Ongar English Tutors and Ongar English Tuition

Personal Description:
My name is Joseph. Please call me Joe. I am retired and enjoy water colouring, swimming and computing but most of all I enjoy the challenge of helping young people to develop their learning skills.

Teaching Experience:
Before I retired I was head teacher of a Primary School for 21 years. This allowed me to gain a great insight into all aspects of the needs of Primary age pupils. It also provided me with the challenge of how best to provide for those needs. Prior to working in Primary Education I taught in the fields of Junior Secondary Education and Special Needs (with pupils ranging from eight to sixteen years and with multiple disabilities).

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor my first aim is to establish a pleasant working relationship with each pupil. From there continuous assessment of the pupils needs and progress provides a basis for enhancing the skills which need to be developed. In order to make satisfactory progress I use a variety of materials and methods to stimulate the interest of the pupil.

Subjects

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced, well-qualified teacher of English language and literature. I teach online using Teams or Zoom. I enjoy teaching English literature at all levels. Many of my students have achieved very pleasing results. I have concentrated on English at GCSE level recently. I am familar with a number of exam boards such as OCR, and Edexcel but most particularly AQA. I help identify areas in which a student is struggling, especially Poetry and Creative Writing.

Teaching Experience:
I taught for 17 years at an independent school in Zimbabwe before coming to the U.K.I have a wide experience of working with pupils of different ages. I have prepared pupils for examinations at all levels, and have had a lot of experience setting and marking entrance examinations for senior schools. I have marked A and AS level Eng.Lit. for Cambridge International Examinations. I have taught as a supply teacher in U.K. schools since moving here in 2007. I have had a large number of private pupils, with commendable results.

Tutoring Approach:
I was given the 'Most Approachable Teacher' award by the pupils in the school where I taught for 17years! I love teaching, and interact well with young people. I am able to understand their needs and tailor lessons to suit that individual. I am told that my approach is friendly and understanding.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a very experienced English teacher, having taught the subject for 17 years to date. I am currently the Head of English at a local school. I have a B.A and an M.A in English Literature, as well as a PGCE in English teaching, so my subject knowledge is extremely advanced. I am also an A grade A Level English and GCSE English examiner, so have developed knowledge of exam criteria and working to the assessment objectives. I have taught AQA and OCR GCSE English, AQA English Literature, AQA English Language and AQA English Lang & Lit.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English for 17 years in total, across the secondary sector and in Further Education. I have taught across all levels in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5; teaching English to years 7-9, GCSE English, Functional Skills English, A Level English Language (AS and A2), A Level English Literature (AS and A2) and A Level English Language & Literature (AS and A2). I am currently an Advanced Skills Teacher in English and an A Level English Language and GCSE English examiner. My students get good grades in their courses, with 100% pass rate (A*-C) in GCSE English and 100% pass rate (A*-C) in all A Level English courses. I have advanced knowledge and understanding of all areas within English, including: linguistics, literary analysis, creative writing, analysis of non-fiction/media texts, grammar, spelling and punctuation. I am a current GCSE English Language examiner so I have a developed understanding of the requirements of the exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I am an experienced tutor, having tutored for twelve years and I have a very good track record of success, all of my tutees have gained the grades that they needed- including 10 A grades in GCSE and 5 A grades in A Level English. I am extremely passionate about students achieving to their potential, gaining the grades that they need to succeed. I check the tutee's current level and then set targets for them, linked to their written work. I am supportive and encouraging towards my tutees and I am dedicated to their achievement and success.

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Personal Description:
I am a full-time specialist tutor and experienced teacher with a PhD in English Literature and philosophy. Informed by over a decade's experience in the secondary and undergraduate classroom, my tutoring practice stimulates student independence and confidence when encountering challenging texts. I work with students studying KS3 Literacy, GCSE English Language and Literature, A Level English Literature, and undergraduate English, Literary Theory and Philosophy. I also work with students confronting the challenges of 11+ and 13+ examinations and GCSE and ALevel students engaged in homeschooling.

