West Wimbledon English Tutors and West Wimbledon English Tuition

Personal Description:
I have a good personal manner ,giving confidence to my students. I am semi-retired and enjoy the countryside painting ,reading and sport.Have a crrent CRB.

Teaching Experience:
I have twenty five years of teaching experience in primary ,preparatory and secondary schools. My main subject is maths but I have also taught ICT ,Business Studies and EFL.

Tutoring Approach:
Giving confidence to my students is very important and is a springboard to success.Having a plan with achievable targets is useful.Building a good relationship with discussion as to progress and reliability is important.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2017 in Economics, and before that did a post graduate Mathematics masters at the University of Warwick. My academic credentials are very good, having achieved 5 As at A Level - the top marks, including 100% in various mathematics exams, when I took them in 2008.

If you are looking to apply to Oxbridge or another Russell group university, I can provide better tuition than someone who has not been to Oxbridge and does not know the system.

I have been tutoring Mathematics at all levels from GCSE to university for 3 years. I have also tutored English at GCSE level.

As my full time career I work as a consultant within Big4 consulting having worked for Parliament for 5 years prior. I am able to offer career guidance having worked both in consulting, banking and politics. My time in Cambridge means I can give guidance about Oxbridge applications.

I was also a school governor at Chingford Academy and as a result have knowledge of the current GCSE curriculum. My fees have not changed over the last 10 years I have been tutoring.

I hope you will choose me.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring Mathematics at all levels from GCSE, A Level and even university for 3 years. I have also tutored English at GCSE level.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is very student centric - focused on the needs of the student. If I believe theory is lacking, I will explain the theory in a comprehensive way. If I believe application is missing, I will go over many questions, guiding the student through them. I have a mix of my own questions and past paper questions that I use. As the exams draw nearer I will focus more on past papers.

I also give each student, if they or the parents want it, activities to do which I will mark at the next session. This is like homework except I will try to make it more engaging and fun. None of my activities are generalised - I will base each on what the student requires. For example, in the past my activities have ranged from book work, to a problem solving puzzle to solve over the course of the week, to an essay, to even a relatively light exercise of reading any magazine article and giving a presentation on it.

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Personal Description:
I work as a Solicitor, working in a busy High-street Firm. I have been working for 10 years. I have been tutoring for the past 7 years and it is something I enjoy immensely.

I am able to obtain all exam papers and mark schemes, in order to help the students.

I am very patient with my students and can keep a calm temperament. I will assist my students in any way possible, in order for them to reach their maximum potential.

As a person, I am very approachable and like-able. This is also my approach as a tutor as I aim to make my students feel comfortable. All the students I have taught have provided me with positive feedback, as they have enjoyed sessions and feel they can relate to my style of teaching.

I am also able to provide sessions in order to assist with coursework deadlines etc and general English speaking and writing.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring for 7 years, with a wide-range of students, from GSCE to Degree level. In addition to this, I have continued tutoring my younger brother, who has now completed his LLB and he further provides me with constructive feedback and the up-to date course material.

I have taught around 40 students, with varying abilities levels, although I have succeeded in helping them improve.

Tutoring Approach:
I take tutoring very seriously and approach each student on their own merits. I am recently qualified I'm my area for work, therefore my approach to teaching is relatively up-to date and contemporary. My recollection of School confirms that the classes in which I excelled, were the ones where the teacher would take an active-role in class. I have incorporated this into my teaching method. I have an individualised teaching approach and adapt my style to the student's needs.

If any students require one-off sessions, for help with coursework or exams, I am able to provide this.
With the exam period forthcoming, I have experience in going through exam techniques and revision methods.

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Personal Description:
I'm 43 years old and live near Bordon, Hampshire. I have been speaking French and Italian for about 20 years. My degree and my Masters degree are in History with Italian and Museum Studies with History respectively and I am very passionate about all of these subjects.

Teaching Experience:
I used to teach English as a Foreign Language in Italy both to large classes and giving one to one tuition and have also reached A-Level and Degree level in both French and Italian. I also taught English in Spain. I have around ten years' experience of one to one tuition at my home in this country and can also travel to the student's home if they live locally.

