Peterhead English Tutors and Peterhead English Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher and former Headteacher of a successful school with significant teaching expertise at KS1 and KS2. I am also a qualified SENCO and have vast experience in SEN. I set high standards for all my pupils and help them to achieve academic success. I am able to offer tuition in English, Maths and Science at both key stages and tuition for 11+ and common entrance examinations. I travel to you by negotiation. I can provide excellent references on request from past and present clients who have achieved and continue to achieve success in their studies at all levels. I enjoy seeing my pupils make rapid progress and achieving a high level of academic success.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English, Maths, SEN, Entrance Examinations at 7+ and 11+ and tuition for pupils who need to catch up, lack confidence and skills and need support to improve. I have vast experience teaching within excellent local schools and I am currently a Headteacher in a large local primary school. I teach children on a 1-2-1 basis to ensure that they receive the additional input that they need in order to achieve. I specialise in assisting children who lack confidence in specific areas and I am able to assist these children in improving their skill levels within their own school. I can provide excellent references on request from many happy pupils and parents.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient and understanding tutor with the ability to communicate effectively with both adults and children. My aim is to ensure that pupils develop additional skills and increased confidence in their studies. I make my lessons fun and enjoyable for pupils so that they are able to enjoy learning and are keen to attend my tutoring sessions. I keep parents updated on their children's progress on a regular basis and encourage children to share worries about specific subject areas so that we can explore them together.

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

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

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified English teacher with QTLS and a masters degree. I am experienced and qualified in teaching key stages 2 - 5 including GCSE English language, literature and A level.

I have an excellent proven track record of enabling my pupils/students to gain high grades in the GCSE (9-1) specification.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years of experience in teaching, and have worked in 6th forms, colleges and schools. My roles have been varied including working as head of department, co-ordinator, course leader and teacher trainer. I have achieved excellent results with my tutees and can provide references.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy working on a 1-2-1 basis to meet the individual needs of the pupil/student. I reflect on current educational materials, colourful visual resources, and focus on exam preparation with very high success rates.

I deliver 1-2-1 online teaching on Skype or Zoom.

Tariff

1 hour & HW = £50

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Personal Description:
I studied English Literature at University. I can cater for all needs and abilities, as I can in the classroom.

I have always wanted to be a teacher and this has been demonstrated through my choice of work experience in year ten. I grew up with a passion for education and learning. I was educated at a state school and being of the new young generation I can relate to all of the trials and tribulations endured by youngsters having either experienced them myself or knowing someone who has. I can use my personal experiences to help and guide the students as well as empathise.

Teaching Experience:
I completed my PGCE in 2012-2013. I have taught in two schools and am now the Head of English in a school in RCT. I also mark for WJEC, both English Literature and Language papers.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style would be firm but fair.
I would help them with certain aspects of their course which they were struggling with and depending on their age I would range with help in essay writing, essay style and approaches to writing essays. I would help guide them through the reading process and close analytical reading, as well as guiding them through the essay writing process.
I would be able to expand their knowledge of the books on the course and help them complete coursework.
I am clearly a strong English student as I have always achieved high grades at school and have continued to study to degree level.
I would be able to produce results to the highest of their capability and extend their knowledge of English.
Pupils would need to come to my house in Brynmenyn, but at the moment all sessions would be done through Zoom due to the pandemic.

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Personal Description:
Online and in person tuition available!

A little bit about me: I have my own tutoring business which I am currently running during my maternity leave. I am a University of Surrey MSci Biochemistry (Master of Science) graduate. Have completed half of my PGCE in secondary science teaching and currently on maternity leave. I have 10 years experience in teaching having taught over 100 students in the last 4 years. I am young and energetic whilst being knowledgable in most curriculums from pre-school all the way up to A- level.
*** PLEASE NOTE: I offer a consultation either in the student's home, online or over the phone. ***

Teaching Experience:
As a secondary school science teacher with over 10 years of tutoring experience and my own tutoring business, I tailor my lessons to everyone of students specifically. I approach teaching with a relaxed attitude where the student can really make the most out of every session without feeling bored or uncomfortable. I keep the sessions as interactive as possible and my teaching styles can be changed to suit every learning style!

