Thornliebank English Tutors and Thornliebank English Tuition

Personal Description:
NEW AVAILABILITY - FROM SEPTEMBER 8TH 2025.

SPECIAL OFFER ++++ 2 STUDENTS TUTORED ONLINE TOGETHER IN ENGLISH - £17.50 EACH ++++

SPECIAL OFFER ++++ 2 STUDENTS TUTORED ONLINE TOGETHER IN MATHS - £17.50 EACH ++++

A LEVEL ENGLISH, POLITICS AND PSYCHOLOGY.



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I have been teaching GCSE and A level students with enthusiasm and passion for more than 20 years - and I achieve great results.

I currently tutor students in English Language, English Literature and Maths - in the evenings and at weekends.

I am familiar with all of the English prose and play texts, as well as poetry anthologies and tutor students for both GCSE and IGCSE English Language and Literature.

I also tutor students in GCSE and A level Maths - and am familiar with all of the syllabi (Edexcel; AQA; OCR).

I have successfully coached a number of students for Entrance exams in Coventry and Warwickshire - for Warwick, King's High, the merged Bablake & King Henry Schools and Solihull School.

I attained my English degree (BA Honours) from Stirling University in central Scotland.

In addition to my English degree, I have a second degree in Education (1st class Honours) from Stirling University, which allows me to teach GCSE Mathematics, Sociology, Psychology and Politics.


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Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching GCSE and A level English, Drama and Creative Writing for 20 years.

I was one of the 'pilot tutors' on Warwickshire County Council's Tutoring Programme for Children in Care, tutoring teenagers across Warwickshire in literacy.

I write all of my own lessons.

Tutoring Approach:
My style is engaging and enthusiastic. I have a passion for creative writing.

I tutor in the evenings and selected weekends, and set weekly written tasks to monitor students' progress.

A normal GCSE lesson lasts one hour, but I can offer 90-minute or two-hour sessions for AS/A level students.

I also specialise in creative writing workshops, and am a published author, contributing to a number of paid-for UK magazines.

I also tutor online via SKYPE and MICROSOFT TEAMS.

I have had excellent recent successes. In the most recent 2024 summer exams, four of my GCSE students scored A** (level 9) grades in Language.

All of my last four A level English students scored A grades.

I have also successfully tutored many students who have been accepted into Solihull School. Warwick School and King Henry/Bablake School in Coventry.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a very approachable, professional warm person. I have the ability to build a rapport quickly with students and enjoy seeing a child's learning bloom to their full potential. I use humour to keep the learning a fun activity.
I am very experienced in Primary Education and can support children with their SAT'S work.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 20 years experience of working with primary aged children both on a one to one and group environment.

Tutoring Approach:
I will have an initial meeting with a new student to find out their abilities and requirements and proceed from there, taking into account the child's individual learning style.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Specialist in GCSE English who gains excellent results in both language and literature. Current Head of Year.

Can teach both Edexcel and AQA English language and literature.

I have completed an LLB Law degree and have furthered this by undertaking a Legal Practice Course. Having previously worked as a Legal Representative for the Home Office I have now left the legal profession; I am now a full time English teacher at a secondary comprehensive school in Dartford. I also volunteer as a local Magistrate. I made the decision to change career as I enjoy working with young people and I feel that tutoring is something that is underrated and hugely beneficial. I have a full enhanced DBS check.

Teaching Experience:
I currently have 12 years experience of one to one tuition.

Having left the legal profession I am now a full time English teacher at a secondary comprehensive school.

I offer tutoring in GCSE and KS3 English; Post 16 Law and IB Film.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that tutoring is a very important concept for some children. Students benefit hugely from one to one information and reinforcement; and it may be a far more effective learning strategy than classroom teaching. I think it is important to first gain an understanding of where a child's strengths and weaknesses lie, in order to focus on the areas which perhaps need improvement. I also value a child's input as they are good judges of what they feel they do well and what they may need help with. The tutoring sessions will move at a pace that the child is comfortable with, and help with homework and coursework will be available. For GCSE and A-Level tutoring of desired essay structuring and revision strategies can be discussed and learned, as these are often overlooked in schools.

