Troon English Tutors and Troon English Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced, friendly and approachable lady working on a freelance basis and am still involved with High School teaching in the Leeds area. I worked in industry before deciding to fulfil my ambition to become a teacher.


My experience as a private tutor has been extremely rewarding over the years and I have seen every one of my students go from strength to strength, and am proud to say that they have all enjoyed the one to one experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have twenty years' experience of teaching English in High Schools -class teaching and one to one tuition. My expertise also incorporates teaching English as a second language having gained a Trinity qualification in Barcelona.
Over the years I have had considerable success with a variety of students, improving achievement levels and GCSE grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very friendly person who tries to make learning fun. I understand the frustrations of young people who are demotivated and struggling to make sense of the English curriculum. My view is that there has to be a two way process and I will encourage the student to develop independent learning skills.

Practising a holistic approach allows young people to achieve their full potential through an appropriate tailor-made study plan. This will support their individual needs and requirements for personal and educational development.

I am happy to teach students in my home or the student's-depending on distance. Travel expenses would be charged if not in my local area-LS17 (North Leeds).

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Personal Description:
I am friendly, enthusiastic, patient and flexible. I am also hard-working and extremely reliable.
I enjoy working with children and adults alike!

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified Primary School Teacher with over 10 years experience (both KS1 and KS2).
I can provide tuition/ support/ exam preparation in any primary subjects. Having a degree in English and having been Maths coordinator for a number of years, I can provide high quality tutoring in these two subjects. I am also able to provide tuition in primary Science and any other areas your child may need help with.

In addition, as a native speaker of French, I can offer language lessons tailored to any level, whether you prefer informal conversation classes or more structured sessions to practise a range of skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe it is essential for any learner to feel relaxed and motivated and I work hard to stimulate and inspire my students. I am particularly aware of the difficulties encountered by children with special educational needs. Whoever the student is, I am always keen to obtain feedback and suggestions on how to make the sessions more suited to their needs.

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Personal Description:
I am a professional in my 30s with degrees in English & Italian Literature (BA 2:1, Warwick 2000) and the History of Medicine & Science (MA Merit, Birkbeck College, University of London). I also hold a CELTA qualification in teaching English Language to adults.

I am a friendly and open teacher and get on very well with my students. I have a car and will travel.

Proof-editing: contact for rates.

In addition to teaching I also offer a proof-reading service so for university essays / research proposals / writing projects, please do contact me for rates.

Teaching Experience:
I have spent the past three years in Germany teaching English as a foreign language to university students and business professionals. I am CELTA qualified and have a flexible approach, adapting my style to suit my students' needs. One to one teaching was my preferred method. l

Before I went to Germany in 2014, I had been a English and History tutor for ten years.

Please note that I am not a PGCE-qualified teacher. My focus is on the required skills rather than the syllabus as set by the school. This method has proved very effective time and time again.

I hold a German CRB, in due time I will replace this with a UK one.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to proof-editing / English checking is to look primarily at the language. For some clients - university students in particular - it is not appropriate to offer an editorial service as this goes against the rules of university submissions. However, where I think a mistake has been made or something is not clearly expressed - and it is not a simple matter of correcting the language - then I will flag it up to the student so they can look at it again.

My main aim with my tutees is to build their confidence and enthusiasm for the subject. To this end I concentrate on teaching the skills they require to achieve the grades they want. My role is not to replace the teaching they get at school but to compliment it so a tutoring session could concentrate on planning an essay the student has been asked to write or going through specific areas the student needs help with. I won't necessarily give homework - unless required - as I feel students have enough to do without me adding to their workload.

In return I expect my students to engage with the sessions. They don't have to like the subject and of course I'm there to help those who don't understand some things or just need a little help or encouragement, but the student must be prepared to be tutored.

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Personal Description:
My Profile:

Graduated from Leeds University in Genetics and have a deep passion for science. After leaving University, I have worked in the Computing and IT industry to Project Manager level, mainly for large blue chip financial companies such as General Accident (now Aviva), Standard Life, Bank of Scotland, GE Corporate and others. In 2004 I decided to return to my original love of science and gained a PGCE teaching qualification to teach science.

