Warrington Study Skills Tutors and Warrington Study Skills Tuition

Personal Description:
I am 57 now and consider myself to have reached a point where I have experience to share and yet still enjoy working with the students and helping them to get to their own potential. I am family orientated, considered by my friends and colleagues to be warm and nurturing.

I am passionate about my students reaching their potential, even if their starting point is not deemed to be high by academic standards.

I am used to a wide variety of challenges and opportunites having worked with special needs for many years.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught through all the age ranges starting off as a Internationally Qualified Montessori Teacher, working right through to University level as an accelerated learning practitioner (I trained with Tony Buzan). My core specialism is Dyslexia and Special Needs. I have worked with home schooled children for many years as well as continuing to do regular home tutoring after school hours and some Saturday mornings. I still run Montessori workshops particularly for those involved in homehomeschooling. I am also a Qualified and Insured Naturopath and teach a wide variety of alternative health and well-being workshops, as in my experience, health and well being are directly related to the students ability to learn effectively; so many students who have experienced challenges in assimilating learning often are found to have some form of health or allergy issues. .

Tutoring Approach:
I do not do GCSE work, finding that any problems in this area usually have their roots in Key stage 1 -3.

The work I do engage in is in an holistic style of teaching, using where possibly a multi - sensorial and multi -discipline approach.
I believe that a good relationship with the student, which, while still being professional, engenders a sense of trust, caring and belief in the students ability to rise higher than they thought they could.
I feel that one has to enable the student to find out where their true base line is through good assessment, then allow them to work on their challenges through the utilization of their strengths.
I believe in supporting the student in developing their own, successful and sophisticated learning strategies which are unique to their learning style.
I have a current enhanced DBS certificate, am on all three OFSTED registers and an 'Outstanding' grade from OFSTED in our early years work.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Professionally qualified (DfES number RP 04/31188).

I am a musician, qualified primary teacher (QTS) with a Master's degree in Education, Pets As Therapy volunteer, founder and facilitator at Meta for learning CIC.

My interests in education are in Open Learning, Outdoor Learning, Animal Assisted interventions, Blended learning and helping learners build international links.


As part of a distance-learning Masters degree in association with FUNIBER and the Universidad de León, I carried out an ethnographic action research project using a democratic approach called Community Language Learning. In this approach there is no syllabus or textbook to follow. It is the learners themselves who determine the content by means of meaningful conversations.
It incorporates translation, transcription and recording techniques.

When I am not working I love volunteering, practising ice skating or track cycling with my daughter and also growing an edible garden !

Teaching Experience:
I was born in Madrid where I trained as a primary teacher and classical musician (cello and chamber music).

I worked in Escuelas de Musica in the outskirts of Madrid which are inclusive socially-minded music schools where I taught cello lessons and support the development of the String Department by assisting during orchestra rehearsals. Both adults and children of all ages are welcome to take lessons.

Shortly after moving to the UK I started a part time job teaching Music to 5-7 yo children at the Rowans Prep school in Wimbledon alongside studying a Mater's and working in Adult education- I carried out a 2-year ethnographic action research project at St Luke's centre in Islinghton.

I then applied to a position in Esadst London and started working for Children's language services teaching at several primary schools in Tower Hamlets. My roles were to deliver the MFL primary curriculum; coordinate the implementation of new initiatives in schools ie use of the European Portfolio for language Learning which was being developed between the Council and universities, provide class teachers with CPD training; undertake tasks such as EAL First Language assessments.

After taking maternative leave I trained to become an online tutor and worked part- time for Own Tutors, Clapham.

In 2019 I founded a learning community Metaforlearning Cic where I run Self-Manage Learning programmes for young people.

In my tutoring work I am reliable, flexible and experienced. I have been working in the UK, Ireland and Spain and have experience in exam preparation for the Spanish internationally recognised DELE junior and DELE for adults; Spanish GCSE, IGCSE, Spanish A-LEVELS with AQA, OCR and EDEXCEL exam boards; and IB ab initio and Language B international qualifications. In the past I have prepared young cellists for 1-8 ABRSM performance grades.

Tutoring Approach:
Students set their own learning goals and I assist them in order to map the neccesary learning to achieve them and also by working at the level that they feel comfortable with at each stage of the process.

With young learners I make use of VR, AR and gamification for enhancing engagement in language learning.

If your enquiry is regarding learning for either improving wellbeing, traveling or living in a Spanish speaking country then we will be looking at different learning objetives and skills than for example an enquiry regarding accessing an university of your choice.

I have wide experience supporting international students in understanding and preparing to access Universities in the UK.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a native English speaker (born and educated in America), currently a permanent UK resident. I've been working in schools for the past 21 years and tutoring for 13 years up to KS3. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as a TEFL certification. I also have specialised literacy training and experience, including dyslexia.

I have been tutoring for a circle of families for the past several years. They have all either moved away, or no longer need tuition, so I am lookin for new students.

I have a good rapport with the students I have worked with and am able to make learning fun!

In addition to tutoring, I am also available for application, CV and proof reading assistance.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a supply teacher, learning support assistant (special needs and behaviour difficulties), 1:1 literacy teacher and a tutor for the past 21 years in America, The Channel Islands and London.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that learning should be an enjoyable experience and try to keep my lessons lively and interactive. I welcome feedback from parents and caregivers, as I feel that family centred learning is important.

The first lesson will be to get to know the learner and make an assessment as to his/her strengths and weaknesses as well as their learning style. I can then tailor my lessons to suit.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an active independent-scholar and writer, living near St Andrews University. I have written numerous books and articles and am currently working on a new book as well as tutoring a handful of students. I am also a former Academic Advisor to students in the United States of America, and I have worked for two tutoring companies in Oxford since returning to the UK. I am therefore familiar with the needs of international students when it comes to navigating the English and Scottish University systems. I focus on technique over content with a particular emphasis on writing skills, though I also read all the books and articles my students are required to read, so that I can help them with content when required.