I feel that tutoring outside of school may help improve a child's confidence within a school environment, be this in the work itself or in class discussions and for them as a person. It is not always easy for a child to speak up at school, and if they do not understand this may result in them falling behind. As a tutor I am able to reinforce school work at a pace more appropriate for the level of your child, and allow them to develop and learn in a way that is suitable and enjoyable for them.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I was born into a French-speaking family and have spoken French my entire life. I have a BA from the London School of Economics in French and Linguistics. I have also lived in France for several years. I have taught French privately for over 20 years and many of my students achieve very high standards. I am very dedicated to my students and try and get the best out of them and build their confidence. One mother with five children of differing ages from 6 years old to 18, where the children were attending Harrodian in Barnes said that her children told her I "was the best French teacher they ever had" - that works for me! I can turn the most hopeless student in French into a budding linguist.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching privately French for over 20 years from beginners to University students as well as adults has given me a great deal of experience across different goals and varying levels. I teach spoken French for those who only want to simply speak the language as well as grammar for those who need to take exams. I work with University students to achieve top grades in dissertations and essays or oral exams. One of my recent students was told by her lecturers she would get a 3rd in her degree ended up getting a 2:1 - not bad eh? I love French literature so if you are studying a piece of literature, I will be able to guide you through the book. I sing with some of my students as I find singing is a wonderful way of learning a language especially where vocabulary is limited. Other students need to listen to French radio in order to accustom the ear to current spoken language and we work together to understand what is being said. I will be the best French teacher you will ever have. Try me!

Tutoring Approach:
I begin by assessing the pupils strengths and weaknesses and then plan lessons to suit the individuals needs. The most important aspect is for the pupil to enjoy the lesson so learning French is a pleasure and not a chore. I also spend time teaching exam techniques as these are as important as studying the language itself. I move away from parrot fashion teaching and ensure that the individual has the rudiments of French and is able to create sentences and has the confidence to put pen to paper.

Subjects

Personal Description:
When I was a boy I was taught by people who were larger-than-life characters who dominated the classroom. They made clear to us boys what was expected of us and that if we didn't make the effort we would simply not achieve the rewards.

As a teacher, I share the same ethos. I expect pupils to follow my lead and work to the best of their ability.

I spend a lot of time reading and thinking.

I think it was George Bernard Shaw who said that 2% of people think, 3% think they think and 95% would rather die than do any thinking at all!

Sadly, I think that over the last thirty years dumbing down and inflated grades have shown how accurate Shaw's assessment was.

I see my role as one of reversing the tide of apathy and mediocrity and encouraging pupils to value themselves as individuals each with unique potential.

I finally achieved my educational potential because I came to see intellectual growth as the only sure path to happiness and fulfilment.

Helping pupils reach the same understanding about their full intellectual potential is my vocation and the foundation on which I build all my one-to-one tuition relationships.

Teaching Experience:
After teaching in the UK Primary and Secondary sectors as well as managing English and History departments in three international schools overseas, I now devote my time exclusively to private tuition.

My experience includes 12 years teaching English and History to GCSE and A level in the UK secondary system and eight years teaching the same subjects to the same levels in international schools in Italy, Egypt and Kenya.

During this time I have always had a number of students on my books for home tuition to provide extra help in Primary, Secondary and University level subjects.

My English GCSE students last year all achieved A-C grades and my A level History student achieved an A (predicted C after Year 12) and is now at university. In previous years, my A level History students have never achieved less than a C and in 2014, I had a student who reached A* and is now studying the subject at Exeter University.

Tutoring Approach:
My experience has led me to believe that one-to-one tuition is the best way to educate pupils. It brings them to the realisation that the whole point of education really is to set us free. It's not easy for a student to discover this when confined every day in a class of 30 or more others! Learning to think independently as an individual, and to read and write fluently enables pupils to participate fully in society, to achieve their full potential and thereby become happy, confident adults. Once the student is enthused and inspired by a tutor to think for themselves there is only one way forward.

I like to encourage pupils to develop independent thinking and logical analysis. Too many schools are teaching the children WHAT to think when they should be teaching them HOW to think. Naturally, many pupils become disengaged and even some of the most talented are simply going through the motions rather than actually studying. This lack of motivation together with highly inflated grades means that many of our youngsters are leaving school with minimal reading and writing skills. Indeed, few now have the aptitude for doing much reading, thinking or writing at all.

I like to build up the student's confidence by establishing their strengths first. Thereafter I identify weaknesses and gauge the student's awareness of them and motivation to put them right. Above all, I encourage my students to read widely and with full concentration. My best students learn to read closely and publish their reviews on Amazon. Aside from the huge adrenaline run, the boost in confidence and proficiency students get from seeing their writing in print is awesome to behold!

