Steyning English Tutors and Steyning English Tuition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Previous Students' Comments:

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

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

- Tally

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

- Natasza (Graduated with an MA from Oxford University)

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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.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
Whilst my main teaching subjects are ICT & Computer Science, I have mostly been tutoring Maths & English up to GCSE level (plus 11+ / Kent & Medway Test)

I am always willing to help out students of ALL ages that need a fresh and unique approach to learning.

Teaching Experience:
15 Years Teaching Experience ICT & Computer Science

10 years Tutoring Experience (Maths/ English/ SATS / 11+) - KS1/KS2/ KS3/ KS4/ GCSE


[Key Areas]
- SEN
- Differentiation
- Cross Curricular Material
- Previous experience across a multitude of schools and colleges
- Material relevant to students' own personal interests
- Behaviour for learning

Tutoring Approach:
I do not believe in such terms as "ability", i firmly believe that any student has the potential to succeed. My main goals to tutoring are to promote active engagement & genuine interest to any material using ICT as a tool to assist in general understanding. With the right tools & mentoring i am confident that any student can then start to build on deep critical thinking & creativity through independent work

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Personal Description:
I am Brazilian and have been living in the UK for around 27 years. I have a passion for languages and speak Portuguese, English, Italian, and French.

Although I am originally from Brazil, many of my students are interested in travelling to or living in Portugal, so I am happy to teach both Brazilian and European Portuguese, adapting my lessons to suit each student's needs and goals.

I am also a qualified DPSI (Law) Interpreter and currently run an English course for international students. My extensive experience in languages, teaching, and interpreting allows me to offer students not only strong language skills, but also a deeper understanding of culture and real-life communication.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Portuguese in the UK for around 18 years, working with students from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and levels.

Throughout my teaching career, I have taught Portuguese at various Adult Education Centres, gaining extensive experience in both classroom-based and more personalised learning environments. I currently teach private groups and one-to-one students, tailoring my lessons to meet their individual needs, interests and learning objectives.

I also have experience teaching Portuguese in a corporate environment in the UK, helping professionals develop their language skills for both business and everyday communication.

My extensive teaching experience has given me a flexible and student-centred approach, allowing me to adapt my teaching methods to different learners and create engaging, practical and effective lessons.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach focuses strongly on developing students' confidence and ability to speak Portuguese from the very first lesson. I use a practical, interactive approach with plenty of speaking exercises, encouraging students to start communicating in Portuguese straight away - and they do!

I use a variety of resources, including pictures, online materials, a whiteboard and carefully structured repetition, to help students build their vocabulary, improve their pronunciation and develop their understanding naturally.

After many years of using this approach, I have seen excellent results. Many of my students have gone on to become confident and fluent Portuguese speakers, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of my teaching.

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Personal Description:
My biggest passion is making people believe in themselves. I strongly believe that most people can do most things - all they need is someone to provide the knowledge, encouragement and support. And I pride myself in providing exactly this to all my tutees and students.

I've been privately tutoring for 21 years in a variety of subjects and countries; teaching and tutoring in Kenya, Canada, Australia, Hungary, Japan, France and England. Mostly this has been in English and Maths, but especially any subjects where comprehension and writing skills are at the fore.

I enjoy helping students of all ages and I've taught all the way from 4 years old to adults. I work hard to build a good rapport with all my students as this is vital for maximising their learning. Furthermore, before I begin, I make sure both parties are clear on what the goals are from my tutoring and that both are happy with how we will proceed. I also ensure I work hard to understand the learning styles and unique personalities of each of my students, so that I can tailor my teaching to suit their precise individual needs.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced tutor who has been doing it for more than ten years now in a variety of subjects and countries. I have taught and tutored in Kenya, Australia, Hungary, Canada, Japan, France and England now in mostly English and any subjects where comprehension and writing skills are at the fore.

I've taught many students with learning and behavioural difficulties too - so I'm comfortable dealing with this type of tutoring as well.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to really get to know the tutee's needs and talk extensively to them as well as his/her parents to make sure we all know what the goal/s are for my tutoring lessons.

A down to earth, relaxed approach I believe is key to tutoring being successful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaking fluent standard Chinese Mandarin and English, and have taught Chinese Mandarin for over 18 years in Birmingham, and currently work part time for a local mainstream school in UK.