It is my aim to transfer my passion and love for science to my students as well as an understanding of the subject in order to enable them to AIM HIGHER and ace their exams.

Building on my science qualification, I gained a PGCE teaching qualification from Huddersfield University to become a qualified teacher of science in 2005. Following the successful completion of the PGCE, I rapidly achieved the position of Programme Manager and gained extensive experience of teaching Biology, Chemistry, Physics, BTEC Applied Sciences (Medical Science, Forensic Science, Health and Social Care), Access to Nursing, Access for Medical Professionals and Foundation Degree (Biology). The teaching experience has been in schools, Sixth Form Colleges and Further Education Colleges in Warrington, Leeds and Manchester.

Teaching Experience:
Building on my science qualification, I gained a PGCE teaching qualification from Huddersfield University to become a qualified teacher of science in 2005. Following the successful completion of the PGCE, I rapidly achieved the position of Programme Manager and gained extensive experience of teaching Biology, Chemistry, Physics, BTEC Applied Sciences (Medical Science, Forensic Science, Health and Social Care), Access to Nursing, Access for Medical Professionals and Foundation Degree (Biology). The teaching experience has been in schools, Sixth Form Colleges and Further Education Colleges in Warrington, Leeds and Manchester.

I have been providing select 1 to 1 private tuition in all areas including English, Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Media Studies and Physics.

I am able to tutor from primary, secondary (including entrance exams) through GCSE, A Levels, BTEC (Level 2 and Level 3) and Adult Foundation Degree level.

Tutoring Approach:
The tutor is the expert in subject knowledge and learning but it is the tutee who has the paramount role in their own education and excelling in their subjects. I firmly believe that the role of a tutor is that of a catalyst and the child's role in their own learning is of greater importance. I aim to guide the tutee to learn in a structured manner that so that the child does not waste their time jumping from topic to topic, randomly browsing a bit here and a bit there, as often happens. To do that, as tutor, I will facilitate their learning on a 1 to 1 basis so that they may gain a deeper and greater depth of knowledge of the subject. I will provide the subject knowledge expertise and transfer my knowledge to the tutee in a manner and at a level that is appropriate to the tutee but pushing them beyond their limits to the next stage. To achieve that grade "A*" a GCSE tutee should be able to understand basic AS Level material. For an A Level tutee to achieve the highest grades at A Level they should be able to cope with University first year material with ease. It is my aim to enable my tutees to achieve these goals.

I will work to improve the child's self esteem, self belief and confidence in their ability to do well. As a trained hypnotherapist I am particularly qualified to boost a child's self-esteem. Once the tutee is confident in their subject knowledge, then we will work on exam techniques and exam practice in order to enable the tutee to ace the exams and significantly improve their grades.

I will work with each tutee on an individual basis and adjust the tuition lessons to their needs. There is no standard one size fits all model with me. Homework will be set to enable the subject matter to be reinforced with some self-learning at home. Exam practice will be key to enable the tutee to become proficient in their exams and achieve the highest grades. Exam technique contributes significantly towards exam success. We will always work to enable the tutee to AIM HIGHER.

I am also able to guide sixth formers with their UCAS applications and personal statements.

At all times parents will be involved with the learning of their child so that they may guide and support their child's education and monitor progress. Parental involvement is also a major factor in the child's success.

For the science lessons my aim is to include as much practical work as is possible, where this is feasible in a tuition setting, keeping safety of the child of paramount importance.

If your child is quiet and shy or is in a mediocre class or is just coasting along or is struggling to achieve the grades required to get into the University course of their choice, whether it is Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacology, Engineering, Computing, Optometry or other science course, then tuition with myself will enable them to boost their grades and give them the advantage that they need. Honest school teachers will tell you that it is the noisy and disruptive pupils that get their attention, whereas the quite shy hardworking pupils tend to get neglected. Busy school teachers just do not have the time or energy to devote to helping their quieter or weaker pupils and it is these pupils that especially benefit from extra personal tuition. On the other hand a brighter pupil may be so far ahead of his or her peers that the teacher is just not able to give them the attention they need. A good tutor will help guide tutees who want to learn to get ahead and avoid becoming disinterested or bored. Why leave it to chance?

