Balham French Tutors and Balham French Tuition

Personal Description:
I have an MA in Classical Philology and Russian Studies from the University of St Petersburg and am qualified to teach Russian, French, English and Latin. Since graduating in 1978 I have worked extensively in language teaching and translation / interpreting. I have also worked in France for 3 years and attended an interpreting school in Paris (ISIT - Institut Superieur d' Interpretation et de Traduction). I also hold a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI in Law) issued by the Chartered Institute of Linguists and am a member of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI) and of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIL).

I have taught schoolchildren, students and adult learners at beginners, intermediate and advanced level. I have lived in Britain since 1991 and am available for tutoring in Cambridge, Huntingdon and in the surrounding areas.

I also provide English language tutoring for Russian, French and German speakers. As a translator / interpreter I specialise in Medical / Pharmaceutical and Legal translation and interpreting for private companies and public service organisations like the National Probation Service, the Police, the Courts and the NHS.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Latin at the Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute of St Petersburg (1978 - 1979).
Teaching English and French at the Technical University of St Petersburg (formerly the Leningrad Polytechnic) - 1981 - 1984 and 1986 - 1991.
Teaching Latin and French at the Medical Military Academy of St Petersburg (1984 - 1986)
Teaching French and German at a Russian Secondary School (1988 - 1991).
Teaching Russian at Manchester Business School, BNFL, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, University of Salford.
Private tutoring - teaching English, French, Latin and Russian (1984 - 2015).

Tutoring Approach:
I do my best to give the student a good grounding in grammar which is a key to understanding and fluency whatever the language. I encourage students to listen to radio programmes in the target language, watch newsreports on television etc as it is a great learning tool. I feel passionate about languages myself and find teaching highly enjoyable.


I hold a full up - to - date DBS Enhanced check certificate issued 13 February 2013.

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Personal Description:
I always seek to organise lessons around the student's areas of interest.
I expect lessons to be both fun and challenging, and set clear goals and objectives for each student, both short- term and long- term.
I have lived and taught in France, Germany and the UK.

Teaching Experience:
6 years in a London Montessori School, age range 5- 16.
3 years in a London comprehensive, age range 11- 19.
3 years in a West Midlands comprehensive, age range 11- 16.
10 years in a Cheshire comprehensive, age range 11- 18.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring is a serious investment of time and money on the part of both student and teacher, and so I always spend part of the first session making sure that everyone is clear about the aims and objectives of the tutoring.

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Personal Description:
I believe it is very important for children to have a knowledge of a modern language,and that anyone can learn a foreign language, as long as they put enough work into it.I love my teaching work and my subject,and am currently studying for the Diploma in Translation.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a private tutor now for eighteen years,mainly to GCSE and 'A'-level students,.although I have also taught adults in a family environment.Before working as a private tutor,I spent nine years teaching my subject in secondary education.Over the years I have been able to improve students' exam grades,so that they are able to continue with their studies,or,in the case of 'A'-level students,gain entry to University.I am happy to supply recent references.In recent years, I have come to specialize in helping GCSE pupils with their speaking and writing tasks for their controlled assessments, which many find daunting. In the majority of cases I have been able to achieve a significant improvement in the final grade.

Tutoring Approach:
Every student is different,and I will always try to adapt my teaching methods to the needs of each student.I use both computer technology and up-to-date textbooks as teaching aids,as required.I believe that each lesson should be carefully planned as part of an overall programme of development and study.I cover the syllabus and examinations of all the National Awarding Bodies, and provide any assistance with coursework.I believe that establishing a good rapport between tutor and student is important in order to improve standards.

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Personal Description:
I am a Master of Arts graduate of Choreography and a Bachelor of Arts graduate of French language and literature. My mother tongue is greek but I am also a native speaker in english because I was born in Australia. I live in London and don't mind travelling within London. I am friendly, communicative and very outgoing so feel free to contact me for any tuitions :)

Teaching Experience:
Teaching is one of my favourite activities because it is a way to share my knowledge with young people and also with adults. I have been teaching various subjects since 2006 which include dance, french language, greek language and english language. I always have my classes organised to achieve the goals that my students have in a specific amount of time, not time-wasters please:) I am currently a Visiting Lecturer in Universities.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring for me must have a methodology and a structure. It always depends on the needs of the student, the goals and the time available. As long as you know your aim, we can work around it together.

