Thurso French Tutors and Thurso French Tuition

Personal Description:
Experienced language tutor with excellent proficiency (oral/ written) in 3 languages.

I am an experienced tutor in teaching French (up to GCSE and IGCSE, A'Level and International Baccalaureate and beyond). I also teach German and Italian up to GCSE/IGCSE level.

I also teach conversation and practical French for adults looking to use the language for holidays/buying/maintaining properties in France as well as business French or just for general use

Have valid CRB disclosure

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for the last 10 years at all levels and have consistantly produced good results in my students at A' Level/IB as well as GCSE/IGCSE.

I am fully conversant with all Exam Boards and GCSE/IGCSE/A'LEVEL/IB etc. syllabuses

I have also taught French to adults at all levels for example who have just wanted to be able to converse comfortably while on holiday, use French to purchase a house in France. I have taught those who want to learn from scratch as well as those who are already at a reasonable level and want to improve their oral and writing skills for business or pleasure

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is firstly to assess closely where the gaps in my pupil's knowledge are and then build on closing them through grammar and vocabulary. I therefore give my students the building blocks to construct their own sentences in writing and speech.

I will work with them sometimes using their own text books but also I provide my own material to make the lessons more interesting. I will use games/quizzes as well as focussing on past papers and oral exams to help them gain confidence in the language.

I engage well with all my pupils and they always enjoy their lessons with me so that their time with me does not feel like just another extension of school

My conversation lessons with adults are always fast-paced and fun and my pupils widen their vocabulary and gain confidence in the new language very quickly

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Personal Description:
IN PERSON and ONLINE Tutoring! Either way I always create a very good connection with my students.
I am a native of Italy who has lived in the UK for 35 years and has well adapted to the British system of education, still bringing in some of the flavour of her own mother country in connection with love and curiosity for languages, cultures, and contacts with people and their cultures through the activity of teaching.

Teaching Experience:
I have been in the field of teaching languages (Italian being my special subject) for 21 years and have taught for all these years at all levels: children, GCSE, Highers level, University level, and adult classes both vocational and leasure/tourist.
My qualifications include a ESOL-Celta (Univ. of Cambridge) in teaching English as a Foreign Language to children and adults; a degree in English language and literature, as well as French language and literature; a PhD in Italian Studies. I have had mostly experience of teaching at University level in both language and culture (literature and cinema) in the last 10 years where my teaching ranges from beginners through to advanced level of Italian Language; and all levels of culture tutoring; translation studies.

Tutoring Approach:
IN PERSON and ONLINE Tutoring! Either way I always create a very good connection with my students.
My teaching approach to tutoring varies from objective to objective. Languages should always be taught in a full immersion style, especially when it is targeting groups of people who are doing it for either vocational or personal reasons.
Tutoring of subjects such as languages with an objective such as GCSE or Highers or indeed University exams must take into account the syllabus that students must complete in order to reach their target: i.e. pass exams and, at the same time, learn in an effective though 'unforgettable' way. The majority of classes must be delivered in the target language, however in order to meet timing of syllabus coverage and exams some of the concept must be strengthened in the student's language.
In an ideal world, where no exams or timed targets exist, then tutoring of a language should happen 100% in the target language.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher and Head of Department with 20 years of experience, in well known independent schools.

I specialise slightly more in Spanish but teach both Spanish and French to GCSE, IGCSE, A-level and Pre-U and IB. I work as an examiner for IGCSE, Pre-U and the IB, and have a good deal of exerience in preparation for Oxbridge applications and Common Entrance exams. I am usually very flexible during the school holidays, but am also able to schedule lessons for evenings and weekends during term time.

I can drive to you, but have to charge some travel costs. I am equally happy to work online.

Teaching Experience:
20 years teaching in the UK, almost entirely in the independent system with years working in boarding schools, as well as experience in a British international school. I am currently teaching at a London girls day school.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very flexible in my approach according to the needs of the student, and am quick to pick up where gaps may lie. I believe in building confidence in language learning, and am very familiar with exam requirements and preparation.

