Shildon English Tutors and Shildon English Tuition

Personal Description:
I believe in a child centred approach to learning and always aim to work for and with my individual students.
As Senior Teacher/ Teacher in Charge, of a Medical Pupil Referral Unit I headed up a dedicated team of skilled teachers who worked with young people on a 1:1 and small group basis. I am well aware of the current concerns with the mental health of young people and aim to support those I work with in a positive and sensitively focused manner. Many of my student's have experienced exam anxiety, dyslexia and learning difficulties which has made school a problematic environment for them. I aim to help with those areas, working on finding pathways, approaches and methods which help individuals succeed.
I currently focus my attentions on tutoring individually. I find the one to one contact simulating and highly rewarding. I have worked successfully with GCSE and Advanced Level students enabling them to achieve the results required. I have taught for many years and am an Advanced Skills Teacher, who has effectively guided and supported trainee and newly qualified teachers. I have always wanted to teach and love what I do.
I am a published author who writes for young adults. My first book was published in December 2025. I love the creativity of writing and the manner in which it further helps me develop my teaching skills..
I am patient, understanding, supportive and highly aware of the need to enable the student to achieve. I work through praise and careful guidance to ensure the student gains the most from their one to one contact.
I am educated to Masters degree level and have taught in both comprehensive schools and special needs units.
I always put the student to the forefront of my teaching and aim to give them the most rewarding and positive of learning experiences.
Although I still enjoy face to face teaching, more of my time is devoted to preparing and delivering online lessons. I have been fortunate to teach across all exam boards including Scotland's National 5 exam areas and the National Higher exam.

Teaching Experience:
I was Head of performing arts in a school in Dorset for seventeen years. During that time I worked extensively with children of all ages. I have trained teachers and guided those new to the teaching profession successfully through the early stages of their careers. I have directed numerous school and examination productions which has given me an excellent knowledge of plays and productions for use within both English and Drama teaching. I have taught adults GCSE Psychology with a very good success rate. I have enjoyed the opportunities teaching in both the comprehensive and adult sectors have given me.

I continue to enjoy teaching students and young people with a view to supporting them through their preparations for internal and external examinations. I work with a variety of ages which enables me to expand my knowledge of exam boards, their requirements and standards. I regularly support GCSE English Language and Literature, together with A level Drama and Theatre specifications.
At the present time I mainly teach online using zoom. This requires individual learning materials and presentations to be organised, created and developed.
I am aware that anxious students can find online teaching a strange experience. I therefore aim to use their own preferences as a way of ensuring the online environment is less threatening and more comfortable for them.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is always to work with the needs of the student involved. I ensure I listen to their requirements, tailoring my teaching to what is needed. I value student interaction and would hope to use as much student based ideas and thoughts where this is possible. I have a highly positive attitude to teaching which always aims to enable the learner to succeed in a supportive environment.
I have a good sense of humour. I am patient , a very good listener and an individual who works in a proactive manner. I create and work with a range of resources which are specific to the topic and area being studied whilst creating and researching any areas required. I use praise and positive areas continually as I believe we all like to receive positive thoughts about ourselves, and this is means promoting a good and solid foundation to study techniques.
Although I have been teaching for a long time I really enjoy the challenges,satisfaction and creativity teaching offers. For every student I work with I plan and create personal , individual lessons and approaches which are appropriate for each person. This approach has led to many satisfied individuals at a variety of levels.
The demands of online teaching have led me to expand my skills. For individual students to achieve the necessary standards, I now prepare individual PowerPoint presentations which are tailor made to specific requirements. This is method which is working extremely well and all my students are able to use a screen share, screen shots and the materials I send to them. I believe this individual approach is a highly successful one which works positively with the online situation.
Students, should they wish, may receive a copy of the powerpoint we have used online, giving them extra resources and the means to further check details, lesson content and their understanding of any area covered.
I try to be as flexible as possible, aiming to negotiate time and dates which are convenient, suitable and appropriate for those requiring support.
I am confident my approach, working with the individual in whatever is best for them, is a method which enables individuals to succeed.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a passion for the English language and its literature which is reflected in my work. I really enjoy tutoring, because I know the one-to-one learning situation gives students the attention and focus which they need to improve, and which they cannot get in school. I am a parent, a published poet and occasional actor. PLEASE NOTE: Idonot do trial lessons.Please trust my knowledge and experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have 30 years' experience of teaching English to kids of varying backgrounds and abilities (11 to 18 up to A level) so I have built up an extensive bank of resources over the years, which I use to carefully prepare for lessons. I am also an experienced examiner for AQA, which offers valuable insights into exactly how to achieve high GCSE grades .I recently received the JCQ certificate for services to examing. I have been tutoring successfully for seven years now, and my knowledge and expertise would be very useful to students aiming at high marks in GCSE and A level exams. Recently, I have helped a pupil win a scholarship to high-achieving independent QEGS in Wakefield, and others to gain entrance to grammar schools

Tutoring Approach:
I am patient, friendly and easy to get on with. I have always tried to make my lessons interesting, relevant and inter-active. I tailor my teaching to the pupil and know that praise and encouragement are the keys to confidence and progress. A good sense of humour is vital,too.
I have helped to improve the grades of many pupils, some of whom have achieved the highest grade at GCSE, and have coached younger ones through entrance exams to sought-after schools. One student, whom I tutored for three years, progressed from a poor level 4 in year 8 to GCSE grade B, the minimum requirement for A levels in many good schools, while others have achieved the A* grades required for their chosen paths.
I have achieved high ratings from the parents of students I have tutored. A good tutor can make a difference with focused one-to-one attention, and I am a good, committed tutor..NB I offer discounts for online tuition.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher, I teach as a supply teacher currently.I have approximately 30 years teaching experience both in mainstream and private home tutoring, also 1-1 tutoring. I have recently been an international teacher in Central America Panama and Yangon, Myanmar.

Teaching Experience:
Recent teaching experience , Plymouth city council 2000-2015.I also am a private tutor I also have recently enabled students to enter university through upgrading their marks in English . I now live in Weymouth. I have been international teaching in Panama and Myanmar. My most recent experience is teaching in Poole Dorset and Ian a supply teacher currently.