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Personal Description:
I am a native French speaker and I recently graduated in Mechanical Engineering. I have always been passionate about Maths and Physics. I like to share my passion with people, especially those whom I can help, and make these subjects accessible to all. I also love promoting my language in as many ways as I can.
I understand that it is very important to tailor learning to individual needs and I adapt myself to any situation.

Teaching Experience:
I have been giving casual tuition at secondary school level as well as University level to friends and family. I also explained Maths and Mechanics to university fellow students and friends when they needed help to understand topics I had mastered.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to find interesting ways to explain when the student is confronted to a problem he cannot solve. I make a point of leading my students to their goal while setting good working standards. I like to transmit my dedication to my pupils.

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Personal Description:
Hello and welcome :-)

I'm Craig and I have been teaching languages for almost 15 years now. I am a relaxed and patient teacher and will be well suited to anyone who needs to learn at their own pace or who needs things explained well and carefully to them.

I am also well qualified for the job with a BA Honours degree with triple distinctions in Spanish, Italian & French as well as Teacher Qualified Status and a CELTA. I have also lived, worked and studied in Spain, Italy, France and Greece.

I have studied a lot of languages myself. I've studied over 30 languages over the years. I have achieved fluency in the languages I teach, but I have also reached a fairly good standard in some other languages or have acquired a basic knowledge of many others. I will use some of the methods I have used to learn these languages to help teach you.

I will help you, step by step, to begin speaking and understanding your chosen language.

I am also DBS (previously CRB) checked for your security.



Here are a few a reviews from my customers:

I thoroughly recommend Craig to everyone as an excellent Spanish tutor. He is kind, patient and commited to his students.
My daughter, who had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) had an hour`s lesson every week for eighteen months, after her secondary school was unable to offer Spanish lessons. She achieved an A* grade in her GCSE exam (Review by Kerrie, Sittingbourne)

I thoroughly recommend Craig if you are looking to learn a foreign language. I spent my teenage years completely adamant that a second language was beyond me. German was my weakest subject and I sat at the back of the class applying my make up! I am now working towards conversational Spanish, and after just over 3 months I am able to hold a Facebook messenger conversation with my South American friends! Not only has Craig taught me enough grammar to achieve this, he also anticipates difficulties English speakers may have with certain language constructs and works through those too. I always look forward to my lessons each week, and enjoy doing the practice questions I`m given for homework. (Review by Emma, Chatham)

I am giving my Italian lessons with Craig a 5 star rating. I began my lessons as a complete novice and now feel confident enough to be going on holiday to Italy to stay in a non-English speaking village. Craig is a highly-skilled professional. I recommend him to anyone who wants to learn a language (he speaks and teaches many!) whether a beginner or with some existing knowledge, for holidays, for work or to reinforce their language learning. (Review by Amanda, Maidstone)

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching languages since 2004 and have worked as a full time language tutor since 2010.
I have also taught in language schools in the UK and abroad as well as in public schools.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very patient and will guide you step by step towards speaking your language of choice. I use a mix of my own course designed by me and materials from other sources such as course books, grammar books and realia.

