Ottery St. Mary Tutors and Ottery St. Mary Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a forty-two year old male, who has lived and worked all over the world. I only teach English as a Foreign Language, and I will only teach adults (16+). I live in Southampton, and am prepared to travel if required. I am available most of the time, including weekends if necessary.
My interests include football and sailing.

Teaching Experience:
I have previously taught adult students as follows;
1. In Prague (Czech Republic), mostly at beginner and intermediate level.
2. Fijian adults at intermediate and advanced level.
3. Polish adults at all levels.
4. Arabic adults at intermediate level.
I do not teach any other subjects so EFL is my speciality.

Tutoring Approach:
I have used most of the popular workbooks before, but I am happy to teach to a syllabus of the student's choice. I try to make all lessons as contemporary and enjoyable as possible (I have even taught in a pub), but am happy to adapt to the student's needs as necessary.

I am happy to offer significant discounts to the advertised rates for block bookings paid in advance.

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Personal Description:
I am a very patient and dedicated French native speaker. I tailor my lessons to the students' needs and expectations. Tutoring is not just guiding students through their learning but also giving them confidence and enabling them to experience lessons in a relaxed, friendly and yet serious way.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher for over 20 years now and have a very diverse experience as I have been working in an Alliance française in Mexico, a language centre, two adult education centres and a few tutoring agencies.
My first teaching experience was as a language assistant in Preston, Lancashire. I have had students ranging from 7 years old to 75+, from absolute beginners to advanced levels. I`ve given private and group classes and intensive courses (up to 7h a day).

I have now been in London for 12 years. At the moment, I give French private tuition for the preparation of GCSE and IGCSE, AS-A Level (Edexcel, AQA), DELF B1, DALF C2, and copy editing/proofreading for university essay writing. I also tutor other students looking to learn or improve their French communication skills for personal reasons.

I teach French and can also help with methodology (including essay writing) and primary school subjects to students following the French curriculum (such as CNED - distance learning) as well as DELF A1-B2 and DALF C1 (I got an accreditation to administer these French proficiency tests in 2009 and was an examiner for the November 2009 and June 2010 sessions in Mexico).

I am available 7 days a week, at whatever time is convenient for the students.

I only teach online now, via Zoom, Microsoft Teams or WhatsApp.

Start your day with French (morning before work) or have a French conversation 'lunch break', whether online or face-to-face (30mn, 45mn, or 1h sessions,to fit in your busy schedule).

Tutoring Approach:
I am very flexible and know how to adapt my teaching to the specificities and demands of the students.
Understand and be understood! That's the main thing when you learn a language, be able to communicate.

Whether you are a student taking GCSE or A levels in French and need confidence for your exam or you are a professional willing to have a proper conversation with your French colleagues or clients, or just want to enjoy your next holidays in a French-speaking country, whether on a daily basis or intensive classes, we will first talk about what you are looking for and how I will help you to achieve your language goals.

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Personal Description:
I have been a Biology teacher for 37 years. I am now retired and living with my wife in Hartland in North Devon.
We have four adult children.
I have taught in state schools and independent schools in UK and at International Schools in Africa and the Middle East. During my teaching career I have been Head of Biology for twelve years.
I have always enjoyed studying Biology and I like to think that I can pass my enthusiasm for the subject on to my tutees.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in UK for 19 years:
Twelve years at the Radclyffe School in Oldham, two years at St John Rigby Sixth Form College in Wigan and nearly five years at Shebbear College in North Devon where I was Head of Biology.
I have taught at International Schools for 18 years. All the institutions followed the British Curriculum:
One year at Barewa College, Zaria in Nigeria and one year at Seepapitso Secondary School in Botswana.
Nearly six years in Kenya at Hillcrest Secondary School, Nairobi where I was also the Head of Boarding.
Three years at Muscat Private School in Oman, two years as Head of Science at the British School of Alexandria, and three years at the Modern English School in Cairo as Head of Biology.
I completed my overseas teaching as Head of Biology at Al Khor International School in Qatar where I taught for two years.

