Bishopton Entrance Exams Tutors and Bishopton Entrance Exams Tuition

Personal Description:
My name is Ewan, I'm 36 years old and from Glasgow. After completing my BA (Hons) in Glasgow, I moved to Manchester to do a Master's in History; subsequently I completed my PGCE, MA in Education, and an MBA. Throughout this further study I have ran a History department, Humanities Faculty, and now run a Sixth Form College. I am a very patient and personable person, and really enjoying working on a one-to-one basis with students. I have a wide range of interests which I like to bring into teaching where appropriate; using films, music, visual and audio sources can make learning a bit more interesting and appeal to many students own personal learning style. However, there are times we cannot get away from doing the heavy lifting of learning knowledge; breaking challenging knowledge down and clarifying applying this to different exam styles is where my expertise lie.

Teaching Experience:
I currently teach History from Year 6 to Year 13 (KS3, 4 and 5) at a private international school where I hold a promoted post. Before this, I taught at schools in West Berkshire and Manchester. I have tutored throughout my teaching career, an aspect of my job that I really enjoy. I am proud of my students each of whom have worked hard to achieve their goals, whether securing places to study at Cambridge or Ivy League Colleges, or getting the grades to go wherever students dream destinations are. i consider it important to focus on developing the skills to pass the exam or earn a high mark on essays, however it's the tutee that is the boss!

Tutoring Approach:
Very happy to gear my approach around individual needs. Working outside of the UK, I conduct lessons online using Zoom. I am happy to answer emails, texts or chat on the phone or arrange additional online time between sessions to maintain momentum nd inspiration and make sure students stay on the right track. I like to use some multi-media (film, music and pictures) to make learning fun and help with source work. I am also keen to make sure students are fully prepared for exams, and have spent some time looking at how to approach question in these stressful situations.

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Personal Description:
Hello. I am a fully qualified teacher with experience across the whole of the primary curriculum, including special needs and teaching for SATS tests . I continually update my teaching, mainly through the National Education Union online training sessions. I have had great results tutoring children extensively on a 1-2-1 basis for SATS and the 11+ entrance exam, plus have experience teaching adult literacy and English as a Foreign Language. I aim to motivate both children and adults who find reading and writing challenging, building both confidence and skills. Practical strategies and numeracy games are used to assist children to gain improved competence in mathematics. Assessment is used to inform my teaching in order to make efficient use of the tutoring time.
I enjoy running, Pilates, reading and volunteer for charity, including as a volunteer youth-worker with children and young people.

Teaching Experience:
Currently. I teach English to and host visiting international teenage students. Recently I volunteered as a tutor for the Catch Up Programme, Year 5 and 6 Literacy SATs, online with the charity Action Tutoring.
I am experienced in administering and marking voluntary SATs papers.
I have over twenty years of experience teaching in UK primary schools as a full time classroom teacher and as a supply teacher.
I was a special needs teacher in a public school for one year with individuals and small groups.
I have volunteered as an adult literacy tutor and taught Pilates to adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a patient, understanding approach to tutoring. Tasks are broken into small, achievable steps. Praise and encouragement are used to build self esteem and motivate learners. Your child will be encouraged to enjoy learning and to gain independent learning strategies.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified primary school teacher and have worked as a private tutor since having my first child in 2009. I tutor Maths up to GCSE and English up to Year 9. I also specialise in preparing children for the 11+.

Teaching Experience:
I have six years of full-time primary teaching experience, working within independent and state schools. In addition, I have tutored a range of children aged between 5 and 16 years of age, privately, and within schools for the National Tutoring Covid Catch-Up Programme. As a result, I have a wide knowledge of the National Curriculum.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient and caring person who can explain things clearly. I will take the time to ensure that your child understands a concept but will also set high expectations to push them to achieve their full potential. I believe in positivity and praise to build confidence and enthusiasm, which ultimately will aid success.

In terms of availability, I am flexible on days and times.

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Personal Description:
I teach students from the ages of 6 to 16 and pride myself on getting to know each student well and taking the time and effort to tailor each session to their learning needs.