It is never too early to start boosting a child's education. For primary school children it is important that they get a good start to their education and do not lag behind. A tuition boost will enable them to get into a better school or a higher stream set so that they do not have to struggle or get left behind when the come to do their GCSE and A Levels.

I also have experience of vocational courses such as the BTEC and Applied Science courses and I am able to provide the additional guidance and support required to ensure that your child achieves Distinctions rather than passes in their assignments. It is not my policy to do the tutee's coursework for them but to help, guide and support their research and provide constructive feedback.

Tutees will be required to complete all assessments and homework on time in advance of the relevant lesson.

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Personal Description:
I am a 36 year Deputy Head Teacher living in Glasgow. I relocated from Blackpool 12 years ago! I have a degree in drama followed by a post graduate degree in primary education from Lancaster; as well as various sports coaching qualifications.

I am able to teach a variety of subjects and I have also taught maths up to national qualification levels.

I am GTC registered as well as PVG cleared to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Teaching Experience:
I am a primary school teacher but I also have experience of working with high school aged children, particularly in maths. Most of my experience comes in the 5-11 age bracket.

I have worked in both England and Scotland and I currently hold a post as a Principal Teacher within North Lanarkshire. I have a particularly good knowledge of phonics and helping children develop strategies to enhance their reading skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I have high expectations of children as I believe this then fills them with the confidence to push themselves to achieve. I enjoy working with children and like to teach rather than give worksheet after worksheet, I like to use a mix of interactive resources along with more traditional approaches. I am also willing to set and leave homework if that is required.

I enjoy working one to one with children and find it really rewarding seeing the progress children can make in this environment.

If you find that you are out of my tutoring radius you can still contact me and I will try my hardest to accomodate you.
My hourly rate includes travelling costs so there are no hidden charges, however if you are out of my usual radius of travel this can be discussed.

I am available any weeknight after school hours and have some weekend availability too. Sessions usually last an hour, with around 45-50 minutes quality tutoring time, allowing time at the start/end of session for feedback with parents.

If you have any questions please get in touch!

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Personal Description:
I am an Australian who lived in Spain for 20 years before moving to the UK as a permanent resident.
I studied Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, worked as an artist for several years before deciding on a career in the catering industry.
I worked as a cook/chef for a few years before moving to Madrid, Spain to teach English to students of all ages and work as a part-time tour guide/manager for an English company.
I also do Spanish/English translations and am currently writing online educational material.
I teach online English for a Polish company and offer private tutoring in Spanish, EFL, Creative Writing and Art.

Teaching Experience:
20 years English teacher to native Spanish speakers, online classes to people of all nationalities.
Private tutoring in Spanish to all ages and arts and crafts to 3-12 year olds..

Tutoring Approach:
My classes are catered to the students' needs. I tend to prefer teaching young children with a more dynamic, creative and hands-on approach, incorporating various mediums such as art and crafts, story writing, plays and puppetry and simple film making.
However, if the student requires help with homework or exam preparation, then the classes are catered to those needs.
I am friendly and accessible and kids seem to respond well to my teaching techniques. :)

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Personal Description:
I am an engaging secondary school teacher of English and English Literature in the Cambridgeshire area. I achieve outstanding results by making the learning relevant and easy to understand for the student. I clearly have a passion for my subject and have secure differentiation skills. I go above and beyond for my students, building a successful rapport which aids the learning experience.

Teaching Experience:
I taught at Impington Village College for 8 years, at Ely College for two years and four years at Neale-Wade Academy, March. I was nomintaed for a local hero award for contributions to teaching in 2017. I have been nominated for the Cambridge University Teaching Awards 2024.

I have a degree from Kingston University, Surrey.

I completed my Graduate Teacher Placement with Cambridge University.

I have various other teaching-related qualifications through Cambridge University.

Tutoring Approach:
Simple and memorable approaches and techniques to understanding the exam papers/tasks. Building a good rapport with the student and giving them a personalised experience in order to make good progress.

Recapping and building on the progress made in the previous lesson. Giving the students confidence with spelling, grammar and punctuation. Using effective resources and setting further learning tasks when needed.

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Personal Description:
In 2025, I completed a PhD at the University of St. Andrews. In December 2026, I will publish an 100,000 word research monograph, John Clare's Modern Eco-Poetic Legacy in English, with Routledge.