I have prepared students for their exams in English as a Foreign Language, such as the Cambridge First Certificate in English and the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English and am also happy to assist both children and adults with either casual learning or preparation for GCSE/A-Level

I also assist in my local primary school and am a school governor and am familiar with the National Curriculum and can tutor in maths and literacy for Key Stage 1 and 2.

Tutoring Approach:
The above subjects are things which I am passionate about and hopefully that comes across in my teaching methods. I am very flexible and can respond to the needs of the particular student

Subjects

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

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

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

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

Teaching Experience:
I am a First Class (1:1) BA (HONS) Creative Writing graduate (Birkbeck, University of London). I graduated the MA in Creative Writing at Goldsmith's, University of London with Distinction. My portfolio was longlisted for the 2020 Pat Kavanagh Prize, awarded each year for an outstanding piece of work from the Goldsmiths MA in Creative Writing programme.

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

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

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
A specialist tutor for over a decade, I have taught thousands of students in the UK and abroad. I have an MA (distinction) in Cultural Studies from Goldsmiths University of London, and a first-class BA in French and English from UCL, where I came top of my year. A bilingual French-English speaker, I enjoy learning languages in my spare time, and am also a published poet who performs across the UK. If you are looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly tutor who will work with you to achieve your study goals, then look no further!

Teaching Experience:
I have a decade of experience across many different schools, working both with children and adults. I taught English as a foreign language for several years and have also taught in a secondary school in the UK. My private practice as a tutor has taken in all ages and types of students, including GCSE and A Level pupils, adults studying French, and primary age children learning literacy skills.

Tutoring Approach:
Whether you are a student with an exam coming up or an adult learner looking to hit a personal goal, a private tutor is the fastest way to get ahead. With me you will get well-planned, varied lessons delivered to the highest standards of professionalism. I believe the most effective way of teaching is to work with the learner to uncover what they find interesting in a topic. After so many years as a private tutor, I am confident that my methods will work for you too! If you'd like to know more, please just send me a message, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

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Personal Description:
I'm an Oxford graduate English specialist who helps students achieve top grades in their English GCSEs and A-Levels.

I know exactly what the mark scheme is looking for, and have helped multiple students exceed their expectations.

***"Thank you so much for all your tips and advice - I ended up getting 9s in both English GCSEs!" - STUDENT H***

I particularly enjoy working with ambitious, hardworking students who might not yet have understood how to excel. I was one of these students.

But everything changed when I got a private tutor at the age of 15. With their support, I scored 100% in my English GCSEs, 99% in English A Level, and went on to study English at St John's College, Oxford.

So, it's out of immense gratitude to my own teachers (and my younger self for persisting through the anxiety and disappointment) that I try and show my students that success is well within their reach.

***"Thank you for your help: it really helped me get the 9! It's still sinking in, I can't believe it" - STUDENT D***

***"Ankit is an amazing tutor. He boosted my son by 3 grades. I recommend Ankit to anyone who wants a tutor: Ankit really goes above and beyond to teach his students" - HAMID (Parent)***

Teaching Experience:
***"The results are here and I got a 9 in Literature and an 8 (2 marks off a 9) in Language. These were also my highest grades" - STUDENT E***

I've been an English tutor for nearly five years, following my education under award-winning professors, tutors, and teachers who shaped the foundation of everything I now teach.

Over the last 5 years, I've taught OCR, Cambridge, Edexcel and AQA English GCSE, and OCR and AQA English A Level.

Set texts that I've taught include:
- Macbeth
- A Christmas Carol
- Inspector Calls
- Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
- Lord of the Flies
- Power and Conflict Poetry
- Love and Relationships Poetry
- Romeo and Juliet
- Songs of Ourselves (Anthology)
- Never Let Me Go
- The War of the Worlds
- Pride and Prejudice
- The Woman in Black
- I'm the King of the Castle
- Antony and Cleopatra
- The Great Gatsby
- Othello
- Hamlet
- Richard II
- Paradise Lost
- Frankenstein
- The Bloody Chamber
- Skirrid Hill
- The Handmaid's Tale
- A Streetcar Named Desire
- Top Girls
- Romantic Poetry
- The Duchess of Malfi
- Of Mice and Men

However, my degree covered literature written from when English first became a language to the modern day. So simply let me know what you're studying and I'll be able to teach it.