I feel its important to motivate students and help increase their confidence. I specialise in preparing for the 11+ Medway and Kent test and am able to provide tutoring for Maths, Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning for the 11+ . I have a a high success rate and am happy to provide references on request. My approach is relaxed (but with a focus on exam technique) and I believe that learning should be an enjoyable experience.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching children from ages 6 to GCSE level Maths Age 16. I also specialise in preparing children for the 11+ test in kent and medway, teaching subject verbal reasoning and non verbal reasoning.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy the challenge of improving children's learning in any way I can. I use an informal teaching method which encourages the child to gain confidence and better self esteem i aim to help children to build confidence and the ability to solve problems. Use of text books, computers and previous exam papers. Friendly, knowledgeable tutoring with a patient tutor

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Personal Description:
My name is Lenka and I am an experienced and qualified language teacher. I am passionate about languages and I love teaching. I have traveled a lot and lived in different countries. I studied Spanish and French literature at an Italian university and lived in Spain where I studied Spanish language, culture and journalism. I qualified as a secondary language teacher at Lancaster University and worked as a teacher in the independent sector for 7 years. I am a native Czech speaker. I am currently working as a freelance tutor for a language agency as well as teaching private students. At the moment I am available during the weekends and Monday and Friday afternoons. I tutor in Seaford and surrounding areas.

Teaching Experience:
• tutor in a language school teaching all year groups and individuals
• teacher in two comprehensive schools teaching KS3, KS4 and Sixth Form
• language teacher in an independent boarding school (13-18) teaching Spanish, French and Italian at GCSE and A-level
• tutor in adult education
• vast experience with private language tutoring

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching philosophy is that a thorough knowledge of grammar as well as the ability to communicate is essential for learning a language successfully. I advocate a communicative approach and I teach in a relaxing atmosphere so that my students feel at ease and not afraid of communicating in a foreign language and at the same time they can learn by assessing their own mistakes.

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Personal Description:
I have a background in senior industrial and commercial management, both in the UK and overseas; also senior experience in the public sector (local government and NHS). I took time out in my thirties to gain my PGCE.

Teaching Experience:
I have never taught full-time (although I was once up to around two-thirds of a full timetable). I have worked in further education colleges and as a supply-teacher, mostly in secondary. In addition, I have long experience as a governor of my old private-sector school, so understand very well the requirements for successful 11+ and 13+ entrance. I have been tutoring since 2000, and have a multitude of "success-stories".

Tutoring Approach:
First and foremost: flexibility. Equally, I have a wealth of life-experience, across sectors, so can, as my students have often remarked, bring subjects to life: they are seldom bored, if ever. I also have a large stock of teaching resources and past examination-papers and tests. I combine light-heartedness and a level of informality with a focus on the need to meet objectives and achieve results(sometimes having set them).

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher with 30+ years of teaching experience, having graduated from the University of Reading with a B.Ed (Hons) in 1992.

Teaching Experience:
For the last 30+ years I have taught in a range of Norfolk schools and also an American school here in the U.K. I have been a Key Stage 2 leader and have worked as a maths advisor, in addition to some private tuition work.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a flexible tutoring approach as I tailor make the sessions for each individual. Students have a wide range of abilities and needs, so each session will meet the requirements of YOUR child. I can help students gain confidence in their mathematical ability, prepare them for SATs, entrance exams and GCSEs as well as functional skills qualifications and the QTS numeracy test. I am equally happy to work with home educated children.

I offer both face-to-face tuition and online tuition.

For those wanting group tuition, or for a less expensive alternative, I also run groups (maximum size 3 students) for:-

* KS2 SATS
* 11+ and entrance exams
* Foundation GCSE (Y10)
* Foundation GCSE (Y11)

Please contact me for more details.

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Personal Description:
I am a UK qualified teacher with 20 years teaching experience. I graduated from Loughborough University with a BSc in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 2003 and a year later completed my post graduate certificate in Education at the same university. I have taught in 3 secondary schools in Buckinghamshire and Derbyshire.

I currently teach all GCSE sciences as well as Year 12 and Year 13 A Level Chemistry at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. I am a designated Advanced Skills Teacher; recognition of my outstanding classroom practice and the excellent results that this generates for the young people I teach. I work for the Cambridge International Exam Board, being an experienced marker of A Level chemistry. In 2024 the A-level classes I taught achieved on average a whole grade higher than other students studying AQA chemistry nationally, which put my results firmly in the outstanding category as measured by ALPS.

In person I am able to offer in-person tuition in and around the Derby, Ashbourne and Uttoxeter areas. I also offer remote learning via MS Teams.