I can teach English National 5, GCSE, A Level and University level.

I am a highly intelligent (Oxford-educated), extremely passionate, and endlessly empathetic tutor. I have been tutoring for three years and I guarantee that you will not regret working with me. I can push anyone up several grade points with my deep commitment to teaching and education.

I used to work in Wakefield as an English teacher but I left because of my desire to focus on tutoring and writing. At the school, I was a highly valued colleague who ran three after-school clubs: a BSL Club, a Playscript Club and a Debating Team.

I have a First Class Honours degree in English Literature (with a lot of French) from the University of York and a Masters' degree in Nineteenth Century Literature from St. Benet's Hall, University of Oxford. I am also a journalist writing for The Guardian, Catholic Herald and The Tablet. I also write creatively - my poems have won contests and appeared in publications such as Amethyst Review, Ink, Sweat & Tears and Ancient Paths. I have a blog, Squidditas, which showcases my writing skills, reinforcing the huge amount I have to offer as an English, French, History and R.S. tutor.

Previously I worked in care and I worked for a homeless shelter in North London, meaning I have a high level of empathy and a highly "person-centred" response to tutoring. I also worked for the University of York in the Disability Service, where I helped disabled students with their academic needs.

Teaching Experience:
I have seven years of experience of tutoring children from 11 to adults. I used to work as an English teacher in Wakefield.

I have mentored disabled students in the University of York and have tutored many people privately before, as well as worked in schools on projects discussing homelessness.

Tutoring Approach:
I do not believe in tutoring people mechanically or with a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. I believe in a truly mutual approach where we work together to understand each topic. I am firm and will do everything I can to ensure I can pass on my knowledge.

I am able to offer a concession of £20. This is only for first-generation migrants, who I have a strong commitment to supporting. If you are not a first-generation migrant, please do not try to barter with me as I am already charging a very low rate for my services given my experience and education. I can absolutely guarantee you will not find such good value for money in terms of commitment, passion and the level I am able to teach at (as well as the range of topics I am able to teach.)

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic tutor who has a degree and NVQ level 5 in Youth and Community Worker with 11 years post qualifying experience educating hundreds young people informally and outside of the classroom in groups and 1-2-1 in all sorts of different locations. I have a Level 3 teaching and assessment qualification. I have very good Maths and English having used them to study to degree level and in Youth Work Management. I have an active interest and knowledge in History, Geography and Religious Education having studied them to A-Level meaning that I am very knowledgeable in each of those subjects. I am a highly competent musician and sports person with Grade 5 in piano and music theory and having coached Football, Badminton, Tennis, Chess, Table Tennis.

My greatest skills are in building professional relationships, communication, building self-confidence and social skills, developing motivation and this is what I have been doing for over 15 years for hundreds of young people that I have met as a Youth Worker.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years informally educating young people through qualifications and certifications.
I have over 9 years experience of teaching youth work and assessing it.
I am a Functional Skills tutor at Level 1 and 2 in English and Maths.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is student centred - focused on the students strengths and development points and work alongside the student to build confidence and trust so that the student can excel. My style is quite relaxed yet challenging for the student so that the student engages and to increase the students enjoyment and understanding of the material and why they are learning it. My approach is very thought through and meticulous, carefully considering: personality and learning styles as well as the preferences of the student. I provide a lot of explanation and am able to explain things in many different ways.

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Personal Description:
Hello my name is Anne-Marie, I am from Ireland but have been living in the UK since 2004. This is now a place I call home. I realised I had a flare for imparting knowledge when I became a basketball trainer at 15, working with Primary and Secondary pupils. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, saw the progress the pupils I trained had made and knew from that moment that teaching was my vocation as it was and is so rewarding. I now have a 5 year old son who loves reading and writing. He can articulate himself well and it's truly a joy to see. It's amazing the wonder a child sees in learning.