A recent client review (with many more available on request):

'It has been a revelation for my 12 year old to be tutored by Tom in English Literature. He is an exceptionally gifted teacher. He is qualified to teach at a much higher level than key stage 3 and the depth of his own relationship with the subject matter really shows. It is matched by his talent for allowing the student the time and space to arrive at their own understanding of the texts he teaches. His patience and understanding have been a tremendous benefit to my child and it has been wonderful for me to watch her confidence and her sense of herself grow as Tom has listened to her. I should mention that Tom knows his way around the exam system very well, and can teach tools for exam performance. However my opinion is that his true value is in his willingness also to set those types of goal aside, and model a true love of literature to his pupil.'

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored and homeschooled online and in person since 2012 in KS2 Literacy and Literature, 11+ & 13+ examinations, KS3 literacy, and GCSE/A Level examinations in English Language and English Literature across the full range of exam boards. From September 2017 to June 2024 I worked in London as a secondary teacher of English Literature and Language, RSE and Citizenship from KS3 to GCSE, with an 100% pass-rate at 7 (A) and above.

Between 2011 and 2016 I worked as a teacher of undergraduate English Literature and Literary Theory at the University of Glasgow (2012-2016), teaching over 300 students overall across a wide range of undergraduate modules. This work included course design and delivery, marking, feedback and administration, and the development of bespoke lectures and workshops in poetry. More recently, I worked as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing and Literary Theory at the University of Essex (2017-18). In 2015 I was nominated for a University of Glasgow Student Representative Council Student Teaching Award in the category 'Best Postgraduate who Tutors'.

I'm also a specialist in editing, proof-reading and academic writing more broadly. I was a regional editor of The International Journal of Badiou Studies for a number of years and I recently co-edited a special issue of the Journal of British and Irish Innovative Poetry. My book of philosophy, 'Badiou, Poem and Subject', is published by Bloomsbury (January, 2020). I continue to review prospective philosophy manuscripts for Bloomsbury. I am also a published poet with five published collections and numerous publications across a range of independent journals and magazines including Granta.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring practise is about building relationships: it's hugely important to me that I offer a non-institutional, supportive and lively space in which I can respond not only to a student's individual challenges and ambitions but also to what they find most stimulating and pleasurable in their work. I deliver bespoke tutorials designed to foster enthusiasm, confidence and pleasure-seeking in reading and writing; but I also prepare those of my students sitting exams to be canny, to 'play the game' with expertise.
In person, I work with a wide range of resources tailored to the needs of individual students, whether they're preparing for their GCSE or A Level English exams, struggling to read poetry for the first time or experiencing problems in their undergraduate coursework. But I'm also a strong advocate for online learning: my online tutorials are lively and collaborative, using Google docs to create vibrant shared documents full of live feedback.

I have a huge amount of experience in exam preparation across the full range of exam boards. I also offer structured tutorial series to help students become acquainted with the nuances of 11+ and 13+ examinations, including elite comprehension and creative writing coaching.

My KS3, GCSE and A-level students benefit from approaches and methodologies used in the study of philosophy, literature and creative writing at undergraduate level.

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Personal Description:
From my experience in the classroom I realise that many students benefit from much more individual help than school can provide. I enjoy being able to help students on a one-to-one basis as it is very rewarding being able to improve their achievement and confidence.I am very grateful to my students and their parents for the relationships we have struck up, many of which have continued through the years.

Teaching Experience:
I am an English teacher with over 20 years experience teaching to GCSE, A-level and Oxbridge entrance.I have taught in both the independent and state sectors, in a large comprehensive and a small independent school. I have also tutored in Oxford and London for students from 10 to 19.

Tutoring Approach:
One to one or small groups of 2 or 3.

I aim to develop confidence by supporting the students and understanding their needs as a priority. I then encourage them to explore and develop ideas, giving them support while they grow in this. The key is building an excellent relationship in which high expectations enable them to make progress while always supported.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Highly experienced working teacher/examiner ,100% grades A*-C for GCE and grades 4-9 for GCSE, with 80% of tutees consistently reaching the upper bands. All levels catered for. DBS checked.