Tutoring Approach:
I have always enjoyed studying and teaching Biology which has effectively been my lifetime's work. I have extensive experience of teaching students from many different educational backgrounds and I have always been able to relate to my students and nurture an enthusiasm for the subject. As a tutor I would aim to make my lessons enjoyable but rigorous and I will always try my best to boost the confidence of my tutees. If students begin to enjoy the subject they will gain confidence and the examinations will then seem less daunting.
Whenever I tutor I will always incorporate the use of a computer into the learning process. I like to refer to animations and short video clips which greatly enhance the learning process. The on-line resources can then be used by my tutees to reinforce their understanding, as well as researching new material.

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Personal Description:
I am a (young!) 50+ year old woman and my degree is in Mathematics.

Teaching Experience:
I have 20 years' teaching experience of mathematics, mainly up to GCSE level but have also taught on a 1:1 basis as a home tutor for several years. I have taught adults and children from the age of 5. My main experience is at secondary level in the UK but I have also worked for a number of years in the USA and Australia. I have also worked for a number of years in the primary sector before qualifying as a teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a friendly approach to students and am happy to work as an individual tutor and also to a small group. I have found home tutoring to be extremely rewarding and enjoy seeing the progress that students make. Once lessons begin, I am more than happy to be contacted by students via email as part of the agreement. I am happy to teach all ages from young children to adults who require maths tuition for work or personal development.

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Personal Description:
Hi. My name is Saif and I presently work as the Assistant Head of Science responsible for Chemistry at a school in London. I teach sciences at KS3, KS4 and deliver the 'A' Level Chemistry curriculum at KS5. I read Medicinal Chemistry at University College London and completed a PGCE in Science upon graduation. I studied Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics at 'A' Level and achieved very strong grades in all four subjects.

Teaching Experience:
I presently work as the Assistant Head of Science responsible for Chemistry at a school in London. I teach sciences at KS3, KS4 and deliver the 'A' Level Chemistry curriculum at KS5. I am now in my fourth year of teaching in a secondary school, having received successful school lesson and OFSTED observations. This has allowed me to progress rapidly and reach the position in which I am now. Whilst at University, I was regularly involved in helping young people with their studies through charities and other voluntary companies.

Tutoring Approach:
As a practising teacher, I am aware that all pupils will have their individual needs. That is why my approach will always vary depending on the needs of the pupil. However, generically speaking, we will need to work together to identify areas of weakness and then address those specific issues in order for progress to be made.

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Personal Description:
Seasoned instructor in the field of Computer Science and Engineering with ~12 years of full-time experience in classroom teaching and lab management.

Solid understanding of computer science subjects and programming fundamentals.

Love teaching and always try my level best to match the frequency of students.
Taught successfully to University students , GCSE and A level since 2014.
Always aim to inspire and motivate students to become great and excel in their chosen fields.

Teaching Experience:
• Highly appreciated technical instructor by college senior management for effectively communicating complex technical information to struggling students, flexing instructing style to meet diverse audience needs and improvising curricula for thorough understanding.

• Imparted technical guidance to engineering students for 3 final-year thesis projects, through the conceptualization and coding to the delivery and final presentation.

• Designed detailed and comprehensive course packages for programming languages viz. C, C++ and Core Java. Conducted home tuitions and worked as a freelancer with private training institutions for the same.

University Level Tutoring Experience in UK :
Taught Computer Science theory and Programming with hands on experience to students from Coventry University, Queen Mary university London ,Leicester and Glasgow universities.

Subjects Taught: Core Java Programming, Operating Systems, Database
Object Oriented Concepts, Computer Organization , File Structures and Computer Networks.

A Level and GCSE Tutoring Experience in UK
Conducting GCSE OCR theory and programming tutions since 2014 .

Have been teaching, Python programming, Theoretical knowledge of data structures, Trace Tables and Algorithms, Systematic problem solving, Networking, Database and functional programming to A level

COMPUTER SCIENCE THEORY SUBJECTS :
1. Database design
2.Class and Object Modelling with sequence diagrams
3.Operating Systems
4.Programming Fundamentals.
5.HTML
6.Fundamentals of computer networking

** Please make a note that I don't take any project work . I only teach the coursework subjects and languages with hands on experience which are mentioned in my profile .

