Holmfirth Tutors and Holmfirth Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a highly experienced multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger. I have performed in a number of ensembles, playing a wide variety of music, including classical, pop, jazz, folk, and Southern African music. I have composed and arranged over 2000 pieces, mostly for educational ensembles. I have a BA honours degree in Performing Arts (majoring in music) and a PGCE Music teaching qualification.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a classroom music teacher for over 25 years - 23 of them as a highly successful head of department at Bradfield Secondary School in Sheffield. I have taught GCSE and A Level music, and my students have consistently achieved well above the national average. I have also organised a large number of concerts, shows, and festivals. I was Classic FM's inaugural Music Teacher of the Year in 1999.

Tutoring Approach:
I have an inclusive approach to music education, encouraging all students, regardless of ability, to fulfil their potential. I consider it vital that students enjoy making music and I always make sure that their learning is tailored to their musical interests and educational needs. In terms of instrumental lessons I am happy for students to progress through graded exams but I am equally happy to design a progressive route that avoids the potential stress of formal assessment.
With regards to GCSE & A Level tutoring, I am offering personal tutoring in the following areas:
- Listening & Appraising: I have developed a huge volume of resources to help students with listening and appraising exam questions
- Composing: I can offer advice in how to approach specific composition briefs and I have a variety of resources designed to enable students to compose effectively using specific structures, styles, and methods. I can offer advice regarding compositions that students have already started, pointing out areas of concern and offering possible solutions, although the nature of my assistance is strictly governed by the teacher guidelines provided by the various exam boards.
- Set Works: I can offer tutoring in analysis and provide help with practice analysis exam questions.
- Performing: I can advise on choices of pieces and help with preparation, especially if the student does not receive private instrumental/singing tuition.
My GCSE & A Level music tuition covers all the recognised exam boards.

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Personal Description:
Hello. My name is Dr. Zara and I tutor students in the age group 13-18. I hold a Ph.D. in medical biochemistry and a PGCHE from the University of Kent. I am currently working at the University of Bristol.

I specialise in teaching Chemistry and Biology at A-level, specifically for OCR and AQA exam boards. I also teach Edexcel Biology (SNAB). I come across as a friendly, patient and enthusiastic tutor. I strive to make learning a creative and enjoyable experience, while always keeping the students goals in mind.

In the academic year ending June 2019, 80% of my students of my students achieved predicted or better-than-predicted grades, and the majority of them were able to go to a University of their choice. Their testimonials are available for you to read on my website.

Apart from regular tutoring, I also offer intensive coaching in preparation for entrance exams, GCSE and A-level exams. I am able to help with homework assignments and proofreading. Additionally, I have previous experience of tutoring students with special needs.

Teaching Experience:
I have six years teaching experience at both undergraduate and post-graduate level, in addition, I have been a part-time tutor for four years. I have marked GCSE and A-level papers and can offer advice on the best way to answer exam questions to maximise marks. Most of my students show rapid increase in confidence levels after 2-3 sessions of tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
My aim is to motivate young people to achieve the best of their abilities. I believe that all students can do well, turning negative barriers into positive outcomes. My approach is to break down difficult areas into bite size achievable goals. I set goals for my tutees and plan my lessons well in advance. Lesson plans and student progress reports are available to both tutees and parents. For students who work with me for an entire year, I offer additional help with exam paper revision and feedback sessions.

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Personal Description:
I am a retired police officer who has retrained as an EFL teacher. My main interests are my rescue dog, swimming, music, reading, cinema, concerts and travel. As a person I am empathic, patient and kind. I am interested in current affairs both in the UK and worldwide.

Teaching Experience:
During my career I spent 5 years teaching IT in industry. As a police officer I spent 7 years in the Training Department teaching IT as well as Communications Skills, First Aid, Law and Force Policy.

Since retiring I have passed a CELTA course and have taught English in Vietnam for 3 months and Mexico for 4 months as well as a short contract in a high school in Austria. In the UK I have taught at a residential Easter School and two residential Summer Schools, teaching children and adults of all ages and from beginner to advanced level. During 2021 I volunteered teaching online for my previous employer in Vietnam as they were in lockdown for a considerable time and value having a native English speaker working with them.

Tutoring Approach:
I apply to tutoring the same skills that I have used during my extensive time as a trainer - I motivate by encouragement, patience and praise, and use a teaching approach that will suit the learning style of my student. I also enforce strict deadlines and standards in order to maximise the learner's gain from the teaching time and to ensure that they use their study time wisely and efficiently. My attitude towards learners is that the only silly question is the one which they want to ask but don't, and that if they do not understand something then it requires me to explain it in a different way. I believe that if a learner enjoys their study they will gain a lot more from it, so endeavour to make lessons and tasks interesting and relevant.