As I am qualified and experienced to teach four subjects: English literature and language, Drama/Theatre Studies, French and German, up to and including A level, I am in a position to offer students on alternate weeks tutoring in two or three subjects if required.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching at secondary and university level for over 25 years, my secondary school experience ranges from state schools to prestigious independent. I am an Edexcel GCE examiner and hold upper threshold status. Despite being a trained secondary teacher, I have in recent years had great success preparing students for 11 and 13 plus English exams, one such student won the English scholarship to attend Harrow public school.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are created to meet the exact requirements of the examining board the student is following and or their precise learning needs. Students with special needs and or English not as a first language, can also be catered for. Homework is given and is expected to be completed. I teach week day evenings and Saturday mornings via Zoom or in person.

In the first instance parents should email me to arrange a time to discuss how I can help their child. Testimonials, qualifications, DBS and proof of upper threshold status are available on request.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Susie and I deliver personal, professional one-to-one and group tuition for adults face-to-face in Stevenage & online for English, French, Spanish and Italian. I am passionate about languages and I absolutely love sharing my joy for languages with others! Whether you want to brush up on your holiday phrases, pass an exam or move abroad, I can help.

Regardless of your language level, I will coach you to reach your potential and maximise your results, while having a great time learning. As a former student of the Open University, I fully understand the challenges of studying solo and of juggling work, study and personal life. I like to think of myself as a personal trainer for languages; I will be your guide, show you how to achieve great results, but I can't do the work for you. You get out what you put in; setting aside time to study or incorporating your learning into your daily life will be just as important as your lessons.

I offer the first 1-hour lesson completely free of charge and obligation. This time will allow us to get to know each other, discover your current level or start from scratch if we need to, as well as create a learning plan tailored to your skillset and interests.
Lesson plans can be adapted for Specific Learning Differences, neurodivergence or personal preferences; you can have confidence that I am never, ever going to laugh or be disappointed in your level. Everyone is welcome here.

My experience has taught me that confidence is by far the biggest obstacle on the road to learning a language, not aptitude, as you may think or may have been told in the past. I will be there to support you every step of the way on the journey, so you can stop worrying right now about not being good enough. Stop comparing yourself to others; you are unique and the only thing you need to focus on is your own journey.

I have a wealth of experience in exam preparation, in particular for IELTS & Cambridge FCE & CAE exams for English and GCSE & A-level for French & Spanish. Most of my sessions over the years have been delivering tuition to one or two students at a time, however I have run sessions for groups of up to 15 adults. Included within the price, you will receive exclusive access to all of our online teaching materials - accessible during your lessons and 24/7 for self-study to support your learning. I am a full-time tutor, so I offer very flexible hours for my tutoring services and I always endeavour to reply to all enquiries/ correspondence as soon as possible. I work as an independent tutor, as I like to guarantee you consistency, reliability and commitment to you.


Subjects taught:

- French & Spanish: KS3, GCSE, iGCSE, A-level (Spanish only) and adult tuition (beginner & intermediate).
- English as a Second Language (ESL/ ESOL students): All levels, including preparation for the following exams: Cambridge FCE, CAE, PET, IELTS General Training and Academic, PTE academic and ESOL access exams levels 1-3.

Since 2020, I have been teaching beginner Italian. I have a competent level of Italian, including a strong understanding of the grammar, which I use with my Italian friends and when travelling in Italy. If you are looking for beginner Italian for personal interest, conversation, casual use and travel, I can definitely help. I do not have any official qualifications in Italian, however my background in romance languages (Italian is a Latin-based language which, broadly speaking, I find to have a very similar vocabulary to Spanish with the grammar of French!) and my methodical nature means I would ensure that every lesson is thoroughly planned and carefully checked; I would never teach you anything I am unsure of, as this can be greatly detrimental. I am not available to help with exam preparation for Italian or to teach more advanced levels. My lack of qualifications in this subject and the fact that I am not fluent are the reasons that Italian lessons are offered at a lower rate per hour than my other subjects.