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Personal Description:
I am 35 years old and I have most recently completed the LPC at the University of Law. I have already completed a GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) at the same university. I also have an undergraduate 2.1 with Honors degree in French and Italian at The University of Manchester. I have spent 6 months in Bologna in Italy, working in a private language school for those wished to learn either Italian or English. I worked as a copywriter for the school website, working in French, Italian and English. I also worked as a conversation tutor to those who wanted to learn English. I lived in Paris for 7 years where I worked at ELLE, the well known women's fashion magazine, where I used solely French as well as a stint at Kantar Health and the majority of my time at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris. I am very down to earth and my biggest passion is football, I enjoy a good movie and love a good comedy. If you feel more comfortable meeting in a neutral place, a coffee place or in the town centre that is fine by me, I can be flexible. I have a clean criminal record and can boast a detention-less education!

Teaching Experience:
I now have teaching experience and I have shadowed those who have done this for a job. I have worked voluntarily in a school teaching beginner's Italian. Having already worked as a conversation tutor in a private school, I feel I would excel in giving private lessons, given the chance.

Tutoring Approach:
I feel every student works at their own pace, however it would not take me long to work out an approach which would realise the full potential of the tutee. I am patient and I can sympathise that learning a new language or topic can be frustrating. I've often found practicing certain exercises to be the most effective way to get over any tricky topic.

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Personal Description:
My name is Margo and I'm 44 years old. I am a high school French and Spanish teacher. I am also an avid cyclist and in 2011 fulfilled my lifelong dream of cycling round the world. My 27,000 km, New Zealand to Scotland trip took 2 years to complete and was the best experience of my life so far. As for other interests, I am a keen mountain biker and take part in the Scottish cross country championships every year.

Teaching Experience:
Before leaving the UK in 2009, I had been working as a French tutor for almost 7 years. Much of my work came from tuition agencies, with whom I taught students up to University level. I taught French to adult learners at the Glasgow College of Commerce in 2007 and pre 5's in several nursery schools around Glasgow from 2004 to 2009. I studied French and German at the University of Glasgow and finished my degree in 2001. I have lived in France for several years and worked as an English assistant in a French school. I also worked as a nanny in the French Alps for a year and ran a ski chalet, again in the French Alps.

In 2015, I returned to university to undertake the PGDE course, which would qualify me as a secondary school French teacher. I also studied a Spanish degree at the University of Strathclyde whilst working full time and finished this in 2019. I am qualified to teach Spanish but French is, by far, my main language.

For the last 8 years, I have had excellent Nat 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results in classes for which I have had sole responsibility.

Tutoring Approach:
Whether you are a parent looking to give their child a head start in foreign language learning, a Nat 5, Higher or Advanced Higher student struggling with exam practice or just an adult looking to learn a new skill, I am here to help. I am a highly skilled teacher and have helped many pupils achieve SQA exam success.

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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:
I am an experienced, multilingual educator with over 30 years of teaching languages and humanities across both UK and international settings. I specialise in Portuguese, French, and English, offering expert support for students at GCSE, A-level, university, and adult learning levels. My teaching combines academic rigour with creativity and cultural insight to help students achieve fluency, confidence, and excellent results..

Teaching Experience:
Throughout my career, I have taught in diverse educational settings, including UK schools, international programmes, and private tutoring. My professional background includes:

Teaching Portuguese, French, English Language and Literature, Spanish, Sociology, and Psychology

Serving as a GCSE speaking examiner for multiple London schools

Supporting relocation clients and professionals in mastering language for work, integration, or study

Teaching learners of all levels, from school-age pupils to adults and professionals

Designing personalised lesson plans that blend language, literature, culture, and practical usage

My students consistently achieve outstanding results due to my exam-focused strategies, interactive lesson delivery, and emphasis on building confidence.

Tutoring Approach:
I create a warm, welcoming environment that encourages active participation, critical thinking, and communication.
In all my lessons,

Prioritise oral fluency, listening, and cultural understanding

Integrate grammar instruction naturally within engaging, real-life contexts

Customise sessions to fit each student's learning style, pace, and goals

Provide regular feedback and practical assessments to track progress

Use a cultural and interdisciplinary approach that makes language learning meaningful and memorable

Whether you're studying for exams, relocating abroad, improving language for your profession, or simply learning for personal growth, I tailor every session to your needs.