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor every single lesson to every single individual I teach. My forte is teaching students without stressing, boring or tiring them. Most of my students repeat the comment "I can`t believe it is the end of the session, it went by so quickly!"; which is due to the fact that I make my lessons as engaging and fun as possible whilst not compromising on time or amount of content. Not many tutors are able to build a good relationship with their students by showing them they care about the individual rather than just each session. I LOVE teaching which is why I have not left the industry since I started. I can provide references from other parents/students proving to you how happy they have been with my service. I will not guarantee your child will achieve an A* in any given subject as that is also up to the student but I can guarantee that I will teach them as much as they can learn and make the lessons we have as fun, engaging and informative as possible.



Please Note: A surcharge will incur if I need to travel to you depending on distance. I have a fully enhanced DBS check (former CRB).

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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.

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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.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Eve!

I have a First-Class Honours BA in Theatre, Film and Television from the University of Bristol. Being at the earliest-established performance department in the UK meant I was able to draw on a wealth of academic and practical knowledge and facilities. I later completed an MA at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and Birkbeck College, receiving a Distinction. Projects I have worked on include the More Than Words Festival with BBC Radio 4 and an audio tour in collaboration with the mayor of Bristol.

Alongside my creative career, I enjoy sharing my knowledge of performance theory and practice with others. I can help you and/or your child with written exams or essays. I can also support you in developing your practical skills! I recently helped a student to successfully gain a place at Central School of Speech and Drama and have previously guided students in writing their own playtexts/screenplays.

Teaching Experience:
I have:

- Over 5000 hours of tutoring experience.
- Home-schooled
- Taught online
- Worked with those of all nationalities aged 2-65
- Helped students with learning difficulties
- Completed a CELTA course in teaching English as a Foreign Language, giving grammatical rigor and expert teaching training.
- Stayed with families in Finland, France and Sardinia undertaking residential tutoring work.

Performance topics I frequently tutor include:

- Documentary
- Feminism
- Globalisation
- Architecture/Space
- Silent Cinema
- World Cinema
- Science Fiction
- Western
- French New Wave
- In-Yer-Face Theatre
- Early Twentieth-century Avante Garde
- Community Theatre

My practical specialties include voice coaching, playwriting, character development and audition technique.

Tutoring Approach:
I always come prepared so as to maximise your time within the session. I will help you to gain a broad understanding of what cinema/theatre involve as well as helping you to narrow down and analyse key sections of a script, live performance or film - an attention to detail is what will help you to achieve fantastic results!

If you require help with grammar, vocabulary etc. we can read through your work and identify errors. I will teach you simple techniques to make your writing more fluent and I will help you to draw out your own original, creative ideas!

In between my degrees, I co-founded a successful non-profit organisation which I led as CEO for two years. I am, therefore, very experienced with project management so can help you to draw up and stick to a simple study/project timetable if desired.

I work with an increasing number of students across the world, using free digital tools to make the sessions interesting and collaborative.

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Personal Description:
I tutor all subjects. My specialisms are maths and the 11+ entrance exams (maths, English, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, interviews).

I have a First Class Masters of Engineering from Newcastle University and a PGCE (the teacher training qualification) from the University of Oxford in Mathematics.

I charge £50 an hour for one-on-one online lessons.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for a year in Oxford secondary schools and taking private students online.
I have been tutoring since 2012 in London and Newcastle alongside my jobs and studies. I specialise in getting children into top private schools or to get scholarships and I teach the ages of 6-16, or adults looking to increase their maths skills for specific purposes e.g. GCSE maths.
I have experience teaching English abroad at Bukit Lawang Educational centre in Indonesia. I taught multiple classes every day, including Kindergarten, child, teenage, and adult classes.
I`ve delivered English lessons to a community in Nicaragua. I am TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualified.

Tutoring Approach:
Try to make it as specific as possible so that you get best value for money. With children I make the lessons as meaningfully engaging as possible. All activities I do are very thought-out to cater to each clients needs.

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Personal Description:
Hello my name is Cissy. I am from Shanghai, China. Mandarin is my native language and I provide private Mandarin tuition as my full time work now. I have been a personal Chinese tutor since 2006 to children and adults in China as part

Teaching Experience:
I have successfully taught students of all levels from complete beginner to immediate level and advanced speaking and business level Mandarin. My teaching is mainly 1 on a 1 basis, and the class content is tailored to each students needs. I can also teach groups of students if required.