Teaching Experience:
My qualifications:
Open University (2013) - 1st Class BA (Hons) Modern Language Studies
Open University (2012) - Diploma in French (Other)
Open University (2012) - Diploma in Spanish (Other)
150-hour TEFL/ ESL master course, accredited by ACTDEC
Understanding IELTS, British Council (6-week course)
Understanding language, University of Southampton (4-week course)
Cultural studies & modern languages, University of Bristol (4-week course)
Dyslexia & foreign language teaching, Lancaster University (4-week course)

Tutoring Approach:
What you can expect:
Your first 1-hour trial lesson completely free (although there is a fee to pay to UK Tutors, which we can discuss in your enquiry)
A flexible approach & lessons tailored to suit you.
A specialist in young adult and adult pedagogy.
Flexible tutoring, Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-3pm.
Responses to all correspondence within 24 hours (working hours, otherwise next working day).
Development of all key language skills - reading, listening, speaking & writing.
Follow my recommended course or cherry-pick the topics you wish to cover for specific purposes.
Gain confidence with conversation for real-life essential situations, not just in a text book
Exam preparation and study tips.
Discover the culture surrounding your chosen language too; music, film, festivals, celebrations & traditions.
Learn modern colloquialisms, idioms and sayings that will impress the natives
Exclusive access to all of my online teaching materials, accessible in class and at home for self-study.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Trusting me to tutor your child ensures fresh ideas and intervention, reliability and meaningful interaction allowing them to successfully achieve personal goals. I offer patience, lots of encouragement and tailored feedback, all with a view to improving your child's performance.

I take a keen interest in developments within my profession and maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of educational initiatives and learning strategies. I have an enthusiastic and compassionate nature and enjoy supporting students to achieve their goals.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified Primary School Teacher and have been teaching since I qualified over 9 years ago. I have experience of teaching from early years through to upper stages of primary school; however my main strengths lie in the upper school having taught P6 & P7 now for the last 7 years, successfully preparing children for high school. I have a particular interest in literacy and numeracy. I have training and experience of teaching children with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome as well as ADHD. I am happy to develop skills in literacy and maths, support homework tasks or design an individual learning programme suited to the child's needs.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a fun and approachable person and this reflects in my teaching. I believe in implementing a variety of teaching approaches and strategies to motivate and engage students.

I enjoy getting to know my students and tailoring my teaching approaches to their individual needs. By taking prior learning into consideration, I can ensure that learning experiences remain challenging therefore increasing interest and motivation.

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Personal Description:
I am a 36 year Deputy Head Teacher living in Glasgow. I relocated from Blackpool 12 years ago! I have a degree in drama followed by a post graduate degree in primary education from Lancaster; as well as various sports coaching qualifications.

I am able to teach a variety of subjects and I have also taught maths up to national qualification levels.

I am GTC registered as well as PVG cleared to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Teaching Experience:
I am a primary school teacher but I also have experience of working with high school aged children, particularly in maths. Most of my experience comes in the 5-11 age bracket.

I have worked in both England and Scotland and I currently hold a post as a Principal Teacher within North Lanarkshire. I have a particularly good knowledge of phonics and helping children develop strategies to enhance their reading skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I have high expectations of children as I believe this then fills them with the confidence to push themselves to achieve. I enjoy working with children and like to teach rather than give worksheet after worksheet, I like to use a mix of interactive resources along with more traditional approaches. I am also willing to set and leave homework if that is required.

I enjoy working one to one with children and find it really rewarding seeing the progress children can make in this environment.

If you find that you are out of my tutoring radius you can still contact me and I will try my hardest to accomodate you.
My hourly rate includes travelling costs so there are no hidden charges, however if you are out of my usual radius of travel this can be discussed.