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Personal Description:
I am a very experienced English teacher, having taught the subject for 17 years to date. I am currently the Head of English at a local school. I have a B.A and an M.A in English Literature, as well as a PGCE in English teaching, so my subject knowledge is extremely advanced. I am also an A grade A Level English and GCSE English examiner, so have developed knowledge of exam criteria and working to the assessment objectives. I have taught AQA and OCR GCSE English, AQA English Literature, AQA English Language and AQA English Lang & Lit.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English for 17 years in total, across the secondary sector and in Further Education. I have taught across all levels in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5; teaching English to years 7-9, GCSE English, Functional Skills English, A Level English Language (AS and A2), A Level English Literature (AS and A2) and A Level English Language & Literature (AS and A2). I am currently an Advanced Skills Teacher in English and an A Level English Language and GCSE English examiner. My students get good grades in their courses, with 100% pass rate (A*-C) in GCSE English and 100% pass rate (A*-C) in all A Level English courses. I have advanced knowledge and understanding of all areas within English, including: linguistics, literary analysis, creative writing, analysis of non-fiction/media texts, grammar, spelling and punctuation. I am a current GCSE English Language examiner so I have a developed understanding of the requirements of the exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I am an experienced tutor, having tutored for twelve years and I have a very good track record of success, all of my tutees have gained the grades that they needed- including 10 A grades in GCSE and 5 A grades in A Level English. I am extremely passionate about students achieving to their potential, gaining the grades that they need to succeed. I check the tutee's current level and then set targets for them, linked to their written work. I am supportive and encouraging towards my tutees and I am dedicated to their achievement and success.

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Personal Description:
My passion for teaching started in 2008, having qualified as a teacher at University in Madrid. After a pedagogic practice in an Secondary Bilingual School I moved to France, where I have recently graduated in French and Spanish Linguistics.

Last year I finished a master's degree in French Applied Language in the Sorbonne University and the Paris Trade Chamber, where I trained in didactics of Specific French (business, scientific, hotel trade, etc).

I'm a very enthusiastic teacher, able to find the talent hidden in every student.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience includes two years as a Modern Foreign Language teacher with Learnissimo, training individual from different sectors (enterprises as Danone, Tompress), three years in Primary and Secondary schools and a six months internship in the French Institute in Madrid.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching method for is based on tasks and the PPP paradigm (presenting a subject, practicing by repetition, matching or filling and producing in the context of a particular task). This approach allows the students to learn by practicing in their real communication situations and to progress in a very short time!

The type of materials I use are generally design by myself, using authentic documents as reports, conversation recordings, emails, hand outs and I also use general linguistics and grammar manuals and essays to support my research

Using a task-based approach, you will be focusing in particular missions and I will give you the tools to accomplish them and I will be designing a individualized programme from your personal or professional targets.

Basically, this is a very practical methodology based on learning by doing.

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Personal Description:
I have around 15 years of teaching experience ranging from French, English as a Foreign Language and both practical and theory of music. I teach from home for a relaxed and friendly lesson style.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored numerous pupils towards ABRSM, AQA and WJEC exams and teach both children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach from home for a relaxed and friendly lesson style.

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Personal Description:
I am a very enthusiastic, focused, self-motivated, highly-disciplined, target-driven, adaptable, mobile and ambitious graduate of Microbiology and Biomedicine genuinely pursuing an outstanding, very challenging and motivational career as a Teacher, using my skills and knowledge to improve the quality of education of other people.
I am passionate about teaching and want to inspire and enhance the level of achievement of my tutees.

My strong desire is to see my tutees achieve their desired grades and conquer their fears, becoming what they aspire to be.

Teaching Experience:
I am experienced in SEN from EYFS to KS1/KS2, and also in teaching Science to KS3 to KS5. I am also well experienced in mentoring groups as well as providing one-to-one-support.

My tutoring skills have no bounds as I have also been afforded the opportunity to lecture in Microbiology and Biology.
With an ever-growing drive for excellence, I am on a perpetual route to keep up with the ever-dynamic teaching skills through CPDs and trainings in behaviour-management to all that is required to teach per excellence.

Tutoring Approach:
My belief is that everyone understands at different levels.Based on this, I personalize my teaching approach to suit the specific needs of my students. I believe that there are visual learners, kinesthetic learners and auditory learners. Therefore I have different interactive resources that can be used depending on the type of learner I am working with.

I am of the belief that if you aim higher, you can achieve anything you believe in your heart that you can do.