Teaching Experience:
Award winning teacher at the University of Georgia, 1999-2000
Academic Adviser to University Students from 2003-2007
Tutor Oxford International Study Centre, April 2013 - May 2014
Carfax Tutorial Establishment, November 2013 - May 2014
Freelance Tutor ongoing.

Tutoring Approach:
I adopt a holistic approach to tutoring, working with a student to address her or his individual academic needs. I am process-orientated, building on a student's strengths and eliminating weaknesses. I am also practical, constantly working towards the student's objectives. As a result, I focus very much on academic skills and developing the student's academic toolbox, so that they can gain confidence and become independent learners.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Human Resource and Human Resource Management are the area of my expertise and this is something I am very passionate about. I thoroughly enjoy teaching this subject and I enjoy working with students at college and university level. I also teach business studies and its relationship to HRM at degree level.

Teaching Experience:
Human Resource Management, Business Studies and Strategic Management Studies are the key areas of my experience. I have worked and taught in this subject area for over 35 years at University level. I thoroughly enjoy my subjects and i particularly love teaching university and college students.

I am a qualified and approved Chartered Member of the Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD). I am also a Fellow at the Royal Society for Arts (FRSA) and a Member of the Institute for Economic Management (MIED)

I have been tutoring students for many years and it is often a case of panic rather than a need to improve their academic ability that drives them to seek help and support.

Whatever your reasons ... I am here to assist you manage your work, your assignments and your dissertation. Not all sessions require payment there are a fair amount of goodwill sessions on my part to continue to be your anchor during your challenging moments in the lecture hall. Therefore you are free to email and call me as much as you wish to discuss any aspects of your learning. All reasonable levels of telephone support is free. (if you call me at 3am I may over-charge you but if you call me at 3pm it may be free)

I am happy to continue to communicate with you until such time you decide what you wish to do.

I have extensive academic experience in

 Business Management
 Human Resource Management
 International Communications
 International Cultural Studies
 International Relations
 International Political Economy
 Social Sciences Research Methods
 Social and Political Science Studies

I have no experience in finance management.

Tutoring Approach:
Each student is different when it comes to learning. Some students enjoy 1 to 1 and some students love group learning. My approach is to create an individual style for each student and work with you to meet your learning needs.

The key to any success is READING and then having the opportunity to discuss the subject in detail to analyse the the debate.

In addition to this, it is important to develop skills and understanding of your subject area so that you are aware of the key areas of policy and theory and how theory is applied to policy in the real world.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Please note that in the current corona virus(covid-19) climate I ma tutoring all my students on my own online until the government reviews the situation and allows us to move freely. I am tutoring individually, in two, threes up to maximum of five. There is discount for being tutored in groups. I wish everyone to stay safe at this difficult time. Thank you

I am freelance tutor providing assignments tutorial support to students studying under and postgraduate courses in Economics, Business Management, Marketing, Financial Management, Strategic Management, Business Statistics and Nursing, Projects and Dissertations including Data Analysis, Dissertation research proposal writing support as well as editing .

Teaching Experience:
My background is medicine and moved to business specialising in services marketing. I have years of experience as a senior clinical bedside instructor for medical and nursing students then later spent years as training consultant for HIV/AIDS, Sexual health and Health and Social care professionals. I have also worked as senior lecturer for Glyndwr university London campus teaching BA students Principles of Marketing & Business practice, Global Marketing, Customer Relationship Management and MBA students, Strategic Marketing and Strategic Management, Financial Management, Research Methods, Project Management and supervising students on projects and dissertation. I have been a private tutor since 1999.
My recent tutorial work (June-August 2020) was with UNICAF Malawi university during which I supervised and supported MBA students who were studying remotely online

Tutoring Approach:
I use student problem identification approach which means I encourage students to identify and communicate to me what they are experiencing as a problem in their specific topics in their studies and then based either face to face or online, I focus on these specified identified problems. The benefit of this approach is that it encourages the student to study, engage and interact. with me as well as providing me the basis for my own post tutoring assessment to whether my tutorial is making the difference. All my tutorials are highly interactive as I use questions and discussion with the students to make sure that they have understood. There are also min activities at the end of every tutorial as well as homework for students to do in every subject I tutor. These are mainly based on past exam papers and are aimed at developing students' confidence and self belief and develop skills they need to succeed in their exams.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have over 20 years' teaching experience. I am a retired A Level teacher but continue with private tuition. I teach both the OCR and AQA new specifications at A Level, in Philosophy, Ethics and Christianity, for Year 1 and Year 2. I have testimonials which show that most of my tutees go on to attain A grades. As a mother, I know well the anxieties which accompany these important school years. I aim for academic excellence, bringing out a student's confidence, alongside teaching important critical thinking skills and exam technique. If the student is willing to learn, higher grades are guaranteed.

Teaching Experience:
27 years tutoring privately; 15 years teaching in Further Education; OCR and AQA A Level mostly. I'm very familiar with the specification.
I can supply many testimonials ftom students upon request.
The latest one is from a student who came to me at a low C and attained an A* at OCR A Level 2025 (available on request).

Tutoring Approach:
I tutor by ZOOM mostly these days, as it so successful. Many of my past tutees I have never even met yet they have gone on to achieve As and A*s, last year one going to Oxford, another two to Newcastle... testimonials are available. I work very closely with the specification, using resources for each topic which I attach for the student before the session. I give detailed feedback on essays I set, which most find extremely useful. With other essays asked for, there is a small charge. I keep individual progress records e.g. weak areas etc to build on. I am also only a phone call or email away for students in between tutorials as this is an important element in confidence-building, I feel.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Dedicated educator qualified in the UK and Australia. Passionate about working with young and adult learners. Strong commitment to individual development of each student through fostering positive learning experiences. Effective communicator across cultures and age groups. Taught in Sydney, Australia, Krakow, Poland and London, UK.