Teaching Experience:
From September this year I have been teaching English, Geography and RE at Beckfoot School in Bingley. I am a tutor as well (GCSE English, KS3 English, Maths and Science). As well as that, I am an EAL teacher to Chinese children online. In the past I have taught English up to GCSE at Laisterdyke Leadership Academy and English and French at Pudsey Grangefield School. In addition to this, l have taught Spanish and French at Carr Manor Community School. I taught the same subjects at St. Bede's and St. Joseph's Catholic College in Bradford from September 2017 to May 2018. Prior to that I was teaching French and Spanish at Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School (formerly a Language College). In addition, I assisted students to prepare for the GCSE German exam. As well as my teaching responsibilities, my pastoral duties included being a Year 10 form tutor. From February to December 2016, I was a teacher of French at Key Stage 3, Spanish at Key Stages 3 and 4 and was responsible for a Year 9 form at Queensbury School. From September 2015 to January 2016, I taught German at Key Stages 3 and 4 and French at Key Stage 3 at Oakbank School in Keighley. I previously worked at Rastrick High School and Sixth Form College where I was a teacher of French at Key Stage 3 and Spanish at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. I also taught German and PSHCE to Year 9 students, and Accelerated Reading to Year 7 pupils. Four years ago, I was a Year 11 form tutor. This role entailed planner signing, reading and guiding pupils on college and career choices as well as helping them with exam revision skills. During registration, I covered some PSHCE topics and encouraged my tutees to write reviews on the books they were reading in order to find out more about their interests and consequently get to know them better. My form was involved in fundraising activities and have participated in assemblies. As well as that, I have mentored a PGCE student on how to become a form tutor and in addition I had a GTP student in my Key Stage 3 and 4 Spanish classes. In 2015 whilst on maternity leave, I taught Spanish to Years 2 and 6 and French to Years 3 and 4 at a local Primary School on a voluntary basis.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to use an approach that suits the students I teach. I discuss what needs they have and what their interests are and work from there. I like to be well-prepared yet flexible when necessary. I like to do kineasthetic activities to keep the students engaged in their learning and use a variety of resources to enable my students to gain as much confidence when speaking, reading writing etc.

I also create an environment where my students feel safe and at ease when learning meaning they are not afraid to make mistakes and are keen to build on this and see that mistakes are evidence of effort.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A-level results, August 2024:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*

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

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

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

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

Speaking

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading

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

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

Writing

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

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

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

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

Why study English?

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have an excellent ability to analyse pupil's needs in a preliminary session as well as in the ensuing teaching which enables me to create a teaching plan to support any weaknesses or extension that may be required. I can do this quickly and capably.
I have a range of teaching styles and skills that I can use to differentiate between the needs of the different key stages and to engage with pupils according to their personality. Where appropriate, I like to use practical materials to reinforce concepts if necessary.
I can extend pupils beyond the average expectation to higher, or I can support through concepts that need understanding in order to attain average expectation.
I am extremely organised and efficient. On the other hand, I can be flexible and fluid, depending what style might be needed for the individual pupil.
I have a huge bank of tried and tested resources both in my head, on computer and on paper. I am always keen to find new ways of supporting pupils, tailored to their favourite topics and hobbies where possible.
I am a good listener so that I can understand the concerns and important issues of parents/carers and the pupil themselves.
At the same time, I am confident in being able to talk to families about their needs and issues.
I am studying on an extended creative writing course with the National Centre for Writing affiliated to the UEA.
I have two adult children and 7 grandchildren whose ages range from aged 3 to aged 12. I am often called on to help their understanding of English and maths concepts or to help them with their humanities projects.
I have a comfortable, spacious home where teaching can take place. Parents are always welcome to sit in on any sessions providing it doesn't affect pupil behaviour.
I have travelled within all seven continents (yes, including Antarctica!).
I love reading and all different kinds of music and dance. I love nature, particularly birds.
Most of all, I love working with children and I love teaching.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 40 years in a variety of settings ranging from areas of poverty and social deprivation to academic private schools. I have worked in large city schools with over 300 pupils and village schools with 40 pupils.
I have worked with all year groups from Reception to year 6.
I have been responsible for maths throughout the whole school and acted as deputy and head of school when needed.
I ran a British Council Comenius project where I worked with schools in Poland and Northern Spain. This involved visits, taking year 6 pupils to Warsaw and Oviedo.
Over the last 15 years, I have been working on a one-to-one scheme where I work with individuals or groups within the school setting in supporting and extending pupils' abilities. I have been successful in helping schools to attain above average scores in KS2 SATS and in building confidence for the future as well as supporting children with anger management needs.
Prior to that I worked in the Junior Department of Norwich High School for 17 years.
I have a current DBS and can provide references where needed.