Tutoring Approach:
I am always focused on the needs of the pupil, recently I concentrate on essay writing, depending on which subject is required.
I am student focused and work in their needs at the time.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a mother of 2 with 10 years+ of teaching as a TA and 10+ working as a tutor. I am currently working with young people up to the age of 18 with RMBC and I also work with young people with disabilities.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in primary education for ten years. I have worked as a one to one with children with Special Educational Needs and developed my skills training to be a Higher level Teaching Assistant.
Throughout my time in Primary education, I have worked effectively with teams in Key Stage one and two. Due to my extensive experience and educational background I often cover for teachers. I am able to confidently teach from a given plan, adapting the teaching where required and utilising support staff effectively. I have a solid understanding of the essential skills and learning outcomes and have used this knowledge to support children where necessary.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in a personalised learning approach. The activities I use are dependent on the child and the way they learn. I understand that children can learn visually, kineasthetically or can be auditory learners. Therefore I adapt my teaching and my activities to suit the learner.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello, and thank you so much for reading my tutoring profile. For busy parents, school leaders and occasional journalists, this opening section offers a quick summary of my professional highlights, with more details below if you'd like to know more. It would be lovely to hear from you :)

MY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR

⦿ Award-winning teacher at my first school (Departmental Award for "Commitment to Cascading Teaching Excellence")

⦿ 20 years'+ experience in the UK's toughest Secondary and Further Education classrooms

⦿ Head of Department; Examiner Experience (Various Exam Boards); GCSE Resit Programme Manager; Advanced Teaching Practitioner; NEA Internal Verifier; Lead for Development of Departmental Higher Education Provision; Lead for Departmental UCAS Applications; Behaviour Management Coach; Learning Mentor for "Gifted and Talented" Programme; Teacher Training Mentor liaising with Ofsted

⦿ BA (Hons), MRes (Dist) and PGCE trained, with Qualified Teacher and Lecturer Status

⦿ Prize-winning postgraduate at University of Warwick for ground-breaking research that made: "a genuine contribution to the discipline of International Relations"

⦿ A leading tutor in the online space, with over 37,000+ tutor sessions delivered across 42 countries (including delivering education to children in Ukrainian and Sudanese warzones via Elon Musk's Starlink)

⦿ Expert in 7/11+ Entrance Exams/GCSE/A Level/Degree/Postgraduate/UCAS Applications/Academic Mentoring/Career Planning/Property Investment Masterclasses

⦿ Subject specialisms of English, Maths, Biology, History, International Relations and Entrance Exams

⦿ Proud to be rated 5 stars on leading review and social media platforms

⦿ Global educational consultant sought out for occasional media appearances (Radio 4, BBC)

⦿ A successful property entrepreneur and mentor to entrants into the industry, with a former property company managing £54 million of real estate nationally, developments totalling £16 million+ and fortunate enough to have built a personal portfolio of circa £3.1 million thus far

⦿ Currently researching my first educational book for sale via Amazon, exploring how to engage disenchanted learners

⦿ In my (few!) spare moments, I enjoy raising our two daughters with my wife, travelling in Tuscany, hiking in the Malvern Hills, and supporting Manchester United

⦿ As my record hopefully shows, I am a renowned tutor, with an outstanding track record of success both in the classroom, as well as in the property world

⦿ If you're looking to work with one of the leading global tutors in the industry with a proven track-record of commercial success too, then feel free to get in touch, and I'll always do my best to help

Please read on, if you'd like to know a little more about my educational and professional journey.

►► MY STORY ◄◄

I am currently a grade-one "outstanding" teacher in my present school, and have been delivering KS3, GCSE and A Level English, Maths and History in the secondary and sixth-form sectors for the past 16 years, in which time my results have far surpassed national pass rates. Moreover, due to these outstanding results and innovative teaching methods, I have served as Assistant Head of Department; helping us to be awarded an internal grade 1 "outstanding" rating for the 6 years in which I held the post. Furthermore, I also have extensive experience as an "Advanced Practitioner"-tasked with turning around failing cohorts in some of the UK's toughest classrooms, as well as my time as an examiner for a variety of GCSE/A Level exam boards.

Moreover, due to this long history of being a stand-out professional in the education sector, my advice has been sought out for occasional media and radio appearances for discussions on educational policy, whilst also being head-hunted to tutor the children of prominent public figures including Premiership footballers, Olympic athletes, luminaries of the business world, and even the family of a Nobel Prize winner for a month-which was awesome!

Furthermore, in also being an accomplished property developer with my own UK real-estate portfolio and honorary co-founder of a former property company alongside my partner, I have acted as a business mentor to Year 11 students on entrepreneurship, and how to begin their own journey in property investment, which has seen me guide some of the UK's brightest new generation of business leaders.

In my remaining spare time, I am currently engaged in the pre-reading for the start of my future PHD in International Relations, during which I will be studying the geopolitics of any superpower conflict over Taiwan. Furthermore, I enjoy travelling extensively in our second home of Tuscany with my young family, supporting Manchester United, playing the drums, and playing the PlayStation (although not as much as I used to, these days!)

As my full and varied career has hopefully shown, I have a passion for English, maths, history, and the 11+ exams, taking great pride in providing the best academic and pastoral support I can, whilst hopefully being an outstanding role-model for all of my students, as I help them forge their way in the world.

►► QUALIFICATIONS ◄◄

PHD (Start Pending) in International Relations at London School of Economics-will analyse the geostrategic relationship between the USA and China in an era of rising multipolarity.

--MRes (Distinction) in International Security from University of Warwick-won academic award for writing an "outstanding and genuinely original dissertation" that represented: "an important contribution to existing literature in the field of International Security".

--PGCE (Distinction) in Secondary Education-ranked in the top 2 trainee teachers in my year's cohort, with outstanding feedback in academic and practical assessments

--BA (Hons) in English/History from University of Birmingham-received special award for achieving academic excellence despite coming from the bottom 5% of UK families in terms of socioeconomic poverty

--A Levels (A* in all subjects taken): prize winning student in my sixth form for most inspirational pupil, and was in the top 2% of the UK for my academic results, including 100% in key modules

Teaching Experience:
I have a broad range of experience turning around struggling students in some of the UK's toughest classrooms, as well as challenging high achieving learners in the pursuit of academic excellence. In my teaching and tutoring career thus far, I have taught across the curriculum age-ranges (7-18 years), as well as undergraduate and postgraduate level students, and specialise in teaching troubled learners lacking confidence, whilst pushing very bright pupils.

