Hexham Entrance Exams Tutors and Hexham Entrance Exams Tuition

Personal Description:
ANNOUNCING NEW AVAILABILITY FOR ENGLISH AND MATHS

FROM MONDAY, JUNE 13TH 2026 onwards, until the holidays on JULY 20TH, restarting SEPTEMBER 1st.

EXTRA TIMES FOR A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY, MEDIA STUDIES AND POLITICS ALSO AVAILABLE


Hello, all parents and potential tutees!

A very warm welcome from Stuart!

I'm an enthusiastic, keen and good-humoured tutor, who teaches with commitment, dedication, passion and style!

I have been teaching Key Stage 3, GCSE and A level students now for more than 20 years - and I achieve great results.

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

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

I have a passion for poetry, I love Shakespeare, and, in my spare time, publish short stories. Creative Writing is my first love.

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

I am currently coaching a number of students who are working towards their Entrance exams in Coventry and Warwickshire - for Warwick, King's High, the merged Bablake & King Henry Schools and Solihull School.

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

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

My hobbies include swimming (I swim a mile almost every day!), writing short stories and poems and motorbiking.
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Current 2026 references are available upon request.

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

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

I write all of my own lessons.

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

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

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

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

I also tutor online via MICROSOFT TEAMS.

I have had excellent recent successes. In the 2025 summer exams, four of my GCSE students scored A** (level 9) grades in Language and three scored level 9's in Literature.
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All of my last four A level English students have scored A grades.

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

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Personal Description:
I have taught to all levels from reception class at primary school through to secondary school, sixth form college and university level.
I am able to offer authentic French whilst still appreciating the difficulties from an English speaker's point of view. I am also qualified to teach Spanish to all levels and have years of experience in teaching the language.
I have a friendly approach and my lessons are very well organised with a sense of purpose. They are also individually tailored to meet the student's specific needs. I have worked as a GCSE examiner on numerous occasions and have coached and taught AS/A level groups.
Should you be interested in either extra exam tuition, starting a new language or brushing up on previous knowledge, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you are willing to put in the effort, I can guarantee results from my end!

Teaching Experience:
French, Spanish and English as a Second Language - 4 years at a sixth form college
English and History - 4 years at university level
French, Spanish, History and RE - 3 years in grammar schools
French and Spanish - 6 years in adult education
All subjects - 3 years in primary schools

Tutoring Approach:
Pleasant, friendly disposition with a great deal of understanding and patience!

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Personal Description:
I'm a Cambridge graduate and Fellow of the University of London, with fifteen years of experience tutoring Religious Studies and Philosophy. My students have a strong track record of A/A* grades. I tutor it full-time across OCR, AQA, Edexcel and other exam boards. I can offer hundreds of exemplar essays and resources.

Get in touch for a free 1-hour trial session!

Extracts from letters of recommendation (available in full on request):

"James is an extremely capable and sensitive tutor."
Mother of RS (OCR) A-Level student
Grade received: A

"My daughter got a D in her mock earlier this year ... for her to get an A really was at the top end of our expectations."
Father of A-Level RS (Edexcel) student
Grade received: A

"I cannot recommend James highly enough. He is punctual and thoughtful and I would not hesitate to hire him again in the future."
Mother of Religious Studies (Edexcel) student
Grade received: A

"James immediately established a very good working relationship with my daughter which encouraged her to really engage with the subject…I would highly recommend James as a tutor."
Mother of Religious Studies (OCR) student.
Grade received: A

"James was brilliant."
Mother of twin daughters taught in Religious Studies (OCR) and Philosophy (AQA).
Grades received: A

RATES
Free 1 hour initial lesson. If there is a results-based bonus I am happy to negotiate the hourly fee.

Teaching Experience:
I have thousands of hours of tuition experience built up over ten years of full-time tutoring. Some of the specific subjects I have taught include:

Cambridge Pre-U Theology & Philosophy
Philosophy A Level (AQA, OCR and Edexcel)
Religious Studies (OCR, AQA and Edexcel) GCSE, A Level
Government & Politics (Edexcel and OCR)
Theology and Religious Studies at degree level (I have helped six different students receive good grades for third year RS dissertations)
Oxbridge applications and interview practice

Tutoring Approach:
Receiving tuition can be a bit daunting at first, so I try to make sure my students feel I`m on their side and there to help them with anything they might not feel able to figure out at school.