Teaching Experience:
English as a Foreign Language teacher (2005 - current)

• Thoroughly, holistically and continuously analysing individual needs of every student and creating a learning programme to meet their needs
• Working with adults and young learners one-on-one and in groups
• Assisting students in integrating into the British culture by providing systematic practice of speaking in various social scenarios
• Consistently providing students with homework and extensive feedback on their speaking and writing skills

• Subjects:
- English for Specific Purposes (e.g. English for scientists, medical professionals, psychologists, educators, businessmen, accountants, geologists, UX designers, interior designers, engineers; marketing, branding, and HR professionals)
- ESOL - English + cultural integration
- General English
- Business English
- English for Academic Purposes
- IELTS General and Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- A2 Key exam (KET), B1 Preliminary exam (PET), B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency
- OET - Occupational English Test

• Teaching methods used:
Content-Based Instruction, the genre-based approach, Task-Based Language Teaching, Text-Based Instruction, Situational-Language teaching, the Audiolingual Method, Communicative Language Teaching, the Direct Method, and Total Physical Response

Academic writing and study skills tutor (2016 - current)

• how to structure: essays, reports, and presentations
• grammar, style, coherency and clarity of written work and presentations
• how to reference sources correctly
• how to make the most out of the writing cycle: first draft, research, proofreading, editing and seeking feedback
• time management and study skills strategies

English language tutor (2016 - current)

• Working with learners aged 5 - 16 years old one-on-one and in small groups
• Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2): phonics, reading comprehension, broadening vocabulary, writing skills, handwriting practice, communicating clearly
• Key Stage 2 (Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6): writing stories, information reports, persuasive writing; practising a range of grammatical structures
• Key Stage 3 (Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9): engage with rich literary landscape; imagine stories and rely on facts to compose fictional and non-fictional texts
• Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and Year 11): practising recognising and effectively using a wide range of literary techniques
• The Perse Prep School Cambridge Year 3 (7+) Entrance Test preparation
• Year 3 (7+), Year 5 (9+), Year 6 (10+) and Year 7 (11+) - preparation for Entrance Examination - English
• Mentoring learners on how to build relationships with peers at school and how to work cooperatively with peers and teachers
• Updating parents on their child's progress

Art educator (2015 - current):

• Working with adults and young learners
• Drawing and painting techniques: portraiture, figurative, landscape, cityscape, and still life
• Experimenting with art genres: realism, impressionism, expressionism, surrealism, cubism, abstraction, conceptual art, minimalism and relational art
• Clay sculpture
• Watercolour, acrylic, oil, pencil, charcoal, ink and mixed media techniques
• Art history and theory
• GCSE Art and Design - exam preparation
• A Level Art and Design - exam preparation
• A-Level History of Art - exam preparation

Russian language tutor (2011 - current)
• Absolute beginners, intermediate and advanced level learners
• Lessons for adults and young learners: focus on speaking skills, memorisation skills, accurate pronunciation, reading comprehension and writing skills
• GCSE (9-1) Russian - exam preparation
• The Test of Russian as a Foreign Language - test preparation


English as a Foreign Language Instructor (January 2023 - current)
The University of Cambridge
• Classes for learners with beginner - advanced levels of English to practise speaking in work-related and personally-relevant situations

ESOL Teacher (February - March 2025)
Orchard Park Community Primary School
• Worked with adult learners to practise speaking skills in a range of social scenarios

EFL Teacher (February 2025)
GL-Abroad
• Taught English to learners aged 12 - 13 years old
• Incorporated Cambridge-related cultural knowledge in a gamified form

EFL Teacher (July - August 2019)
International House London, Ellesmere, UK
• Taught English and art to learners ages 8 - 16 using project-based learning

Casual/Relief Teacher (July 2017 - July 2018)
NSW Department of Education, Sydney, Australia
• Taught visual arts, English, history, geography, PE, drama
• Worked in primary and secondary schools

Classroom Teacher (October - December 2017)
Chatswood Intensive English Centre, Sydney, Australia
• Taught: art, English, ICT and music to students aged 12 - 18 years old

Russian Language Teacher
BigWorld Pty Ltd (August 2013 - September 2017)
• Taught classes to learners with beginner and intermediate levels of Russian

Tutoring Approach:
• Using visual and audio material to accelerate learning
• Catering for a diverse range of learning needs in an interactive way that promotes students' engagement
• Analysing individual needs of students and meticulously tailoring lesson plans to address these needs
• Consistently providing students with homework and extensive feedback
• Assisting students in their careers

One-on-one lessons

30 minutes (under 8 y.o.): £25; 5 lessons: £115 | 10 lessons: £225
45 minutes: £35 | 5 lessons: £165 | 10 lessons: £315
60 minutes: £45 | 5 lessons: £210 | 10 lessons: £400
90 minutes: £60 | 5 lessons: £285 | 10 lessons: £540
120 minutes: £80 | 5 lessons: £380 | 10 lessons: £720

Please, enquire about group lessons as the rate will depend on the number of students in the group, on the location of classes, and on learning objectives of the group.

Lessons with 2 or 3 learners are also possible, please enquire.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Senior GCSE and A-Level English Examiner with 15 years of teaching experience, including as Head of GCSE and A Level English at an online independent school.

Teaching Experience:
I mark and moderate the exams your child will sit. As a senior examiner and a Head of English who has led both GCSE and A-Level courses, I teach exactly what the mark scheme rewards. In 15 years of teaching, lecturing and tutoring, I have helped students at every level, from securing a grade 4 pass to turning strong candidates into 8s, 9s and A*s.