Since I began teaching at my institution, English pass-rates received a 25% upwards leap in the opening two years and my tutoring pass grades in my subjects of English, maths and history have been outstanding, so that the vast majority of my classes/tutees are now passing with strong academic grades, and attaining entry to prestigious preparatory schools and/or universities. During last academic year, my tutees enjoyed superb results in English, Maths, History and the 11+, with 96% reaching their target minimum grade, and 68% exceeding this mark, entering prestigious institutions such as the University of Durham, University of Heidelburg and Bromsgrove School, as well as world-class employers such as Rolls Royce. Therefore, over my career as a "super-tutor" so far, I am proud to have delivered over 37,000 lessons across 1000 students within 41 countries, from the UK to Hong Kong.

I also have considerable mentoring expertise, in having built my own UK property portfolio currently valued at £2.75 million from scratch, I have mentored many adult and teenage entrants into property investing, guiding their purchases and renovations to the overall value of £14 million, and counting. In addition to this, I have also been an informal mentor to UK gang members, tasked with persuading them to their back on lives of criminality, and embrace the transformative potential of education, which has been among the most rewarding roles of my career thus far.

►► PARENT FEEDBACK ◄◄

--"Jonathan is fantastic and my 15 years old have a big turn round about his
view of education. Now he can't wait for his lesson!"

--"I could not have wished for a better tutor for my son! I cannot praise Jon's
enthusiasm for his subject, motivational skills and professionalism enough."

--"The biggest testimonial comes from my son, who now looks forward to and
enjoys his weekly visit! praise indeed from a teenager!"

--"I have nothing but praise for Jonathan."

--"George is totally happy to see him which is a miracle at 3pm on a Saturday!"

--"Jon is a fantastic teacher best tutor I have ever had."

--"AMAZINGLY helpful, nice and very cooperative."

--"Thanks soooo much Jon, Ashleigh passed, she won't be doing retakes and is
feeling incredibly relieved."

--"We feel lucky to book a place with him early on as he seemed to be full
booked before December."

--"Never passed an English test before in my whole life then came to Jonathan
with very little time for my first GCSE exam and managed to get an A for
English literature and a B for creative writing. 10/10."

--"Jon has a unique ability to get students onboard in a short amount of time.
He is quick to establish a rapport, building on trust and confidence which
makes an ideal platform for focused learning".

--"He is heavily in demand which speaks volumes in terms of his reputation and
is super knowledgeable and prepared for all elements of the syllabus."

--"He went from a predicted a 4/5 to an 8 !!! We were extremely pleased and
put this down to Jons ability."

--"I wish we had found him earlier! We highly recommend him!"

--"He is helpful and gifted at tutoring kids so they understand exactly what they
need to change or improve on. We will be using Jon for all of our children."

Tutoring Approach:
Besides enjoying superb results, my pupils benefit from a relaxed yet challenging atmosphere, with high commitment being expected of them, and this is demonstrated in both their personal and academic growth, which is among the most rewarding aspects of tutoring for me. I'm very friendly with a great sense of humour (so I've been told!), and I use this to make the learning as enjoyable as I can, whilst strengthening self-esteem and exciting the minds of my students. Through this, it is more than tutoring to me, seeing our time together as equipping them with the vital skills they need to excel in later life.

In terms of lesson delivery, I always strive to be on the cutting-edge of education in use of educational technology, teaching resources and methods. Therefore, my approach to tutoring currently makes use of the techniques of "blended learning", and utilises the following:

⦿ Industry-standard video-conferencing and modern presentational packages such as Miro-used by global brands like Coca Cola and Nike to power collaborative learning

⦿ Powerful virtual learning environments, resourced by well-known educational companies such as Twinkl and Century Tech, to help every one of my learners maximise their potential.

⦿ Judicious use of AI powered apps and programmes, to help explore key educational concepts, mark schemes and model answers

⦿ Fully personalised lessons, tailored to topics, skills and levels being explored by the learner at school

⦿ Interlocking homework provided, to consolidate key concepts and themes explored within each lesson

⦿ Innovative approach to learning, from using computer games as inspirational stimulus for creative writing (which have been used as national exemplars by UK exam boards), to debating contemporary issues affecting all young people for speaking and listening tasks, such as: "How Will AI Change Humanity?"

⦿ A friendly and engaging approach to learning, seeking to make it fun, yet intellectually rigorous at all time

Thus, with 20 years+ experience now in the UK's most challenging classrooms, this has constantly honed my approach to teaching and tutoring, creatively using ed-tech to ensure no learner is left behind, as we cover the curriculum in an accessible and enjoyable way.

Needless to say, I am a passionate advocate of the transformational value of education, which is a joy, never a chore. In having been lucky enough to build a property brand and investment portfolio, I now tutor primarily for the sheer enjoyment of helping develop the next generation of learners. Education enabled me to escape a childhood of abject poverty, and with this in mind, I always do my best to ensure I give each and every one of my students the best start in life I can.

If you're looking to work with one of the leading tutors in the industry with a proven track-record of academic and commercial success, then I'm happy to help.

Thank you ever so much for reading :)

*Enhanced DBS certified

**Please kindly note: proposed rate will be dependent on level of study, length of tutoring period and demand.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a successful local tutor and teacher with an MA in Education from Oxford Brookes University (2016), a Postgraduate Diploma in English and Language in Education from the University of Reading (2012). I also have a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Secondary - English) from Oxford Brookes University (2007) and a BA Hons in English Literature (2006) as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Children's Literature (2024). I am passionate about my subject and enthusiastic about improving both my pedagogical and subject knowledge. With A Level clients, I often re-read the key exam texts and exam specifications in order to deliver a successful tutorial. For GCSE, I am confident with multiple exam boards but, again, I take a sincere interest in changes to qualifications and specifications. I have recently led a team of ten teachers in our delivery of the GCSE English qualification through WJEC. Part of my role included observing good teaching practice and documenting this for staff appraisals.

Teaching Experience:
I have recent experience as a Senior Leader in Reading (2024) and I have also been employed as a Specialist English Teacher based in the Learning Support Department of an independent senior boys school in Maidenhead. I have also taught a range of vocational students for both Activate Learning (2013-2016) and The Windsor Forest Colleges Group (2018-2019). I was employed as a Head of English for a small multi academy trust partnered with Upton Court Grammar School (2019-2021) and I have also taught in a range of comprehensive co-educational secondary schools across Reading Borough Council (2007-2009), Wokingham Borough Council (2009-2012) and Bracknell Forest Council (2016-2018). In addition, I have previously worked as a Learning Support Assistant, at a Catholic primary school in Reading. I have also taught American children how to use movie editing packages, such as iMovie, in Maine, USA.