I am also an experienced English and Maths tutor and a certified 11+ teacher and have a very good success rate with all of my pupils for passing 11+ tests, successfully grabbed places in local grammar schools and private schools, and achieving higher GCSE grades.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Chinese Mandarin for over 20 years to students from different countries with diverse linguistic backgrounds in UK. I have experience in teaching Chinese at various levels including GCSE, A level and HSK. I currently work part time for a local mainstream school in UK.

I am also an experienced English and Maths tutor and a certified 11+ teacher and have a very good success rate with all of my pupils for passing 11+ tests, successfully grabbed places in local grammar schools and private schools, and achieving higher GCSE grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient, passionate and dedicated female teacher and have a track record of helping students achieve top grades and dramatically improve their attainment. My lessons are tailored to meet each student's need, interesting and motivating.

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Personal Description:
Does your child needs 1-1 support with English or Maths?

Is your child struggling to keep up with school-work or homework?

I can offer 1-1 support in a comfortable learning environment from an inspirational, patient and friendly teacher.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a range of settings for the last seven years. Teaching children from Early Years to Sixth Form. I have tutored privately for over 10 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very intuitive to the learning styles of all children. I like to spend some time getting to know a child and how they learn so as when working with them, I can work on their individual strengths to develop their understanding of different subjects.

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Personal Description:
Ciao! I'm a native Italian speaker fluent in Italian, French and English, with a First-Class Honours degree in Humanities, specialising in History and English Literature. Since 2014, I've been helping learners of all levels develop confidence and fluency in English and Italian-from beginners taking their first steps to advanced learners refining their mastery.

I bring more than just expertise to my lessons-I bring a deep love for language and its structure. My teaching is tailored to each student's goals, pace and interests, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. I believe that great teaching is a two-way exchange: both tutor and learner grow through the journey.

Whether you're preparing for exams, brushing up your conversational skills, or simply exploring a new language, I'd be delighted to support you!

Teaching Experience:
Ciao! I'm a passionate educator with over ten years' experience helping learners grow in confidence, language skills, and exam success. I hold a First-Class Honours degree in Humanities (English and History), a TEFL qualification, and I'm currently training towards a PGCE in Lifelong Learning-giving me the tools to support both young learners and adult students alike.

For GCSE students, I provide clear, structured support in English Language and Literature, helping learners approach exams with confidence and clarity. My sessions are tailored to your goals-whether it's mastering unseen poetry, tackling tricky grammar, or refining essay technique-with an emphasis on building skills that last beyond the classroom.

For Italian-speaking adults, I offer a warm, welcoming space to build your English or Italian skills at your own pace. Whether you're learning for work, travel, or pleasure, I bring patience, cultural insight, and a flexible approach to make language learning enjoyable and rewarding.

Learning with me means engaging lessons, a supportive atmosphere, and progress you can feel. 📚✨

Tutoring Approach:
"I take great pride in helping learners-especially beginners-gain the confidence to understand, speak, and truly enjoy the Italian language. My lessons go beyond grammar and vocabulary, offering a gateway into the richness of Italian culture, history, and daily life. I aim to create a welcoming, engaging environment where curiosity leads the way and progress feels both natural and rewarding."
✨

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Personal Description:
As a fully qualified primary school teacher with fifteen years experience in the classroom and five years as a tutor working privately and in schools, I understand that all children are different but all can be successful with an approach tailored specifically to them. I use a wide range of strategies appropriate to the individual needs of your child based on my teaching experience in every year group from Year 1 to Year 6 and leadership in core subjects at several schools rated Outstanding by OFSTED.

Teaching Experience:
With significant experience in teaching the full national curriculum to every year group in key stages 1 and 2, I can provide an enhanced learning experience for every child in all aspects of Maths and English and their application in other curriculum subjects by drawing on the very best of modern and traditional teaching methods. I also have experience working with children with a range of additional needs. These include Aspergers, Autism, Downs Syndrome, ADHD, Global Delay, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Discalculia.