To put it simply, when they're reading they start succeeding!

Homework set weekly by me will always involve reading, thinking and writing. My feedback will always concentrate on reinforcing the idea that the writing process never ends with the last full stop. I expect students to read back their work to ensure that their writing communicates their meaning clearly and fluently. Editing with the focus on making the right word choices, organising sentences with the words in the right order and structuring longer writing assignments into coherent paragraphs are all priorities schools are increasingly neglecting thereby greatly hindering the life chances of their pupils..

Once the student and I have agreed which areas need improvement we use lesson time to extend the student's competence and skills by undertaking thinking and written assignments that allow the student to develop these.

Weekly homework set will advance and reinforce the skills the student has been encouraged to bring to the lesson.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Thank you for looking at my profile.

I want to see young people thrive within the learning environment and achieve the best of their ability.

In my previous school I was subject leader for drama. Writing the schemes of work for key stage 3 and 4 (GCSE). Leading the department, monitoring progess, scaffolding learning and applying independent learning plans for students to ensure that they reach their full potential.

The recent class that I taught for GCSE achieved 70% 3 levels of progress and over and 30% 2 levels of progress, beyond the national average.

I believe the key to learning and retaining information is for the student to believe in themselves and their knowledge.

PGCE Secondary Drama

QTS

Teaching Experience:
I have a great amount of experience within the educational system. I have worked with a variety of students. Special needs students in both primary and secondary school settings. I have done a vast amount of work with pupils with self-esteem issues and challenging behaviour. In addition, working with gifted and talented students.

I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching key stage 3 and GCSE English. I understand the challenges of this subject and how students may need extra support to excel.

I have taught Drama to both GCSE and A-level students, I have supported students through course work and controlled assessment.

I have worked in various schools in Sheffield and Birmingham.

I am currently teaching in a Sheffield secondary school.

I have worked with primary school children, building confidence and challenging behaviour. In addition literacy ( children with dyslexia).

Tutoring Approach:
To work with the student on identifying the areas in which their are struggling to reach their full potential and why. Whether it is because they are struggling to understand or they lack in confidence in the particular subject. I would then work with the student to build the gaps in their knowledge and build confidence through interactive and individual learning. A combination of both styles of learning secures knowledge and the belief that the student has the knowledge.

The students progression will be monitored through continual assessment.

The student will also be a part of self-assessment to recognise their own needs and development.

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 my most recent private tutee's mother has to say about my support for her son, who has just completed his GCSE English language and literature exams:

"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 the full-time teaching post I held for 23 years, I decided to continue teaching by becoming a private tutor, because I love teaching.

Formerly, I taught 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 rigorous 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 one 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 improve their standard and 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.

In my last full-time teaching post, which I held for 23 years until my retirement in 2014, I taught English Language and English Literature throughout the school: to pupils aged 11-14 at Key Stage 3, to pupils taking GCSE exams, and to sixth formers taking AS and A level English.

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 can't bring myself to stop completely, I have been 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 find it hard to say no to anyone who asks me, so I am busy, but like it that way because I never see teaching as a chore or "just a job."

I have been tutoring students following a range of different GCSE courses and examining boards, including Edexcel IGCSE,mCambridge IGCSE, and AQA GCSE courses, both language and literature qualifications, and also the Edexcel combined A Level Language and Literature, and also Edexcel English Literature . My tutoring role includes assisting my tutees with close study and revision of a wide range of set texts, 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 private tutees gained English language and literature grades that exceeded their school teachers' expectations in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 GCSE exams, achieving grades ranging from C (D predicted) to A* (B predicted). In summer 2017 , one of my private tutees achieved a grade A in IGCSE First Language English through working with me exclusively during Year 12 and resitting independently, having achieved only a D in Year 11, which - without improvement - would have damaged his chances of admission to a good university.

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'm a vivid, enthusiastic English and Turkish languages teacher and musician. Languages and teaching are my passions along with my qualifications, so my students have always been content with our interactive lessons.

Having completed my undergraduate degree at Bogazici University, English Language and Literature Department, I had my MA degree at Royal Holloway, University of London, Department of English.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching English and Turkish languages to various levels of students and various age groups have always been my primary occupation.