I am currently taking on students for the academic year 2025-2026. My services are usually very popular so I would suggest booking in early to secure a slot.
I charge £50 per hour, regardless of whether this is in person or online. That fee also covers my preparation for each hour long session and my time spent reviewing a students mock exams, class tests etc. The first lesson is half price :-)

Having been a 6th Form tutor for over 10 years, I am also able to offer support and guidance regarding the UCAS process, and in particular the writing of UCAS personal statements and I am able to offer preparation for interviews, including mock interviews, for courses including dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and Oxbridge applications.
I am also able to tutor Maths, particularly those wanting help and support with the 11+.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Year 7-9 Science, Year 9-11 GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics and A Level Chemistry. I also teach BTEC Applied Science to Year 9-11 and Level 3 Applied Science to Year 12-13. I am equally at home delivering AQA and OCR specifications.

Tutoring Approach:
I am able to accurately asses the needs of the student, plan short activities to address those needs and re-assess to ensure the student has made progress. I am able to explain complex science in a way that makes it accessible for young people. Sessions mainly involve looking at past paper questions and working on exam technique. In my experience most students are able to understand the science involved in a particular question, but lose marks by not presenting their answers in a format that hits the required marking points. This is where students can be coached by myself and make the most progress in academic outcomes.

I am confident that I am able to forge positive working relationships with children and unlock their potential in the sciences. I am friendly, have a good sense of humour and English is my first language.

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Personal Description:
I am a Qualified Engineer (D.Phil, Oxon, MSc, BSc Imperial College), Qualified University Educator (PG Dip) and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) with over 20 years' experience teaching university engineering, including 13 years as an Oxbridge lecturer, 7 years as a Senior Lecturer at an elite Russel Group university and a year as a Professor at a highly-ranked US university. I also have over 10 years' experience in aerospace and defence research with Rolls-Royce PLC, Qinetiq, Volvo Aeropsace in Sweden, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan.

My work has given me the privilege of working with many hundreds of student-engineers across all branches of engineering. I know how difficult and challenging university engineering can be. My approach is warm, open and professional.

Teaching Experience:
In my 20 years of professional and private practice I have taught all branches of university engineering and engineering science including Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Electronic, Chemical, Bioengineering, Materials, Design, Motorsport, etc. and even related subjects such as Physics, Architecture etc. Whilst most of my work is with undergraduates I regularly teach Masters/MSc students and doctoral/PhD students, as well as professional engineers.

I hold a PhD in Engineering Science from Oxford University (where they call it a D.Phil), an MSc in Mechanical Engineering and a BSc in Physics, both from Imperial College London, as well as a PGdip in University Learning and Teaching.

I also have over a decade of experience in experimental aerospace and defence research, as part of which I conducted ground-shaking jet engine tests at military and civilian test sites in the UK and Europe, working with companies including Rolls-Royce aero engines, Qinetiq, Volvo Aeropspace, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan.

As well as having designed numerous large-scale experiments, my practical hobbies include classic car restoration and designing and building the places where I live. This hands on engineering experience means that I don't just teach the theory, I teach the reality and how the theoretical concepts you are learning in class relate to the real world around you. This is the beauty of Engineering.

Outside engineering, I enjoy freeride skiing, ice and inline hockey, and downhill mountain biking. I travel extensively with sport and have played hockey in almost every country in continental Europe and skied in virtually every country in the alps.

I am comfortable teaching in French as well as English.

Tutoring Approach:
Engineering is one of the hardest subjects you can study, and it doesn't help when module content is disorganised, learning materials are messy and hard to follow, and when lecturers are too busy to respond to your questions. If you are not getting the support you need, I know how this feels and I can help.

My overall aim is to teach you to become an independent learner, to teach you how to learn, so that you can learn regardless of the support from your university, and so you can continue learning when you leave university into whatever career path you take.

If you have a set budget for lessons then we won't go over this, even if we overrun the hour.

I offer an initial meeting free of charge to discuss your learning requirements, so you can show me what you need help with, what your learning aims and objectives are, and to plan our sessions together.

I am flexible in terms of scheduling, I'm happy to reschedule with sensible notice etc.

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Personal Description:
I am 49, married and a proud father of two lovely daughters. I enjoy keeping fit and have recently discovered running and the sense of achievement and pride one can get from it. I am an approachable person who enjoys the company of family and friends. I like to visit new places and try to make the most of what comes my way.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher with experience in teaching and preparing students for 11+ / entrance exams in English and Maths. With 20 years teaching experience, I have worked in both state and Independent school settings. I have prepared many children for their examinations in the schools I have taught at and individually through tutoring. All children are successful in attending their chosen school.