Tutoring Approach:
I use quality resources to make learning accessible and meaningful, creating and adapting everything I use to ensure the learning is tailored to the learner. Interesting, engaging and constantly adapting to the needs of your child as and when they emerge I ensure learning is enjoyable but also challenging. I tutor both privately and in schools, where much of my work has been through the National Tutoring Program - enabling children to catch up from learning missed during the pandemic.

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Personal Description:
I enjoy tutoring because I value my students' ideas. See below for the most important parts of this page, results and feedback.

I am an Oxford graduate (English language and literature, first class) and a qualified English teacher, have a PhD in English literature, 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 2027/28
• Doing coursework
• Working on the basis of continuous assessment, mocks, etc.
• Or planning to do / doing an English degree

Also get in touch if your child is no longer doing English literature at school but wants support in continuing to read, think about, and discuss books.

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 recently completed 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, 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 writing, walking, cycling, 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.

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.

A selection of feedback and testimonials:

2026:

Cara, a parent, September: 'I cannot recommend Josh highly enough. He was absolutely instrumental in helping my son achieve the English grades required to pursue his dream of studying in America. Throughout the entire process, he was incredibly easy to work with and brought a wonderful sense of calm and kindness to every session. He is excellent at setting clear, structured tasks and holding students accountable for their progress, but he always does so with a gentle and supportive demeanor. His unique balance of academic rigour and encouraging mentorship completely transformed my son's approach to learning. We are incredibly grateful for his guidance and would recommend him to any parent looking for an exceptional educator.'

A student, August: 'Such an awesome tutor. I found myself needing some extra help in the way I communicated my ideas academically as I'd missed an entire year of essay practice (took up the subject VERY late in year 12). Josh as a tutor didn't just make up for lost teaching, but genuinely made me love my texts through witty conversation and critical angles I hadn't thought about. Despite teachers saying I wouldn't achieve higher than a B grade, I ended up getting an A*, which I think is absolutely a testament to the tutoring I received-- I couldn't have done it without him, and couldn't recommend him more.'

A student, August: 'I had the pleasure of being taught by Josh for my A Level English Literature studies in 2024, and I couldn't recommend him more highly. He was an exceptional tutor who played a huge role in improving both my confidence and ability in the subject. He provided outstanding support across every aspect of the course, from analysing poetry and developing sophisticated interpretations to preparing me thoroughly for my exams. His explanations were always clear and tailored to my learning style, making even the most challenging texts much easier to understand. Hence, I was awarded an A* and am now thriving at the University of Bristol!'

A student, August: 'I wanted to thank you again for all the lessons and help, it really benefitted me overall and I can without a doubt say that you were a great teacher.'

A student, August: 'I'm happy to say I got an A in English and got into my firm choice uni (Edinburgh).'

A student, August: 'I wanted to say a massive thank you as I got an A* in English Literature! I couldn't have done it without your guidance and feedback - you really helped me and my concepts excel. I'm very excited to pursue literature and hope that one day I'll be able to inspire others as you've inspired me. :)'.

Diana, a parent, July: 'Josh is a first class tutor. I saw him inspire my daughter with new ideas and as a result she was accepted at Cambridge where she graduated with a starred first. He taught her to think outside of the box and was filled with endless suggestions. Not only is he extremely clever, he is so kind and gentle. My daughter regards him as the best teacher she's ever had.'

Kate, a parent, June: 'We are so grateful to you for your endless patience and how you supported [G.]. The way you ran sessions with him prepared him so well not just for the A level paper but also for this year.'

A student, April: 'As usual- thank you for your creative sessions- my assignments, and my writing, have received such grades because you inspire me to be uninhibitedly creative, which is a long process after four years of formal academic writing.'

A student, February: 'Very personalised lessons, focusing exactly on what you need to improve! You can tell Joshua loves what he does and has a genuine interest in helping you get the best grades.'

2025:

A parent, November: 'We would also like to mention how much [S.] has benefited from your lessons. Her confidence in English has grown significantly, and she has always enjoyed your classes. Thank you so much for all your guidance, support, and patience. We truly appreciate everything you have done for her'.

A student, August: 'my exams went amazingly, and I got just 3 marks short of an A* in English! I'm so happy with my grades […] Thank you so much for all your help, I really couldn't have done it without you. Also, thank you for making sure I had the most fun I've ever had studying English! I will miss our sessions a lot, and thanks again!'