ONLINE TUITION - FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMMING

Tutoring Approach:
Start with Introduction .I make sure that student has understood the basic building block and programming techniques
Practice with lots of examples , refer question papers ,Explain exam techniques and give them homework.

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Personal Description:
I am a passionate photographer with 30 years experience based in York, North Yorkshire. I specialise in portraits, documentary, editorial and event photography. I try to evoke and capture a mood within my pictures, a feeling a unique moment, creating images that have impact. I love to work with people, and I like to be able to build up a close rapport with all the clients that I work with.

Teaching Experience:
I hold a Further and Adult Education teaching certificate, I taught on the Access to Photography, at Newcastle College. I have continued to develop my teaching and training working with all levels from primary to Adult and A level . I teach Photography, Lightroom, web design, animation and multimedia. I also teach photography workshops to all levels and teaching on a individual basis, one to one. My style of tutoring is to identify my students learning needs, then I deliver through presentations, activities, instruction and demonstrations. I design and develop training sessions, assess student performance, and evaluate training and development for students of all ages.

I run York Photo walks weekly which is designed to help people to learn and develop their photography knowledge, whilst exploring York's rich history, people, nature and architecture. The aim is to inspire creativity when you are out and about with your camera.

Tutoring Approach:
I really value being able to pass on the knowledge that I have gained and thoroughly enjoy the challenges of teaching and the pleasure and joy that someone has when they have understood that knowledge and are able to then put that into practice. I like to be able to tear down the barriers that cause us to feel intimidated and take away those fears and insecurities that can make learning difficult.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I'm Ruben and I've just started my career as a science tutor. Having recently graduated from the university of Bristol (BSc in Biology with first class honours) I'm now tutoring KS4 and A-level Biology for both young and adult learners.

I have experience as a research intern for labs at the University of Bristol and the University of Newcastle, and I'm currently volunteering as a part-time researcher for the London-Based Social enterprise 'Mapping for change'. In September I will be starting a research masters in evolutionary biology at UCL & the Natural History Museum, London.

Teaching Experience:
I have no official science tutoring experience to date. I was however leading regular revision sessions and presentations for my peers during my undergraduate degree, and have been regularly child-minding for a number of families in the last year.

Tutoring Approach:
Above all I aim for a co-operative learning environment, and to create sessions which suit the learning style of the tutee. A session starts by devising learning aims which are both worthwhile and manageable. My lesson plans then combine two approaches. For new material, I introduce concepts though existing knowledge, examples and written exercises. I prepare high quality notes for each syllabus to be used for independent study. To consolidate previously taught material, I reiterate concepts using case studies, note taking and Q&A sessions. In preparation for exams, sessions will involve working through past paper questions & developing exam technique. My experiences as a researcher give me particular strengths in tutoring the practical elements of GCSE & A level biology syllabuses.

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Personal Description:
I first began to take interest in education in late 2016 during my second year of studies at Falmouth University, after undertaking 'skills for music leaders' module, where I studied different approaches to formal and non-formal music education. In September 2017, I have taken my ambitions to teach guitar further and fully dedicated my third year of studies to learn about ethics in music education, and began work experience with Cornwall Music Service Trust. I have shadowed 3 guitar teachers as well as 1 violin teacher and learned how to work with children aged between 6-16. I have actively engaged during the lessons, and helped as much as it was possible. I observed their teaching style and studied how to apply it into my own practice, gaining very good references

Teaching Experience:
I have completed 'skills for music leaders' during my second year studies and dedicated the rest of my time researching ethics and practical teaching strategies in music education. I have completed a year of work experience with Cornwall music service trust shadowing their teachers and learning their teaching styles. I am currently doing more work experience at Penair School learning about classroom teaching. Soon I will be looking to apply for Teacher training

Tutoring Approach:
I structure my lessons to each student individually

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Personal Description:
Hi, I am Wahid and I am a medical doctor and a graduate of University College London (UCL) in BSc Biomedical Sciences (Hons). I have experience of teaching GCSE and A level Biology, Chemistry, Physics (GCSE) and Maths across the exam boards. I have more than 500+ hours of teaching experience of these subjects.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of teaching for the past couple of years. Seeing improvement in my students' knowledge, skills, and ultimately boosting their grades is at the core of my teaching. My students have moved from D prior to teaching to A and Bs. I focus both on the core knowledge and skills as well as past exam questions- providing tips and techniques as we go along.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a holistic approach in my teaching; providing high quality of teaching which is result-driven, systematic and student-centred- with focus on exam and revision strategies. My teaching is active and engaging.