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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:
Bonjour! My name is Samantha and I am from Bordeaux, a region famous for its wine. I am a qualified and experienced teacher. I have been living in the UK for many years and, after working in different roles in the educational system, I decided to undertake a French teaching qualification. The course was really stimulating and learning about pedagogy was particularly interesting. I have enjoyed teaching ever since.

Teaching Experience:
I have over ten years experience teaching on a one to one basis as well as small group from the very young to adults face to face or online. I am familiar with the curriculum for French GCSE and A Level.
I also teach University students, supporting them with grammar and conversation.
I have experience teaching French to adults from basic knowledge for holidays up to advanced level.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor lessons to what the student requires. I respect each student`s pace of work and way of learning and try to help them to fulfill their potential.
I make lessons interesting, stimulating and adapted to my clients' needs.
I am aware that tutees have different learning style and therefore I offer a variety of exercises.
I use different materials such as videos, images, magazines, music and the latest Course books from L'alliance Française as well as my own creation.
I empathize with my students because I had to learn English myself. Therefore, I know it can be difficult to learn a foreign language and even frustrating at times but also very rewarding. That is why, I make students aware of their progress on a regular basis.
I love teaching and I have had some very good feedback from my students. I am a friendly, patient and approachable person.

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Personal Description:
I am a Professional Tutor with over 30 years of experience in teaching French, Russian, English as a Foreign Language (ESOL, IELTS) at Universities, Colleges, Schools and privately.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 30 years of experience in teaching French, Russian, English as a Foreign Language (ESOL, IELTS) at all levels: from the beginners up to the advanced. I am also preparing students for exams in academic IELTS.

Tutoring Approach:
I am teaching all the aspects of the language: speaking/listening, reading/writing. My teaching is grammar based as without the knowledge of grammar it is impossible to make up correct sentences. I am using authentic materials in all the languages I teach. There are a lot of activities resulting in improving speaking skills. My students always get higher results at the exams than they were initially hoping for. There is always a good rapport with the students. The students get all the help they need. My lessons are always well structured, lively and meet students' satisfaction.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I live in Sevenoaks and I am happy to come and teach you at your home or at mine during week day, mornings, afternoons or evenings.

Teaching Experience:
I have 17 years experience, I have been teaching in Primary school, Secondary Schools, Adult Educations, Privately and in Private French Companies.

Tutoring Approach:
I will cover every kind of fields with my teaching, listening, speaking, reading and writing.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Penny and I'm glad you've stopped by!

I'm an encouraging, patient tutor helping unsure or low-confidence learners build skills at a steady pace. My lessons are collaborative, warm, supportive, and low-pressure - ideal if you want reassurance and extra encouragement to cheer you on, and if you value human rapport over fast-paced drills and strict targets.

GCSE:

With my experience as Head of Languages at a secondary school, I'm well-placed to help students with French and German GCSEs, focusing on the essential skills and success criteria - whether you want to grow in confidence or receive clear guidance on working towards higher grades, all without the pressure.

PRIMARY:

I bring learning to life with interactive, hands-on activities, using a fun and dynamic online platform that goes beyond the typical learning tools. With digital infographics, quizzes, games, puzzles, videos, storybooks, and role-play, students have an engaging and immersive learning experience.

ADULTS:

I help learners progress from absolute beginner to intermediate level (CEFR A1-B1). I focus on learners **up to B1**, to gently build confidence with the foundational essentials - whether handling chats in shops, restaurants or at work. B1 is a great milestone and you'll be able to handle most everyday interactions with ease.

I'm best suited to learners who are open to practical, thoughtful ways of learning, using simple strategies and small daily habits to build confidence and overcome anxiety - making language learning efficient and enjoyable for those who appreciate guidance and insight.

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I offer French, German and Italian lessons, with flexible pricing from £36 to £60 per hour, tailored to suit your needs. 30 and 45-minute lessons also available.

Having also lived in France, Germany and Italy, I bring a global perspective to tailor lessons to different learning styles and cultural contexts. Speaking four languages (French, German, Italian and English) while learning three more (Swedish, Polish and Arabic), I know how rewarding, but scary, language learning can feel. I therefore focus on helping learners feel comfortable and encouraged every step of the way, without the pressure.

With the right support and steady practice, you'll be surprised how quickly you can reach your goals.