A parent, August: '[L.] got an A and is absolutely thrilled!!! Thank you so so much for all your help.'

Kate, a parent, August: 'Thank you so much for all your support for [G.] this year -you were amazing. […] he only dropped 1 mark on the […] Hamlet paper!'

A student, June: '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: '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: '[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: '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: '[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: '[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: '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.'

*

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.'

*

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.'

*

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!'

*

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.'

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, a fair amount of what I say is explaining the meanings of texts. 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 is it about? And what is 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 puts 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 the following.

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.)

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 their 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.

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. Finally, it is possible that as we enter the AI age there will be a revaluing of the humanities as against STEM, since the one thing AI will never be, by definition, is human.

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Personal Description:
I'm a high-achieving graduate with a strong background in technology, passionate about both learning and teaching. With over 9 years of tutoring experience, I've helped students excel across a wide range of subjects, from Primary Arithmetic and English, through GCSE and A-Level courses, all the way to Undergraduate studies. My extensive knowledge spans core academics, arts, sciences, languages, and admissions preparation, allowing me to tailor lessons that meet each student's unique needs and goals.

I truly enjoy making complex topics accessible and inspiring a love of learning in every student I work with. Technology plays a big role in how I approach education, allowing me to create engaging, tailored lessons that spark curiosity and build confidence. By creating a supportive and engaging environment, I encourage students to overcome challenges, develop critical thinking skills and realise their full potential at every stage of their academic journey.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 9 years of tutoring experience, primarily working online but also providing private in-home tutoring. During my academic years, I volunteered as a mentor and tutor for younger students, which laid a strong foundation for my teaching approach. I have supported students across all age groups from primary and secondary levels to A-Level and university and I'm actively expanding my work with undergraduate learners.

My tutoring has helped many students achieve significant improvements, including successfully gaining admission to private schools through the 11+ exam, and boosting GCSE grades by an average of 4 grades above expectations within six months.

I cover a broad range of topics and themes across multiple subjects and educational stages, tailored to the specific needs of each student. For primary and secondary levels, I teach core subjects including Arithmetic, English, Science, Geography, History, Religious Education, Spanish, and Computing. At GCSE and IGCSE levels, I cover subjects such as Maths, English Language and Literature, Combined and Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Business Studies, Computer Science, Art and Design, Geography, History, Media Studies, Film Studies, Food Preparation and Nutrition, Religious Studies, Spanish, and Accounting.

For A-Level students, I provide tutoring in subjects including Film Studies, Health and Social Care, ICT and Information Technology, Journalism, Media Studies, Modern Languages (Spanish), Technology and Design, and Travel and Tourism. At the undergraduate level, I support academic writing, cinematics, media studies, research methods, and Spanish.

Regarding exam boards, I am familiar with major UK boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Cambridge IGCSE, and others, enabling me to tailor preparation to the specific syllabus and exam requirements. I also support students preparing for admissions tests such as 11+, 13+, SAT, and UCAS applications, along with TEFL exam preparation.

If there are specific papers or units you need support with, I can provide targeted lessons aligned with those assessments to ensure confidence and success.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is student-focused, flexible, and results-oriented. I understand that each learner is unique, so I tailor my teaching to suit individual goals, learning styles, and confidence levels. Whether students need help mastering core concepts, preparing for exams, or improving academic performance, I adapt my methods to best support their progress. I focus not only on exam success but also on building confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills. I hold a TEFL qualification, which complements my ability to support language learners effectively.

I incorporate a mix of interactive techniques, including technology-based tools, active questioning, step-by-step support and guided practice, and real-world applications to make learning both engaging and effective. I aim not just to improve grades, but to nurture curiosity, independent thinking, and a genuine love for learning. With over 9 years of tutoring experience, I know how powerful encouragement and personalised teaching can be in helping students overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Marya! I'm passionate about teaching English and Math and have been tutoring children for the past three years. I love helping students understand tricky concepts, build confidence, and achieve their goals. I believe learning should be engaging, interactive, and tailored to each student's needs. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy kickboxing, swimming, reading and cooking, which helps me bring energy and creativity into my lessons. I'm excited to help you reach your full potential and make learning a fun, rewarding experience!