I am responsive to the needs of my students; ensuring they are making significant progress. In addition to conveying knowledge in an understandable way, I am aiming to boost my student's confidence and transferrable skills. All of which will ultimately lead to boosting grades significantly.

What you will be looking forward to:

1. Acquiring in-depth and concise knowledge of the contents of the specification
2. Exam tips and proven studying techniques
3. Past paper practise
4. Marking and providing feedback on mock exams
5. Enhancing confidence and analytical skills
6. Pattern of topics that always come up
7. Being available to answer my students' queries round the clock

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Personal Description:
My name is Teresa. I'm from Spain. One of my greatest passions is teaching my native tongue as an integral part of the customs and culture of my country.

I hold a Degree as a Primary Education Teacher specializing in English and a Certificate in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (E.L.E)

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced and qualified teacher with more than 10 years of experience teaching Spanish as a modern language in both Schools and 0nline.

Tutoring for students in 𝗚𝗖𝗦𝗘 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔-𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀.
Helping 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 living in Spain improve their Job Performance with advanced 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨

Tutoring Approach:
As someone who experienced first-hand the challenges of learning a second language, I enjoy helping others do the same.

My online lessons are targeted, efficient, bespoke and relaxed.
I teach lessons that are truly tailor-made to my student.
The way I teach will be informed by them and their ability,

My approach varies depending on the student's needs and learning style.
My teaching philosophy is based on encouraging students to think for themselves, using real-world situations wherever possible.
I start from topics the students are comfortable with and move gradually to build their confidence.

I usually focus on exam-style or past paper questions in order to check, practice and perfect the student's understanding and technique.

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Personal Description:
PLEASE SEE 'TUTORING EXPERIENCE' BELOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THIS PAGE, THE RESULTS AND FEEDBACK

I am an Oxford graduate (English language and literature, first class), as well as a qualified English teacher, and have been tutoring since 2013. My specialism is A-level English literature.

Please get in touch for online English tuition, particularly if you are or your child is

• Preparing to take A-levels in 2026/27
• Doing coursework
• Working on the basis of continuous assessment, mocks, etc.
• Or planning to do / doing an English degree

I graduated from the University of Oxford with a double first in English language and literature, winning the prize for the best performance in English finals at Mansfield College, and the college essay prize. At school, I was awarded eleven GCSEs at A-star and three A-levels at A.

As well as tutoring, I have worked as a researcher, a copywriter, and a proofreader. I have also completed a PGCE in secondary English at the UCL Institute of Education, the highest-ranking college of education in the world ('QS World University Rankings'), during which I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools, and received A's for my master's-level assignments. I am currently pursuing a PhD in English literature at the University of Buckingham.

As well as English tuition at any level, I can help you or your child with the following:

• Oxbridge entrance (the admissions process, practice interviews, the ELAT, etc.)
• Essay surgery - how to structure and write an essay
• How to revise - note-taking, organisation, making connections, committing to memory
• Grammar, punctuation, and style (a.k.a. 'usage and abusage')
• Speech-writing and public speaking
• Proofreading and redrafting essays
• Suggested reading and resources, including access to my library of 'TES' resources
• Creative writing
• How to annotate, analyse (and enjoy) English literature - sometimes known as 'close reading' or 'practical criticism'
• If you'd specifically like written feedback on your writing - more like a correspondence course - then I can also provide that.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling, writing, and photography.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2013, teaching English at all levels (including degree level), as well as A-level religious studies and classical civilisation. I have taught AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas, and CAIE (Cambridge International), and am constantly familiarising myself with the new texts that my students are studying. I have experience helping students who have autism and ADHD. And I am interested in the role of generative AI and large language models in education, not to write students' essays for them, but as research assistants for students and teachers alike. It is of course important that students do not get the likes of ChatGPT to write their essays for them, among other reasons because they will not be able to do so in the exams. Tutoring is well placed to discourage this, since it has always been my practice to ask my students many questions about every essay they write.