I'm a qualified English teacher with CertTESOL Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages- TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON. + Cambridge DELTA Qualified.
I teach English to students from the beginner level to advance, special qualification English Exams such as FCE, IETLS, First Certificate as well as to native speaker, primary and secondary school students for Key stages 1-4, GCSE, A Level and AS Level.
Furthermore, I'm a Turkish native speaker entitled with a bilingual linguist. The same teaching areas, beginner to advance, GCSE, A Level and AS Level, for students who wants to improve their Turkish.

Tutoring Approach:
My methods are based on inductive presentations, more students talking time than teachers talking time and loads of interactive activities which I'm taught during my teaching experience and most importantly during trainee education.

It is never boring and never passive for either the student or the teacher.

Subjects

Personal Description:
🌟 SPACES NOW AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER/SEPTEMBER 2024 🌟 ONLINE SESSIONS ONLY

Hi there! 😄 My name is Shel and I'm a passionate English Tutor (UCL Graduate) with over 10 years of experience teaching English Language & Literature to a wide range of ages (GCSE, A-Level, University and Adult Learners) 🚀 I also teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL / TESOL) and have taught abroad in Thailand.

I have in-depth knowledge of the UK National Curriculum and specialise in English Literature/Language (Additional subjects Media/Film Studies, History, Theatre). I also offer services in essay writing/proofreading, functional skills, 11+ exam practice, TEFL, and university applications.

🤔 Why Work With Me? 🤔

With me, you're not just getting a tutor, you're getting a mentor and a coach who will be dedicated to supporting you with your learning and helping you improve your confidence for success. I also make sure to tailor my lessons to your individual learning needs (SEN and Neurodiverse-friendly lessons).

I would love to be part of your academic journey and help you reach your goals as your English Tutor and Mentor! Don't hesitate to message me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

I have a high pass-rate, and countless testimonials praising my engaging and tailored teaching style! I can offer a complimentary 30-min lesson so you can even see for yourself that you won't be disappointed! 🌟

Teaching Experience:
With over 10 years experience as a professional tutor, I am confident that I can help you or your child go from under-confident to thriving! Over the years, I have guided a number of struggling students to exceed their predicted grades; many of which went on to study at top universities.

I also have experience working with young people as a film & theatre workshop facilitator - creating engaging lesson plans is something I do best!

I Can Help You:

✅ Improve your Reading Comprehension Skills
✅ Master your Essay-Writing Fluency (incl. Dissertation Support and Proofreading Services)
✅ Strengthen your Creative Writing Skills
✅ Improve your Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar
✅ SMASH those exams! (School/University Entrance Exams, GCSE, A-Level, University)

🤔 Why Learn with Me? 🤔

✅ Tailored to YOUR Individual Learning Style
️✅ Primary, Secondary, GCSE/IGCSE, A-Level, University
✅ AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Cambridge IGCSE, WJEC
✅ Flexible & Affordable Sessions
✅ SEN & Neurodiverse Friendly
✅ Very High Success/Pass rate - students have really gone from D grades to A* (see testimonials in my photos)
✅ An engaging and interactive teaching style

Tutoring Approach:
If you decide to work with me, you'll be getting more than just a tutor! I'm also a passionate Mindset Coach who loves to teach my students about the power of the brain and HOW to learn better. I believe that learning is a highly individual experience, and ensure to cater to my student's learning style. love to use visual stimuli and technology to aid learning but also value the more traditional tutoring approaches such as regular tests, setting homework tasks and detailed note-taking (I always tell my students that you are 40% more likely to achieve something if you write it down!)

🧠 About Your Lessons 🧠

🎓 Taught by a UCL Graduate with OVER 10 years of Experience
🖥️ 1 Hour Online Sessions via Google Meet
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Individual or Group Sessions Available
🖼️ Interactive Lessons with Visual Learning Materials
🧠 Confidence & Mindset Coaching
📈 Progress Tracking


SET TEXTS:

POETRY ANTHOLOGY & UNSEEN POETRY (AQA, Edexcel, OCR Poetry, Cambridge Poetry Anthology)

SHAKESPEARE

Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, Othello, A Midsummer Night's Dream, King Lear, Hamlet, As You Like It, The Tempest, The Winter's Tale, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar, The Merchant of Venice, Troilus and Cressida

LITERATURE

Of Mice and Men, Jekyll & Hyde, Great Expectations, Jane Eyre, Pride & Prejudice, A Christmas Carol, Frankenstein, Lord of the Flies, Animal Farm, An Inspector Calls, A View from the Bridge, Things Fall Apart, To Kill a Mockingbird, Blood Brothers, Silas Marner, Woman in Black, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, The Empress, Whale Rider,

AND MANY MORE!