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring children in English and Maths for the past three years, and it's something I genuinely love. Over this time, I've helped students of different ages and abilities improve their understanding, build confidence, and achieve their goals. I focus on creating lessons that are engaging, interactive, and tailored to each student's needs. Seeing my students succeed has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm committed to helping every student reach their full potential

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are interactive, supportive, and completely tailored to each student. I start by understanding your current level and goals then design a plan that fits you. For English, lessons usually combine reading, writing, and speaking practice, with a focus on building confidence and fluency. I also include exam techniques, past paper practice, and creative exercises to keep learning fun and effective. Whereas for maths my lessons combine practice with past papers, targeted revision techniques, and personalised feedback to strengthen weak areas. I aim to give students both the skills and confidence they need to achieve top grades in both subjects.

I adapt the pace and content to suit your needs. I believe learning should feel motivating, not overwhelming, so I make sure every session is engaging and encouraging

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Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Alexis, your approachable, results-focused tutor for English and Drama. I'm friendly and easy to talk to, with a quick, light-hearted sense of humour that remains respectful. I'm goal-oriented and know what needs to be done to reach your targets. I'm happy to work with all ages. I have my own twin boys in S3 starting their National Fives so I understand the pressures for pupils and families. I want you to feel confident going into class and into exams. In particular, I want you to enjoy the process!
I teach one to one or small groups of up to four from my home in the west end of Glasgow or online. Groups are based on level and on texts. Please just reach out to discuss your needs.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching English since 1999. I also ran a drama school. In 2017, I added drama to my General Teaching Council qualifications and began teaching drama in schools. I'm currently a visiting examiner for N5 and Advanced Higher drama, and I am also a marker for Advanced Higher assignments for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. Over the years, I've taught in many schools, starting in East Dunbartonshire and Glasgow councils during my early career. More recently, I spent nine years teaching English and drama at The High School of Glasgow. I left in the summer to take up an international teaching post, but I missed Scotland (and its weather too much!) and have returned to build up tutoring. I am experienced and have an excellent understanding of the exam standards.

Tutoring Approach:
Your goals, strengths, and challenges will guide our sessions. We'll engage with concepts through discussion, practice, and reflection.
I'll break down complex ideas into manageable steps and we'll use targeted exercises that reinforce key techniques and concepts. I'll give constructive, actionable feedback, with follow-ups to track progress. For Drama, we can work on practical as well as written. I'll follow your lead - what do you need to work on most?

I understand the methods and steps needed to reach proficiency in English and Drama. If something isn't clicking, I'll tailor a different path. We can explore multiple angles to find what suits you best and we'll adapt to your pace - slower and deeper where needed, faster when you're ready.

We'll work together by clarifying your objectives and current level in English and/or Drama. We'll create a clear roadmap with milestones and practice targets. I will use varied resources: Short explanations, worked examples, practice problems, and quick quizzes. You will gain confidence!

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Personal Description:
I am a private tutor based in Clacton-on-Sea with a focus on helping students navigate their academic goals with confidence. I understand that the pressure of exams like the GCSEs can be significant, and my aim is to remove the stress by providing clear, consistent, and structured support.
​My teaching style is practical and straightforward. I don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach; instead, I adapt my sessions to suit how each individual learns best. Whether a student needs to sharpen their exam technique, get to grips with tricky subject content, or simply build the discipline required to study effectively, I provide the tools to make it happen.
​I approach tutoring as a partnership. My priority is to keep things manageable and focused, ensuring that every session has a clear purpose. My goal is for my students to finish our time together not just with better grades, but with a solid grasp of the subject and the ability to think critically about the work they are doing.
​If you are looking for a tutor who is reliable, focused on results, and committed to a calm, professional way of working, please feel free to get in touch.

Teaching Experience:
​I operate a private tutoring business while also working as a tutor for a tutoring agency. My professional background spans twelve years of direct classroom and one-to-one instruction. This includes two years of experience as an educational practitioner teaching in China, followed by a decade-long tenure working in a school in London.
​My work involves supporting students through the full academic year, managing the transition from baseline assessments to final exam preparation, and providing consistent progress reporting for parents. I am experienced in guiding students through significant milestones, including the completion of the full GCSE exam cycle, ensuring they are prepared and organised for their assessments.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring is built on a structured five-phase framework that I have developed over years of classroom and one-to-one work. I focus on giving students a clear system to follow, which helps remove the anxiety often associated with exams.