My approach to tuition is to assess what specific needs a student has and then to organise the sessions around those needs. Some students need essay technique help and some have a specific set of topics they want to go over. Others might need an entire course taught to them as they have left school or are being home educated.

In my years of tuition, I have built up a cloud-based digital archive of hundreds of handouts which can help a student get back on track and achieve the highest possible grade.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher committed to first class service.

I am flexible and adaptable. I have good communication skills.

Reliable and trustworthy. I am enthusiastic and motivated in teaching children.

I have taught children for over 40 years. I was a head teacher for 28 years and loved every moment of it. I have been a self employed private tutor for over 5 years and my work is so rewarding.

I travel to the pupil and tutor on a one to one basis . I also do on line tutoring .in particular entrance exam preparation and 11 plus.

I am an animal lover and enjoy walking my westie dog in my spare time.

Teaching Experience:
I owned and ran my own private school, namely Woodlands School in Preston , for over 28 years.

I was responsible for over 110 pupils aged from 3 to 11 years of age.

I had a highly professional team of staff. Woodlands school gained excellent comments from ofsted.

I have a great deal of experience tutoring children. I make the lesson fun, exciting and bring along many resources to assist the child in learning.
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Tutoring Approach:
Praise and encouragement. I am patient and understanding. I make my lessons fun and interesting for the child in order to keep their attention.
I enjoy one to one tuition and enjoy teaching children of all ages.

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Personal Description:
I am a passionate, enthusiastic, and supportive tutor who genuinely enjoys helping students build confidence and achieve their full potential. My teaching style focuses on keeping lessons engaging, interactive, and tailored to each student's individual learning needs. I strongly believe that when students feel encouraged and understood, they are much more motivated to succeed.

As a qualified GP-based pharmacist with experience in both healthcare and education, I bring patience, empathy, and excellent communication skills into my tutoring sessions. Over the years, I have continued to develop professionally, completing postgraduate studies including my Independent Prescribing qualification and postgraduate training in Primary Care Practice. Alongside my clinical career, I remain passionate about mentoring and supporting young learners academically.

Having graduated from University College London (UCL) and completed further postgraduate studies at the University of Bath and the University of Hertfordshire, I understand the challenges students face and aim to create a positive learning environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and developing confidence in their abilities.

I was honoured to receive the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's "Pre-registration Pharmacist of the Year 2017" award, which reflects my dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence, qualities I also encourage in my students.

I tutor primarily from home, where I have access to a large whiteboard and a wide range of up-to-date learning resources, including materials tailored to the current GCSE 9-1 curriculum and exam-style questions. I also offer lessons online and at suitable local venues such as libraries.

My goal is not only to help students improve academically, but also to help them become more confident, independent learners who enjoy the process of learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 10 years of experience tutoring Maths and Science up to GCSE level, working with students from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, including children with additional learning needs. Over the years, I have developed a patient, supportive, and adaptable teaching style that helps students feel comfortable and confident, while also encouraging focus, discipline, and academic progress. I believe creating a positive and encouraging learning environment is key to helping students reach their full potential.

As a mother, I also understand the importance of tailoring teaching styles to suit each child's individual needs and learning pace. Teaching and supporting my own children has further strengthened my patience, creativity, and ability to make learning both engaging and enjoyable.

Alongside private tutoring, I have experience working within educational settings, including teaching at an Arabic school, volunteering as a Maths assistant within the community, and supporting children within a primary school environment. I have also worked at Kumon and First Class Learning, teaching Maths and English to children of various ages and abilities. These roles helped me develop strong techniques to keep students motivated, engaged, and focused throughout lessons.

In addition to tutoring school students, I have extensive experience mentoring and supporting trainee pharmacists and pre-registration pharmacists preparing for their GPhC exams and clinical practice. Through my own professional journey as a GP-based pharmacist, independent prescriber, and primary care clinician, I am able to provide practical guidance, exam support, and mentorship to pharmacy trainees navigating both the academic and clinical aspects of the profession.