Tutoring Approach:
The rapport with the parent is as just as important as the tutee. In order to make a success of the tuition, it's paramount to have a good professional relationship with both. I use feedback from the tutee's parent (via a school report) and informal feedback from the tutee to create an Individual Tuition Plan which includes setting three clear targets. Depending on the key stage and ability of the tutee, this can range anything from parenthetic comma use to translating Chaucerian poetry!

Subjects

Personal Description:
My interests include reading widely, playing chess and going to exercise classes such as metafit and bodypump. In terms of tutoring l believe in trying to motivate my students and getting to know them and take an informal approach in what is a one to one teaching programme . I find that students respond better in a more relaxed atmosphere in their own home environment.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for twenty five years but now work part time in the English dept in Jordanhill school in Glasgow . Hence depending on the day l could tutor during the day rather than after school hours if required. I have taught CFE at all levels including BGE(broad general education) national 4, national 5, and Higher. I have been involved in tutoring at all levels and try to provide a tutoring experience tailored to each individual according to their particular needs.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching involves a thorough revision of RUAE(close reading)using a variety of textbooks and also pass papers for practice in preparation for external assessments. Writing skills would also be developed for a variety of writing purposes such as imaginative, argumentative and persuasive essays for national 5 and Higher level folios. The critical essay element of English courses will be explained and skills in this area developed via practice aided by detailed notes and planning sheets on the studied texts. The Scottish text section of national 5 and Higher will be be covered In detail with regular exam practice on the set text.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have over 30 years' experience in education as a teacher, former headteacher, university tutor and private tutor. I believe every child can succeed when learning is tailored to their individual needs and delivered in a supportive, encouraging environment. My lessons are engaging, well-structured and designed to build both confidence and understanding. Whether preparing for SATs, GCSEs, A Levels or simply boosting confidence, my aim is to help every student enjoy learning and achieve their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for over 30 years across primary, secondary and higher education. My experience includes working as a classroom teacher, headteacher, university associate tutor and private tutor. I currently teach and mentor trainee teachers at university while supporting students from primary through to A Level. I have extensive experience preparing pupils for SATs, GCSEs and A Levels, and adapting my teaching to meet a wide range of learning needs, including those of students with SEND.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is centred on understanding each student as an individual. I begin by identifying their strengths, areas for development and preferred learning style before tailoring lessons to meet their needs. I believe learning should be engaging, enjoyable and challenging, with clear explanations, regular feedback and plenty of encouragement. By building confidence alongside knowledge and skills, I help students become increasingly independent learners who are well prepared for examinations and future academic success.

Subjects

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 a friendly, approachable Oxford graduate and Deputy Head of English in one of the nation's leading grammar schools.
I am a passionate English tutor, and I always try to foster an enthusiasm for literature in all my students. When teaching, I aim to provide clear and concise explanation, assess understanding and provide detailed feedback and encouragement.
Education is not just for exams. I aim to build confidence, encourage independence, and inculcate positive habits which last for life.

Teaching Experience:
Deputy Head Of English
3 years experience as a full-time classroom teacher
Currently working at a top 10 ranked grammar school in the UK

Tutoring Approach:
I can offer:
- Tailored lesson plans to suit the learner's needs.
- A comprehensive program for all main exam boards and literature texts.
- Verbal feedback during sessions and detailed written feedback on optional assignments.
- Lessons adapted for a range of abilities.
- Warmth, enthusiasm and (occasionally good) humour.
I am well versed in the most popular English Literature Exam texts and well acquainted with the Edexcel and AQA exam boards.
In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I organise the school's debating team, guiding them to the finals of the English-Speaking Union Public Speaking Competition.
My students typically go on to achieve the top grades in GCSEs and A Level.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Having tutored for 12 years and been in mainstream education for the past 9, I am more than ready and willing to work with young people who are in need of a variety of different approaches:

- Stretching and challenging the most able
- Going back to basics with exam content
- Handwriting
- Organisation
- Revision skills and independent learning

Teaching Experience:
Qualified teacher (secondary)

Most recent tutee Results
Student 1: GCSE Spanish - Grade 9
Student 2: SATs 101 / 102 / 102
Student 3: GCSE English Language-Grade 8
Student 4: GCSE Spanish - grade 6
Student 5: GCSE French (current)

Tutoring Approach:
There is no right answer to "what is the best approach" - my first session will always be one hour to formulate a plan based on the requirements of the parent(s) or carer(s), to meet the learner in question, and to come up with a plan of action based on a variety of factors. This will incorporate target grades in school, achievements so far, existing attitudes to learning amongst other things.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Cambridge and I've taught students all the way from university to primary school in a number of subject areas. I also have an MPhil in Philosophy from Cambridge and a BA (Philosophy) /BSc (Biology) from the University of Auckland.

At the moment, my main areas of expertise are philosophy/critical thinking and sociology but I've previously privately tutored students in biology, maths, psychology and english for many years.

I was born in Sri Lanka but I grew up in Australia and New Zealand. I moved to the UK, to do postgraduate study and can't seem to leave :)

Teaching Experience:
University Teaching:
Lectures: Introductory Lecture on Buddhist Account of Personal Identity (Oct 2018), Environmental Ethics and Future
Generations (Lent Term 2021)

Supervisions (2018 - Current), Cambridge University supervisions, both group and individual, for papers in the faculties
of Philosophy (Formal Methods, Set Texts, Political Philosophy), History and Philosophy of Science (General Philosophy
of Science, Philosophy of Psychiatry), Medicine (Social and Ethical Context of Health and Illness) and Sociology (Health,
Medicine and Society).

Kings College London (Sep 2019 - Dec 2019): Introduction to Ethics.

Auckland University (2012-2013): Critical Thinking, Introduction to Metaphysics, Theories of Human Nature and Introduction to Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Logic.

I've also been a tutor from 2009 -- 2018, both privately and working for Tutoring Australasia. During this period I taught, philosophy, english, maths and psychology.

Tutoring Approach:
I specialise in teaching students to do just that little bit better in exams and in fundamental skills that will be useful to them throughout their education, such as writing clearly and engagingly.