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

- Qualified Modern Languages Teacher & Head of Modern Languages (PGCE secondary French & German)
- 12 years' languages teacher and tutor experience
- GCSE exam preparation for AQA & Edexcel
- BA in European Languages (French, German & Italian)
- TEFL with Distinction
- Fully DBS checked
- Excellent track record - More information can be found on my website

Tutoring Approach:
OUR NEXT STEPS:

Recognising that each learner is unique, we begin with a setup session (20-60 minutes, £20) to discuss your needs. This is an opportunity to see if we're a good fit before moving forward with lessons.


Step 1 - Your Goal Setup Session (20-60 minutes, £20) - Required.


Step 2 - Lessons.

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For companies seeking staff language training, progress reports are available upon request.

Take the first step and get in touch. I'm excited to help you achieve your language goals :)

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Some wonderful words from my students and their parents:

"I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone thinking of booking sessions with Penny to do it and do it now! As a trained actor, I came to Penny with a very unique request. Having very little knowledge of speaking German…. within a week we had a monologue translated, memorised and ready to present to an audition panel. Not only did Penny help me reach my goals but she gave me the upmost confidence to get there. I'm certain I would not have got there if it was not for Penny's support and extra efforts to help me achieve them. Not only that, but her teaching has most definitely inspired me to continue with my language learning. I would 100% recommend working with Penny. Don't hesitate - she is one of the best!!" Adult learner.

"Penelope has been very professional, organised and engaging . My son enjoys his lessons and has started to develop interest in German within first few lessons". - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Miss Penelope is a wonderful teacher. From the very first day she motivated my son to study French more. She is very punctual and professional. Just after one month my son's French has improved significantly. Exactly what I wanted." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penny is an excellent communicator and teacher. She is very supportive and is always enthusiastic. We are very pleased how well she is able to explain aspects of the German language and is always engaging. We are very happy to recommend her." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penelope is a professional German tutor; she tailors the teaching material so that it fits the student's needs. I had German lessons with her for over three months now and I feel my language skills have improved significantly. I also add that She has a nice personality and her classes are really enjoyable. I definitely recommend Penelope to people seeking to improve their language skills in a structured manner!" - Adult learner.

"Lovely tutor. She makes my daughter relax and actually enjoy learning German / French. I highly recommend her." - Parent of a Year 9 student.

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Personal Description:
I studied medieval languages, literature, and history at the University of Cambridge before completing an MA in Medieval Studies at the University of York. I then moved to La Rochelle (France) in 2016, where I taught English in two schools. After spending 4 months in New Zealand, I began teaching English at the Sorbonne University in Paris (2018-2020). I am now in the process of completing a PhD which focuses on medieval literature and languages (including Old French). I take a keen interest in language, especially French, and enjoy sharing this with my students.

Teaching Experience:
From October 1st 2016 until April 30th 2017, I taught English to 11-18 year olds in two French high schools. I also privately taught English to a French businessman in preparation for his travels in Australia, and to a young student studying for his baccalaureate exams. I gained a TEFL qualification in 2015.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly and unintimidating person, and encourage my students to ask questions on any linguistic point of difficulty. I will adapt my lessons to my student's needs (be it to improve reading, writing, grammatical knowledge, listening and speaking skills, or all of these in turn) so that each session is productive. I will happily teach according to school curriculum requirements, and I will also create my own teaching resources if necessary. I personally find it immensely satisfying and exciting to be able to speak and understand another language, and I encourage my students to share this pleasure.

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Personal Description:
I am a native German speaker. I have a BA (Honours) degree in French, German and English Linguistics and a Cert HE in Teaching and Learning Support. I can teach French up to KS3 and German up to A Level/Adult. I also offer English language lessons for speakers of other languages. I enjoy Yoga, being creative, listening to live music and travelling.

Teaching Experience:
I worked as a German language assistant for 8 years, preparing pupils for their GCSE and A Level exams. I ran speaking practice sessions, grammar workshops and supported learning in class. I have extensive experience working in Education, including SEN.
I have been a freelance private tutor since 2013

Tutoring Approach:
ONLINE & F2F lessons available!

Due to the current COVID situation, I encourage online lessons via Skype (or other online platforms on request).

My approach to tutoring is student-centred.