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Personal Description:
I am of french nationality, i arrived in bristol 7 months ago. I have spent my whole life in france, passed my A level, studied carpentry and passed my exam successfully. I practiced english for 6 years at school, and i am now completely bilingual. I read a lot in english and i am very ineterested in languages in general. Since i arrived in England, i have been working as a waitress in a restaurant ( Poco on stokes croft ), and i would like now to work as a tutor to help children and people learn french the best way possible.

Teaching Experience:
Back in france, i have been helping children doing their lessons, not only in french, but also in all the other subjects. I have never been " teaching", but i am very good in communication and working with children and people.

Tutoring Approach:
I am willing to give my best to help people learning french and helping them in the understanding of the language. The communication and being patient must be my priority.

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Personal Description:
I am an intelligent, responsible and empathic person with an extensive background in teaching. With excellent communication skills and a tremendous enthusiasm for teaching my aim is always to allow my students to grow and learn for themselves.
My principal goal is to constantly improve as a teacher and for this reason I am undertaking both Spanish and French courses with prestigious institutions like Cervantes.

Teaching Experience:
2009 - 2014
- Substitute phylosophy for the regional government of Catalunya (Spain) and the regional government of Valencia (Spain).
- Private classes in philosophy with High School students and teachers.
2006 - 2009
- Private classes with children with emotional and learning difficultes.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that a teacher should have a good knowledge I awareness of psychology and personal development. With this in mind, many of my additional and special skills have been obtained in this area.

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Personal Description:
I am 32 years old, I live in the East Midlands and I have a degree in French and a Masters in International Relations (before I got married, I used my maiden name, which is why my degrees are in that name). I have a wide range of interests, but language, specifically French, is my main passion. I started teaching 7 years ago and tutoring 8 years ago when I was a teaching assistant.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a French teacher for the past 7 years, teaching a range of year groups from Year 6 to Year 13. Whilst French is my main subject, I have taught a range of others, including Spanish, RE, Maths and Citizenship. I have taught in a range of schools in Leicestershire and the South East and taught pupils from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Tutoring Approach:
I started tutoring in 2010 and have tutored pupils from Year 5 to Year 13. I vary my style of tutoring as every child is different and I learn quickly what each child will respond well to and how far their ability can be stretched. I tend to focus on grammar, as this is the area where most pupils struggle. I have access to a wide range of materials pupils can use including current GCSE resources, online language-learning website and a variety of games to make learning fun.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching French and German for the past 30 years.
I retired from classroom teaching in July 2022, in order to focus on offering private tuition.
The bulk of my private tuition is French and German GCSE. However, I am also delivering German IB (diploma) and A level, as well as English as a second language.
I also have some adult learners as well as children from age 6-10.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching French and German at all levels but mainly secondary school.
I have worked for 27 years in two London comprehensives.
My results have always been excellent.
I have outstanding subject knowledge and am familiar with the main exam boards.
I also have access to all relevant materials.
I am currently working part time in a local secondary school teaching French and German A level.
My current tuition timetable includes:
French GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Edexcel IGCSE)
German GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE)
German A level (AQA and Edexcel)
German adult learners - beginners.
English as a second language - IGCSE, IELTS
Beginner's German to adult learners as well as children aged 6-11

I have students attending UK top grammar and independent schools, as well as state comprehensives. I have experience in stretching and challenging the most able as well as helping students gain an acceptable pass in what is sometimes their weakest subject.
In the last two years, those of my tutees taking higher GCSE, have all gained grades 7-9 and those taking foundation, a grade 5.
All of this information can be verified on request.
I also have a number of adult learners for beginner's German. This has been very successful. Current students can provide testimonials if required.

Tutoring Approach:
I have done a lot of private tutoring, mainly GCSE but also some A level and adult learners.
I am a calm and patient teacher and know how to get the best out of my students.
Each lesson is tailor made to suit the needs of the individual.
I pride myself on being flexible and as a parent myself, understand that unforeseen circumstances can crop up. Therefore, I do not charge for late cancellations.

Recent, verifiable testimonials (updated August 2023, following GCSE results)

Alison was a great tutor. She is very easy to understand and made french as a subject a lot more simple for my son to understand. My son was originally getting 3s and 2s in his mocks, but she was able to assist him in getting a good result in the GCSE. I can't thank her enough for the help. She's a great tutor.
I would like to recommend her to everyone.