​Content: We ensure the core knowledge is understood, not just memorised.
​Analysis: I teach students how to break down questions so they know exactly what the examiner wants to see.

​Exam Technique: We work on time management and how to structure answers to secure the most marks.

​The "Poetic Toolkit": This covers specific methods for identifying and writing about literary devices.

​The "Detective" Skill: I help students learn to approach unseen work by spotting clues and building an argument independently.

​My priority is moving students away from a reliance on classroom support. By the time they reach their exams, I want them to feel capable of managing their own workload and approaching any paper with a calm, methodical strategy.

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Personal Description:
BA (Hons) Primary Education / Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) / National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) / DBS checked

I am an experienced primary teacher with 10 years teaching experience across Years 2-6. I also have 5 years experience as an Assistant Headteacher. I specialise in KS2 SATs and 11+ preparation, with extensive experience teaching arithmetic, reasoning and problem solving, reading, writing, grammar and spelling.

£39 per hour - Free 20 minute consultation via phone or Zoom

I am happy to travel to your home or another suitable location. Journeys of more than 20 minutes may incur an additional travel charge.

Teaching Experience:
10 years experience teaching Year 2 to 6.
5 years experience as an assistant head teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is personalised and supportive. I begin with an initial assessment to identify your child's strengths, areas for development and specific support required, and continually assess and adapt sessions to ensure they are making progress. I have extensive experience supporting children from a wide range of backgrounds, including children with SEND and English as an Additional Language (EAL).

My aim is not only to improve attainment, but to build confidence, independence and a positive attitude towards learning. I believe face-to-face tutoring is the most effective way to build a strong relationship for learning and get the most out of children, although online sessions can be arranged where necessary.

What you can expect:

* Regular assessment and progress tracking, with sessions adapted to your child's needs.
* Clear communication with parents about progress, strengths and areas for development.
* Optional activities or homework to reinforce learning between sessions.

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Personal Description:
Outside of teaching, I have a wide range of interests that reflect my creative and lifelong love of learning. I play several musical instruments and enjoy a variety of creative arts including drawing, painting, crochet, cross-stitch and creative writing. I also find great enjoyment in gardening, which allows me to relax and connect with nature.
I am naturally curious, I enjoy watching documentaries and keeping up to date with current affairs.
Most importantly, I value spending quality time with my family and close friends.
These interests help me bring creativity, enthusiasm and a well-rounded perspective to my teaching, allowing me to build positive relationships with students and make learning both engaging and enjoyable.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher with a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), specialising in Religious Studies. During my secondary school teaching career, I taught Key Stage 3, GCSE and A Level Religious Studies, English and Politics as well as History and Geography at Key Stage 3. This experience enabled me to develop strong subject knowledge and expertise in preparing students for examinations while fostering critical thinking and confidence in their learning.
For the past 12 months, I have also taught across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, delivering engaging lessons in Mathematics, English, Science and Humanities subjects.
Throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse range of learners and have extensive experience supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), teaching children and young people from the ages of 4 to 19.
As a fully qualified teacher with QTS, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of student welfare and safety. I hold up to date training and certifications in Safeguarding, Prevent Duty, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Awareness and Allergy Awareness. These qualifications ensure that I am well equipped to create a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. My extensive experience working with children and young people (including those with SEND) enables me to recognise and respond appropriately to individual needs while promoting wellbeing, confidence and academic success.

Tutoring Approach:
I create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel confident to ask questions and develop their skills.
I tailor my approach to suit each student's individual needs and learning style. I encourage academic growth, by building confidence, and helping students reach their goals through engaging and effective teaching.
I believe that every student learns differently, which is why I personalise each lesson to suit their individual needs, abilities, and learning style. I take the time to identify each student's strengths, areas for improvement and academic goals, then I tailor my teaching approach accordingly.
Whether a student benefits from visual aids, practice questions, step-by-step explanations or interactive discussions, I adapt my lessons to help them learn effectively.

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