My professional healthcare career has further enhanced my communication, mentoring, and interpersonal skills, allowing me to build strong rapport with students and support them in developing both confidence and independence in their learning.

Tutoring Approach:
I tend to use a variety of methods when teaching, depending on the child and their needs, focusing on their age and what their syllabus requires. I am capable to do quick summarised revision sessions, as well as long term lesson plans. Either way I ensure that the student is always given homework and stays revising. If appropriate I also do small mastery tests at the start of each lesson which consists of a five minute recap test, so the student is required to have revised the previous lesson well. Obviously if they struggle with the homework or mastery test, then the lesson plan's pace is adjusted to meet the child's level. This helps to ensure that the student masters each topic before moving on to the next.

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Personal Description:
Hello, and thank you so much for reading my tutoring profile. For busy parents, school leaders and occasional journalists, this opening section offers a quick summary of my professional highlights, with more details below if you'd like to know more. It would be lovely to hear from you :)

MY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR

⦿ Award-winning teacher at my first school (Departmental Award for "Commitment to Cascading Teaching Excellence")

⦿ 20 years'+ experience in the UK's toughest Secondary and Further Education classrooms

⦿ Head of Department; Examiner Experience (Various Exam Boards); GCSE Resit Programme Manager; Advanced Teaching Practitioner; NEA Internal Verifier; Lead for Development of Departmental Higher Education Provision; Lead for Departmental UCAS Applications; Behaviour Management Coach; Learning Mentor for "Gifted and Talented" Programme; Teacher Training Mentor liaising with Ofsted

⦿ BA (Hons), MRes (Dist) and PGCE trained, with Qualified Teacher and Lecturer Status

⦿ Prize-winning postgraduate at University of Warwick for ground-breaking research that made: "a genuine contribution to the discipline of International Relations"

⦿ A leading tutor in the online space, with over 37,000+ tutor sessions delivered across 42 countries (including delivering education to children in Ukrainian and Sudanese warzones via Elon Musk's Starlink)

⦿ Expert in 7/11+ Entrance Exams/GCSE/A Level/Degree/Postgraduate/UCAS Applications/Academic Mentoring/Career Planning/Property Investment Masterclasses

⦿ Subject specialisms of English, Maths, Biology, History, International Relations and Entrance Exams

⦿ Proud to be rated 5 stars on leading review and social media platforms

⦿ Global educational consultant sought out for occasional media appearances (Radio 4, BBC)

⦿ A successful property entrepreneur and mentor to entrants into the industry, with a former property company managing £54 million of real estate nationally, developments totalling £16 million+ and fortunate enough to have built a personal portfolio of circa £3.1 million thus far

⦿ Currently researching my first educational book for sale via Amazon, exploring how to engage disenchanted learners

⦿ In my (few!) spare moments, I enjoy raising our two daughters with my wife, travelling in Tuscany, hiking in the Malvern Hills, and supporting Manchester United

⦿ As my record hopefully shows, I am a renowned tutor, with an outstanding track record of success both in the classroom, as well as in the property world

⦿ If you're looking to work with one of the leading global tutors in the industry with a proven track-record of commercial success too, then feel free to get in touch, and I'll always do my best to help

Please read on, if you'd like to know a little more about my educational and professional journey.

►► MY STORY ◄◄

I am currently a grade-one "outstanding" teacher in my present school, and have been delivering KS3, GCSE and A Level English, Maths and History in the secondary and sixth-form sectors for the past 16 years, in which time my results have far surpassed national pass rates. Moreover, due to these outstanding results and innovative teaching methods, I have served as Assistant Head of Department; helping us to be awarded an internal grade 1 "outstanding" rating for the 6 years in which I held the post. Furthermore, I also have extensive experience as an "Advanced Practitioner"-tasked with turning around failing cohorts in some of the UK's toughest classrooms, as well as my time as an examiner for a variety of GCSE/A Level exam boards.

Moreover, due to this long history of being a stand-out professional in the education sector, my advice has been sought out for occasional media and radio appearances for discussions on educational policy, whilst also being head-hunted to tutor the children of prominent public figures including Premiership footballers, Olympic athletes, luminaries of the business world, and even the family of a Nobel Prize winner for a month-which was awesome!