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Only Online Sessions are Available.

Flexible Monday to Sunday Availability.

Don't hesitate to contact me for more information!

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

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

Tutoring Approach:
Face to face
Resources supplied

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Personal Description:
I have wide and successful teaching experience, high expectations of myself and of all my students and a deep love of language, stories and teaching. I have kept up to date with educational research and can therefore offer the best evidence-informed practice to make a real difference to the children I teach. I believe passionately in the power of reading for pleasure as a lever for improving academic success and have converted hundreds of children into confident, independent readers.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for over 20 years, in state and independent schools and in every year group from Year 1 to Year 13. I have also tutored children 1:1 and in small groups to prepare them for 11+ exams, senior school scholarship exams and to help them keep up if they are falling behind. I have even assisted university students with their dissertations. I am therefore as confident with students of A level Greek as I am helping young children who are struggling with phonics. My students have a track record of success in exams but also learn to love learning.

Tutoring Approach:
Experience has taught me how to adapt teaching to a student's individual needs, experiences and interests. Tutoring is powerful because it is tailored, so I offer personalised lessons which will support, engage, encourage and challenge my students. For English, I generally write my own tuition resources which are adapted specifically to suit the needs of an individual child. For 11+ preparation, I use some published resources to assess where children's strengths and weaknesses lie but then provide my own materials for teaching. For Latin or Greek, I would use courses to structure language learning but, again, supplement this with my own materials.

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Personal Description:
My name is Ngum-Agnes, I am 18 years old. I live in Cardiff and am currently studying Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and French at A level.
I received all As and A*s at GCSE and A Levels and all A*s in the subject I am tutoring in.
I like to think of myself as friendly, polite and patient.

Teaching Experience:
I have had tutoring experiencing in the UK for over a year now in French, English, Mathematics, and Science.

I recently volunteered at children's orphanage in Africa where, among other things, I taught the Ethiopian children English. Doing so taught me the effectiveness and importance of patience and empathy when tutoring, as well as giving the pupil time to think through things in their own way.

Tutoring Approach:
I make sure to explain things slowly yet effectively and take time to understand the pupils way of learning and adapt my teaching in that way. I ensure that I am patient and friendly when tutoring and try to create a relaxed and calm but attentive atmosphere. I like to create a bond with my student so that they feel comfortable when learning but also eager and unafraid to ask questions when they do not understand.

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Personal Description:
I am a friendly, creative and dedicated tutor, whose key area of focus is English Literature A-level (Edexcel; AQA), English GCSE (AQA; Edexcel; OCR; Eduqas) and English IGCSE (Edexcel) tuition. I have a strong track record in helping students achieve their hoped-for grades (up to 9/ A*).

I aim to support students in their exam preparation and technique, understanding and analysis of texts, essay writing (A-level) and coursework (A-level).

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in education, in both mainstream and SEN settings, for six years; I have a BA HONS. 2.1 in English and European Literature (University of Warwick).

Recently taught A-level drama, prose and poetry texts include: Othello, A Midsummer Night`s Dream, Twelfth Night, A Streetcar Named Desire, Doctor Faustus, A Doll`s House, Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights, Mrs Dalloway, Hard Times, The Handmaid`s Tale, Never Let Me Go, Atonement, The Great Gatsby, Skirrid Hill, The World`s Wife, the poetry of John Donne, John Keats and Chaucer, as well as Romantic Poetry, the Edexcel Poems of the Decade anthology and the AQA pre-1900 anthology. I am able to support students in their analysis of unseen prose and poetry.

I have experience teaching GCSE Language reading and writing across the main exam boards. GCSE Literature texts have included (but have not been limited to): Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, An Inspector Calls, Blood Brothers, Lord of the Flies, A Christmas Carol, Jekyll and Hyde and Jane Eyre, as well as board-specific poetry anthologies.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a pupil-centred approach to tutoring, consistently tailoring my teaching to the requirements of each, individual student.

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Personal Description:
Engineering Graduate First Class. 20+ years of experience in IT and software. Experience in banking, software testing, project management.

Teaching is my hobby. I have worked with UK students and also from students from India. I am open for online lessons for students from any country.

Teaching Experience:
Tutor for primary school students. Software testing trainer. Experience in assisting various software technologies and certification.
I have successfully sent 11Plus students to top grammar schools.

