Swindon English Tutors and Swindon English Tuition

Personal Description:
I have recently completed Year 13 at Pate's Grammar School. I have studied History at both A Level (Witchcraze, US Civil War and Westward Expansion and the Mid-Tudor Crisis and the Elizabethan Period) and GCSE level (Britain: Power and the People, the Interwar Period 1918-1939, Elizabethan Period and Russia 1980-1945). I have also studied Government and Politics at A Level in which covered UK and Government, Ideologies (Socialism, Conservatism, Liberalism and Feminism) and Global Politics.

Teaching Experience:
I have several paid teaching experiences. However, I have experience tutoring a Year 11 student to help them prepare for their upcoming exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I have found that in essay subjects it is helpful to break down each question that could come up in an exam into the assessment objectives required. I hope to help the student realise how to meet these objectives in their essays under timed conditions. This can be achieved through essay plans and mind maps once the content has been reviewed.

Subjects

Personal Description:
hi :) my name is Ana and I am a Portuguese native speaker my second language is English. I live in Uk for 12 years where I've taken English course . My main language daily is English at work, at home.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutoring for over 5 years now. I have being tutoring adults, children and teenagers to achieve their gcse and even famous football players. People have been searching for me for short time classes so they are able to travel and understand the foreign language.

Tutoring Approach:
I understand learning a new language is not easy and also can be frustrating, but reassure yourself I am happy to repeat every matter until you understand and I will assess your difficulties and make sure you can overtake any challenges you may encounter during your tutoring time. I am flexible with availability to teach you , we can work on your pace. Depending what are you looking for, I will provide materials so you can understand and can reach your goal successfully. I do tutor online mainly but I'm willing to travel if you live nearby and for a extra cost.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher having been awarded a PGCE from the University of Cambridge. I also have a First Class Bachelors degree. I previously taught at Queen's College Preparatory School, London and now teach online for Eton College. I am a member of the professional body for tutors.

I have four young children of my own and enjoy working with children and helping them to become interested in and succeed in school work. All of my children attend UK independent schools and I have extensive experience in this sector.

I have helped students prepare for and succeed in gaining entry to top UK selective schools at 4+, 7+, 11+ and 13+. I have also successfully helped students obtain full academic scholarships to several independent schools as well as helping those secure a place who find exams difficult. All lessons are online via Zoom.

Teaching Experience:
Qualified from the University of Cambridge with a PGCE. I taught for two years at Queen's College Preparatory School, London before starting private tuition. I have been tutoring for 15 years in English, Maths, Science, Reasoning and Interview Skills. Further private tutoring for 4+, 7+, 11+ and 13+ School Entrance Exams, Scholarship Exams, Common Entrance Exams and the ISEB pre-test. I also provide guidance on school selection and have written a guide to the top independent schools in the UK and their admissions processes. It is never too early to start preparation for competitive school entrance exams and many students prepare for several years.

Tutoring Approach:
Tailor made approach for each individual suited to help students get the best grade possible in exams. Homework is given after each lesson and feedback is provided to parents. My students have several online learning tools that they can use. One is very similar to the ISEB pre-test and another is an online reading platform where thousands of books can be read along with comprehension, spelling and vocabulary questions.

I teach online using Zoom and have helped UK and international students prepare for entrance exams to selective schools such as Eton, Harrow, Radley, Wycombe Abbey, Westminster, King's College School, Magdalen, Guildford High School, St Paul's, Downe House, Winchester, Brighton College, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, City of London, Hampton, Concord College, North London Collegiate, The Perse, St Edward's, Charterhouse, Marlborough and Cheltenham Ladies' College. I regularly use WeChat and WhatsApp to communicate with parents that are overseas so I can be easily contacted. I have extensive experience teaching children from all over the world who do not have English as a first language. I have taught children in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, The USA, The UK, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Dubai, The Seychelles and The Maldives.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am mum to two boys, both who have flown the nest. I miss them greatly now that they are based in London but try to visit as much as I can. I love to shop and also exercise, especially pilates. Oh and I do love to cook!