Furthermore, in also being an accomplished property developer with my own UK real-estate portfolio and honorary co-founder of a former property company alongside my partner, I have acted as a business mentor to Year 11 students on entrepreneurship, and how to begin their own journey in property investment, which has seen me guide some of the UK's brightest new generation of business leaders.

In my remaining spare time, I am currently engaged in the pre-reading for the start of my future PHD in International Relations, during which I will be studying the geopolitics of any superpower conflict over Taiwan. Furthermore, I enjoy travelling extensively in our second home of Tuscany with my young family, supporting Manchester United, playing the drums, and playing the PlayStation (although not as much as I used to, these days!)

As my full and varied career has hopefully shown, I have a passion for English, maths, history, and the 11+ exams, taking great pride in providing the best academic and pastoral support I can, whilst hopefully being an outstanding role-model for all of my students, as I help them forge their way in the world.

►► QUALIFICATIONS ◄◄

PHD (Start Pending) in International Relations at London School of Economics-will analyse the geostrategic relationship between the USA and China in an era of rising multipolarity.

--MRes (Distinction) in International Security from University of Warwick-won academic award for writing an "outstanding and genuinely original dissertation" that represented: "an important contribution to existing literature in the field of International Security".

--PGCE (Distinction) in Secondary Education-ranked in the top 2 trainee teachers in my year's cohort, with outstanding feedback in academic and practical assessments

--BA (Hons) in English/History from University of Birmingham-received special award for achieving academic excellence despite coming from the bottom 5% of UK families in terms of socioeconomic poverty

--A Levels (A* in all subjects taken): prize winning student in my sixth form for most inspirational pupil, and was in the top 2% of the UK for my academic results, including 100% in key modules

Teaching Experience:
I have a broad range of experience turning around struggling students in some of the UK's toughest classrooms, as well as challenging high achieving learners in the pursuit of academic excellence. In my teaching and tutoring career thus far, I have taught across the curriculum age-ranges (7-18 years), as well as undergraduate and postgraduate level students, and specialise in teaching troubled learners lacking confidence, whilst pushing very bright pupils.

Since I began teaching at my institution, English pass-rates received a 25% upwards leap in the opening two years and my tutoring pass grades in my subjects of English, maths and history have been outstanding, so that the vast majority of my classes/tutees are now passing with strong academic grades, and attaining entry to prestigious preparatory schools and/or universities. During last academic year, my tutees enjoyed superb results in English, Maths, History and the 11+, with 96% reaching their target minimum grade, and 68% exceeding this mark, entering prestigious institutions such as the University of Durham, University of Heidelburg and Bromsgrove School, as well as world-class employers such as Rolls Royce. Therefore, over my career as a "super-tutor" so far, I am proud to have delivered over 37,000 lessons across 1000 students within 41 countries, from the UK to Hong Kong.

I also have considerable mentoring expertise, in having built my own UK property portfolio currently valued at £2.75 million from scratch, I have mentored many adult and teenage entrants into property investing, guiding their purchases and renovations to the overall value of £14 million, and counting. In addition to this, I have also been an informal mentor to UK gang members, tasked with persuading them to their back on lives of criminality, and embrace the transformative potential of education, which has been among the most rewarding roles of my career thus far.

►► PARENT FEEDBACK ◄◄

--"Jonathan is fantastic and my 15 years old have a big turn round about his
view of education. Now he can't wait for his lesson!"

--"I could not have wished for a better tutor for my son! I cannot praise Jon's
enthusiasm for his subject, motivational skills and professionalism enough."

--"The biggest testimonial comes from my son, who now looks forward to and
enjoys his weekly visit! praise indeed from a teenager!"

--"I have nothing but praise for Jonathan."

--"George is totally happy to see him which is a miracle at 3pm on a Saturday!"

--"Jon is a fantastic teacher best tutor I have ever had."

--"AMAZINGLY helpful, nice and very cooperative."

--"Thanks soooo much Jon, Ashleigh passed, she won't be doing retakes and is
feeling incredibly relieved."

--"We feel lucky to book a place with him early on as he seemed to be full
booked before December."

--"Never passed an English test before in my whole life then came to Jonathan
with very little time for my first GCSE exam and managed to get an A for
English literature and a B for creative writing. 10/10."