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Personal Description:
I am a published academic author, educated to doctorate level, with twenty years' experience of teaching university students undertaking foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including both UK and international students.

I have extensive experience of working with students from a range of backgrounds, cultures and age groups, with differing interests and needs. I have worked with students with anxiety, mental health issues and learning difficulties, and understand the need to provide flexible learning to meet a range of access requirements.

I support both UK and international PhD students with every stage of the research journey, from designing research projects and conducting literature reviews, to developing writing skills, collecting and analysing data, and preparing for upgrades, vivas, or conference presentations.

Alongside teaching, I bring extensive expertise as a researcher, writer and editor. I have published academic work and proofread and edited reports, theses and assignments. This professional experience has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and skills to support not just students, but also academics with their publications.

For foundation and undergraduate students, I recognise that the variety of subjects, assignments and exams can feel overwhelming and overshadow the excitement of university life. My role is to help students build both their confidence and skills so that these challenges become manageable rather than daunting.

Each session is student-led, tailored to individual goals and needs. I provide support with planning assignments, structuring essays and exam answers, researching and conducting reviews of the literature, preparing for seminars and delivering presentations, as well as referencing and compiling bibliographies.

Teaching Experience:
My combined experience as a lecturer, private tutor, and researcher has led to a well-rounded approach to teaching and a deep understanding of academic expectations. Over the course of my career, I have refined my expertise through:

• Delivering lectures, seminars and tutorials across various social science subjects.

• Providing comprehensive feedback by marking essays, exams, dissertations and PhD theses. This has strengthened both my appreciation of academic expectations and insight into student needs.

• Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations and participating in PhD examination panels, guiding students whilst encouraging independent research.

• Developing a range of teaching materials for diverse courses. This has included a core Study Skills module, which equips students with essential academic skills, such as:

- Researching and note-taking
- Structuring academic work
- Developing writing styles
- Mastering referencing and bibliography construction
- Delivering presentations
- Preparing for exams
- Reflecting on learning

Designing this module enabled me to evaluate, refine and build a comprehensive suite of study skills resources that I continue to use and share with my students in their academic journeys.

My research and publication experience has also provided me with a strong understanding of academic standards and requirements, and I use this knowledge and experience to provide the most valuable support for students.

Tutoring Approach:
I create a supportive, friendly, and practical learning environment where students are always at the centre. Drawing on my experience with diverse learners and teaching approaches, I adapt my methods to each individual's needs. This flexible style supports students to discover the strategies that work best for them, building both confidence and independence.

My sessions are professional and informative, whilst also enjoyable and relaxed. This creates a positive learning experience that not only strengthens student confidence but also leads to academic success. I provide reassurance to students about what they are doing right, whilst offering clear, constructive guidance to help them refine their skills and achieve their full potential.

My approach consistently delivers results. Past students have demonstrated marked grade improvements, successful PhD upgrades, and strong viva performances. More importantly, they have developed lasting skills and self-confidence in their academic abilities.

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Personal Description:
I am a professional and experienced qualified teacher who is passionate about helping students succeed and achieve their potential. I have experience in tutoring on a 1 to 1 basis across all age ranges.

Teaching Experience:
I have over four years experience teaching languages in state secondary schools working with students aged 11-18. I have detailed knowledge of French and Spanish GCSE and NVQ syllabuses and specifications, having taught and examined these courses. I also have experience of teaching A level and primary languages. I have worked with students from a wide range of backgrounds with a variety of special educational needs. I have studied languages to degree level and lived, worked and taught abroad in both France and Spain.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a big believer in personalised learning therefore I like to tailor a programme of study to meet your needs. Each learner is different and so it is important to adapt and use a range of teaching styles and methods to find the ones that work for you. Where my tuition is supporting you in your study of languages at secondary school, I like to ensure that what we do builds on, and links to, what you have been studying in class. Above all I believe learning should be fun and relevant to you and so I put this at the heart of my teaching.