I am available any weeknight after school hours and have some weekend availability too. Sessions usually last an hour, with around 45-50 minutes quality tutoring time, allowing time at the start/end of session for feedback with parents.

If you have any questions please get in touch!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a passionate and hard working primary school teacher. I have been tutoring children of a range of ages and abilities for seven years. Examples include Year 4 English, Year 1 Phonics and English, Year 2 Maths, Year 6 Maths and English. I often tutor children in preparation for the 11 Plus exams and I currently have a 100% pass rate. I will adapt my teaching to meet your child's needs and I always strive to build up a child's confidence. I am patient, caring and enjoy helping children to learn, develop and achieve their goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have eight years teaching experience in primary schools and I have taught across the year groups from Reception to Year 6. I plan my lessons using objectives from the National Curriculum. I use visuals and hooks to engage children in the lesson. I then adapt the learning activity according to children's ability and needs. I ensure children have the opportunity to use their new knowledge and skills through challenge activities, where they will need to find a solution or answer to a challenging question independently. This builds children's confidence and problem-solving skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I will assess your child's needs and abilities in the first tutoring session. Going forward, I will use a range of teaching styles to support your child, including interactive lessons, focus activities, questioning and visual resources.

When I am tutoring a child for the 11 Plus, I will also use past test papers, which I will bring with me. I will also focus on areas that your child finds difficult and support him/her to complete activities in these areas.

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Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

Subjects

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:
I`m an experienced, friendly, and professional tutor specializing in Entrance Exams, 11+, GCSE, and A-Level English and Maths, verified with an Enhanced DBS.

Proven Success:
My 11+ coaching consistently leads to offers from prestigious schools like Eton College, Wellington College, Reading Boys, Kendrick, Abingdon School, Magdalen College School, Reading Blue Coat School, Reddam House, and more. Covering all four skills and creative writing, I emphasize reasoning, boost confidence, and teach effective time management.

Academic Excellence:
In GCSE and A-Level education, my students secure exceptional grades and university placements. I nurture insightful reading and analysis in English and ensure comprehensive math understanding. Additionally, I assist them in developing effective revision techniques, test preparation strategies, and time management skills.

Your Child`s Progress:
Parental satisfaction and student progress are evident in their recommendations and feedback. With over 20 years of teaching experience, I provide personalized support, individualized lessons, and a friendly teaching style that fosters brain development and self-confidence.

Comprehensive Resources:
I maintain a vast archive of materials and standardized tests, allowing me to tailor teaching and facilitate effective progress assessment.

Trust and Success:
I take immense pride in the trust that families have consistently placed in my tutoring services. Over the years, this trust has enabled me to build a strong record of success. But don`t just take my word for it-scroll down to explore the feedback from other parents who have experienced the transformative impact of my teaching. Their testimonials provide valuable insights into the enriching journey your child can embark on with confidence in my guidance.

I offer both online and in-person lessons.

Teaching Experience:
With over 20 years of teaching and 10 years of tutoring expertise, I have a proven track record of helping students thrive. My approach instills confidence and yields consistent academic success.

Parents often express heartfelt appreciation for the progress and growth their children achieve under my guidance. I would be happy to share this glowing parent feedback with you.

It is my privilege to understand each student's needs and create customized plans to support their mastery and achievement. I build strong partnerships with students and parents to pave the way for growth, both in academics and life.

Please feel free to inquire about my background, approach and success stories. I look forward to potentially collaborating with you. Also: kindly be aware that the mentioned fees do not encompass charges associated with home visits.

Tutoring Approach:
• Provide personalized tutoring and coaching to Year 2-5 students preparing for 11+ exams and independent school entrance assessments.
• Boost confidence in areas where students feel unsure or need extra support.
• Build classroom readiness, study skills, and higher SATs achievement to gain placement in top maths, English, and science sets.
• Make learning engaging and enjoyable while developing lasting strategies for independent success.
• Offer tailored 1:1 attention to fill in gaps and complement mainstream schooling.
•Partner with parents to establish efficient home learning routines that set students up for achievement.
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••••• Feedback ••••• (a few of the 45 feedback I have received since 2014):

06/01/2023
5/5 Rating
Ben is an amazing tutor! Very professional, always finds a proper attitude to overcome challenges with tasks! I am amazed how much my son changed since we started working with Ben! Not only he motivated and supported my son throughout all this time, but also helped to overcome his personal resistance to working hard! We are very lucky to have an opportunity to work with Ben and grateful for all his support!