I currently enjoy teaching in an independent primary school setting from 4 - 11 year olds and have experience in teaching all subjects to a wide age range.

As well as specialising in preparing children for entrance exams and 11+ I have a masters level qualification in Special Educational Needs (SEN). I am genuinely passionate about helping those children with barriers to learning succeed, and to become happy and confident learners.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe fun, enjoyment and confidence are the key elements of learning. It is imperative to teach in a variety of ways and establish the best learning style for each individual pupil exploring Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic methods of learning. By 'doing' a learner learns and remembers. My initial training as a teacher has helped me to teach any subject effectively. Helping students overcome barriers to learning and making progress are the things I enjoy the most about teaching. I am genuinely passionate about my subjects and in seeing learners reach their potential. I too enjoy the challenge of mastering new things and embracing the notion that you never ever stop learning.

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Personal Description:
I am a well-qualified and experienced private tutor working online, providing preparation and support for GCSE and IGCSE in English Language, English Literature and French (AQA / Edexcel / Cambridge etc) and for 11+ entrance exams in English and Verbal Reasoning (including CEM/GL style 11+).

I also teach English as a foreign language at all levels, including preparation for PET, FCE, CAE & CPE exams and IELTS and 'Life in the UK' for UK Citizenship, covering all aspects of English from Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing to Grammar and Pronunciation.

Teaching Experience:
On leaving Oxford University, I started out as a lecturer in French and English at Fareham College, Hampshire, where I taught Higher Education courses to both young and mature adults and was commended by the Principals for my students' achievements.
I used this initial experience to launch a successful career of private tutoring in England and France, with many students coming to me through personal recommendation.

Now, with over 20 years of teaching experience, I privately tutor a range of school-aged pupils from 6 to 16, both native English speakers and those for whom English is a second language. At 11+, 13+, GCSE and IGCSE, most of my pupils have successfully obtained places at top private secondary schools and 6th form colleges.

I also have a portfolio of private Chinese, Ukrainian, Russian, French and English adult students learning English as a foreign language, many of whom return year after year to pursue their learning to ever-higher levels and for the considerable pleasure that brings.

Tutoring Approach:
In my opinion the huge advantage of private one-to-one tuition, for both student and tutor, is that each lesson can be tailor-made to suit the student's particular needs perfectly, targeting and strengthening weaker areas while continuing to develop all-round confidence and ability. Lesson content can adapt flexibly from session to session and skills needing more attention can be frequently revisited.

My approach is caring and friendly, and I possess both endless patience and a sense of humour! I am enthusiastic about the subjects I teach and time and again I have seen that enthusiasm transfer itself to students as lessons progress. Encouragement is a great aid to achievement and it is very rewarding to see how this, in turn, leads to excellent results.

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Personal Description:
I'm an enthusiastic and patient teacher who enjoys getting to know new people and help them achieving their goals. I have got several years of experience in teaching on various levels and I find the whole process of language learning equally fascinating and motivating. It's a great pleasure to see my students reach their goals and find joy in learning something new and being able to communicate in a second language.

• Qualifications: B.A. History and English (2013)
• M.A. Teacher training - Teaching English as a Foreign Language, History (2017)
• CELTA Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (2017)
• History, English (A Levels equivalent) (2009)

Teaching Experience:
I started teaching English on a 1-1 basis 6 years ago during my university studies. In the last 6 years, I have managed to gain experience on many different levels of the education system. I taught classes in secondary schools, worked with adults in language schools and most recently on university preparation courses. I've been lucky enough to work with people from all over the world, from many age groups (13-60) and all the different levels starting from complete beginner to advanced (A1 - C1).

Classes taught:

- General English
- Business English
- Exam preparation (FCE, IELTS, ELPT, TOEIC)
- Academic English

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly and most importantly, I believe in the step-by-step approach which means that I understand that we need time to build knowledge, therefore, patience and understanding are key parts of my teaching.

I also believe that we are all different, so I put a lot of emphasis on getting to know my students' individual needs and attributes so I can tailor the classes according to these. I consider my students as partners in the work together and I like to call it "learning together".

Last but not least, I think it's important to set clear goals, have a personalised approach and a friendly atmosphere during the classes combined with continuous feedback.

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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!'

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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.'