Tutoring Approach:
I have covered a lot of my approach in the paragraph above "About Yourself" as I feel that my teaching and my personality and interests are pretty much entwined!

I would like to add that my approach is one of flexibility and understanding based on huge banks of experience.
I can coach to a higher than average level or support where the building blocks have been missed.
I have no problem in supporting pupils with challenging personalities and adapting my teaching style to meet their needs.
Apart from providing the necessary teaching concepts, I offer a sense of humour, dedication, acute awareness of needs and hope to provide confidence and instil a sense of exciting, extension and pleasure in learning.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced English tutor, teacher and GCSE examiner in both language and literature. I am fully qualified to teach students aged 14+, and I also work with KS3 on the path to their GCSE year.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor visiting students at home since 2011, tutoring at KS3, GCSE and A level. Since 2014, I have also worked at a tuition centre in Luton, where my duties include planning and delivering full GCSE English language and literature courses, as well as an A level language/literature combined course. I have marked English language exams for OCR since 2016, and English literature exams for AQA since 2018. I am fully qualified to teach students aged 14+.

I tutored several students online during the pandemic, from 2020 onwards, some privately and some organised through the tuition centre I worked for. I have tutored KS3, GCSE and A level students online.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer relaxed, informal sessions based on students' individual needs. As an examiner, I know several tips and tricks to help you hone your skills for GCSE English exams.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Welcome to my tutoring page! My name is Roisin and I'm dedicated to helping students not only grasp the material but develop a true love for learning. With a focus on English and Biology, I bring enthusiasm, patience, and a kind, supportive approach to each session. I believe that every student has the potential to excel when given the right guidance, and I'm committed to tailoring lessons to suit individual needs. I value learning from mistakes and see them as a powerful part of growth. As a hard worker, I take pride in creating a positive, encouraging environment that helps students build confidence and reach their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
While I may not have extensive formal teaching experience, I have had the rewarding opportunity to volunteer and assist students with their schoolwork. Through this hands-on experience, I've helped children improve their understanding of subjects like English and Biology, guiding them towards better grades and increased confidence. I've always enjoyed working one-on-one with students, providing personalized support and encouragement. These experiences have shown me how impactful patience, clear explanations, and a positive attitude can be in helping students overcome challenges and succeed academically.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is centered around fostering a positive, encouraging environment where students feel comfortable learning and growing. In English, I focus on helping students refine their own writing style, teaching them to be clear and concise while also nurturing a genuine love for the subject. I aim to expand their creative and analytical abilities so they can approach writing and literature with confidence. For Biology, I like to break down complex concepts into simple, foundational ideas that students can build upon. This way, they gain a deep understanding from the ground up, which strengthens their overall knowledge. I don't believe mistakes are a setback-they are a part of the learning process. I encourage students to learn from them, using each challenge as an opportunity to improve and grow.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am 48 years old, young at heart and a professional English Teacher

I enjoy writing spoken word, poetry and songs. I have recently found out that I can write songs and can sing! I am going to release a commercial record about a health condition with Basil Gabbidon from Steel Pulse very soon! Basil Gabbidon created one of the most popular reggae bands in 1975 in Birmingham, England. The song is in a rap, poetic style with some singing.

I enjoy teaching English and meeting new people.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching student's in England and around the world for five years. I have taught face to face in Schools, Academies, Adult Education Centres Businesses and on line for five years.

Tutoring Approach:
My name is Heather and I have been teaching English on line and face to face in England and in Spain. I work with children and Adults. I can teach English and Business English.

I like to be interactive with the student and can focus in on any particular area that is needed. You may choose to have a conversational type lesson with error correction and pronunciation or a more prescriptive approach, for example grammar or for a specific English Exam.