Tutoring Approach:
What families get from me is every essay assessed the way a real examiner assesses it, with precise, mark-scheme-based feedback. I build confidence built through patient, encouraging teaching.

I offer a structured programme for exact board and papers, including mocks and November English Language resits.

Each lesson targets one high-value skill, such as how to structure a Paper 2 comparison, what separates a grade 6 analysis from a grade 8, how examiners actually apply the AOs. We then apply it to your child's own writing.

Students typically complete one practice question between sessions, which I mark with examiner-style annotation so parents can see exactly where marks are gained and lost.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Oladipo. I am a results-driven professional with a solid academic background and a deep-seated passion for education and mentorship. I completed a degree in electrical engineering at a leading UK University, and I also studied Medicine at the University of Buckingham. My diverse educational journey has provided me with a unique, multidisciplinary perspective on learning.

I love studying, and this love for studying has made me want to give back in the form of teaching. Currently, I serve as a Community Council Member (School Governor) for a Co-op Academy, where I am committed to promoting high standards of achievement and well-being for pupils. This role, combined with my experience as an Engineering Engagement Mentor for the Royal Academy of Engineering, allows me to bring professional-grade coaching and leadership development to my tutoring sessions.

I am enthusiastic about teaching and dedicated to supporting the next generation of learners. Whether it is foundational reading and writing or complex technical subjects, my students achieve their desired grades. I have tutored university students to achieve high scores, leveraging my technical proficiencies in analytical tools and engineering software to make complex concepts accessible.

With a background that spans high-level engineering at National Grid, medical studies, and community governance, I offer a structured, innovative, and highly effective approach to tutoring.

Teaching Experience:
With a diverse background in Electrical Engineering and Medicine, I bring a high level of academic rigour and practical expertise to my tutoring. My teaching philosophy is built on the belief that a love for learning is the key to academic success.

My Experience Includes:

Diverse Academic Background: I have a strong foundation in complex subjects, having completed a degree in electrical engineering at a leading UK University and studied Medicine at the University of Buckingham.

Scientific Expertise: I have plenty of experience in teaching science subjects, drawing from my A-Levels in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, as well as my professional engineering career.

Online Tutoring: I have taught many students online, utilising digital platforms like Microsoft Teams and Power BI to create interactive and engaging virtual classrooms.

Proven Track Record: I have experience in teaching at multiple levels; I have tutored university students to achieve high scores, and my students have achieved their desired grades.

Mentorship & Leadership: I have delivered over 270 minutes of structured mentoring as an Engineering Engagement Mentor for the Royal Academy of Engineering, focusing on professional growth and effective communication.

Community Governance: As a Community Council Member (School Governor), I actively contribute to the strategic leadership and educational standards of a local academy, ensuring high achievement for all pupils.

I am enthusiastic about teaching and dedicated to helping students bridge the gap between complex theories and real-world applications. Whether you are looking for support in primary reading and writing or advanced science and engineering modules, I provide a structured and supportive environment to help you succeed.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching philosophy is centred on bridging the gap between complex academic theories and practical, real-world applications. Having navigated rigorous programs in both Electrical Engineering and Medicine, I understand that every student learns differently, and I tailor my methods to meet those individual needs.

How I Support My Students:

Conceptual Clarity: I help students understand the subject area that I will be teaching by breaking down intricate topics-whether in advanced sciences or primary literacy-into manageable, logical steps.

Skill Development: Beyond just subject knowledge, I assist with learning skills, such as structured planning, analytical thinking, and effective communication.

Mentorship-Driven: Drawing from my experience as an Engineering Engagement Mentor, I use a coaching-based approach to build a resilient mindset and academic confidence in my students.

Adaptive Delivery: I leverage my technical proficiency with Digital & Analytical Tools to provide high-quality instruction. I can tutor in person or via video, ensuring a seamless experience regardless of the format.

Student-Centric Scheduling: I understand the pressures of a busy academic calendar, which is why I am flexible with times of teaching to ensure support is available when it is needed most.

By combining my professional background at National Grid with my commitment to Community Governance, I provide a teaching environment that is professional, encouraging, and results-oriented.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A very warm hello!

I am experienced and reliable, knowledgeable and empathetic, organised and conscientious, creative and passionate, and, patient and down-to-earth. I have over 10 years of classroom teaching experience as a fully qualified teacher and over 8 years of extensive tutoring experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught both KS1 and KS2 in a variety of locations around the UK (Durham, Essex, Norwich, Bradford and Halifax) and have taught all National Curriculum subjects. I completed an undergraduate degree at the University of East Anglia, a Primary PGCE at Durham University followed by a Masters of Education at Durham University too.

I offer private tuition all over Calderdale at a location of your choice (including from my house in Ripponden) at a time of your convenience. Please note, I do not charge an initial joining fee.

Tutoring Approach:
Every pupil is an individual and every pupil develops their knowledge and learning differently. I begin by building a rapport with each pupil, getting to know how they learn best. I start with the knowledge they already possess and build upon these. I try to make my teaching varied and fun and ensure that pupils experience success quickly, no matter how small the steps are. I believe that private tuition is the first step in facilitating future success in life. I work efficiently and professionally to ensure your investment in private tuition meets and exceeds your expectations.

I am passionate about teaching and love to see pupils do well and achieve their potential. My teaching style centres around personalised learning: tailoring my lessons to the individual learning styles of my pupils. I have the ability and patience to work well with a range of pupils and have had a lot of success motivating those who struggle. I get an invaluable sense of satisfaction from seeing pupils experience 'light bulb' moments.

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.

*

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.'