Learning should also be fun and tailored to the student; ideas don't really come alive unless they feel relevant. So even my university teaching uses sources that are accessible and interesting to the student, like podcasts and youtube videos.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Elliot and I am an English tutor based in Central London. I have been tutoring since 2018 but my background is in Law. I have a Bachelor of Laws (2.1) from the University of Birmingham and a Master of Laws (LLM Human Rights Law) from the University of Nottingham (Distinction). For three years, I worked as an immigration lawyer in the UK before deciding to tutor full-time. I have lived in several different countries and am a keen language learner myself. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, running and writing. I have written for publications such as Reader`s Digest UK and am currently working on a collection of fictional short stories to be published late 2023. I enjoy entering my stories into short story competitions.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as an English tutor since 2018. During this time I have taught hundreds of students and acquired thousands of teaching hours. I have taught students from three years old all the way up to adults. I have a significant amount of experience in teaching a range of abilities from complete beginners to proficient students. I have successfully prepared students for a range of exams including (but not limited to): IELTS, Cambridge Advanced, Cambridge Young Learners, UKiset (for entrance to UK independent schools) and much more. I have particular experience in teaching essay writing skills.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is flexible, patient and rigorous. From the very outset, I will ensure that we determine your specific academic goals and move towards them a little bit each lesson. Most importantly, I want you to enjoy our lessons and have a fun yet productive experience.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Amanda and I am based in Cramlington (Northumberland). I am a former Head of English in a secondary school. I held this position for 21 years, and I left full-time teaching last October to devote more time to tutoring and examination work.

Teaching Experience:
Since 1997 I have taught English, and, for 21 of those years, I led an English department in a secondary school in South Tyneside.
Although I have taught at A Level, my most recent experience is at key stages 3 and 4. I have experience in following the National Curriculum, curriculum design, and a range of assessment processes.
I have also been an associate examiner for a leading exam board, marking both Language and Literature for this board.
My experience includes online teaching (during lockdown). I have also taught groups of students on the autistic spectrum, having worked in a school with a dedicated autism unit.
Furthermore, I am a certified proofreader and qualified freelance journalist, two fields that dovetail with English as an overall subject.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is flexible and based on client requirements. I am happy to work online, although I prefer face-to-face. My approach is objectives-driven as I believe tuition should convert into an outcome of some sort, whether that be an improved grade or greater confidence in the subject.

Testimonial:
Finding an English tutor is difficult, but finding an amazing one is pretty impossible, that's what myself and my partner thought until we found Amanda. If your child is struggling with their GCSE English language and literature then we highly recommend for you to contact Amanda as she performed an amazing job with our son. Within 6 months our son improved from a predicted grade 3 for English Language to an actual grade 6 in his GCSE exam. For literature the increase was from a grade 2 to an actual grade 5. Yes our son worked hard, but the one to two lessons each week plus marked homework was exactly what he needed to improve in his English Language and Literature. Amanda has years of teaching experience and with her professional approach and a willing student she can achieve amazing results - You will not regret hiring Amanda as a tutor.
Malcolm, Cramlington

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have always had a profound love of literature and language, and every career decision I have made has revolved around that. After several years teaching English at a boarding school near Oxford, I have returned to London to be closer to theatre and to pursue a few creative projects alongside much private tutoring.

Teaching Experience:
I taught English full-time 2015-23, most recently for seven years at Radley College, a top boarding school near Oxford. I was also Head of UCAS there, where I personally checked and sent about 800 UCAS applications, so I can advise on Personal Statement for all types of degree, not just English.

Tutoring Approach:
I balance rigour with a pastoral approach: I want students to be on top of the detail but I am always happy to zoom out to the bigger picture and explain the value of why we are doing this or that.

Subjects

Personal Description:
English tutor offering an engaging and creative learning experience. With nearly 30 years of teaching expertise, I offer tailored sessions to support all aspects of the curriculum in KS2 and KS3. Online preferred, but I will travel in the Somerton area.

Teaching Experience:
PGCE in Primary Education.
28 years teaching in schools in England and abroad.
17 years as a tutor.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make student's learning relevant and relatable to their everyday lives. By embedding English as part of their overall learning journey as a child, this makes our sessions more fun and skills are learned in a more relaxed, less stressful environment.

Subjects

Personal Description:
99% Grades 7-9 | 100% Admission Success 2021-2026 | 5+ Years' Tutoring Experience | 20,000+ hrs of Academic Research, Learning Design & Teaching

✓ The Tutors' Association & Qualified Tutor member | Myelin Academia Certified Tutor | Live Progress Tracker to Monitor Student's Progress | Enhanced DBS incl. Children's Workforce & Barred List with Daily Update Service

✓ Neuroscience-Informed Specialist Tutor | First-Class BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, IBMS-Accredited | MSc Neuroscience, King's College London | IBMS President's Prize for Academic Excellence | SEND & EAL Experience | Mocks, SATs, 11+ Entrance + Interview Coaching | Proud to support thousands of learners on social media!

✓ Creator of the Thinking That Transfers Framework | Evidence-Led Progress System | Exam Board-Specific Mastery Cycles | Adaptive & Inclusive Teaching | Exclusive Resources & Predicted Papers Not Available Publicly


Testimonial Highlights

"Since Ume has been tutoring my daughter for Year 11 GCSE Maths, her grade improved from U to B in her Year 11 mocks and grade A in her final GCSE exam."

"My daughter is a Year 10 GCSE student whose grades have improved significantly since working with Ume. She is currently achieving grades 7 to 9."

"She has already exceeded expectations and is working at A* targets."

"Our daughter had been home educated since Year 8 and had received tuition in several subjects, yet English and Maths remained confusing as she approached her GCSEs. Ume's diagnostic assessment identified the missing foundations and why previous support had not worked. She then taught the complete GCSE English and Maths curricula in a structured sequence, building our daughter's independence and confidence under exam conditions.

Within a year, her final GCSE results were Grade 9s in Maths and English Language and Grade 8s in English Literature and Further Maths. She received offers from every college she applied to, including MPW London, and secured her first choice, Ashbourne College London.

Ume now tutors her in A-level Biology and Chemistry and she is consistently achieving A* grades in class tests. These results gave us complete confidence to ask Ume to prepare our son for the 13+ admissions assessments and interviews for St Paul's School and Eton College."


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Memorised content fades. Usable understanding transfers beyond the classroom.

My teaching is inclusive by design and evidence-led. I train cross-disciplinary STEM thinking informed by Cognitive Neuroscience and Educational Psychology to build synoptic fluency, so students meet top-band descriptors and develop lasting academic confidence.

Over 5 years and thousands of 1:1 lessons, I have supported learners from KS2 SATs and KS3 through to GCSE combined and triple Science, Maths, English, and onwards to A-level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology.

My experience includes supporting boarding, school-based, and home-educated learners, as well as international students from India, the UAE, Canada, and Russia studying the British curriculum, alongside families relocating to the UK. This has sharpened my highly structured approach that secures smooth academic transition and clear alignment with exam expectations.