Teaching Experience:
I studied at Dundee College of Education where I gained a Diploma in Primary Education. This was a three year course. I then took another Certificate in Early Years. After leaving College, I taught in both the state and private primary sector. I left teaching to have my children and then to nurse my youngest child who was quite sick for a few years. Once his health was better, I started working as a tutor from home or going to the client's house to tutor. I now tutor seven days a week. I have experience in Maths, Language, Phonics and Grammar. I also tutor children in preparation for entrance exams in to the independent sector, which includes Verbal, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, Language and Spelling. The children I have tutored have all had great success, many going forward for a scholarship.
I have an online Dyslexia touch type programme which has had tremendous success. Many children, with the school's permission , come to be tutored within school hours.

Tutoring Approach:
I always believe that the child should feel comfortable with the person they are being tutored by and build up a good relationship. Tutoring is not only about helping the child to succeed but also for them to gain confidence and self belief. I have various methods of tutoring from written work, reading and oral work. I also have a computer available where we can work from. eg online games After each lesson, I give the child homework to be completed for the next lesson.

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have over 20 years teaching experience, having taught at schools, colleges, and having lectured at Universities. I have been a private tutor for over 20 years and am familiar with the curriculum in the subjects of English and History, and I am also familiar with the many AS and A level courses and degree modules which are on offer in relation to these subjects. I am fully CRB checked and will provide an easy going one-to-one approach in my lessons. I have years of experience at assisting in dissertations and coursework projects - from proofreading to more creative and constructive assistance.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 20 years teaching experience in private tuition, schools, colleges and Universities. My wide range of experience enables me to adapt to the required needs of the students, and allows me flexibility in my teaching approach.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is relaxed and flexible, allowing the student to guide me in providing for their educational needs. I can be available at most times and have excellent references which can be submitted if needed.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Enthusiastic, dedicated, specialist English tutor with 30 years of teaching experience and strong results record at all levels.. Examiner for Sats, GCSE and A' Level. Head of Department and School Literacy Coordinator. Patient and focused on helping students to improve their skills, enjoy the subject and get the grades they deserve.

Teaching Experience:
During my teacher training year, I worked in a primary school, a grammar school and a boarding school where I taught English, Latin and Greek. My first teaching job was teaching English and English Literature to A' Level. Following the outstanding results of my A' Level classes, I was promoted to Head of A' Level English. I was also the Course Designer for all key stages, Assistant in Gifted and Talented and Line Manager of the Learning Resources Centre and the Integrated Learning Suite. I then became Head of Department and School Literacy Coordinator. The examination results of students dramatically improved under my leadership. I have worked for the examination boards Edexcel, AQA and CCEA , examining SATs, GCSE and A' Level papers. I also have recent experience teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Tutoring Approach:
I begin by getting to know the student and identifying their learning needs. Lessons are objective based to achieve desired learning outcomes, improve skills and achieve target grades or better. I aim to make lessons focused, enjoyable and interesting. I love teaching and there is nothing better for me than to see a student improve, gain in confidence and get the grades they deserve.

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Personal Description:
I am British, Married with two children (Grown up) both are employed after their Master Degrees.

I was graduated from Newcastle University followed by various professional qualifications A Chartered Engineer with Fellowship. I served in the British Merchant Navy for many years. While I was working in West Africa I engaged in teaching voluntarily (in my free time) English Maths and Science, to children of all ages. This made me interested in teaching. Soon I realised that this was what I wish to do after ending my career overseas. In 1998 I ended my career overseas and decided go in to teaching. In 1999 I took up teaching as a full time private tutor which I continue up to date.
I am a registered Tutor of Fleet Tutors, which is one of the most reputed private teaching agencies in the Country and I was elected as the best Tutor of the Year. I am also a registered Tutor of Abacus Tutors In Berkshire and UK Tutors.