*

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.'

*

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.'

*

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!'

*

A student, January 2023: 'Just wanted to let you know I got an offer from Cambridge, thank you so so much for all your help.' And Kathryn: 'You were such a great help to [E.] in her preparation for the Cambridge application and interview and we were all delighted when she was offered a place this week. Thank you for all the support you gave her.'

Shaun, a parent, January 2023: '[E.] has found the sessions really very helpful (and has enjoyed them!)'

Guifang, a parent, December 2022: 'From what I hear from [S.], she really enjoys her discussions with you, it's really one of the highlights of her week.'

A student, November 2022: 'I'm extremely happy to tell you that I received an 8.3 for the literary review […] Thank you for explaining to me what a literary review is […] I remember whilst working on it I was so worried about my grade, but it appears I've survived.'

Deborah, a parent, September 2022: 'a huge thanks again to you for all your work with [S.]. I know he has been in touch to let you know that he got 9s in both English Language and Literature. He was over the moon - well beyond his best hopes, so thank you again for being instrumental in helping him attain those grades.'

Karen, a parent, August 2022: 'Both my girls really like your way of teaching and talking to them, they feel really listened to and respected for their opinions (as well as respecting yours obviously), so thank you :)'

Helen, a parent, July 2022: 'Thanks so much for all the help you gave [J.], he really benefitted from the sessions he had with you.'

Tara, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all your help and patience - I think you have been brilliant for her confidence. She found English exams really very difficult before she started talking to you and it's amazing to see how much calmer (relatively speaking!) she has been going in to her A level English papers. Whatever the result, her sessions with you have definitely helped her to enjoy English again and I'm really grateful.'

A student, June 2022: 'This is incredibly insightful and thought provoking feedback. Thank you so much.'

Mei, a parent, June 2022: 'She found your lessons very helpful and always remarked to me how much you went the extra mile for her ; looking up and sending on links to whatever you'd been discussing. Much appreciated!'

Marguerite, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all you've done for [T.] in the past year . […] you are a very talented teacher.'

Monica, a parent, June 2022: 'You have been an absolutely wonderful tutor to [L.], and how time has flown since she first met you! […] Many a time she has needed someone to talk to, not so much about AO1-5, but rather about the beauty and burden of literature and life. You have always been willing to do that, and she is richer for it.'

A student, June 2022: 'Thank you for teaching me for the last year; I have enjoyed our lessons and I feel I have grown as an English student, with thanks to your teaching.'

A student, April 2022: 'I received an 8 for my essay!! I want to thank you for your tutoring on Keats and Wordsworth- I wouldn't have gotten such a grade without it!! […] I learned tons because of you.'

Ngozi, a parent, March 2022: 'Thanks for everything that you're doing for [G.] - it has been very helpful.'

A student, February 2022: 'Really, thanks so much. Was such a good and efficient service. Your feedback looks really good and I'm going to implement it today. […] Thanks again for doing this on such short notice'.

Deborah, a parent, October 2021: '[S.] said you make it really fun - he said at school his energy goes down in English lessons and with you it goes up! So that is praise indeed from a teenage boy!'

A student, August 2021: 'I got the A grade ! I'm so pleased, thank you for all the help and the essays really paid off :).'

Monica, a parent, July 2021: 'As would be expected from his first class qualifications, Josh is extremely intelligent. However, in my opinion, he has a a very particular advantage over others of a similar academic background, namely his ability to exhibit an authentic interest in the ideas his students express. He is always kind and encouraging, but without sacrificing rigour; this approach has had a hugely positive impact on my daughter when speaking, writing and reading. Furthermore, Josh has introduced her to a range of authors, poets , films and philosophical thought, thus enriching her far beyond the school curriculum. In the future, my daughter will undoubtedly look back on her time with Josh with both fondness and gratitude. I have no hesitation in recommending Josh as a tutor'.

Guifang, a parent, July 2021: 'I have know Joshua for 2 months and He has been supporting my daughter excellently through her GCSE courses, helping her to achieve a 9 in predicted grades. From this, Joshua has always been very serious with the work, needless to say, always punctual and gives detailed homework feedback. I know him to be a wonderful tutor to my daughter.'

Susan, a parent, May 2021: '[T]hank you so much for all your help with [N.] […] [N.] found your lessons extremely helpful which enabled her to enjoy and understand English in a greater depth […] it was excellent tuition . Thank you'.

Jamal, a parent, May 2021: 'Thank you Josh for all your efforts, you have greatly assisted [S.] in better understanding English Literature as whole.'

Zahed, a parent, May 2021: 'We are grateful for all your help and support. We are in no doubt that [A.] has improved a lot in English Literature under your guidance.'

A student, May 2021: 'I just got my coursework back and got an A in it. Just thought i should let you know thanks you!'

Margaret, a parent, March 2021: 'Thanks for helping [M.] to improve her English understanding. She really enjoys her lessons and chats!'

Chris, a parent, March 2021: '[R.] is benefiting immensely from your lessons and is definitely getting more confident in expressing his thoughts in writing! Thank you.'

Amanda, a parent, December 2020: 'Josh has really helped join the dots, encouraged a depth of questioning and ways to interpret and compare ideas, extracting and bringing fresh meaning to narrative styles and creative use of language. Josh has been a great support and steered [R.]'s confidence to look more thoroughly and develop a greater understanding all round. Josh has a kind, approachable style and encouraged [R.] with debating aloud and suggestions for further reading which all continue to be an invaluable help and inspire greater confidence in approaching exams and further reading in future!'

A student, December 2020: 'He helps focus my understanding and makes sure i understand the topic we are learning before moving on. Josh will make sure to ask you questions throughout the process and is always ready for your ideas even if you think it's wrong. He will set homework but makes sure to switch it up each week to make it more interesting and gives his feedback to help me understand what i need to do to improve.'