Across multiple cohorts, my students have achieved consistently strong outcomes, including a 100% pass rate and 99% grades at 7 to 9. Documented grade gains include U to 7 and 4 to 9, alongside moving into higher sets and sustaining top-set placement.

My academic training also shapes how I teach top-band writing and support advanced STEM research projects, dissertations and theses. Across my BSc (Hons) and MSc, I achieved First-Class grades in 100% of submitted coursework, spanning lab reports, Biomedical Science and Neuroscience dissertations, research posters, graded assignments, presentations and critical appraisal. This now informs my teaching of high-level academic writing for EPQ, NEA, Science, History, Geography, English Literature and Language.

Alongside a safeguarding-first professional standard, my teaching is grounded in specialist academic expertise from an MSc in Neuroscience at King's College London, a First-Class IBMS-accredited BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science, and the IBMS President's Prize for academic excellence.

I also hold an Enhanced DBS certificate on the Update Service, alongside certified Myelin Academia tutoring qualification, The Tutors' Association (TTA) and Qualified Tutor member. My tutoring qualification is underpinned by research in Psychology, Educational Theory, and effective Pedagogical Practice and tailored support for different learner needs.

Copyright 2021-2026 UME - All Rights Reserved.

Teaching Experience:
Beyond 1:1 Tutoring: Leadership, Safeguarding and Structured Delivery


My teaching is shaped by a disciplined ability to abstract complexity, turning demanding concepts and methods into clear, usable thinking. That expertise has been refined through extensive private tutoring, alongside broader experience in academic leadership, safeguarding-aligned education, group teaching, and scholarly communication. Together, these layers strengthen the high-structure practice I bring to learners across ages, settings, and levels of need, informed by Neuroscience and shaped by my teaching experience.

• Educational Leadership: Selected as a Biomedical Science Cohort Representative, I contributed to programme board discussions by presenting student insight clearly and helping shape quality-focused improvements to the learning experience.

• Academic Communication & Pedagogy: At King's College London, I supported year-round access to MSc Neuroscience lecture materials and co-delivered a postgraduate Statistics and data analysis workshop, turning complex theory into clear, usable steps.

• Cross-Age Teaching Expertise: From 5+ years in primary literacy support for ages 3-12, to 4+ years in GCSE-level programme tutoring through the Access Project and the National Tutoring Programme, and 3+ years in community education for adult learners. I have refined my teaching expertise across diverse settings, delivering 1:1 and group teaching through clear differentiation, embedded routines, and a safeguarding-first standard.

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From Curriculum to Capability: I Build Thinking That Transfers

I tutor full-time and use a teaching approach grounded in Cognitive Neuroscience to strengthen how students learn, retain knowledge, and adapt their thinking. My fascination with how the body works and how the brain responds to structured support shapes the way I teach students to think, question, and connect ideas across topics, subjects, and real-world contexts. With the right structure, anxiety reduces, competence strengthens, and confidence follows.

The difference is simple: memorised content fades, but usable understanding lasts. Through structured practice, precise feedback, and mastery cycles, I help students turn curriculum knowledge into strong reasoning, resilient problem-solving, and high-level performance beyond exams.

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Specialist Expertise Across the Full Attainment Range

Drawing on over 5 years of programme-led and community education alongside private tutoring, I have supported hundreds of students across a wide range of needs and attainment levels, including high attainers, EAL learners, and students with SEMH and SEND such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism, ADHD, anxiety.

Many of my students begin with the same frustration: "I keep losing marks even when I know the topic." Whether they are preparing for 11+, GCSE or A-level, I use an exam-board-aligned framework with examiner insight to convert complex understanding into clear, high-scoring responses under timed conditions.

To turn subject knowledge into confident exam execution, I created the Thinking That Transfers Framework, my evidence-shaped system of weekly mastery cycles, precise gap analysis, and targeted re-testing. It pinpoints the gap between what a student understands and what they can execute under exam conditions, then closes it through focused weekly priorities. I teach the "how" as well as the "what", so students develop transferable study habits and perform with confidence beyond our sessions.

This highly structured approach has proved especially effective for GCSE students balancing demanding commitments in film, television, the West End, elite dance, football, and international tennis. Working across locations and time zones has refined my high-impact system that secures curriculum coverage, strengthens exam mastery, and aligns homework and practice with intensive training demands and travel commitments.

The same approach has also shaped my work through the Access Project and the National Tutoring Programme, where I have specialised in accelerating the progress of high-potential students from diverse backgrounds. Alongside stronger grades, parents report positive feedback from class teachers, improved participation in class, stronger behaviour for learning, and consistent focus and effort. Students also develop the confidence to aim for competitive academic pathways, including Russell Group and Oxbridge routes.

That longer-term impact is reflected in progression choices. My students go on to study Biology, Chemistry or Physics at A-levels at sixth form, progressing into Biosciences, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine or Dentistry at their first-choice universities, including University College London, Imperial College London and the University of Oxford.

My specialist preparation for UK Maths Trust (UKMT), including JMC, IMC and SMC, has led to Bronze, Silver and 'Top Gold' awards, including 2026 IMC Silver and the Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo award. A Year 11 physics enthusiast also achieved Silver in the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) Challenge. A Bronze CREST Award for a GCSE STEM project at a top 10 London academy, alongside successful participation in the UK Linguistic Olympiad (UKLO) at Advanced Level in 2026. Beyond competition distinctions, my guidance also supported completion of the Duke of Edinburgh Skills section, including the book reading challenge. If you are aiming for that level of achievement, please send me a message.

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Curriculum Mastery Across Leading Exam Boards

I teach across the full secondary to pre-university range: from KS3 and pre-GCSE through (I)GCSE, National 5 and O level, and on to AL, IAL, IB SL/HL, Higher, Advanced Higher, AP and Pre-U.

I've worked with students across UK state, highly selective grammar, independent and leading international schools, as well as post-16 provision, including Godolphin and Latymer, North London Collegiate, Wilson's, Loughborough Amherst, St Gerard's, Sherborne, Chesham Grammar, Sutton Grammar, and Clapham and Streatham High School. My teaching approach is adaptable, best-practice-led, and refined through extensive tutoring experience, supported by in-depth knowledge across the OCR A, Eduqas, AQA, Edexcel, SQA, WJEC and CIE exam boards.