Teaching Experience:
Full time Private Tutor (mainly one to one but occasionally group) from 1999 up to date. I set very high standards and my students have always been achieving very high grades (A and A*) in all the subjects been taught

Tutoring Approach:
Initial assessment followed by structured and tailor made teaching programme to suit and meet individual needs. All lessons are kept in line with what is taught in the school and in line with the National Curriculum. Progress of the pupil is repeatedly tested by regular home work and monthly mini tests. Parents are kept well informed through out the course of studies.
Substantial amount of revision and past paper questions are done prior to the examinations. No of mock tests are carried out to ensure that the pupil is fully prepared to achieve highest grades in the Exam. Nearly all my pupils over the years have continued with me until they entered the University of 1st choice. I have quite often prepared the students successfully for entrance exams for top schools such as Eton, Harrow, Cheltenham, Wickham Abbey Wellington, Kendrick etc ......
Short Profile
Masters Degree in Engineering from Newcastle University, is an experienced (over 15 years) full time Tutor who specialises in tutoring
Maths English and Science in KS2 Level,
11+ in Maths, English and Science.
13+ tuition in Maths and two sciences Physics and Chemistry
Maths, Physics and Chemistry at KS3 and GCSE level,
Maths at AS and A2 levels, Physics at AS and A2 levels and Further Maths in AS and A" levels.
University 1st Year Maths
I also possess experience with teaching and tutoring dyslexic students and has had some experience with autistic students

Subjects

Personal Description:
I hold a First Class Honours degree in English Language and Literature (University of St Andrews) and a Doctorate / PhD in English Literature (University of Leeds).

In the recent past I have worked as a University Professor in English and have published books and articles on English and Media. Some of these are standard set study texts. I have also served as an Examiner and as a University Admissions Tutor. I am qualified to teach under the PTLLS scheme.

Dr Ian is based in Birmingham / West Midlands and has been described as friendly, patient, sympathetic and approachable. Tuition is offered to improve exams and coursework for school, college, or University. Recent work has included AQA GCSE and A-level Engish Language and Literature.

I am also able to provide support if you are new to the UK and want academic editing and proof-reading for you MA, MSc or PhD.

Teaching Experience:
I have undertaken teaching and training in Schools (Primary and Secondary) and in the University Higher Education Sector (to Post Graduate level) over a period of twenty-five years.

During that period I have worked with very gifted students as well as children and adults who have needed special support in order to reach their full potential. Recently I have work with PhD students from India, Poland, Jordan, Iran, China, Pakistan, Japan, and the UK.
My specialist areas are English Language and Literature; Study, Exam and Revision Skills. Short, intensive 1-to1 courses are available for exam revision and exam technique. Reduced rates are available for longer contracts, or for students living in the locality.

Tutoring Approach:
ONLINE teaching only.

My teaching is always adapted to YOUR specific needs and is informed by critical and creative strategies that have a proven track record.

I work in partnership with YOU in order to identify YOUR most urgent needs and and the goals to be achieved. Together we address issues of motivation and the acquisition of key subject study skills. The process builds on creative strategies for self-improvement which leads to enhanced enjoyment and success.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic and flexible teacher who likes to encorporate a range of styles and approaches to help my pupils achieve their full potential. I believe in tailoring support and approach to the individual learning needs of my students and provide a safe and creative environment in which to learn.

I have taught in Year 6 for over 10 years and work in a good school with good SATs results.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a variety of primary schools over the last 18 years and am currently a senior manager and Year 6 teacher in a large primary school. I have experience across all primary phases and have worked with a wide range of abilities and special needs.

Tutoring Approach:
I am dedicated to encourage and enable children to learn and achieve their full potential. Success, even in small steps is paramount to build self esteem and confidence and I believe that this is a key part of my teaching style.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a passion for creative writing and literature, and have taught ESL, Business, and General English along with English for Academic Purposes, IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation. I also teach focused reading, writing, listening and speaking communication skills classes, as well as pronunciation and creative writing classes. I teach GCSE and A Level English Language and English Literature and can plan focused lessons in particular areas which need closer guidance. I am also an AQA GCSE/A Level English Language/Lit examiner.

I teach all ages, from 3 years old to adult. Over the past 10 years, I am proud to say my students have gained excellent results in their A Levels, GCSEs, IELTS, Cambridge and Trinity examinations.