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A student, June 2025: 'thank you very much for all the sessions! It has not only boosted my confidence in English literature but they really reminded me of how much I love the subject. It's always a pleasure to discuss nuance readings of the texts, and it has been a great help leading up to my exams.'

Charlotte, a parent, June 2025: 'Thank you so much for all your help and support for [L.]. We are so grateful for everything you have done with him and wish you all the best.'

Ann, a parent, June 2025: '[Z.] has thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with you and has gained so much from your guidance. We're very grateful for all the support you've given her.'

A parent, May 2025: 'Thank you so much again for everything you've done to help [G.] prepare for these exams - he has really enjoyed his sessions with you and he and we really appreciate your support'.

A parent, May 2025: '[N.] just received the below. It's an A* if the grade boundaries is same as last year. She couldn't have done it without your help. We really appreciate it.'

A parent, February 2025: '[S.] is really enjoying studying with you and has gained a lot of confidence in English. I truly appreciate the effort and dedication you put into teaching.'

A student, January 2025: 'thank you ever so much for your kindness and creative encouragement the past months. What is very special about you as a tutor is that you have never told me "what to write". Instead, you have asked me questions about my work that have led me to discover what I truly wish to write'.

Kate, a parent, December 2024: 'We're so pleased [G.] is enjoying his sessions and seems to be really motivated to read widely in between sessions, is making useful structured notes (which he didn't do before) and his confidence and awareness of what he needs to do when essay writing is really building. Thank you!!!'

Eleni, a parent, December 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that [D.] received an offer […] today! She is super happy! […] I wanted to thank you again as [D.] found your sessions incredibly helpful and inceased her confidence during the exams process.'

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A-level results, August 2024:

'I wanted to write to say a huge thank you to you for all the help, support and inspiration you have given [E.] over the past year. You have not only given her the technical advice and support to help her make the most of her essays and exams, but more importantly you have helped her keep the love of the subject alive. I know a big part of the reason she is so excited to study English at university is because of how much she has enjoyed your conversations, and how you have helped her to consider texts in a way that the rather narrower scope of teaching at school does not allow. I am so very grateful to you and I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into her sessions - thank you so very much. […] You've been so great, and any other student/parent would be lucky to have access to your teaching.'

'I have just opened my results and am happy to confirm that I am off to Bristol this September with an A* in English! I just want to thank you again for making this possible.'

'I got an A in English, and will be going to Exeter, so mission accomplished. I wanted to thank you for all your help, not only for helping me to get what I needed, but for giving me back my confidence and enjoyment of the subject in the process.'

'Just to let you know [I.] got her results this morning and achieved an 'A' in English. We are over the moon […] Thank you again for all your help with the English, it's much appreciated.'

'thanks for your help this past academic year! Got two A*s in English and Philosophy'.

'I got a B and I was accepted into my firm university (Durham) which I am very happy! Thank you for all your help and support.'

'I was really happy to receive […] A in English Literature […] I secured a placed at my firm university. I will be studying English Literature at Durham University this September and I am very excited! Thank you so much for all of your support, I really appreciate it!'

'i got into Warwick with […] an A* in English!!!!! I am very happy :) Thank you for all your hard work, wisdom and wit over the last year or two'.

'Thank you so much for all your coaching and advice that you shared with [L.], it made such a difference to his confidence leading up to his exams. He is (as are we) delighted with his English result.'

'an A awarded in English […] so she is off to her first choice of Edinburgh University to study History of Art and English Literature.'

'Results day went well and I'm going to the university of Kent. Thank you so much again for all the time spent helping me to prepare for my exams it means a lot I'm very excited to continue my English literature journey.'