Teaching is my hobby. I have worked with UK students and also from students from India. I am open for online lessons for students from any country.

I have proven and successful eleven plus experience.

Tutoring Approach:
Classroom, online, at home. Objectives set as per strengths, weaknesses and goals.

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Personal Description:
Being an ambitious primary practitioner and currently as Assistant Headteacher for over 20 years across a wide range of schools and having taught in the 3 Key Stages, I believe that ALL children should be inspired to live their full potential.
Ofsted deemed me to be 'outstanding-extremely innovative, purposeful with impressive teaching'. Through intervention work, as well adopting a systematic approach for teaching and learning, I have obtained a proven track record of leading effective improvement strategies to raise standards and outcomes for pupils of all abilities . Being a year 6 teacher, I have raised children's outcomes in reading, writing and Maths in their Sat's examinations and ensure that every individual that I work with makes excellent progress.
Working with pupils of different ethnic backgrounds is a strength and I have been commended for strategies implemented whilst working with pupils with Special Educational Needs. I create achievable smart targets using progress plans for all children.

Teaching Experience:
I have an exemplary set of skills for teaching all children from ages 5-11 years in English and Maths. I have taught in a variety of Primary School settings for over 21 years, as well as tutored 1:1 for 8 years. I offer bespoke packages of learning to children from ages 5-11 years and have a sound knowledge of the National Curriculum at all levels. I support children with special educational needs and offer bespoke 1:1 tutoring to enable them to make progress as well as supporting children who either require academic intervention and /or those who are aiming for a higher standard of education. This is achieved by identifying need and developing their abilities by target setting and thorough teaching of knowledge and skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that small group or 1:1 bespoke tuition can and does enable children to flourish and thrive. With an intense school curriculum being delivered within schools, tutoring offers both children and parents an opportunity to develop educational knowledge and skills at a pace suitable to the child. This ensures that academic gaps are diminished and children are able to make progress either more in line with age related levels or to a higher standard. I use a variety of tools to aid me to deliver quality teaching including a number of online ICT resources. Taking on a metacognitive approach, the children that I work with are engaged and interested in their learning. For children that require additional support, I use concrete resources as an aid. I also revisit learning and teach new skills as the children develop over time.

Being a full time teacher, I am available evenings and weekends and can offer online or face to face tuition This can be either in my home or yours (dependent on travel).

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Personal Description:
My name is Kierri & I've been a professional tutor for the last 15 years. I genuinely love to learn and believe I learn as much from my students, as they do from me. I'm a writer & a poet & though young people don't always favour these topics, I believe my passion for English, really inspires and motivates students and if they don't catch the inspiration for learning, their grades naturally raise as they go along. So it's a win win for me and for the student.

Teaching Experience:
I've dedicated my professional life to teaching & I much prefer teaching students one on one. They get the generalised teaching at school & then they get the attention they truly deserve in the comfort of their own homes. Schools teach students to pass exams, I tutor to encourage a love for learning and overall development. I've been dedicated for 15 years and have taught hundreds of children and adults, of all ages and at all levels and abilities - including children with SEND needs.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is tailored to the individual in front of me. If they need a conservative, structured lesson or a more casual, relaxed environment - then that is what they will have. A completely personalised experience, yet not stuffy or boring. Students must take a role in their own learning & not feel like they're under constant authority. Every student learns in a different way and I adapt my teaching style to suit each person.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Duran.
I'm originally from London but spent most of my life in Canterbury, Kent. After completing my studies, I moved to Asia, where I taught English to students of all ages, from kindergarten to adults. I'm passionate about teaching and have had the chance to work in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and China. Over the years, I've become a patient, culturally aware teacher, developing a unique style that tailors lessons to each learner's needs and abilities.

Teaching Experience:
With specialist training in ELT (BA), IELTS and TOEFL Test Prep, TEFL/TESOL/TEYL, and SEND. I was honored to be recognized among the top 10 global teachers for one of Asia's leading online teaching companies. With 14 years of experience and a language school I founded in Thailand, I'm here to help you enjoy learning. Join me for a class that will change your outlook and keep you excited to learn more.

Tutoring Approach:
In my classes, I like to use visual effects, pictures, audio, and video, depending on the course and type of lesson. Materials are custom-made for specialist courses like pronunciation and accent reduction, while IELTS, PET, and Cambridge courses follow a structured curriculum based on the course syllabus.
Thank you for reading my profile, and I look forward to meeting you in a class soon!

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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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