My passion for teaching and world culture has taken me around the world and so I am experienced in teaching English to children and adults from a multitude of backgrounds and faiths. I have also supported and taught English to refugees from across the globe.

Prior to teaching, I spent 7 years working as a Practice Manager for a well-known town planning consultancy. I have recently acquired a publisher and my first novel will be published in early 2026.

Teaching Experience:
I am a First Class (1:1) BA (HONS) Creative Writing graduate (Birkbeck, University of London). I graduated the MA in Creative Writing at Goldsmith's, University of London with Distinction. My portfolio was longlisted for the Pat Kavanagh Prize, awarded each year for an outstanding piece of work from the Goldsmiths MA in Creative Writing programme.

I am also a Cambridge-qualified English language teacher with a pass 'B' CELTA (on average, only 23.56% of over 10,000 candidates worldwide receive this pass 'B' every year) and have over 10 years' experience. I have taught KS3/KS4 GCSE English for seven years.

I have taught ESL and English Literature all over the world including Ecuador in south America, China, Italy and Holland. My last permanent role was as EAL Lead and Teacher of English to KS3 and KS4 at Harris Invictus, Croydon ("Outstanding" Ofsted rating), and prior to that, I was at an all-boys Catholic school (the 12th best state school in the country) in Purley. I teach all examination boards including OCR, AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge. I have worked in many schools London-wide, in East and West Sussex, and have excellent pupil management skills. I am firm and fair but also fun, and my students never seem to forget me (nor I, them!).

In terms of ESL, I have taught in many schools worldwide, and significantly, I designed and coordinated the English programme at The British School in Quito, Ecuador. I also taught Business and Academic English to the executives of multinational companies in China. Between 2012 and 2018, I taught summer classes for the UK's no1 ESL school, Wimbledon School of English.

Tutoring Approach:
It is important to get to know and understand my students' needs, strengths and weaknesses; why they need extra tuition and what their timeline or deadline or objective is, if any; I will then tailor the lessons to suit. I actively encourage my students to immerse themselves in language in all its' forms. Learning doesn't stop when the lesson stops. I set homework relative to each students' needs and set learning objectives accordingly. By working together, we can ensure that learning aims become positive and successful achievements!

My classes and lessons are interactive and I try to use realia and real life situations to model language and grammar. I use contemporary and classic fiction and a range of non-fiction texts. I also use lots of visual activities and promote literacy and good computer and handwriting skills too. I believe that whilst it is important to pass exams, learning experiences should also have a good dose of fun, at all ages!

Subjects

Personal Description:
Retired, deputy headteacher of a primary school in London. I have been tutoring now for 10 years.

Teaching Experience:
Taught in primary and secondary schools for 34 years. Over 20 years experience as a deputy headteacher. Have taught the full age range of primary school but mostly KS2 (age 7-11). My main role over the last 15 years has been a Year 6 SATS teacher so I have lots of experience for SATS preparation. I also did a lot of work in booster groups in Maths and English, moving children from level 3 to level 4. I have now been tutoring for a year with children aged between 7 and 14. For the last 3 years I have been a Key Stage 2 SATs marker. I can also tutor GCSE maths foundation level.

Tutoring Approach:
My main aim is to improve the ability of the children in the subjects chosen. Most of my tutees find the one-to-one personal touch invaluable because it allows me to quickly identify the areas of difficulty and devise a learning programme to meet these at a pace which the tutee finds comfortable. Many of the parents have commented that one-to-one sessions have rapidly improved the tutee's confidence and has frequently resulted in them being moved up groups in the classroom. Other parents have asked me to prioritise my teaching time working with their children on school homework. I like to create a friendly but purposeful atmosphere. I always give time to the parents at the end of each session so they are kept completely informed about my aims and strategies. I have years of experience and all the relevant materials to support the children in these subjects.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can see more reviews in my testimonial section below.

