills I have developed over a long and successful teaching career.

I greatly enjoy one to one tutoring and my students feel supported and more confident about facing their exams.

My tutees tend to be students who are struggling with the subject and have been predicted lower grades than they need.

Sometimes there is a specific issue such as spelling, or a student might struggle with a particular aspect, such as reading, or with a particular set text, or with how to write essays and exam answers that will earn high marks.

Without exception, my tutees grow in confidence amd improve their standard; they often go in to achieve very creditable grades that enable them to move to the next stage of their school career, or gain the university place they want.


At GCSE and AS/A Level my pupils have obtained consistently excellent results. I have taught a very wide range of set texts for literature and have taught courses by different exam boards, such as Edexcel, OCR, AQA, and the CIE IGCSE.

My school teaching often involved one-to-one sessions with pupils who needed extra support and I have taught those whose attainment in the subject is modest, as well as higher achievers in English.

Other teaching experience includes teaching for a total of 7 years full and part-time in further education colleges, and I have also taught English as a foreign language for the British Council in a Middle Eastern country.

Because I love teaching and supporting young people in their intellectual development, I have continued tutoring privately since retiring from full time school teaching, and I currently tutor students ranging from 14 to 18, assisting with preparation for GCSE and A Level exams.

I am able to offer both one- to- one in person teaching or teaching online.

My tutoring role includes assisting my tutees with English Language papers and with close study and revision of a wide range of set texts for Literature exams , demonstrating my adaptability in quickly grasping what different exam techniques are required. I have also given advice and support to students in higher education, pursuing English degrees.

My support for GCSE pupils enables them to achieve a creditable grade so they can proceed to the next stage of school/college. My shooort for A Lebel students often enables them to obtain the grade they need for University entrance.

Tutoring Approach:
PASSION FOR AND KNOWLEDGE OF MY SUBJECT
I prepare lessons thoroughly and imaginatively, striking a balance between getting through the necessary work - but making it varied, interesting and fun.

I begin by getting to know my pupil, their background, and specific needs.

Often, pupils needing extra tuition lack confidence and self-esteem and I care about addressing that sensitively.

In addition, I plan what needs to be covered: making sure I am fully in the picture with regard to the specific course being followed and the exam criteria, and I use the exam boards' websites to source relevant materials such as past papers and teaching resources.

In my tutoring, I aim to give my pupils more confidence in the classroom and in their written work.

BUILDING A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH MY TUTEES

I always have a clear plan for the session and an aim of what I wish to achieve in the time available.

Equally, I am flexible and nearly always end up adapting my plan to what comes up that day, in terms of what the pupil needs.

I like people and I am a friendly, outgoing person who communicates warmly with a tutee; I greatly enjoy the company of young people and am experienced in putting my tutees at their ease, reducing their anxiety and building their self-confidence, which is vital.

I form friendly, personal relationships with those I teach and am good at listening to them and assessing their needs, and adjusting my strategy accordingly.

A RIGOROUS APPROACH AND DETAILED FEEDBACK
As well as preparing thoroughly, I mark work meticulously and give very detailed and helpful feedback, both in writing and orally. I set relevant work to be completed for the next tutorial, and monitor progress closely; I stay in regular contact with my students and/or their parents via email and phone.

MY COMMITMENT TO YOU
You will find me a hardworking, and sympathetic tutor committed to the interests of my tutees; my aim is to help you to achieve your full academic potential in the subject and gain exam success. I see your progress in English in the context of the whole school or college picture and as part of your personal development. I often stay in touch with my pupils as they move on in life and take a keen interest in how they are getting on. I always treat my tutees with respect, kindness and understanding.

WHERE AND WHEN TUTORIALS TAKE PLACE
I tutor in my own home where I am set up to receive my tutees in a quiet and relaxed environment with my extensive resources and teaching materials readily to hand. During the pandemic I continued to tutor online and since then have continued to tutor online because my tutees often find it saves then travelling time and fits in with their lives better. I will consider face to face tutoring if this is required, or online only, or a combination of the two methods.

Normally I tutor on weekdays, and aim to complete my tutoring sessions by 7.30 p m but my times are flexible. I prefer not to tutor at weekends because of family commitments, though I can do so by by arrangement, with Sunday morning being a possibility.

I am usually able to tutor in school holidays, when I can offer longer, more intensive revision sessions.

I am always willing to try to fit in with a pupil's/parents' needs.


FEES

My professional fee for an hour is £45 for GCSE and £50 for A Level English and for support with UCAS personal statements.

Fees for other tutoring categories on request.

My fee include include preparation for the lesson, marking of set written homework, the actual intensive contact time with me, and follow-up emails and phone calls.