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Selective Entry & Scholarship Preparation

I prepare students for competitive 7+ to 11+ and 13+ entry, including scholarship pathways and the ISEB Common Pre-Tests. Bringing together personal experience within the Russell Group academic system, alongside expertise in selective entry and scholarship preparation, I provide strategic support across the full process. This includes tailored reading lists, personal statement guidance, mock interviews, and interview coaching, helping students present themselves with confidence and intellectual depth.

For English (incl. creative writing), Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, my strategically structured support is designed with the end goal in mind: to build accuracy, develop efficient speed, and strengthen exam performance. I work across Sutton, GL, CSSE, CEM, Kingston, SET, and school-specific assessment formats for both day and boarding school entry.

I have supported families through competitive admissions to leading schools including King's College School Wimbledon, Whitgift, Newstead Wood, Tiffin, Graveney, Latymer, and other highly selective independent and grammar schools.

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From Knowledge to Marks: Transferable Exam Thinking Across Subjects

Recognised for academic excellence and backed by over five years of experience supporting hundreds of students, I have trained them to develop the cross-disciplinary thinking that turns knowledge into repeatable exam success. Students often know more than their scripts show. The real challenge is training them to apply, analyse, and communicate that understanding, while refining the writing skills that convert it into marks.

In Psychology and other essay-based subjects (incl. History), I strengthen the transition from knowledge to application and evaluation, enabling students to critique evidence with examiner-level depth. Most marks are lost in Geography and data-rich subjects, when students can't execute on graphs and figures, so I teach consistent structures for describing trends, analysing processes, interpreting implications, and evaluating reliability, so graphs and figures become scoring opportunities rather than weak points.

The transfer-based strategies extend into Science and Maths. In Science, I specialise in practical, investigative, and data-response questions, teaching students to interpret experimental design and construct answers that boost grades. The cross-topic approach translates directly into Maths, connecting algebra, number, and geometry in a clear show / prove sequence, securing method marks through reasoning rather than guesswork.

That same discipline carries into English Language and Literature, which cannot be mastered through rote instruction alone, but through targeted practice and feedback. Strong reading comes before strong writing, so I guide students through detailed, line-by-line analysis of set poems, plays, and novels to deepen understanding, refine interpretation, and strengthen written response. In Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, for example, I take students through the most important moments in the text, then show them how to trace the deeper patterns, themes, and writer's methods that shape the novel.

I then coach each student by turning their written drafts into repeatable top-band blueprints aligned to their thinking style. We target strengths, close next-step gaps, and train students to produce argument-led responses with a clear thesis, embedded evidence, and precise analysis of method and effect. The goal is not just stronger writing in one essay, but independent control of high-quality responses under time pressure to maximise marks.

Copyright 2021-2026 UME - All Rights Reserved.

Tutoring Approach:
Across 20,000+ hours of learning design, academic research and teaching in diverse educational settings, I have refined a specialist teaching framework that is ambitious, achievable, and built to secure sustained progress towards the highest grades. Having helped GCSE students progress from below a D to an A* and A-level students in securing A grades, I bring examiner-focused understanding of what top performance demands.

My students benefit from tailored and expertly refined resources not publicly available, including specialist study packs and predicted papers designed to raise performance in both mocks and final exams. Developed through extensive teaching practice, my resources give students a distinct academic advantage and form part of the specialist teaching framework that has helped students improve by up to 8 or 9 grades. Just as importantly, my teaching instils self-motivation and intellectual discipline, equipping students to think independently and succeed far beyond their exams.

Thinking That Transfers Framework

My adaptive and inclusive teaching approach uses targeted scaffolding to remove barriers for schooled, homeschooled, EAL, and SEMH or SEND learners without lowering expectations. The goal is to develop independent, synoptic and exam-ready thinking. Each student's plan is tailored to their learning profile and guided by ongoing assessment aligned to the exam board specification. To keep the Thinking That Transfers Framework aligned with current educational evidence, I continually draw on research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Educational Psychology, and Behavioural Science, particularly in memory, metacognition, and effective teacher-student interaction.

• Question-Level Diagnosis: A precise diagnostic that identifies exactly why marks are being lost, from knowledge and application gaps to exam technique weaknesses, misconceptions, and reasoning breakdowns, so we can target the highest-impact improvements first.

• Weekly Progress: Turns those findings into specification-aligned weekly mastery checkpoints, so progress stays trackable and consistent.

• Concept Mastery: Strengthens long-term recall and understanding using evidence-led routines and explicit modelling of concepts. In Science, this includes lab practical thinking: variables, method, data handling, and evaluation.

• Written Consolidation: Students write notes in their own words during and between lessons, so learning is actively processed. This strengthens understanding, sharpens critical thinking, and reveals uncertainty early, before misconceptions become embedded. It also integrates exam technique from an early stage, acclimatising students to harder questions through meticulously sequenced practice, so they build confidence without the overwhelm of revising an entire textbook at once.

• Verbal Recall: Students explain previously taught material aloud, often several weeks after initial teaching, so learning is actively reconstructed. This strengthens retrieval, deepens conceptual understanding, reveals gaps in knowledge, and consolidates learning into long-term memory and sharpens communication. Over time, it develops the disciplined thinking, intellectual independence, and articulate reasoning that support high-level success both in exam and outside the classroom.

• Exam Techniques: Understanding is translated into marks through structured exam practice, worked examples, assignment completion, module assessment prep, quizzes, actionable feedback, and guided re-attempts until responses reach mark scheme standard. This develops the speed, accuracy, and exam judgement needed to secure marks consistently, particularly on high-level and end-of-exam questions where many students fall short.

• Independent Study: Students follow a concise weekly plan and a simple self-check routine, so independent work stays efficient and outcome driven.

The framework remains consistent, while pacing, sequencing, and practice design are continually refined through diagnostic judgement as each student progresses. This strengthens performance and prepares students more effectively for the final phase of exam preparation.

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The Learning Experience

By combining expert teaching with advanced technology, I deliver every lesson through a professional setup, including an HD webcam, noise-cancelling microphone, and full Fibre Gigafast broadband, ensuring a focused, efficient learning environment throughout. From first enquiry to first lesson, I provide a smooth, efficient onboarding process, with simple payment and scheduling.

Lessons take place face-to-face via Zoom using a shared digital whiteboard. With a professional graphics tablet, I turn complex ideas into clear, accessible explanations, whether breaking down scientific processes, modelling mathematical working step by step, or constructing diagrams in real time. This allows students to follow the logic of each concept.