Diana, a parent, September 2020: 'Josh worked with my daughter for her A Level in English Literature. He was outstanding with his ideas and expanding her critical thinking. He went above and beyond to develop her analytical skills and as a result helped her obtain an A*. He is an absolutely lovely, gentle but dynamic and reliable tutor who has a rare ability combine his academic achievement with a natural talent for teaching. A real gem and we cannot thank him enough.'

A parent, September 2020: 'Joshua is an excellent tutor with great communication skills . He is very patient , helpful , approachable and takes time to explain everything clearly to my daughter . Joshua has been able to breakdown and explain in full detail all aspects of the A Level content.'

A student, June 2020: 'it's been great being taught by you, I've learned so many critical thinking skills in such a short space of time.'

A parent, March 2020: 'I can't thank you enough for everything that you've done for her - you've been the best English teacher she's ever had and she has loved her time with you.'

*

During my teacher training, I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools.

While at Oxford, I was part of an 'e-mentoring' scheme to help candidates from schools without a history of Oxbridge applications.

At Christ College, Brecon, I ran two series of seminars, for sixth-formers studying RS and English literature. In English we covered 'The Tempest', Gothic literature, Pat Barker's 'Regeneration', 'Jane Eyre', Wilfred Owen, and 'The Canterbury Tales'.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to combine three things that I want my students to do, which are three forms of thinking: speak about complex ideas, read high-quality material, and write essays for which they will receive detailed feedback. For obvious reasons, lessons are weighted to speaking, and homework to reading and writing.

Speaking

Pedagogy's holy grail is measuring progress, which is difficult in a classroom and impossible in a lecture. Happily, the tutorial system allows this to occur continuously and efficiently via dialogue. Can a student re-express an idea they have heard or read in their own words? If the answer is yes, they have probably understood the idea. Hence the constant questions!

As well as understanding the ideas of others, speaking is essential for students to develop their own. I love the quotation from the novelist E. M. Forster, 'How can I tell what I think till I see what I say?' We improve the quality of our ideas through the process of articulating them.

For my part, quite a lot of what I say is explaining what texts mean. This might sound obvious, but great works of literature are complex, so, to understand their meaning, one's own interpretation probably needs the support of others' prior interpretations.

I sometimes like to break the question of a text's meaning into two: What's it about? And what's it really about? Answering the first question is comprehension, a necessary first step. To answer the second question is to understand. In 'A Streetcar Named Desire', for example, Blanche goes to live with her sister in New Orleans. She expresses a strong dislike of her surroundings and is frequently associated with images of water. She declines mentally and is eventually taken away. So what's the play really about? Blanche is a Romantic idealist who is disappointed with her life but still tends to imagine things in their perfect form. The play is about the human soul conceiving of things being as good as they could be (as if cleansed by water), reaching for the conception, and failing to grasp it - shuttling back and forth, in other words, on the streetcar named desire.

One thing I frequently encourage is making the link between those oft-cited elements of a good essay, themes and quotations. These are not unrelated ingredients, they are the text itself viewed from different distances. A theme (the desire to be cleansed) is a wide shot, and a quotation ('the land of the sky blue water') is a close-up. So the student of English has to practise their ability to zoom in and out.

Another way I try to support my students' studies is by making connections between the texts they are reading, which in my experience doesn't happen that much at school. Particularly at A-level, there are often many fruitful connections between the half-dozen or so texts being studied: the Romantics were devoted to Shakespeare and Milton, the Gothic is an aspect of the Romantic, the Aesthetic Movement drew on particular strains of Romanticism, etc. When these connections get made with reference to particular writers, they are no longer just isms. They make the material deeper and easier to understand at the same time. Towards the end of their school careers, students of the humanities should be able to get the sense of taking part in 'the Great Conversation that began in the dawn of history and that continues to the present day' (Robert M. Hutchins).

Reading

I regularly give my students PDFs of high-quality secondary material pitched at their level or just above it. Explanatory notes, commentaries, and essays can help with understanding, particularly when it comes to context. (And all exam boards have assessment objectives relating to historical context.) To know that a text was written during a particular period and what characterised that period is to have a mental scaffold that does not limit movement but frees it. In studying the humanities we are studying human culture, and no one can do that without a bit of structure. It also helps when thinking about texts in relation to each other - when writing a comparative essay, for example. I like to think of honing in from context to text, e.g. Romanticism (late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries) > William Blake (1757-1827) > 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience' (1794) > 'The Tyger'. (What's 'The Tyger' about? There's a question!)

In my experience, knowledge acquisition operates according to the Matthew principle, named after a verse in the Gospel of Matthew: 'unto every one that hath shall be given'. In other words, the more you've got, the more you'll get. Every time you learn something about Romanticism, the greater will be your understanding of the poetry of William Blake. Your internal bookshelves expand - more connections, greater understanding. Reading secondary material is obviously 'extra', but it works to enhance students' understanding of set texts rather than crowd them out. Homer Simpson said, 'every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain', and we laugh because it's not true. You can't fill up a brain, so the cliché about people's (particularly young people's) limitless potential is true. Every time you learn something new, you enrich your contextual understanding of everything else you have ever learnt. '[E]very moment is a new and shocking / Valuation of all we have been', as T. S. Eliot put it in 'East Coker'.