***"I learnt more with you in 2 hours than I did in a whole year from my teachers" - STUDENT K***

Tutoring Approach:
***"I got an 8 in Literature (I never thought I would EVER get that in Year 10) and a 7 in Language. I'm even taking English for A Level! Sincerely, thank you for everything. I'm forever grateful!" - STUDENT A***

My lessons balance challenge with warmth. I teach through discussion, questioning, high-level ideas and regular homework.

***"I couldn't be happier with the progress my son had made under Ankit's guidance, which has helped him reach grade 9. What sets Ankit apart is his patience and encouragement, which has really boosted my son's confidence"*** - VIJI (Parent)

I break English down into clear systems: top-band writing templates, essay formulas, and exam strategies tailored to the student's board and mark scheme. Together, we build ready-to-use paragraphs and flexible arguments that adapt to almost any question with the goal of reducing uncertainty, building fluency and writing material the examiners want to reward.

***"Ankit helped my dyslexic son at both GCSE and A Level. His manner with students is warm and engaging, and he has a lovely sense of humour - all of which makes such a difference in 1-2-1 settings. I thoroughly recommend him - CLAIR (Parent) ***

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently doing a degree in teaching. I am very patient and a great listener. I can help you overcome any problems you might have in the subjects.

Teaching Experience:
A years teaching in primary school working with both key stage 1 and 2.
Worked in a special needs secondary school for half a year.

Tutoring Approach:
Games approach is the best way to help children learn. You are able to remember things easier when you are having fun.

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Personal Description:
I have been tutoring on a full-time basis for over 20 years, including teaching abroad as part of my degree at Cambridge University. Over this time, I have taught pupils across the whole range of ages and abilities. I offer professional, qualified, friendly tuition in English, maths and foreign languages, always tailored to meet each individual student's needs. Travelling is not a problem, and is included within the fee quoted.

Teaching Experience:
Please see above

Tutoring Approach:
Please see above

Subjects

Personal Description:
Passionate about Tutoring Maths and English at all levels.

I am a Masters Graduate from the University of Leicester with Masters in Accounting and finance.I have always enjoyed learning and teaching Maths and English to my colleagues, with most them them excelling in their Academia as a result of my tutoring.

I have always enjoyed teaching and i want to be able to teach my student to excel in all aspects of their lives. My objective is to ensure that all my students do extremely well in their academic journey.

As a partly qualified Accountant , my role entails analysing Client's Financial data and advising clients on how to manage their business efficiently. I am very passionate about my job and i will endeavour to bring that same passion to my students.

I believe we are on a journey together and i will be there to assist my students all the way through until we get into the schools we want or academic path we aspire for. with my focus, dedication and hard work on students part, we can achieve the best and i cannot wait to share my expertise with my students.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently teaching a tutoring centre for primary and GCSE students . I also have my private students i am preparing for GCSE and entrance exams for year 7

Tutoring Approach:
For Primary school I have the CGP materials for Maths, English and Verbal and Non Reasoning. I have a set of topics for each student and once completed, we tick it off. I also do monthly reviews on topics we have already covered to ensure students are confident and ready for their exams.

For GCSE Maths, I also have topics from Grade 1 - 9 and depending on my students level, i have various material for them to work with to boost their confidence and prepare them for their exams.

Subjects

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!'

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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:
A primary specialist, Zeshaan is currently the Head of Maths at a Primary School. He has several years of experience and a track record of producing excellent results in regard to KS2 SATs scores.

Teaching Experience:
Several years of experience, primarily within Bradford.