My online classroom is highly interactive and visually structured. Through PowerPoint presentations, annotated examples, and detailed explanations, students see abstract content unfold in real time, making it easier to connect ideas across topics, retain key knowledge, and apply it with confidence.

The digital setting allows for immediate, personalised feedback. We can edit written responses together, correct mistakes, and analyse work line by line to maximise progress in every lesson, delivering a level of targeted feedback that is difficult to achieve in a traditional classroom.

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Strategic Academic Pathways & Specialist Support

Whether you need sustained curriculum support, focused exam intervention, or a bespoke route beyond the standard school model, I offer strategically designed tuition tailored to your goals, timeline, and exam board. My support includes intensive holiday sessions, targeted plans for mocks and re-testing, last-minute exam-readiness prep, and high-impact resources selected with precision for the subject and specification.

I also support privately entered and niche subjects (incl. Statistics and Urdu Language and Literature), resits, gap year students, accelerated pre-GCSE learners, home-school programmes built around great books, weekly classes, and group tuition with access where needed to a trusted network of exceptional educators whose standards match my own.

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Tuition Options & Pricing

The following direct-booking prices apply when tuition fees are paid directly to me in advance, subject to availability.

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1:1 PRIVATE TUITION
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PAYG 1:1 tuition from £258/ 2x50-min sessions | 1:1 tuition monthly block from £55/ 50-min session or £68/ 1-hr session

My students receive targeted homework, alongside end-of-unit and termly in-class mocks tailored to their learning profiles.

Personalised block-booking packages are available on request.

Fees depend on the student's year group, subject, exam board, level of support required, and lesson frequency.

Home visits are subject to location, travel time and availability. Any travel costs will be confirmed before booking.

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Booking, Payment & Lesson Terms
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Please read the key booking terms before starting tuition.

• A complimentary first lesson is available exclusively for Year 3 students starting 11+ entrance exam preparation.

• Lessons are confirmed only once payment has been received. For all tuition bookings, payment must be received in advance by the date stated on the invoice. If payment is not received, the lesson slot may be released to another student on the waiting list.

• Resources created by the tutor remain the intellectual property of the tutor. Third-party or licensed resources remain the property of their respective owners. Copying, recording lessons, taking screenshots, sharing, reproducing, or distributing lesson materials is not permitted. Students are encouraged to make their own notes for personal study only.

• To support lesson quality, focus, and student engagement, students are expected to keep their camera on during online lessons, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

• All online sessions are recorded for safeguarding and quality assurance purposes.

• Clients will be notified in writing of any updates to these terms and conditions.

By booking a lesson, making payment, or continuing with tuition, clients confirm that they accept these booking terms and conditions.

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Copyright 2021-2026 UME - All Rights Reserved. Thinking That Transfers Framework is the name of my teaching framework. The written content of my profile, including its wording, framework descriptions, presentation, structure, distinctive positioning, and associated teaching materials, is protected intellectual property. Copying, reproduction, adaptation, or repurposing of this content, in whole or in part, by tutors or any other individual or organisation, is strictly prohibited. Any identified infringement may result in formal legal notice and enforcement action, independent of platform intervention.

Subjects

Personal Description:
** Recent exam results:

A-LEVELS

• My A-Level tutee was predicted a B, and got an A*

GCSEs

• One tutee (who was retaking her English Language) went from a Grade 6 to a Grade 9
• One tutee went from a 6 in their English Literature mocks, to a 9 in their GCSE; and from a 7 in their English Language mocks, to an 8 in their GCSE.
• One tutee went from a 6-7 in their English mocks, to an 8 for English Language and a 9 for English Literature in their GCSEs

As one parent wrote to me (and gave me permission to post publicly):

"Josh!! Just want to say a HUGE thank you again oh my goodness Declan is over the moon! You brought him up from a 6 to a 9 - there are no words!"

Of course, these grades are mostly due to the hard work of the tutees, and tuition can never guarantee any grade. But I thought I'd post these grades here to give you an indication of the effect that good tuition can have. **

I am a friendly and highly qualified tutor with a degree in English Literature & Creative Writing, and a Masters in Writing, both from the University of Warwick. I have 11 years' experience tutoring, and have been highly recommended due to my skill at breaking down complex texts in an accessible, enjoyable, and easily digestible manner.

I am also a published novelist (search 'The 8th Emotion' on Amazon for my sci-fi debut) and have received a substantial grant from Arts Council England in recognition of my literary work.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored numerous students, from six-year-olds to people studying for their MA, and every grade in between.

This has included helping children in primary school improve their reading and writing skills; preparing pupils for their 7+, 11+, 13+, SATS, GCSEs, and A-levels; and assisting undergrad-, Masters-, and PhD-level students with their university courses (this latter point covers both English university students, and those studying subjects such as Biology, but who nonetheless want help with their essay-writing skills).

I have experience and success teaching SEND students (ADHD, autism, or those who are close to these diagnoses on the spectrum).

I've also taught two students intensively in the days running up to their exams, and one went from a predicted E to a C; the other went from a predicted C to an A.

Tutoring Approach:
My philosophy is always to adapt my approach to the needs of each individual. I give my students the confidence, understanding and exam technique they need to succeed.

I've delivered plenty of online lessons, and know how to make them work well. I've also found that, in the majority of cases, online tutoring is as or more effective than face to face. This is because

a) I can use the bespoke set of resource documents that I've built up on my computer, over years, as part of the lessons,

b) I can see what the tutee is writing in real time, and so the process of offering feedback becomes quicker (in person, either I would watch them as they wrote on their computer, which might feel a bit pressured, or I would have to wait for them to finish handwriting their work before they passed it across the table for me to have a look at), and

c) it's easier for me to give neat, clear feedback (which becomes a useful revision resource) on the computer rather than by hand, which tends to, by its nature, be a little messier.

Essentially, the above mean that you are very likely to get better value for money when you hire me to be your online tutor, as opposed to if I were doing face-to-face tuition.

BONUS - HIGH-LEVEL CREATIVE WRITING TUITION: Along with proofreading and feedback on specific pieces of writing (which services are available for my standard lesson fee) I also offer special lessons on how to write fiction. These cost £150 per hour, and can cover pretty much any aspect of fiction writing, from a practical step-by-step process on how to plan a novel; to tips on characterisation and setting; to how to develop an initial idea into a story; etc. I charge this high fee because the insights I offer have been gleaned from years of practical experience in writing, and as such, I believe they can drastically accelerate a student's development; and because the one-to-one nature of the lesson means that the tutee, through their questions, can have this guidance completely tailored to their specific interests and needs.

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