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Personal Description:
My name is Kay and I have 21 years' experience as a tutor in all of the following subjects and levels:

1) English at Primary level (Years 1 to 6), KS3 , GCSE (Language & Literature) and A level Literature.
2) Maths at Primary level (Years 1 to 6).
3) 7+, 11+ , 13+ entrance exams.
4) History at KS3 and GCSE level.
5) Piano - from Grades 1 to 5 , as well as learning for pleasure
6) Singing -from Grades 1 to 5., as well as learning for pleasure
7) Guitar- from Grades 1 to 3, as well as learning for pleasure.
8) Music Theory- from Grades 1 to 5.

I am now offering tuition on Zoom/Skype during the Lockdown.

I also have 26 written references from parents, for students of various abilities, across all these subjects and levels.
I have an English-related degree (in History- which included some English modules within the degree), and I have a Level 1 City & Guilds Teaching Certificate in English.

I also have a proven track record of improving student's grades, regularly improving them by 1 to 2 grades, often in less than 1 year's tuition. For example, in English, I recently tutored a student at GCSE level- he had been predicted C grades in both Language & Literature, but after just 8 months' tuition with me, he achieved an A in his GCSE English Language exam and an A* in his English Literature exam. This is typical of my success over the years as a tutor.

I use National Curriculum Resources for all tuitions. Furthermore, I have great experience tutoring all abilities from the gifted and talented to those with Learning Disabilities (I have regularly taught students with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Asberges).

I can either travel to the student's home or they can come to me. I am available to tutor on all evenings of the week, Monday to Friday, as well as in the daytime.I tutor through most of the School holidays, providing the opportunity for students to put in extra revision during these periods.

Teaching Experience:
As a full-time tutor, I have built up an extensive knowledge of the National Curriculum and the various exam boards.
I have also built up a wealth of National Curriculum Resources for English, Maths and History : my 3 main subjects.

For English, I have resources covering the following: Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar , Phonics, Vocabulary, Sentence structure, Comprehension and Creative Writing.

For Maths, I have resources from the very basics: Number Bonds and Counting up and down at KS1, to the 4 operations & main topics : for example Fractions , Decimals and Percentages at KS2 . Also, I have books for Gifted and Talented Maths students at the top of KS2 level.In addition, I have an extensive resource base of past exam papers in all subjects and levels.

For History, I have National Curriculum Resources for the various exam boards and plenty of past papers.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a firm believer in making students feel at ease in the lessons, and in offering plenty of encouragement during the tuitions to build the student's confidence in the subject I am teaching.

I generally teach a topic to a student , and then set practice questions for the student to attempt based on my teaching.I am open to setting homework for the students, but always liaise with the parents as to whether they want their child to have any and if so how much.

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Personal Description:
I have 35 years teaching experience both in the UK and overseas. I feel it's important to understand a students learning style and adjust lesson materials to suit that style whilst setting purposeful, realistic and attainable goals.

I enjoy teaching and deem it a privilege to have a share in helping others reach their aspirations.

I have a Trinity CERTTesol and an MA in English Language Teaching.

Teaching Experience:
Between 1992 & 2010 I lived and taught in Hong Kong to a variety of students from Chinese medium of instruction (CMI), English medium of instruction (EMI) and International schools. Assistance was given to help students progress towards their HKCEE (GCSE equivalent) and `A` levels, and in recent years the IB diploma, IGCSE's, and HKDSE.

Topics used in the lessons cover many of disciplines in the school curriculum, including, History, Geography, Economics, Biology, English Literature. Further guidance was given to help students prepare for exams, such as: SAT; and IELTS exams and common apps for HE.

In the past 15 years I have been tutoring students in the UK to prepare them for the 11+ entrance exams; teaching students at KS3, GCSE, A levels & IB. Additionally, I am currently guiding students with their dissertations for their chosen degrees, and proofreading BA, MA, papers prior to submission.

For the past 7 years, I have been involved in intervention teaching, which involves identifying learning styles and other factors that inhibit a student`s progress, and then devise strategies to engage the student in learning, to identify and then support their current learning needs.

Tutoring Approach:
I am committed to providing students with assistance to achieve the grades they need by patiently tutoring each student according to their learning style. I trust that my student-centred approach is effective in this area. My one-to-one tuition produces noticeable improvements in student confidence, attainment and ambition.