--"Jon has a unique ability to get students onboard in a short amount of time.
He is quick to establish a rapport, building on trust and confidence which
makes an ideal platform for focused learning".

--"He is heavily in demand which speaks volumes in terms of his reputation and
is super knowledgeable and prepared for all elements of the syllabus."

--"He went from a predicted a 4/5 to an 8 !!! We were extremely pleased and
put this down to Jons ability."

--"I wish we had found him earlier! We highly recommend him!"

--"He is helpful and gifted at tutoring kids so they understand exactly what they
need to change or improve on. We will be using Jon for all of our children."

Tutoring Approach:
Besides enjoying superb results, my pupils benefit from a relaxed yet challenging atmosphere, with high commitment being expected of them, and this is demonstrated in both their personal and academic growth, which is among the most rewarding aspects of tutoring for me. I'm very friendly with a great sense of humour (so I've been told!), and I use this to make the learning as enjoyable as I can, whilst strengthening self-esteem and exciting the minds of my students. Through this, it is more than tutoring to me, seeing our time together as equipping them with the vital skills they need to excel in later life.

In terms of lesson delivery, I always strive to be on the cutting-edge of education in use of educational technology, teaching resources and methods. Therefore, my approach to tutoring currently makes use of the techniques of "blended learning", and utilises the following:

⦿ Industry-standard video-conferencing and modern presentational packages such as Miro-used by global brands like Coca Cola and Nike to power collaborative learning

⦿ Powerful virtual learning environments, resourced by well-known educational companies such as Twinkl and Century Tech, to help every one of my learners maximise their potential.

⦿ Judicious use of AI powered apps and programmes, to help explore key educational concepts, mark schemes and model answers

⦿ Fully personalised lessons, tailored to topics, skills and levels being explored by the learner at school

⦿ Interlocking homework provided, to consolidate key concepts and themes explored within each lesson

⦿ Innovative approach to learning, from using computer games as inspirational stimulus for creative writing (which have been used as national exemplars by UK exam boards), to debating contemporary issues affecting all young people for speaking and listening tasks, such as: "How Will AI Change Humanity?"

⦿ A friendly and engaging approach to learning, seeking to make it fun, yet intellectually rigorous at all time

Thus, with 20 years+ experience now in the UK's most challenging classrooms, this has constantly honed my approach to teaching and tutoring, creatively using ed-tech to ensure no learner is left behind, as we cover the curriculum in an accessible and enjoyable way.

Needless to say, I am a passionate advocate of the transformational value of education, which is a joy, never a chore. In having been lucky enough to build a property brand and investment portfolio, I now tutor primarily for the sheer enjoyment of helping develop the next generation of learners. Education enabled me to escape a childhood of abject poverty, and with this in mind, I always do my best to ensure I give each and every one of my students the best start in life I can.

If you're looking to work with one of the leading tutors in the industry with a proven track-record of academic and commercial success, then I'm happy to help.

Thank you ever so much for reading :)

*Enhanced DBS certified

**Please kindly note: proposed rate will be dependent on level of study, length of tutoring period and demand.

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Personal Description:
I am a very positive person and have full empathy with students barriers to learning.
I am friendly and approachable and like to aim to raise student self-esteem and attitude to learning, focusing on positive recognition of achievements and constructive reinforcement of learning strategies.

I work just as easily with adults as I do with children.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 30 years of teaching experience teaching from pre schoo level up to GCSE level and adult learning for returning to work.

I also teach children within the care system who have missed a lot of the early building blocks through lack of education as opposed to lack of ability. This also includes overcoming huge barriers to learning !

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to develop an individual learning strategy to accomodate the students learning style and empower them to achieve and gain confidence through a positive learning programme suited to their individual style and needs.