21/01/2022
5/5 Rating
Ben is very understanding teacher who not teach well but also understand child strong and weak points and then accordingly help them to improve and excel. I would highly recommend Ben.

08/09/2021
5/5 Rating
Ben has been tutoring my son for the last few months and has made great progress with him. He is friendly and builds a rapport quickly with both child and parents, so that he can understand what tutoring is required and where more work needs to be done. I would highly recommend Ben as a tutor.

10/07/2021
5/5 Rating
Ben has been tutoring my son for a few weeks now and I happy with the progress my son has made under Bens direction in preparation for his exams. Ben has been quite flexible in providing extra lessons as well and I wouldn`t hesitate to recommend him as a tutor.

09/06/2021
5/5 Rating
Ben is a fantastic teacher, very experienced and engaging. I like the openness in communication and idea sharing that benefits both the student and tutor. My daughter is honing the benefit on both techniques and discipline from Ben.

01/08/2020
5/5 Rating
We are very glad we found Ben . In a short period of time , Ben made a good assessment on my daughter`s status and have devised a plan suitable for her and started classes with her . With in few classes we have seen good progress in her.Ben is very patient with kids and teach them as per individual needs .My daughter totally enjoys his class .I would highly recommend Ben
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05/11/2019
5/5 Rating
Ben has been working with my boys for past 4 months now and I couldn`t happier with my choice. My boys are really happy to be tutored by Ben. They feel that their confidence has increased and look forward to working with him. As parents we feel Ben knows child`s ability and aptitude like the back of his hand. When Ben started working with my boys I was really happy with his systematic approach towards the subject depending on the ability of the kids. It is not one size fits all approach but it is customized. Though being twins they are different and Ben has identified this and understood their uniqueness from the first session. He is a firm, fair as well as fun teacher and the kids seem to like this mixed quality. I couldn't ask for more in a teacher and look forward to working with them. Thanks Ben.
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01/12/2018
5/5 Rating
Ben has taught my son for Eleven plus since September and I can see my kid doing his daily homework himself without expecting our help. We can see the way of reading has changed and now he looks for new words and try to find the meaning.

Most importantly, Ben develops the wrap over the kid and takes control of reading and writing completely, leaving us in the back seat to see he completes the daily homework. This is great, as we don`t want to study class 4,5 again or teach a different method than thought in school.

Individual approach, great advice, positive attitude.
Always on time, ready to help, very easy going, intelligent and kind. Thanks so much!
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14/09/2017
5/5 Rating
We have been impressed with Ben`s knowledge, experience and commitment. He is reliable and always turns up on time. Ben started tutoring our daughter only 4 months before the 11+ and he quickly identified her needs and developed a programme for her to follow and appropriate workbooks. Regardless of the outcome of the 11+, he has already helped our daughter feel more confident at school and set her up well for Year 6 and secondary school. Thanks Ben!
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17/10/2016
5/5 Rating
I was able to see tremendous improvement in my daughter for 11+ exam. He knows the tricks to get the best out of the student. My daughter did enjoy the sessions with him and as a teacher, he is really good. So I will definitely recommend.
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13/09/2016
5/5 Rating
Ben has excellent teaching skills and my daughter significantly improved in class from lower to top groups. I`ve seen him working really hard with my daughter while preparing her for 11+ and he knows the tricks to make the pupil understand the exam technique and how to improve academically. He teaches in a very systematic way and the child really enjoys while studying with him. He soon developed good rapport with us and I would say he`s definitely a recommended one!

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Personal Description:
Sorry, I only tutor online. I have a few spaces available for students from June 2025.