Allison has tutored my son for the past 2 years and I was delighted that he got a 9 for his GCSE German exam this year. My son took his GCSE exam early at the end of year 9 and his grade is a true reflection of what an exceptional tutor Allison is. Allison has been a truly amazing tutor and my son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with her. He will continue his tutoring with Allison as he has now opted to take A/S Level German next year. I highly recommend Allison if your child needs tuition for German.


Allison has been tutoring our daughter in French for the last few weeks, to help her prepare for GCSE's.
I cannot recommend Allison highly enough. She is easy to contact and on time to every lesson. My daughter was initially sceptical about having a tutor, but from the first lesson she soon saw the benefits. Allison is very personable and gave me feedback on what our daughter should be focusing on and how she has improved. Allison has great knowledge of the school syllabus and gave my daughter key areas to focus on outside of the lessons. I would like to thank Allison for giving our daughter more confidence in what used to be one of her weaker subjects

Allison provided tutoring for our daughter ahead of her GCSE in German. She knows the syllabus extremely well and identified the main areas on which to focus. She was very flexible on when she could come to our house and helped our daughter get the most out of each hour of tutoring. The overall impact was very positive with our daughter getting a 9 in her GCSE. I can thoroughly recommend Allison to anyone looking for help in either German or French.

We had Allison for about a year, and my son continues enjoying the lessons. Allison is very reliable, personable and flexible. She understands the help and support that is required for my son and applies her skills and knowledge to help. Her calm manner and being very accommodating are helpful add-ons to the help we get from her.

I was so busy to let you know how impressed my boys are of both of you. Because of you and his German teacher now, D. studies German with pleasure.

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Personal Description:
Hi! My names Ellie! I am currently in my first year of my BA Religious Studies and I am wanting to help others with their studies.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored my younger siblings and family members, take a chance on me and you won't regret it!

Tutoring Approach:
I hope that we will be able to spend a section of our first session talking though your subject; what you like and dislike, what you are struggling or need extra help with and how I can help you. Your session will be based around what you want and you need!

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Personal Description:
My name is Neil and I'm a polyglot who speaks many languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Polish, Portuguese, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic etc.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching languages 1 on 1 and in classes for around 4.5 years, and running my own language school since January 2020.

Tutoring Approach:
I use scientifically proven memory techniques which are both fun and highly effective to help people easily learn and remember vocabulary and grammar in a foreign language. I also give you conversational practice as well as show you how to read and write in the language

I am very patient and I explain everything clearly and concisely. I believe language learning should be fun and not stressful.

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Personal Description:
A native french speaker and focused professional within the product design sector, who's comfortable on fast moving projects, within cross functional teams and a desire to constantly improve skills and pass down knowledge on new technologies.

Passionate to Research, design, film and modernise future generation of digital products. Over 13 years of hands-on experience with various design and filming methods such as user journey mapping, wire framing, visual design, prototyping, video editing, colouring, compositing, Photo-editing and Retouching

Teaching Experience:
- 4 months tutoring product design at Love circular
- Mentoring Junior Designers daily at my professional work
- Grew up Teaching french to my native english little brothers and sisters, for their GCSE's

Tutoring Approach:
A friendly approach to teaching, focusing more on real life practical example rather than theories, through assignments and workshops.

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Personal Description:
My name is Alice, I am French from Paris, and have lived in the UK for the past 9 years. I am currently based in Stirling, Riverside. I offer tutoring for all levels, whether online or in-person.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience teaching French to various ages and levels and using different approaches - whether more theoretical or conversational.

Tutoring Approach:
If you decide to start lessons with me, we will first discuss your needs and expectations. I will then propose a plan for lessons going forward. The lessons can be online, in-person or a mix of both. I adapt my method to each pupil's requirements and will ensure that you get a clear understanding of the French grammar, vocabulary and are at ease with your pronunciation of the language.

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