Depending on the age and requirements of the student, I can adapt my teaching approach to the individual's needs. I am happy to teach groups of up to 5 students. It would work out less expensive!

Primary level would be teaching through songs and games in a fun way. Lessons usually last 30 mins, which will cost £20 per pupil for a one-to-one session. I am happy to teach a small group of pupils and the cost can be shared between them to make the lessons less expensive (£10 per pupil for 4 pupils in one session).

GCSE and A Level would be focusing on exam preparation and speaking practice, supporting the student to become more confident. I would base my teaching on supporting the subject teacher.

Adult teaching would be tailored to the individual's needs. Some students just want to improve their speaking, therefore I would tailor the lessons to accommodate their need. Some may just want to learn some basic phrases for a holiday in Germany, I would plan lessons based on that need.

I can also run grammar, conversation and writing workshops in German.

I now offer English (as a foreign language).

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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:
Hello,
I am a 50 year old French woman who enjoys providing one to one support following my client/pupil's curriculum.
I have been in the UK since 1993 and worked as a Personal Assistant for 17 years, I am also a Personal Trainer.

Teaching Experience:
My experience to teaching is mainly through being an aunt to a 10 year old boy and an 18 year old girl - tutoring them English following their school lessons but giving more details, examples and lights on the rules of the languages and their exceptions, always aiming to reach the conversation level.

With my experience as a personal assistant and personal trainer, I know how to tailor exactly to the person's needs and requirements and also to foresee the next necessary step.

Tutoring Approach:
Once again, I very much adapt to the person but I am always warm, friendly, professional and driven.
I can come to tutor to your place providing that it's not above a 20 minutes drive, otherwise I am happy to tutor at my home in Hamble (not in the evening).

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Personal Description:
Having lived in the UK for the last 22 years and raised a family along side having a career in hospitality, french speaking & culture is part of the family daily life.
I am familiar with the current french curriculum and though my experience of training and guiding teams in the past, combined with a fun and agreeable personality, improving your french and reach your goals become a great experience all round.

Teaching Experience:
I have in the past successfully tutored several teenagers towards their GCSE French as well as supporting my own children throughout their school life.

Tutoring Approach:
It is very important to set goals and understand what the student is looking for from the lessons. The experience should be tailored to each individual.

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Personal Description:
First-class graduate of the University of Cambridge, I have tutored professionally since January 2023 and have worked in secondary schools in the UK between March 2017 and July 2018 full-time, working supply between February 2023 and July 2024.

I have tutored 4 students thus far, from Year 10 or 11 until their GCSE exams. My students have had great successes: my first student climbed 2 and 3 grades in their English GCSEs, passing them and allowing them to move on to sixth form without resits; another student achieved 8s in both English GCSEs, way higher than expected, and climbed grades over time in Maths; whilst another student also passed GCSE English Literature first time, with a Grade 4, well above his initial starting grade when we began tutoring.

My secondary school experience includes time as a full-time Cover Supervisor (March - July 2017), full-time Learning Support Assistant including sole teaching of KS3 SEN Literacy classes (September 2017 to July 2018), as well as supply LSA, Cover Supervisor and Exam Invigilator work.

I work with whoever, whatever your current grade, and I always aim to listen and understand who you are and what works well for you. Perhaps you're creative and into drawing; perhaps you are more analytical; perhaps you want to cover the basics. I always ensure my teaching is bespoke - I pay attention to what works and what does not.

My references attest to my good nature and personable qualities, as well as real results in helping students improve their grades.

At a fundamental level, any student of mine will tell you I am reliable, engaging, caring, fun, honest, and, equally, challenging and encouraging. I also offer a reasonable rate compared to other tutors in the area.

Please get in touch with any queries. I can tutor online, in person, and, within a certain distance, at your home.

Best wishes
Laurence,
Brighton and Hove

Teaching Experience:
- Private Tutor since 2023
- Full-time Cover Supervisor (March - July 2017)
- Full-time Learning Support Assistant including sole teaching of KS3 SEN Literacy classes (September 2017 to July 2018)
- Supply LSA (February 2023 - July 2024)
- Supply Cover Supervisor (September 2023 - July 2024)
- Exam Invigilator work (2023 and 2024 exam seasons)

Tutoring Approach:
- Person-centred
- Engaging and fun
- Reliable and caring

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