Tutoring Approach:
As a Chinese language teacher I believe I am not just teaching a language, but also introducing Chinese culture to students. My teaching is never only based on textbooks. I like to integrate topics from world news and TV, and mixed with Chinese films and music.

I have lived in London since 2011 and I constantly travel between the UK and China. I have no trouble in communicating Chinese meanings of words and explaining complicated language structures to my students. In my teaching experience over seven years, I have found that most UK students feel Chinese pronunciation the most difficult and the grammar can be confusing. Therefore in my teaching I make special efforts on explaining the varied language senses/logics between English and Chinese. I often draw examples from both languages and compare them.

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Personal Description:
I am a mom to two teenage boys and have been teaching English for the last 15 years. I enjoy keeping fit, reading and cooking when I have spare time,
I am passionate about English language and Literature and love supporting students to achieve their best and beyond.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced teacher with a track record of excellent pupils results.
I am currently teaching English in a local secondary school from ages 11-18 years.
Specialisms are GCSE Literature and Language.
I adapt various teaching methods to suit the individual.
I have taught GCSE with various exam boards and an expert when enhancing pupil skills to meet examination criteria.

Tutoring Approach:
Face to face
Resources supplied

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Personal Description:
Hello! Hola! My name is Fernando and I am a Spanish teacher. Born in Valencia (Spain) I have completed my degree in English Studies and specialised in the teaching of foreign languages. I have been working as a teacher of languages (both English and Spanish) for three years now, and I hope to keep doing it for many more.
I am:
- Responsible.
- Empathetic.
- Flexible.
- Punctual.
- Hard-working.
- Curious.
- And all the personality-traits needed to be a good teacher.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a Spanish teacher in the following places:
- Coventry University (from Oct. 2016 to May 2017).
- Fundación CEPAIM (from Oct. 2017 to Aug. 2019).
- Royal Leamington Spa College (from Sept. 2019-December 2020).
- Aberystwyth University (from January 2021)

Apart from that, I have worked as an English teacher in Helen Doron Picanya since March 2018 to July 2019. Experience with children, teeangers and adults.

References available under request.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, I try to be flexible in my approach to adapt to my students' needs. Most of the time I try to be as clear as possible in the explanation of the grammar so it serves a purpose communicatively. Therefore, I put an emphasis on grammar and communicative practice, both related to one another.
My main objective is to make my lessons engaging and interesting, always specially tailored for the needs of the students.
I can also bring my own teaching material or use that of the student.

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Personal Description:
Recently relocated to Chippenham after 27 very happy years teaching at the Maynard School Exeter. Passionate about History and education

Teaching Experience:
History at all secondary levels, mainly A Level. Head of History, deputy Head designated safeguarding lead.
Team leader A level history for Edexcel exam board

Tutoring Approach:
Enthusiastic, encouraging. Have tutored boys and girls mainly in A Level History with excellent results. Aim to enable each student reach their full potential through enjoyment and consistent hard work.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A-level results, August 2024:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*

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

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

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

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

Speaking

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading

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

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

Writing

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

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

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

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

Why study English?

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm local to Much Wenlock and live a stonesthrow from the local bus stop and William Brookes School here in Much Wenlock.

I have a genuine desire to help those who may be struggling with their English and History and would benefit form additional 1-2-1 support.

On completing my Degree at UCS Shrewsbury in English Literature and Creative Language, I later passed a Level 3 Award in Education and Training (TQUK/RQF)

Teaching Experience:
Although I have little teaching experience I have began supporting and tutoring Key Stage 4 Students in Much Wenlock who are currently studying for GCSE English Language & Literacy.

Tutoring Approach:
• are you studying for sats or gcse/a-level english or history?
• do you require additional support outside of the classroom or because you have chosen to be homeschooled.
• are you seeking support or coaching on exam technique?
• are you perhaps neurodivergent and think it would be of help if your tutor was neurodivergent too?
• would you benefit by gaining support from a younger tutor who passed both gcse & a-level english and history, going on to achieve a ba (hons) degree in english and creative writing?