Writing

Speaking and reading are in a concrete way preparation for writing. If you think and make notes while speaking and reading, by the time it comes to writing an essay, the question should not be about what to say, but how to arrange the things you want to say. So annotation is an important skill. It's a bit like getting 'in the zone' for a sportsperson - students must practise getting there and staying there. I model the annotation process something like this:

Read with a pencil in your hand. What makes you underline? Something fires in your brain, so that you have a response - you spot a developing theme, you're reminded of another book, you agree or disagree, there's a word you don't know and need to look up, you like the way a sentence sounds. It could be anything. Read until you've underlined twenty words or sentences. Work out the three or four connections between the things you have to say, and you've got a paragraph plan. Work out the main thing you have to say, and you have a thesis for your essay, which, as you aim your paragraphs at it, will accumulate force.

A lot of learning (and life) is about noticing connections, so getting into the habit of doing so is something like learning how to learn. If a student has developed this habit, they shouldn't really have to think 'What shall I write?' in front of a blank sheet of paper or screen. The content of the essay will be a sort of emanation of prior thinking.

When it comes to giving students feedback, I keep in mind one of the best incites I heard early in my PGCE: attend to your students' writing as you would a piece of literature. This way, the marking progress becomes analogous to the writing process. What are all the things that could make this essay better? And is there a connection between them, i.e. what's the main thing this student needs to focus on? (I usually give feedback using comments and 'track changes' in Microsoft Word.)

Why study English?

It has been said that 'If you can think, and speak, and write, you are absolutely deadly', and I think that's right. Learning how to construct and articulate good arguments is learning how to impose ideas on the world. To the extent that English is about feelings, it is about their articulation, and there is a great deal to learn about how feelings have been and can be articulated. Moreover, because English is the medium of instruction in all other subjects, command of it confers a freedom to range through the history of ideas and discriminate between reliable and unreliable, including online. Language is a prerequisite for thought - doing English properly is learning how to think better.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an award-winning art educator, examiner, university lecturer, and practising artist with over 16 years of teaching experience across secondary, post-16, higher education, and private tuition.

I hold a Doctor of Education in Education, a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design, an MA in Creativity for the Professions, and a First Class BA (Hons) in Fine Art.

Alongside my teaching, I have worked for both AQA and WJEC Eduqas as an examiner/moderator, giving me an exceptional understanding of mark schemes, assessment objectives, portfolio development, and what genuinely secures top grades.

I currently lecture in Art and Design teacher education at the University of Chester while also running my own premium creative education business.

I have taught internationally in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, and Tuscany, and have supported learners aged 6 to adult across fine art, photography, textiles, mixed media, drawing, painting, animation, portfolio preparation, academic writing, and creative confidence building.

Whether a student is aiming for Grade 9 at GCSE, A* at A Level, preparing a university portfolio, building digital art skills, or rediscovering creativity later in life, I bring warmth, expertise, and clear, personalised guidance.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 16 years of professional teaching experience across schools, universities, examination boards, workshops, and private tuition.

My experience includes:

* Secondary Art and Design teaching across Key Stages 3-5
* GCSE, A Level, BTEC, and university-level supervision
* Examiner and moderator work with AQA and WJEC Eduqas
* Senior Lecturer and subject leader in Art and Design teacher education at the University of Chester
* Specialist portfolio preparation for university, foundation, and art school applications
* SEN-informed one-to-one tutoring
* Adult creative workshops and professional artist mentoring
* International teaching and creative education projects

My students have secured places on competitive creative courses, significantly improved predicted grades, built confidence, and developed outstanding portfolios.

Tutoring Approach:
No two learners are the same, so no two sessions should ever feel identical.

My tutoring combines expert teaching, examiner insight, practical demonstration, and genuine encouragement. I quickly identify what is holding a learner back, whether that is technical skill, confidence, organisation, portfolio structure, annotation, critical writing, or understanding assessment criteria.

Sessions may include:

* Live demonstrations and practical technique coaching
* Portfolio and sketchbook reviews
* Examiner-led feedback using current assessment criteria
* Digital art and animation mentoring
* Photography composition and editing support
* University interview and portfolio preparation
* Academic writing and reflective annotation support
* Confidence-building for anxious or neurodivergent learners

My aim is not simply to "get students through" their course. It is to help them become confident, independent, creative thinkers who genuinely enjoy the process.

I have a range of 5 star tutoring reviews on Google.

Due to university commitments and examiner work, I now take on only a small number of private students each academic year.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified and GTCS registered primary teacher of over fifteen years. I have considerable experience across all ages and stages and have extensive experience working with children with additional support needs, both in a classroom setting and 1-1 tutoring. I have a proven track record in delivering excellence and in supporting learners with a range of needs.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 10 years across all stages of the primary curriculum. I have experience of working with children with a range of additional support needs in the classroom and 1-1.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to make my tutoring sessions fun and interactive, using a mixture of ICT, games while maintaining a focus on formal written methods. I have experience of tutoring both maths and language and working to support learners needs such as hearing impairments, ASD and dyslexia.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Expert Tutor | Mentor | Academic Coach.

I am a professional private tutor with years of experience and a demonstrably successful record with my tutees. A former Teaching Fellow at King's College London, I have degrees from the universities of London, Jerusalem and Cambridge. Author of 'Israel and the Cold War: Diplomacy, Strategy and the Policy of the Periphery at the United Nations' (I.B.Tauris, 2013), I have reviewed for the Royal Institute of International Affairs and have written for several academic journals and newspapers. I was the first recipient of the Mikardo scholarship awarded by the British Foreign Office, and, whilst at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was awarded a Golda Meir Fellowship. Whilst at Cambridge, I won a Donner prize in Atlantic Studies for an essay on the role of the United States in the Falklands War. In addition to the subjects listed below, I tutor in International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies, and am happy to consider all enquiries within my general areas of interest and experience. I am also available for dissertation consultation, proofreading, and help in exam and essay writing. As of 2026, my students have won places to, inter alia, Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, KCL, Birmingham, York, Sheffield, Nottingham, Sussex, and Oundle. For peace of mind, I have an enhanced DBS check and am subscribed to the annual update service.