MORE ABOUT MY TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

TUTORING EXPERTISE

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


A selection of TESTIMONIALS

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

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

GCSE:

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

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


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

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


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

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

A LEVEL:

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUILDING A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH MY TUTEES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


FEES

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

Fees for other tutoring categories on request.

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I work in tutoring, teaching and PhD proof-reading. I am currently working in local colleges as an English GCSE teacher. I am currently tutoring students in English GCSE and A-Level.

I am also tutoring younger students in their creative writing. I am interested in drama, poetry and art. I have performed spoken-word poetry in Manchester and headlined a couple of nights.

I have 12 years' experience teaching A-Level and GCSE English, as well as tutoring and teaching Latin. I also have experience of teaching English to other language speakers. I have also worked with adults taking the written elements of practical exams, such as massage and nail-tech.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked for six years as a tutor to students aged 10 and over, helping with English, Maths, Latin and Creative Writing.

For the past ten summers I have taught university entrance and study-skills at Southampton University, helping students to improve their essay-writing and critical reading.

I am also confident in being able to explain English grammar and writing structure in a fun and interesting way and I can also help students prepare for university courses and to study A-Levels and Access courses.

I have also taught Latin, Study Skills and GCSE Maths. I have designed and run a Latin evening course, as well as several programmes of creative writing for children.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make lessons interesting and encourage students to work creatively. We can work together to discuss an upcoming or recent exam and look at the strategy. We can also look at the syllabus and decide which aspects to focus on. Often it helps to work on structure and on managing time effectively in exams.

I believe that learning can combine fun and practical skills, such as self-editing, lateral thinking and creativity. These skills will help students pass formal exams through overall writing confidence.

Students need to enjoy the subject in order to understand it fully. When they approach questions from a position of confidence and relaxation, they can answer them more effectively. This sometimes involves discussion of the topics involved, especially when studying literature.

A tutor works best when they are providing an alternative to school-based education and a good tutor will enable their student to explore around a topic and to discuss any particular issues and concerns.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have years of experience teaching piano and can also teach guitar to beginners level.
Flexible on musical styles and student's requirements, whether it is to be put in to a graded exam or just being helped with their repertoire.
Cromer and surrounding areas.
1 to 1 lessons preferably at pupil's address but can arrange to teach at home or even online.

Teaching Experience:
Years of piano teaching.
Some experience teaching guitar.
Years of English teaching to Spaniards.
Some experience teaching Spanish.

Tutoring Approach:
Flexible on students needs.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I sincerely believe that each student can thrive in English given the right approach and attention, and so I left full time secondary teaching to become a self-employed personal tutor. I am now highly sought after and love helping secondary students to go beyond everyone's expectations in attaining grades they didn't think they could reach! This isn't something I do on the side or just to earn a little extra money like most tutors - who are also often unqualified, inexperienced and have never marked a GCSE. This is my profession, and my full time dedication.

Teaching Experience:
I am a full time professional tutor and qualified English teacher with over 7 years of experience. I am a specialist in the English GCSEs and am partnered with a qualified AQA examiner. Together we have achieved great pass rates with students from every background imaginable - many of whom were initially convinced they couldn't pass in English - and helped countless students exceed their expectations, go beyond their teacher's predicted grades and attend the schools, colleges and universities of their dreams!

Tutoring Approach:
I believe each student needs a tailored approach that works for them. Teachers are overwhelmed with paperwork and chores that prevent them giving your child the attention they need to achieve everything they are capable of. I know as I used to be one of those teachers! Each student needs a different approach, and that only comes from a private tutor.

What works for all students, regardless of age or background, is the attentive care and guidance of a tutor they trust and respect. I will provide constant feedback and show your child that they are making steady progress to build their confidence, and I love nothing more than showing parent and child the great progress being made!

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi! :)
I am a fully qualified, DBS checked amd s
Safe Guarding trained Primary school teacher with QTS. Experience of all year groups and abilities from SEN to Higher (nursery to year 6). Dedicated and experienced. Specialise in Maths and English.

Teaching Experience:
5 years full time teaching experience in all year groups- currently in Early Years as a Reception teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
Online tutoring through Zoom , Skype and Microsoft Teams

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