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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 am a mum of two grown up children and a Labrador and have been living with my family in Surrey for 25 years. After 24 years of teaching maths in the classroom, I am now working as a freelance tutor.
I am friendly and patient, and able to help children at all levels of understanding to improve their confidence and attainment in maths.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching maths for 24 years in local independent schools and a top Surrey grammar school. In that time I have also tutored more than 100 pupils towards SATs, school entrance exams, scholarships, GCSEs and A levels, as well as helping improve their general confidence and attainment.
I am now a freelance tutor and have daytime and some early evening availability on weekdays, as well as limited availability at weekends (this will need to be flexible in order to fit around family commitments.) Please feel free to contact me to secure a place for the new academic year, or for holiday sessions. I look forward to hearing from you.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tuition depends very much on what is required: this could be reinforcing topics already covered at school, preparing for an examination, or generally working to improve confidence and attainment.

On meeting a pupil for the first time I would work on assessing current understanding against expected standards for their age, and their confidence levels.
In future lessons I would use a variety of resources and methods to consolidate and extend pupil understanding. Past/ practice papers would be provided for pupils approaching examinations.

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Personal Description:
I am currently an Academic Foundation Doctor at University Hospital Southampton. I studied at Westminster School as a Queen's Scholar and secured 14 A* at GCSE and 4 A* at A-level. In 2020 I received first class honours in Natural Sciences and was awarded a scholarship by Jesus College in 2020. I graduated Cambridge University in 2023 (MBBChir)

I am also a keen musician and played the clarinet with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain between 2014-2017. On holidays you might see me climbing and camping around Scotland or catching up with close friends in London.

What do I offer?:
• 13+ entry scholarship examination to Westminster School; 'The Challenge'
• Oxbridge interview preparation for medical applications
• BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test)
• UCAS personal statement
• Other; please reach out to discuss

Teaching Experience:
Between 2020-2022 I have taught the neuroscience course (NHB) for 2nd year undergraduates at Jesus College Cambridge. Supervisions comprise of weekly small group teaching. I have also taught the NHB course privately 1:1. I regularly teach younger students (10-14).

Tutoring Approach:
I am a kind and supportive tutor looking to work with my tutees to identify and consolidate areas of weakness. In addition, I hope to provide insight into the skills required to tackle competitive application processes, including scholarship exams and medical interviews.

I prioritise improving exam performance and I encourage the development of critical thinking skills at all levels of learning. In undergraduate supervisions, I aim to tackle difficult concepts from first principles and question underlying assumptions, as well as help undergraduates develop their written communication. I believe these skills are highly valuable for writing personal statements and for success at interview.

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Milo. I am undertaking a Masters in Astrophysics at the University of Cambridge, having just achieved a First Class Bachelor's Degree in Natural Sciences. I have a high proficiency in Physics and Maths and am an experienced teacher. I also offer tutoring in Chemistry, for which I was awarded the Salters Advanced Chemistry Award for my outstanding A level performance.

Teaching Experience:
I have three years experience tutoring Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics for GCSE, A level, IB and University admissions. This includes experience with all the major UK exam boards including AQA, OCR, Edexcel. I am represented by a tutoring agency called BridgeTutors who will provide free graphics tablet when you start lessons with me.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching conceptual misunderstandings is that any idea can be understood by anyone, as long as it is deconstructed into small enough steps and that the student is walked through each step at the correct pace. During lessons, I guide students through past paper questions, building their confidence as they apply their knowledge to real-life situations. For exams, I believe that active recall (recalling and using information from memory alone) and studying mark schemes are the best way to revise.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Master of Science in Teaching and Learning from Oxford University
Currently taking bookings for Entrance exam tuition (11+ and 13+) and specialist tuition in Latin, RE and History.
My credentials:
* Former GCSE Examiner
* Current Examiner for Common Entrance / 13+ Scholarship exams
* Head of Department with senior leadership / management experience
* 17+ years teaching experience
* Taught pupils who have gone onto achieved academic scholarship awards at their schools and places at Oxbridge
* Hundreds of hours experience of teaching online effectively via Zoom to enable pupils to reach their full potential.
* Experience as a school governor.

Teaching Experience:
17 years teaching experience. GCSE Examiner. Head of Departments of RE and Latin at multiple schools. Master of Science in Learning and Teaching awarded by Oxford University. Member of a school leadership and management team and a school governor. Hundreds of hours of experience of online teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a personalised approach that takes account of the student's learning style and preferred pace of learning. As part of my tutoring service I also provide homework for pupils which is marked, and free access to a range of different learning resources which can be used outside of sessions.

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.

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