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a fully qualified primary school teacher with over eight years of experience helping children reach their potential. I specialise in English and Maths for Key Stage 2 and provide tailored tutoring for a wide range of learners. I'm passionate about education and giving every child the personalised support and encouragement they need to feel confident and enjoy their learning. Outside of teaching, I enjoy running, live music, and exploring the outdoors. I'm also a keen traveller and a lifelong dog-lover, and I love bringing curiosity and care into both learning and life.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a variety of schools across the UK and internationally, supporting children of all abilities, including those with SEND and neurodiverse learning profiles. I've worked with every age group from Nursery through to Year 6, and I always design my lessons to be personalised, engaging, and confidence-building. Alongside my classroom roles, I have provided extensive tutoring, including 1:1 lessons both online and in homes, as well as small-group tuition in schools through the National Tutoring Programme.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that with the right approach, every child is capable of success. I am passionate about making learning enjoyable, building confidence, and showing children that progress can be both fun and rewarding. While traditional classrooms work well for many, I recognise that some children thrive with a more personalised approach that reflects their needs and interests. My lessons are carefully structured and interactive, with clear explanations, encouragement, and resources tailored to each child. I work with children who need support to close learning gaps, those with additional needs who benefit from a quieter, more personalised space, and high-achieving pupils who are ready for extra stretch and challenge. My goal is always the same: to make learning a positive experience.

Subjects

Personal Description:
As a current A-level student, I aim to offer targeted tutoring for students currently doing their GCSE's, using my recent experience and knowledge of the curriculum to my advantage. All the subjects I offer I've achieved grades 7 and above in, with 9s in both English language and literature, and 8s in history and religious education. My main priority as a tutor is to help students understand exactly what the examiners are looking for, whilst providing insights and strategies from a student's perspective in the following subjects:
-English literature (AQA)
-English language (AQA)
-History (Edexcel)
-R.E (Eduquas/ wjec)
-Maths (Edexcel)
-Biology (AQA)
-Drama (AQA)

Teaching Experience:
Whilst I haven't held an official teaching role, I've spent the last couple of years helping to mentor those around me when they needed it. I find it incredibly rewarding to break down harder concepts that people often find 'scary' into more manageable steps. For example, I previously tutored a friend in GCSE Maths who was consistently stuck on a grade 4-5. By focusing on consistently appearing topics that could also appear in larger mark questions, like SURDs and completing the square, I helped her build the confidence to tackle the higher-tier papers. I'm proud to say she went on to achieve a Grade 7 in her final exams. Additionally, I regularly help my younger sister with her primary school work, helping me to develop the patience and adaptability skills needed to explain the same concept in multiple different ways and examples until it clicks and sticks to the student being taught.

Tutoring Approach:
Growing up, I've always been a visual learner; I understand that textbooks aren't always enough. I've used this to my advantage to turn it into my greatest teaching strength: I use my iPad to make every session interactive.I do this by breaking down complex topics with live diagrams, graphs, and real-life examples to break down exactly how a concept works. I also use the 'I do, we do, you do' approach to help build a genuine understanding of the topic. First, I model exactly how to tackle a high-mark exam question. Next, we collaborate on a second question and work through the steps required together. Finally, I let the student take the lead on their own, allowing them to apply their new skills with their own knowledge.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm Sophie, a fully qualified teacher with eight years of experience across both state and independent schools - and someone who has spent the better part of two decades with a deep enthusiasm for literature, language, history, and Ancient Greece and Rome, and many years developing the craft of helping people think and learn more effectively.

I hold a BA in English from the University of Cambridge and an MA from the University of York, and I bring that depth of knowledge into every session, tailoring my approach entirely to you or your child - your pace, your goals, your ambitions.

Why choose me?
- BA in English from the University of Cambridge and MA from the University of York
- Qualified, experienced teacher with eight years across state and independent schools
- Genuinely enthusiastic about all of the above subjects (yes, even grammar and poetic metre)
- Structured sessions with clear goals - but always room for a good tangent
- Flexible scheduling to fit around school and other commitments
- Sessions available in person or online

Teaching Experience:
- 8 years working in primary and secondary, state and independent schools; qualified as a teacher in 2020
- Taught KS2 English, French, Latin, History and Verbal Reasoning; KS3 English, Drama, French; KS4 English; KS5 English, Media
- BA in English (including French), MA in Medieval Studies (including French and Latin), A-levels in English literature (A*), Film Studies (A*), Classical Civilisation (A), AS-levels in French (A) and History (A)

Tutoring Approach:
Objective-oriented lessons that can be taught from a pre-planned curriculum or decided on a lesson-by-lesson basis. Just been told you have a surprise Macbeth mock in two weeks? Well, that can be what our next session is on!

Subjects