Teaching Experience:
In addition to over a decade of experience as a private tutor, as a Teaching Fellow at King's College London, I taught MA courses on the Arab-Israeli conflict, US and British Foreign Policy, War and Peace in the Middle East, and Inter-Faith Relations. A fluent Hebrew speaker, I was Peer Tutor in Hebrew at University College London, where I was awarded the departmental prize for excellence in the Hebrew language.

Tutoring Approach:
My sessions are interactive, confidence-building, and results-driven - blending academic rigour with tailored coaching to help you think critically, write clearly, and perform under pressure. In addition to tuition throughout the academic year, I offer intensive tuition during school and university holidays, which both tutees and parents find particularly useful for preparation, consolidation of knowledge and, if need be, to get a student back on track.

Services include:
Dissertation & essay consultation
Exam strategy & past paper practice
Personal goal planning

Enhanced DBS | Proven Track Record

Subjects

Personal Description:
I moved to the UK in 2004 from my home country of Latvia, and just like my students, I was a non-native speaker in a new country, trying to learn a foreign language and adapt to a new culture and way of life. I really do know how it feels to be the person who needs that extra bit of support. I genuinely understand how confusing it is to try and learn all the grammar, all the punctuation, the spelling, how to write essays, how to understand all the idioms that are such a big part of the English language, but make absolutely no sense!

My interests include crochet, art, travelling, socialising, keeping fit, playing games with my little boy, and eating pizza.

Teaching Experience:
With an outstanding background as a fully qualified, professional English Language teacher with over eight years of teaching experience, I bring enthusiasm and expertise to help each student build their skills, grow their confidence and achieve their goals.
I hold an MA in English Language Teaching. I have successfully taught both children and adults at a variety of different ages, levels and abilities, and I have worked in China, Spain and the UK.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach is friendly, communicative and professional. I adapt my methods to suit the age, ability, aims and needs of each individual student. I understand that every student is a wonderful, unique person with their own interests, personality and learning style. I use a variety of resources to support my students in their learning, including games, flashcards, actions, sounds, music, conversation, videos and whatever else I can do to help make learning more fun for us all!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been working with children and teaching for over 20 years. I love teaching children of all ages. I really enjoy seeing children progress and their confidence grow. This is one of the reasons I really like tutoring, due to the progress being so rapid.

I live in Nuthall, Nottinghamshire with my husband and two children. Since having children, I have worked part time in schools and also I have done lots of tutoring.

Although I enjoy teaching a variety of subjects in Primary schools, I enjoy teaching maths the most. I think this is because I found it so hard at school. I really understand the barriers a lot of children have in maths and love to help them to develop a love of it.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a primary school teacher for 17 years. I have taught mainly in key stage 2 but I have experience of key stage one.

I have worked mainly in year 6 preparing children to pass their SATs and also I have tutored children to pass their 11+ exams. Being a year 6 teacher for such a long time has made me extremely confident in helping children to revise and succeed in their assessments.

I have worked closely with children who have additional needs throughout my career and I have attended lots of training in the past to support this. During the school day I tutor a large number of children who are not in education (for various reasons) and have lots of experience in helping these children.

I will adapt learning to the individual need of your child/children. Making it as interactive and fun as possible.

Although I am trained in Primary I am happy to work with secondary children who need additional support too.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to try tailor the sessions to meet the needs of the individual. I love doing this because it is something that all children need but as a classroom teacher of 30 is not always possible.

If your child needs active learning, if they need lots of repetition to make the learning stick then I can do that. I will try to make the learning as fun as possible and I will also provide home tasks (optional) to support your child's learning in between sessions.

Any questions or just for some advice or a chat please get in touch. I also run group sessions each week which are obviously cheaper than the 1:1 option.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Dr Nicky is an Academic Tutor and Coach for university students, specialising in supporting those undertaking degree programmes in the United Kingdom. A former Professor of Law at Cardiff University with over two decades of teaching and research experience at leading UK universities, and now a Coach and Tutor, Nicky brings both intellectual depth and genuine care to her work.

Drawing upon her background as a scholar and educator, Nicky helps students build confidence, achieve clarity, and reach their full potential in academic writing, research, and critical thinking. Across her university career and private tutoring practice, she has supported many thousands of students to succeed in their studies - spanning fields such as economics, philosophy, law, politics, business studies, sports science, social sciences, nursing, and communication studies.

Teaching Experience:
With more than twenty years in higher education, Nicky has taught and mentored students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has led countless modules and entire postgraduate programmes, as well as overseeing curriculum development and postgraduate education at school level.

Her teaching has always been interactive, friendly, and student-focused, creating motivating learning environments where students feel supported and inspired to achieve their best. Her particular expertise lies in working with Master's students and adult learners, guiding hundreds through the process of planning and completing dissertations. Under her mentorship, students learn how to develop sophisticated arguments, communicate complex ideas clearly, and take pride in their academic achievements - with many going on to earn distinctions and present or publish their work.

Tutoring Approach:
As an Academic Tutor and Coach, Nicky's approach is grounded in encouragement, clarity, and empowerment. She believes that great tutoring is about unlocking each student's potential - helping them to feel capable, confident, and genuinely engaged with their subject.

Her sessions are highly personalised and goal-oriented, focusing on the skills that matter most for success with essays and dissertations at undergraduate and postgraduate levels: strong academic writing, critical thinking, and effective research design. Nicky combines the insight of an experienced educator with the warmth of a supportive mentor, to help her students meet academic expectations.

Her aim is to make learning feel purposeful and fulfilling - to help students see their progress, take ownership of their ideas, produce work that truly reflects their capabilities and to rapidly learn skills they need to produce strong work independently.

Subjects