Exam Boards I cover:
- AQA
- Edexcel
- Cambridge/ Edexcel IGCSE
- OCR

GCSE English Literature texts
GCSE English Language Paper 1
GCSE English language Paper 2
- Writing to persuade
- Writing to inform
- Imaginative/ Creative writing
- Essay writing / structuring

GCSE Poetry
Love & Relationships
Power & Conflict

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Personal Description:
Friendly, qualified and experienced TEFL teacher.
CELTA (grade B), English Literature and Language degree (grade 2.1).
British Native speaker with 14 years of TEFL teaching experience in countries like Estonia, Japan and Oman.
One-to-one tuition at your home or a cafe (no extra travel charge within 3 miles of Bath).
General or Business English from Beginner to Proficiency.
Exam preparation lessons (IELTS, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, etc.)
Tailor-made lessons to help with your personal language development.
£22 per one hour lesson.
I look forward to teaching you!
Best wishes,
Nathan

Teaching Experience:
8 years as an English Lecturer at Sohar University, Oman. The university is affiliated with Queensland University. I taught General English and ESP.
2 years as a Senior Teacher at Shane School in Japan, teaching all ages General and Business English.
2 years as a Business English teacher in Estonia, visiting companies and providing tailor-made lessons.
2 years as an English teacher in Greece, teaching General English and exam preparation lessons.

BRIEF REFERENCES (reference letters and qualifications will be shown in first lesson):

'He has a mature, patient, amiable disposition and a good sense of humour'. Charles Hummel, Dean of UNIR, Sohar University (affiliated to Queensland University), Oman.

'The feedback from his students was always positive and he was someone that could be relied upon to help out whenever necessary'. James Knight, Director of Studies, Shane English School, Tokyo, Japan.

'He stood out as a perfectionist requiring from all students their best output, monitoring closely their achievement and adjusting his teaching style to fit their individual needs.' Karl Radlein, Director of Studies, Small Talk Language School, Tallinn, Estonia.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to provide relaxed, friendly but well-prepared lessons that are tailored to your language needs. I will focus on whatever you require (conversation, exam preparation, grammar, listening, reading, writing etc). As the lessons progress, I will modify my approach according to your needs and interests, and ensure that your time is used effectively.

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Personal Description:
I'm a vivid, enthusiastic English and Turkish languages teacher and musician. Languages and teaching are my passions along with my qualifications, so my students have always been content with our interactive lessons.

Having completed my undergraduate degree at Bogazici University, English Language and Literature Department, I had my MA degree at Royal Holloway, University of London, Department of English.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching English and Turkish languages to various levels of students and various age groups have always been my primary occupation.

I'm a qualified English teacher with CertTESOL Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages- TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON. + Cambridge DELTA Qualified.
I teach English to students from the beginner level to advance, special qualification English Exams such as FCE, IETLS, First Certificate as well as to native speaker, primary and secondary school students for Key stages 1-4, GCSE, A Level and AS Level.
Furthermore, I'm a Turkish native speaker entitled with a bilingual linguist. The same teaching areas, beginner to advance, GCSE, A Level and AS Level, for students who wants to improve their Turkish.

Tutoring Approach:
My methods are based on inductive presentations, more students talking time than teachers talking time and loads of interactive activities which I'm taught during my teaching experience and most importantly during trainee education.

It is never boring and never passive for either the student or the teacher.

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Personal Description:
I am a theatre director who tutors.

Teaching Experience:
I teach within many educational contexts. Teaching positions and experience include:

Part Time Teacher at Kent University, Education Practitioner at Globe Theatre, Connections Director at National Theatre, Visiting Artist at National Student Drama Festival, Workshop Leader at The Actors Centre, Bristol Old Vic, Davidson College, Eastside Educational Trust, Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts, Old Vic Theatre, Oval House Theatre, University of Notre Dame, West and South West Equity, Royal Shakespeare Company, Young Vic Theatre.

Visiting Director and Teacher at Arts Ed, The BRIT School, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, East 15, Identity School of Acting, Oxford School of Drama, LIPA, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Improvisation Teacher at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Acting Teacher for City Acting, Drama Teacher for Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School, Stagecoach Richmond, Shirley and Sydenham.

Tutoring Approach:
Trained in Moscow with a first class honours MA, I have directed Olivier Award Winners and when I work with actors/creatives I feel the hard work should be inspiring, fun and rigorous.

Tutoring is no different.

I love working with young people and helping them learn about the world of English and Drama. I brought Kafka to kids in the show 'Beetlemania: Kafka for Kids!' at the Edinburgh Festival; and Chekhov to younger audiences at Southwark Playhouse in new versions by award winning playwright Anya Reiss. These critically acclaimed productions had casts featuring Lily James, Holliday Grainger, John Hannah, and Paul McGann. English and Drama are passions.

I am a great believer that 'If you want to master something, teach it.'

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Personal Description:
I'm a native English speaking tutor in the Westminster/Victoria area with a university degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
I developed a love for reading at an early age, which eventually expanded to writing as well, and which led me to study English Literature and Creative Writing at university. I started off teaching English in Japan, but through a strange turn of events ended up in the Financial Industry, where I worked for over a decade. However, through the process of tutoring my own son, and then his classmates and friends, I re-discovered my passion for English, and teaching, and decided to pursue it as a career. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far, and I've enjoyed it every step of the way.