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Personal Description:
QUALIFICATIONS

- MPhil (Distinction) from University of Cambridge
- BEng (First Class Honors) from Imperial College London

AWARDS

Willis Jackson Medal & Prize - Imperial College London
Honorary Jesus College Scholar - University of Cambridge
Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholar - University of Cambridge

SERVICES

• Regular tutoring
• Exam preparation (identification and support in weaker areas, exam technique practice)
• Last minute exam sessions
• Advice for university applications
• Homework assistance
• Setting and marking of homework
• Confidence building
• University interview advice
• Mastering Word, Excel, PowerPoint (for professionals)

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE

- Teaching Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Business Studies/Management, Computing and Electronics

- Taught over 75 diverse students since 2009, usually for several months, providing support to students consistently through the academic year

- Experienced in tutoring degree level students

- Conducted remedial classes to Business Management undergraduates at the University of Cambridge

- Guided university level students in preparing first class coursework assignments and final year dissertations under tight deadlines

- Successfully supported two students in preparing for their Oxford University entrance exams

- Coached a student for his Imperial College London interview for Mechanical Engineering (MEng Mech Eng)

STUDENT FEEDBACK

"Umer explains things in a clear and concise manner and has made learning Physics ever so fun for me. He is punctual and continuously tailors his teaching style to suit the needs of the student he is teaching." - Kalpna, A2 Mathematics

"More often that not, students spend a considerable time studying unimportant things. Umer has the ability to channel the effort of his students in the right direction, resulting in effective exam preparation. If it wasn't for him, my son wouldn't have scored so well in his exams." - Carlos, A2 Mathematics, A2 Physics

"Umer often uses visual aids to explain abstract concepts. He takes time to understand the interests of his tutees and then uses something of their interest to explain complex phenomenon to them. This really keeps the child motivated and involved. Hats off to his teaching style." - Roma, AS Physics

"Umer has tutored me from grade 8 through to A level. He is knowledgeable, reliable, patient and always polite. He constantly maintains a positive approach and encourages me even when I perform badly. He also helps me organise my study schedule and remained a great source of motivation for me. I would blindly recommend him to anyone!". - Basa, Mathematics (grade 8, GCSE, AS, A2)

Tutoring Approach:
- The underlying factor for my success is my ability to change my style of teaching according to each student's ability

- I provide practical and lively examples to explain concepts in Maths, Physics and Chemistry

- I guide my students towards obtaining correct answers with a series of well-placed questions rather than providing them with information to `rote learn`

- Tipping exam questions is a common practice and I can do this nearer to exam period

- I am very patient and endeavour to remove the abstraction in mathematical concepts through simplification of seemingly complex procedures

- I am a strong believer in building a good relationship with my students

- I tend to focus on harder exam questions early on so that students are not overwhelmed with them nearer to exam time

- Providing students with visual representations in science works wonders in establishing their concepts

- Asking students to teach back what I taught them some weeks ago also helps in improving their communications skills besides serving as a revision tool

- Providing students a clear mental image of the process being taught when teaching sciences. For instance, explaining the concept of electric current by modelling it as a flow of water

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

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

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

🤔 Why Work With Me? 🤔

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

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

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

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

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

I Can Help You:

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

🤔 Why Learn with Me? 🤔

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

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

🧠 About Your Lessons 🧠

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


SET TEXTS:

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

SHAKESPEARE

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

LITERATURE

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

AND MANY MORE!

______________________________________________________

Only Online Sessions are Available.

Flexible Monday to Sunday Availability.

Don't hesitate to contact me for more information!

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.'

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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:
After teaching in north Wales for 12 years, I moved to Pembrokeshire and set up my tuition company, Pembrokeshire Tuition, in 2012. Passionate about teaching, I am happy to teach online, in person and glad to help with home schooling. My aim is to support students so that they don't find subjects daunting, and to help stretch others in order to reach towards their true potential. I am a huge believer in the importance of positivity, praise, encouragement and that there is no such thing as 'wrong', 'no' and all the other negatives that have such a detrimental effect on students. There's no red biro or crosses for me!
As well as a love of the outdoors, sport and music, I also play the bass guitar and continue to learn German in my spare time.

Please contact me to see how I can help with tuition. I also have a number of reviews that I'd be happy to email you if you wish.