Please feel free to discuss your needs with me.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am Head of Department in a very successful boys school which has a mixed sixth form, and as a teacher with 26 years experience, I am committed to helping my students and tutees grow in confidence to realise their true academic potential in English. I am very proud of the fact that I lead a department in which our student pass rates at GCSE are consistently in the top 10% of the country.
I also have an interest in supporting the mental health of the young people I teach and gained counselling qualifications in order to be a better and more informed support to them. I have worked one to one with some of our students over the years within this capacity.
Although I have always taught English Literature at A level, in recent years I have taught English Language A level and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English Language and English Literature at both GCSE and A level across a range of exam boards and I am very confident about what is needed for pupils to be successful at these levels. My own students have consistently achieved grades considerably higher than their predicted grades and those whom I have tutored in the past have also excelled beyond predictions in exams.
A good lesson should leave a student or tutee feeling that they have not only enjoyed the lesson but that they want to do well and try hard. I aim to plan lessons that are interesting and that support students through the necessary skills needed to make progress.

Tutoring Approach:
After assessing the strengths and weaknesses of my students in order to target what skills they need most to develop, I can structure the lessons to support them. I come to lessons prepared with the necessary resources in order to utilise the time we have effectively. As an English teacher, I have exam board resources that may not be available to other tutors and I am able to share these with students. Using model answers or model paragraphs is a particularly effective tool to support students in developing their own answers and this is something that I regularly utilise with the students that I teach.
It is important to develop an effective exam technique and this is something that I work on with GCSE and A level students so that they are more confident going into their exams. In addition, I will always leave some homework for tutees to complete and give them feedback on this in the next session.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced English and History tutor specialising in 11+ and 13+ entrance preparation, GCSE and A-level tuition, and independent-school admissions.

I have delivered more than 6,500 hours of one-to-one tuition and have over 16 years' tutoring experience. My academic background includes a BA in History and an MA in Cultural History, and I have also taught undergraduate seminars. I have extensive experience in assessment and examining, including work as a Senior Examiner for the British Council.

I particularly enjoy working with students who need to develop confidence, independence and intellectual curiosity, as well as ambitious students who need to be stretched beyond the standard curriculum. My aim is not simply to improve a student's next grade or entrance-exam result, but to make them a stronger reader, writer and thinker.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English and History from upper primary through to A-level, with particular expertise in 11+ and 13+ school admissions, GCSE English Language and Literature, GCSE History, and A-level English Literature and History.

I have prepared students for admission to leading independent schools including Winchester College, Hampton, Abingdon and St Mary's Ascot, as well as a wide range of other selective schools. My admissions teaching includes English entrance examinations, ISEB and other pre-tests, interview preparation and the broader academic skills students need to thrive after gaining a place.

At GCSE and A-level, I combine detailed subject knowledge with extensive assessment experience. I teach students how to analyse texts and sources precisely, construct convincing arguments, plan effectively and write with clarity and sophistication. I am familiar with the requirements of the major examination boards and adapt lessons closely to each student's course and objectives.

I have taught students with a very wide range of abilities and personalities, from those who have lost confidence or developed gaps in their knowledge to highly able students aiming for the highest grades and most competitive schools.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching is highly individualised. I begin by identifying what is actually preventing a student from progressing: this might be a gap in knowledge, weak analytical habits, difficulty organising ideas, lack of confidence, inefficient exam technique or simply not having been sufficiently challenged.

Lessons are active rather than lecture-based. I use questioning, discussion, modelling, targeted practice and immediate feedback to make students think for themselves. Instead of simply supplying an answer, I break difficult skills into manageable stages and gradually remove support as the student becomes more confident and independent.

In English, I place particular emphasis on close reading, vocabulary, analytical thinking and developing a controlled, engaging writing style. In History, I help students move beyond memorising information towards understanding causation, significance, change, interpretation and the construction of evidence-based arguments.

For entrance examinations and interviews, I avoid teaching students to reproduce formulaic responses. I develop the underlying comprehension, reasoning, communication and writing skills that enable them to respond confidently when faced with unfamiliar material.

Above all, I want students to understand why something works. Good tutoring should produce more than a short-term improvement in marks: students should leave with better habits of thought, greater confidence and skills they can transfer to new subjects and challenges.

Subjects

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

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

£45 per hour - Free 20 minute consultation via phone or Zoom

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

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

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

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

What you can expect:

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

Subjects