Teaching Experience:
I have in-depth experience teaching children composition, comprehension, verbal and non-verbal reasoning for 7/8+, 11/13+ and Common Entrance, and have helped a number of children get into schools such as Westminster, King's College Wimbledon, St Paul's and City of London.
In addition, I work with children already in these schools, and others - including top Grammar schools such as The Henrietta Barnett School and Queen Elizabeth - improve their overall English ability and performance.
I also teach GCSE English Language and Literature, and the SAT/ACT exams (US University Entrance), as well as Common Entrance History.

In the last year I helped children of a variety of ages get into the following schools:
- Westminster Under
- St Paul's School
- King's College School Wimbledon
- City of London boys
- Godolphin
- Alleyn's

Tutoring Approach:
I try to encourage a love of reading and writing in all of my students, both by making lessons enjoyable and by building their self-confidence. While English can sometimes seem a dry and boring subject, I believe it shouldn't be, and that any child can learn to enjoy it given the right approach. A large part of the enjoyment comes from children learning to stretch themselves beyond their existing boundaries, and learning to think in new and creative ways.

For this reason, I approach lessons with patience and humour, but most of all with the intention to help children push past what they think themselves capable of. I find that children usually respond well to this approach, and often develop and improve rapidly as a result.

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Personal Description:
I am currently a graduate student in Psychiatry at the University of Oxford. As a curious and driven learner, I am eager to teach what I have learned, as well as learn from those I teach.
I specialise in teaching Biology, Math and English until GCSE level, and as a fluent speaker of Mandarin I am also able to teach the language to younger students. I am able to teach both GCSE and those working towards the International Baccalaureate (IB). Scored 42 points doing the IB in Singapore myself, having done Higher Level Maths, Chemistry and my favourite- Biology. I was a Triple Science (I)GCSE student, scoring above 90 in all subjects, and tutored 2 IGCSE students myself as a Senior in high school. As a university newspaper editor and columnist, I love to write and communicate science, therefore am inclined towards teaching the sciences and English, but am also open to teach Maths, Chemistry and Mandarin.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked with Oxford Tutors since October 2019, until the pandemic took its stride. I tutored briefly while studying in London for my undergraduate studies (Imperial College London). I tutored math and chinese (mandarin) to younger students during my last two years of high school in Singapore.

Tutoring Approach:
It is both fulfilling and enjoyable to help others realise their potential. During class, I typically first unravel important concepts to ensure the student grasps the topic well, avoiding rote memorisation, before assessments are provided. People describe me as friendly, encouraging and approachable, and I hope this demeanour makes my student feel at ease whilst bringing out his/her own enthusiasm and excitement for the subject. My patience is endless, especially with experience teaching my three younger sisters in Maths and Biology.

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Personal Description:
Hey I'm Tau
Thought this would be a good way to make money on the side as my friends and family have always informed me I would be a good tutor, I focus around maths and English mostly for primary to secondary level, my rates are somewhat negotiable so contact me further for more information.

Teaching Experience:
As said prior I have helped a lot of my friends with tutoring and desire to help more people develop and improve with their subject

Tutoring Approach:
My main method is to figure out what type of learning your child is most accustomed to and what type they learn the most with and teach them how to understand their subject in that way.

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Personal Description:
Hi! My name is Jessica, and I hold a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology from the University of Kent. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience working within the education and healthcare sectors, primarily focusing on supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). My professional journey has been dedicated to enhancing the educational experiences and overall wellbeing of children and adolescents, and I hope to continue doing this through my work tutoring children and young people here.

Teaching Experience:
As a former Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Assistant, I supported therapists in running language groups and worked directly with children 1-1 to improve their communication, comprehension, verbal and written skills.

I have also helped to support a number of family members with their Maths skills, working 1-1 to tutor their children and give dedicated space and time to work on their understanding and to help them achieve improvements.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring approach is deeply rooted in empathy, patience, and a personalised understanding of each student's unique needs. Here are the core principles that guide my tutoring methodology:

1. Individualised Learning Plans: Recognising that every student learns differently, I create tailored learning plans that cater to their specific strengths and areas for improvement. This personalised approach ensures that each student receives the support they need to thrive academically.

2. Building Strong Relationships: My background in relationship management and communication with key stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and educational institutions, has equipped me with the skills to build strong, trusting relationships with my students and their families. I believe that a supportive and collaborative environment is essential for effective learning.

3. Interactive and Engaging Lessons: I strive to make my lessons as engaging and interactive as possible. Using a variety of teaching tools and techniques, I aim to keep students motivated and excited about learning. Whether it's through hands-on activities, visual aids, or real-world examples, I ensure that my lessons are both educational and enjoyable.

4. Focus on Wellbeing: Understanding the importance of mental health and wellbeing, I incorporate strategies that promote a positive mindset and emotional resilience. My experience working with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) allows me to support students not just academically, but holistically.

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