Hi, my name's Alan and I'm a friendly, approachable and hardworking tutor, having now tutored full-time for three years (part-time for 24 years alongside my teaching career).

Teaching Experience:
I have taught since 2002 in a range of secondary schools, as well as primary provisions, GCSE evening and weekend schools and both online and face to face for individual tuition from Primary level (Year 2) to Adult learners. I have been Head of Department for English and Media and also responsible for whole-school Literacy, including working with students who required extra support in moving from KS2 to KS3. I have taught English Language and Literature at most levels, English as a foreign language, Media and Film Studies and Study Skills, amongst other things. I have full QTS in the UK as well as Europe and a full, clean, updated DBS available.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a very technical, scientific approach to teaching English and Literacy - looking at each area of development in turn and working towards mastery. For GCSE, I offer an approach that is designed to meet the requirements of the mark scheme without too much stress: students find my approach easy to access and engaging, using both official and my own personal resources. Students receive the PowerPoint of notes at the end of each session for revision purposes and I often use low-stakes testing to revise and review key areas of learning. I also regularly set and assess via exam questions to further check understanding and ensure students are making progress.

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Personal Description:
I have worked as a teacher in the UK for 22 years with a range of age groups. Before teaching I was a Registered General Nurse and worked in hospitals both in Birmingham and Worcester.

Teaching Experience:
I have 22yrs experience in English primary schools teaching from Reception to Year Four. I have worked with children with a variety of special needs and have acted as Senco for 3 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make my lessons fun and interesting. I am able to use a child's interests to engage them in their learning and provided regular encouragement and feedback to motivate each child to progress and achieve their potential.

When working with adult learners I seek to build a mutual respect and friendship whilst structuring the lesson to meet their individual needs and interest.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified and GTCS registered primary teacher of over fifteen years. I have considerable experience across all ages and stages and have extensive experience working with children with additional support needs, both in a classroom setting and 1-1 tutoring. I have a proven track record in delivering excellence and in supporting learners with a range of needs.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 10 years across all stages of the primary curriculum. I have experience of working with children with a range of additional support needs in the classroom and 1-1.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to make my tutoring sessions fun and interactive, using a mixture of ICT, games while maintaining a focus on formal written methods. I have experience of tutoring both maths and language and working to support learners needs such as hearing impairments, ASD and dyslexia.

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Personal Description:
I am Head of Department in a very successful boys school which has a mixed sixth form, and as a teacher with 26 years experience, I am committed to helping my students and tutees grow in confidence to realise their true academic potential in English. I am very proud of the fact that I lead a department in which our student pass rates at GCSE are consistently in the top 10% of the country.
I also have an interest in supporting the mental health of the young people I teach and gained counselling qualifications in order to be a better and more informed support to them. I have worked one to one with some of our students over the years within this capacity.
Although I have always taught English Literature at A level, in recent years I have taught English Language A level and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English Language and English Literature at both GCSE and A level across a range of exam boards and I am very confident about what is needed for pupils to be successful at these levels. My own students have consistently achieved grades considerably higher than their predicted grades and those whom I have tutored in the past have also excelled beyond predictions in exams.
A good lesson should leave a student or tutee feeling that they have not only enjoyed the lesson but that they want to do well and try hard. I aim to plan lessons that are interesting and that support students through the necessary skills needed to make progress.

Tutoring Approach:
After assessing the strengths and weaknesses of my students in order to target what skills they need most to develop, I can structure the lessons to support them. I come to lessons prepared with the necessary resources in order to utilise the time we have effectively. As an English teacher, I have exam board resources that may not be available to other tutors and I am able to share these with students. Using model answers or model paragraphs is a particularly effective tool to support students in developing their own answers and this is something that I regularly utilise with the students that I teach.
It is important to develop an effective exam technique and this is something that I work on with GCSE and A level students so that they are more confident going into their exams. In addition, I will always leave some homework for tutees to complete and give them feedback on this in the next session.

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