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Personal Description:
I am a very well qualified and very experienced teacher of both German and English as a Foreign Language. I have a Master's of Education, a BA (Hons) in German, a PGCE and an RSA Diploma in TEFL. Having lived and worked in Germany for over seven years, I also have near-native competence in German.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching German and EFL for more than 30 years from beginners to advanced level. I used to teach German to GCSE and A level at what used to be Plymouth College of Further Education as well as EFL from Cambridge KET to Cambridge Proficiency. In addition to that I have prepared many students for the IELTS exam and I have taught Business English and English for Academic Purposes too. I have worked in the UK, Germany, Spain and the United Arab Republic.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that it is essential to establish the needs of each individual student so that a tailor-made course can be designed for that particular student. That does not mean that my approach is inflexible, however - if one approach to teaching does not suit the individual learning needs of the student, I will endeavour to teach the student in a way that they are happy with and which will lead to the best possible results.
As a teacher of foreign languages I very much favour the communicative approach but I am also more than willing to teach grammar as this also plays an important role in language learning. As languages are meant for speaking I place a great deal of importance on oral work - particularly at GCSE and A level - but once again, the needs of each individual learner are paramount. For oral conversation, I am happy to teach using SKYPE.

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Personal Description:
I am bilingual, cross-cultural understanding Chinese Mandarin teacher. Being a native Chinese Mandarin speaker and having about ten years teaching experience on private and classroom Chinese Mandarin and helping vast numbers of children and adults to achieve their goals, I offer Chinese Mandarin classes for all age-children to adults, individually and in group, for all levels, all goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have about ten years teaching experience on private and classroom Chinese Mandarin and helping vast numbers of children and adults to achieve their goals.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor lessons for different clients on their level, age and goals. I can bring you a fresh, enjoyable Chinese learning experience. I believe that learning a language is not only about class time - it is about being immersed into a culture and experiencing everything it has to offer. It will be a fun and interactive way along your learning.

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Personal Description:
I provide private Watercolour, Acrylic, oil painting and drawing lessons for beginners to advanced students at my Kings Heath studio. I will teach you everything you need to know, landscape, Flowers painting, life painting still life, technique of painting to technicalities of drawing. I am happy with one to one session and small groups are welcome as well. Also available for workshops, demonstrations and lectures.

Teaching Experience:
I have more than 20 years teaching experience as a fine art lecturer. Many of my students are now working on senior positions. Now I am working as an art tutor independently and also working with Independent Art School Birmingham. I also have experience working with adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy working with others in their projects and I like engaging them in mine. Good team work is essential for me. I have great experience in communicating with people of different cultures and backgrounds.

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Personal Description:
*Update March 2023, teaching online and in person drum lessons during all school holidays* £30/h


Hi, i'm Olie, I have studied drum kit grades and to university level at LCCM in London. I now teach mon - fri term time in schools in London and perform in bands and orchestras.

During holidays (half terms, Christmas, Easter and Summer), I am available for online and in person lessons.

I have loads of experience teaching kids and young adults, as well as older students.

My lessons are fun and tailored to the individual. If you have a specific song/technique you would like to study, or are just looking for a great way to let of some steam, get in touch!

I use Rockschool, Trinity Classical & Jazz and Trinity Rock & Pop and have passed students in all syllabuses.

I also have my own library of song charts for beginner to advanced players and am welcome to suggestions from you of what songs you would like to learn!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Teaching Experience:
My teaching has reading and listening at it's heart. The best thing I have done since coming to London is open my ears to all the styles I didn't like, listen over and over, until they started to grow on me! Music is a cultural and historical lesson as well, it's interesting to see where the popular styles of today came from! Reading will just make you more employable as all the session, musical theatre and holiday camp drummers will tell you! I use software such as Noteflight which allows me to playback scores, making sight reading an easier and more enjoyable process, and meaning I can share scores with students via email. Each student is also given a video recording of what we studied in the lesson, which is a very valuable resource, something they can take away from each lesson, and makes remembering what we learned much easier!

Tutoring Approach:
I come from a family where music is extremely important. At school, my first band was a rock covers band where my brother played bass. We played regularly in pubs in Dorset, (you may have heard of the Teddy Rocks festival, we played in the very first festival and have played with my band Last Resort ever since). My first teacher was keen for me to learn how to read music, meaning I could play in school orchestras for musicals. I have 2 Grade 8 distinctions, one from Rockshool and one from Trinity Guildhall, I did the rockschool one first and then thought it best to add the Trinity one! The rock band i was in still plays, we have an EP online and continue to write original music.
Having just finished uni, I am keen to start my musical career ASAP, I want to stay in London, because it has the best music scene in Europe!!

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Personal Description:
I am 43 years old and live at home with my partner and our two boys, both aged 6 and 8.