Tutoring Approach:
Hands on and friendly approach to students and parents/carers. Has a true passion for what he does and cares about each student he teaches.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am always passionate in teaching and learning. My first degree is MA English (Literature). I completed masters in Education from Roehampton University London. I understand teaching is the way to transfer knowledge using pedagogical approaches so I try to bring effective teaching strategies to assist my students.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching A level and GCSE Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Urdu and English as a foreign language for more than seven years.

In addition, I have been training students for IELTS for more than four years.

Tutoring Approach:
Lesson planning
One to one lectures
Mock test
Monthly test

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi i'm Ayushi I'm a university student. I've always had a strong desire to support people in their academic endeavours. I have cultivated good interpersonal and communication skills throughout my academic career, which I think are crucial for becoming a successful instructor. I also have a solid academic background and have done particularly well in maths, accouting, and English. I have experience educating my peers, and I've gotten good reviews on my teaching methods. In addition, I'm understanding, flexible, and dedicated to seeing that my pupils succeed.

Overall, I think I'd be a great tutor because of my academic background, love of teaching, and outstanding communication abilities. I'm excited about the chance to help youngsters succeed academically and have a good influence on their life.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught kids aged 7-16 and when it comes to subjects like accounting i have taught all my friends the basics and how to approach the subject in a simple way.

Tutoring Approach:
I have various tricks and tips to learn subjects like accounting and math. I was an average student as well and i have overcome the fear of not being able to approach these number. I always try to get in the brain of the person i am teaching and i adapt according to the person i teach by giving them real life examples and asking them questions on them in the end. When it comes to English communication is key.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Khushali, a healthcare professional. I am patient and a good listener. Post motherhood, I have learnt many tricks of dealing with children, understanding their psychology, their responses and methods to tackle them.

Personally, I enjoy cooking, travel and spiritual reading. I keep exploring new skills.

Teaching Experience:
I have always been interested in teaching from my GSCE years. I began helping my neighbours and brother with their after school homework. When I lent a helping hand to teachers at school, I realised I enjoyed tutoring and hence conducted tutoring sessions simultaneous to my university years. I ensured the basic concepts were clear to the kids and they were confident in their methodology, along with scoring well. We practised similar concepts repeatedly to achieve this.
I taught the primary children with fun concepts of Art. Secondary kids with Maths, Science and language.

Tutoring Approach:
Foundation is the key to success. Each child is different. Each one needs a different methodology to grasp the basics. Understanding the child's strengths and weaknesses helps in a better learning curve. I will spend the initial class, trying to understand these methods and design a program specific to the needs. It could be visual learning, repeated practice sessions or diagramatory approach. These trial concepts help to build a strong relationship.
I ensure to teach older kids tackling time and nervousness during crucial exam periods. How to remain positive and calm.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an international student in London seeking to be a private tutor. I am good at teaching English and I have a strong passion for the language. I have achieved an overall band score of 8.0 in IELTS. I can help you learn English and Computer Studies. I can also help you prepare for Cambridge English exams and IELTS.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of tutoring juniors at high school as they prepared for the university entrance exam in my country.

Tutoring Approach:
I will prepare PowerPoint slides as well as interactive online activities such as Kahoot for children to learn. I can do in-person tutoring as well.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am Simon, a dedicated tutor specialising in Functional Skills English and ICT. With a background in coaching, person-centered therapy, and alternative education, I bring a holistic approach to tutoring that focuses on both academic success and personal development.

Teaching Experience:
I bring over 20 years of experience in personal development coaching, therapy, and alternative education to my tutoring practice. My background includes working with diverse individuals to help them overcome personal challenges, build confidence, and achieve their goals. In my role as an alternative education tutor, I specialise in Functional Skills English and ICT, focusing on students who thrive outside traditional learning environments. My extensive experience in coaching and therapy allows me to integrate therapeutic techniques into my teaching, providing a unique, holistic approach that supports both academic success and personal growth.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is deeply personalised and student-centered. I integrate therapeutic techniques to help reduce anxiety and build confidence, ensuring that each session is tailored to meet the unique needs of the learner. I focus on creating a supportive environment where students can grow academically and personally.

Subjects

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.

Subjects