Teaching Experience:
As a former Deputy Headteacher of a north Wales primary school, I have 12 years of teaching KS1 and KS2. I spent much of this time working with children with SEND. Since starting my tuition company, I have a further 16 years of tutoring (face to face and online) students from Key Stages 1,2,3,4 and adults too. As well as teaching a wide range of subjects, I have also successfully helped a number of students with entrance exam preparation and mentored a number of secondary students who have faced significant challenges with their schooling.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to support students in a stimulating, fun and successful manner, often creating my own worksheets to adapt to the needs of the student. A very patient, empathetic and highly experienced teacher/tutor, I have a very good sense of humour and like to see students gain confidence and skills so that they can tackle exams - and their future - more easily.
The prices listed are for an hour and don't include any travel expenses, but online prices are £28 for 45 minutes. Travel expenses are additional, but I aim to keep these low depending on the distance involved. If a student wishes fortnightly lessons, this is also something I might be able to arrange. I teach Welsh 2nd Language and adult beginners as well.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently studying Medicine at university. Before then I undertook a gap year, where I spent the time tutoring students. I have managed to tutor students who were failing in their prelims, helping them to achieving an A in their final exam. I have also worked with students with Dyslexia. I enjoy teaching and helping other people with subjects that I myself really enjoyed doing. I primarily tutor English and entrance into medical school. I am friendly, patience and professional.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored many clients, friends and family and I myself have undergone many years of tutoring. I have also volunteered in classrooms, where I've helped students with their work. Furthermore, I am also part of the charity organisation, where I mentor students applying to Medicine. I believe that everyone learns differently and I strive to find the best teaching methods for everyone.

Tutoring Approach:
Throughout the years, I have made many resources and learnt different ways to effectively approach coursework and exams. I will make sure that my clients are thoroughly informed on the structure and marking requirements for each exam question. I will also provide a wide range of resources to my tutees. I will share my valuable knowledge, tips and tricks during the tutoring sessions; ensuring that all my students reach their own potentials.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a patient and dedicated tutor who tailors each lesson to meet the unique needs of my students. My approach is interactive and engaging, focusing on building confidence and critical thinking skills. I create individualized learning plans and adapt my teaching methods to match the student's pace, ensuring they fully grasp each concept. Regular feedback and consistent support are key elements of my tutoring style, helping students stay motivated and achieve their goals. With a focus on understanding and long-term success, I strive to make learning both effective and enjoyable.

Teaching Experience:
With 4 years of experience in teaching Business Studies, I have successfully guided students across various educational levels. My experience includes working with high school students preparing for exams, as well as college students aiming to deepen their understanding of business concepts. I have developed and delivered comprehensive lesson plans that cover a wide range of topics, from fundamental principles to advanced business strategies. My teaching has consistently helped students achieve their academic goals, with many improving their grades and gaining a stronger grasp of the subject. I am committed to fostering a deep understanding of Business Studies and inspiring a passion for the subject in my students.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring approach is centered on creating a supportive and engaging learning environment tailored to each student's unique needs. I begin by assessing the student's current understanding and identifying areas for improvement. I then develop a customized learning plan that incorporates interactive and practical examples, making complex business concepts easier to grasp. My sessions are goal-oriented, with a focus on building confidence and encouraging independent thinking. I provide regular feedback and adapt my teaching methods to ensure the student progresses at a comfortable pace. My ultimate aim is to empower students to excel in Business Studies with a deep understanding of the subject.

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Personal Description:
I'm a current second year student at the University of Bath, studying mathematics. I have a passion for my subject and that comes through in my lessons, this helps to enhance my teaching. My aspiration one day is to become a lecture in my chosen subject, and this is a great way for me to learn and become experienced early on in my potential career.

Teaching Experience:
I currently tutor one student in maths, However my experience stems further than this as I have always tutored and taught friends through GCSE and A-levels. A key highlight of my background is that I self taught A-level further maths as it wasn't a subject they offered at my school. This choice further shows my passion and drive for learning, but gave me a deeper understanding of studying and learning.

Tutoring Approach:
my tutoring style is highly adaptable, as I tailor make/ plan my lessons based on the student. No two lessons on the same topic are alike, ensuring a fresh and engaging approach each time! I have good ability at explaining complex concepts clearly and effectively, making my lessons more accessible and enjoyable as nothing is better than understanding a hard concept! my focus on getting students to challenge themselves with the harder problems builds confidence and results in excellent progress.
I always begin my tutoring with an introductory lesson ( a quick chat ) just to get to know the needs of the student, and so you can check to see if you match with my styles.