Teaching Experience:
I have nine years teaching experience in good and outstanding secondary schools. I have taught key stage 3, GCSE/IGCSE, A Level and IB maths and further maths. I have experience of the AQA, Edexcel and CIE specifications.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a calm approach to tutoring. I try to make students feel comfortable. I use a lot of praise and encouragement and really try to improve their confidence.

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Personal Description:
I prepare a course which is personalised to the needs of the students.

Teaching Experience:
I taught English in Italy for 31 years. During this time I taught in a High School to students aged 14 to 19. I am also experienced in teaching students of any ages from young children to adults and any level.
I am a Cambridge prepared teacher and an examiner for Cambridge B1 and B2 level.

Tutoring Approach:
I use an eclectic method and arrange the lessons according to the needs of the student.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced teacher and have developed a vast amount of strategies and skills from teaching different subjects and ages across the primary school. I specialise in teaching Early Years, KS1 and KS 2.

I am also experienced in teaching adults basic skills particularly reading, writing, computer and maths skills. I have experience of supporting parental needs and can coach or mentor both children and adults.

Teaching Experience:
I qualified as a teacher 25 years ago and have taught in a variety of different types of schools in different counties. I have a vast amount of experience at supporting children with special educational needs or who have experienced trauma and bereavement in their early lives.

Tutoring Approach:
Currently teaching using online resources to develop a programme that meets the specific individual needs of each learner.

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Personal Description:
I am a graduate with a Master's in Finance and a Degree in Banking & Finance. Strong academic background - have experience in dealing with students of all academic strengths. Able to teach various curriculums. Teaching style tailored to each students requirements and ability.

Teaching Experience:
I have almost 8 years of teaching experience as a private tutor. I began with teaching younger students of 11+, however began to mostly teach GCSE students. I have in the past two years started teaching A-level students too. I have taught GCSE Maths, Economics, Chemistry and Statistics. A-level Mathematics and Economics. Have previously taught in person, recently moving to remote learning due to the pandemic.

Tutoring Approach:
A motivated, enthusiastic & approachable teacher. Committed to the success of my students. Generally have a systematic approach structured to complete the syllabus in the allocated period. Regularly testing my students (written or oral) in order to evaluate progress.

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Personal Description:
Are you:

- Looking to improve your French or English? Be it conversational, written, reading, or all three?
- Studying for exams and looking for curriculum-specific tests to get you ready for any exams?
- Going on holiday, and hoping to immerse yourself in the French language as much as possible, and would love to gain some new skills?

I`m a French bi-lingual (French native) opera singer currently based in Brighton. I teach French and English privately (my youngest students are 3, and the eldest 50+ !) and I`m happy to teach online or in person (max 10 mile radius from Brighton).

My teaching style is relaxed but attentive, and I tailor all sessions to your needs and currently work within the remit of the 3 main UK examination boards. I have good flexibility for daytime / evening sessions, so do get in touch if this is something which might be of interest!

À bientôt!

Teaching Experience:
Native French speaker (dual Nationality) & French Degree combined with Music.

Tutoring Approach:
Online classes available via several online platforms. I create a tailored programme to your needs covering a range of topics which will help you to consistently improve. Please get in touch!

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Personal Description:
Qualified, experienced, patient tutor
An outstanding practitioner, as evidenced in inspections and lesson observations.
I have had extensive training in supporting students with special educational needs. I am able to tailor approaches and resources to suit the individual needs of every pupil.

Teaching Experience:
27 years Headmistress Primary and Secondary School, retired.
15 years private tuition experience.
35 years teaching experience.

Tutoring Approach:
27 years' experience, including as Head Of Department and Headmistress.
Qualified teacher and subject specialist.
I am supportive, warm and encouraging in my approach.

Why choose me?
100% success rate in helping pupils get into their first choice schools, including Cheltenham Ladies' College, Haberdashers', St Paul's and Westminster College.
I provide expert private tuition for 11+, 13+, GCSE, A-level and International Baccalaureate examinations.
I am experienced at teaching pupils of all ages between 7 - 18.

Testimonials

Wendy was recommended to us by a colleague for her excellent quality of tuition. She has an extensive knowledge of the GCSE syllabus for literature and language and has considerable experience in the field. She is reliable and has a great work ethic. She has enabled my son to reach his potential and is able to focus on points of weakness, build confidence and motivate him into writing essays, which he did not enjoy or do prior to Wendy. Wendy has tailored her approach to teaching him in how to answer questions for the best possible outcome. His improvement in English has helped him progress in other subjects and is now looking at higher grades in History and RE due to a more articulate approach to answering questions. Less importantly my son has enjoyed his English lessons and always looked forward to them.

S, Chesham, Bucks

Wendy has been such a blessing for my daughter, completely turning around her expectations with regards to her academic ability and hugely affecting not only her English results but all her other subjects. Now, thanks to Wendy, she has the right tools to construct an essay. Her marks have improved by two grades across the board. Wendy is a wonderful and inspiring teacher and I just cannot recommend her highly enough.

Rachel, Amersham, Bucks

Lovely Wendy is the most amazing and caring tutor I could ever wish for. She deserves a medal for her work and her students are so motivated in these crazy times it is wonderful to know my son is being so looked after. He enjoys every lesson.

Lucy, South Heath, Bucks.

I highly recommend Wendy. Her long experience, personal approach and carefully planned English lessons have been incredible for over two years now. She also provides excellent feedback following each session and takes time to stay close to parents to gauge how and where she can add most value. I am happy to email or speak to other parents about how she has helped us!

Sarah, Great Missenden, Bucks.

I am so delighted we found Wendy to help with my son's preparation for his GCSE in English Literature and French to A level. I thoroughly recommend her tutoring services. She is consummate and professional and well prepared for each session with a myriad of printed materials to support the lesson. She is knowledgeable about her subject and importantly about what the examiners are looking for in assessing examination answers. She is also friendly, approachable and has a rare gift for imparting her understanding and enthusiasm for literature. My son positively looked forward to both English and French studies with her - something sadly he never felt at school. He now looks forward to University with every confidence

Tokeer, High Wycombe, Bucks.

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Personal Description:
I am certified Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (UK) with 9 years of freelance experience as professional linguist.

I specialise in business and marketing communications, blogging, and government affairs.

I have worked full-time in Marketing and business performance improvement for large scale international and local organisations like Red Bull Media House (Salzburg), Aberdeenshire Council (Aberdeen, Scotland), Weber Shandwick PR, the European Parliament and the BBC in London.

I can help university students with academic topics and practical discussions, as well as business professionals with consultancy work in digital marketing, business strategy and processes optimisation.

I am at your service, feel free to get in touch.

Teaching Experience:
I have delivered internal online trainings to staff.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a customer-centric approach in communication, always strive to deliver value and quality experience.

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Personal Description:
I got Physics with Maths teaching qualification (PGCE and QTS). I have been teaching more than eight years in well reputed school in London and still teaching. Well aware of students needs and adapt teaching according to their needs.

11Plus: Helping students in 11plus exams face to face at my home.
KS3 Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology).
Physics upto GCSE levels.
I am well aware of exam board's specifications. Supporting students to teach exam techniques to secure their best scores.

Teaching Experience:
From last eight years teaching in different schools in London.

Tutoring Approach:
Face to face.
Setting homework and give feedback in their weak areas.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic and supportive Business Studies tutor with a strong passion for helping students grow in confidence and achieve their academic goals. I hold a BSc in Management with Marketing, and I am currently completing my PGCE in Business Studies, which is allowing me to deepen both my subject knowledge and my teaching practice.

While my formal teaching experience is still developing, I have worked with children and young people in school settings, supporting lessons, helping with group work, and assisting students who need extra guidance. These experiences have strengthened my ability to adapt to different learning styles, communicate clearly, and create a positive learning atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring ideas.

I am familiar with the major exam boards, and I'm confident in adapting my teaching to match exam specifications and student needs.

Teaching Experience:
My experience working in schools has given me valuable insights into how students learn and how to support them effectively. I have worked with pupils of varying abilities, helping them break down challenging concepts, prepare for assessments, and develop more confidence in Business Studies topics.

Although I am early in my teaching career, this allows me to bring fresh, modern approaches to learning. I am committed to continually improving my practice as I progress through my PGCE and gain more classroom experience.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring approach is warm, structured, and student focused. I believe that every learner deserves support tailored to their abilities, goals, and preferred way of learning. Because of this, each session is personalised and adapted to what the student needs most-whether that's revisiting core content, simplifying difficult theories, or strengthening exam technique.

Students can expect:

Clear, step-by-step explanations that make business concepts easier to understand

Exam-focused strategies, including past-paper practice and guidance on how to structure high-quality answers

Adaptability to AQA, Edexcel/Pearson, OCR, and other exam boards

Practical examples to help students apply theory

A supportive, patient, and encouraging learning environment

My goal is to help students feel more confident, capable, and ready to succeed-whether they're aiming to improve their current grade or push towards top marks.

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