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Personal Description:
My name is Tia and I'm an experienced 11+ tutor with over six years of proven success helping KS2 students gain entry into top grammar and independent schools. Having personally navigated the 11+ process as a student at Newstead Wood Grammar School for Girls, I understand both the academic demands and the emotional pressures students face. I specialise in preparing pupils for GL-style exams, focusing on Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Over the years, I have helped students secure places at selective grammar schools such as Newstead Wood, Bexley, Dartford, Tonbridge, and St. Olave's, as well as prestigious independent schools including Highgate and City of London. My tutoring style is results-driven but also supportive, ensuring each student feels confident, motivated, and prepared.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a professional tutor for six years, working with both private clients and established organisations such as Kumon. My experience spans a wide range of abilities and ages, primarily focusing on Years 3 to 6. I have a strong track record in preparing students for 11+ entrance exams, and my lessons consistently lead to tangible academic progress. Many of my students have successfully secured places at highly competitive schools. I pride myself on creating engaging, structured sessions that make learning both effective and enjoyable. I also believe in building strong relationships with parents, providing clear, honest feedback and collaborating to ensure the best outcomes for each child.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are built around active learning and tailored to each student's unique learning style. I start with a quick review to consolidate prior knowledge before introducing new material. For visual learners, I incorporate diagrams and visual aids; for hands-on learners, I use practice problems and interactive activities. I encourage students to ask questions and actively participate, as this deepens understanding and builds confidence. Between lessons, I set targeted tasks to reinforce skills, and I expect students to come prepared with any questions for our next session. I also keep parents updated with regular progress reports, ensuring they are informed and involved in the learning journey. My ultimate goal is to help each student reach their full potential while making the process as engaging and stress-free as possible.

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Personal Description:
I offer personalised, structured tutoring for the 11+ entrance exams in Greater Manchester and Trafford, alongside private schools like William Hulme, Stockport Grammar, Cheadle High, MGSB, MGHS & Withington Girls, and many more, tailored to each child's strengths and learning needs. Lessons focus on English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with clear explanations, strong exam technique, and regular practice using 11+ style questions. My supportive approach builds confidence, accuracy, and readiness for grammar school entrance and beyond.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 20 years' experience as a tutor, having been tutoring since 2006. I began by supporting my own children as well as friends and family, and have since built a strong track record of success, with pass rates consistently exceeding 95%. I offer both one-to-one and small group tuition, supporting students of all abilities to achieve excellent results in entrance examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is structured, supportive, and student-focused. Each lesson is carefully tailored to the individual child, with strong foundations established before introducing exam techniques and timed practice. Through clear explanations, regular revision, and targeted feedback, I help students develop confidence, accuracy, and independent learning skills. My aim is for every student to feel well-prepared, motivated, and confident in their abilities.

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Personal Description:
I'm Mel, a father of three children living in Manchester. I tutor for entrance exams and GCSE and KS3 Maths, English, Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Additionally I tutor A level Biology and welcome adult learners.

Teaching Experience:
For the last ten years I have tutored hundreds of students in Maths, English, Biology, chemistry and Physics. I've also taught a number of students in the US, China, Russia, Canada and many countries in Europe. To date I have taught 20,000+ lessons.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to keep a flexible teaching style to work out what is best for each student.

Depending on what you need help with, we`ll work together in your first lesson to design a plan that will take you to where you need to be.

This might involve practising your maths skills, gaining confidence with concepts on the syllabus, or translating your knowledge more effectively into marks on your exam. Many students struggle with exam technique and it is definitely something a little tutoring can help with.

I have developed plenty of resources through my experience as a tutor to help students learn the key concepts on the biology syllabus for GCSE and A Level, and to get better at using this to tackle the harder exam questions. We`ll use a combination of slideshows, online whiteboard tasks, lots of discussion, and past paper practice to help you get the marks you need.

If you are happy to, I might ask you to do some practice for homework or to read up on some topics we will cover before the lesson. I find this can also help students with time management and study skills. For those looking to go on to study at university, this can be particularly helpful.

I also offer advice and practice interviews for those looking to apply to university for biology and related STEM subjects. This includes personal statement tips, ideas for developing your extracurricular interests, and help presenting yourself at interview.

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