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A student, June 2024: 'Thank you so much for being the most amazing English teacher! It has been an immensely rewarding and interesting journey exploring so many books […] I have learnt so much from GCSEs to continuing with more amazing literatures in A-levels'

A student, June 2024: 'I […] wanted to say thank you for the tremendous help you have provided with the English content throughout the A level period. The resources that you provided for me were quite helpful in refining my knowledge in many areas of the syllabus so thank you very much.'

A student, May 2024: 'I've just received the results for my english coursework and wanted to thank you for all the help and feedback!!'

A parent, February 2024: 'your help has kept her love of the subject and her enthusiasm alive and I can't thank you enough for that.'

A parent, February 2024: 'You were such a huge help to [S.], we will always be very grateful to you.'

Kath, a parent, February 2024: 'We would both like to thank you for all your invaluable help, especially all the helpful feedback on the coursework essay. [S.] has definitely learnt a lot and grown in confidence, especially in her knowledge of Twelfth Night.'

A student, January 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that I got an offer from Oxford! Thank you so much for checking over my personal statement and all the help that you have given me since GCSEs. I really enjoy our sessions every week, the discussions keep me constantly creative and thinking.'

A parent, January 2024: 'Thank you as always for all your continued help and support for [E.]. I know she gets a tremendous amount from your sessions and I'm very grateful.'

A student, January 2024: 'Just emailing to let you know I did get an offer from […] Cambridge yesterday so thank you so much for all your help! It is really appreciated and I'm really looking forward to starting my degree in October!'

A student, December 2023: 'So thank you so much again for all your help; your insights have been very useful and I have really enjoyed talking about literature with you.'

Tara, a parent, November 2023: 'you are really helping [R.], he is becoming much more confident. Thank you so much'.

Paula, a parent, November 2023: '[M.] is always delighted with your teaching. You are asking questions no one else does. My husband and I see her grow academically after every session with you.'

Liz, a parent, October 2023: 'Thank you so much for all the work you have done with, and the kindness you have shown, [E.] to date. She really enjoys her sessions with you, and you've helped keep her enthusiasm for English very much alive. I'm so grateful.'

Kim, a parent, August 2023: 'I cannot tell you how happy we all were and your help was clearly instrumental in that. Not sure if he told you but he got 12 points above an A* and it was his best A level result!'

A student, August 2023: 'I really enjoyed our lessons and think it has really helped prepare me for the Oxford style tutorials.'

A student, August 2023: 'wanted to let you know I ended up getting an A* in English, thanks so much for all the help!'

Mark, a parent, June 2023: 'Many thanks josh for your help this year. [E.] has said to me it has really helped, you started assisting her at a time when she felt behind her class mates for the whole of the first year, having switched to English half way through term one.'

Melanie, a parent, June 2023: 'Thank you so much for all your time and effort with [T.]'s English literature. She really enjoyed your sessions together and it really boosted her confidence and inspired her to think more deeply and critically about the texts. It also confirmed that she is happy and excited to study a literature based course at degree level.'

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

'[L.] came home from university yesterday to attend her school prize giving ceremony, and this morning as she was leaving she asked me to let you know that she won a special prize in English […] Until last night, she wasn't aware of any of her awards, apart from her scholarship, so it was all a lovely surprise. Furthermore, the essays she wrote in her A level English exams have somehow found their way into her teachers' hands; they told her, with beams of pride , that the three marks dropped overall were actually in her *non exam* assessment, so 30/30 in all questions across all papers under exam conditions, something she had never achieved before. She had admitted to me in the aftermath of the exams that when she was writing her English papers she had really enjoyed the process, her thoughts flowing pretty effortlessly on to the paper. But she had also worried this stream of ideas might not be fit with the mark schemes. […] she […] wanted you to know about her prize, as she thought you'd be pleased, and she also wanted to say thanks one last time for your inspirational teaching that led to it.'

'I got AAA* for my results much higher than my predicted! particularly for english'.

'[G.] got an A star in English. And is off to Oxford. […] Thanks so much for everything - you were honestly amazing and really helped her get there'.

'[L.] got 3 a stars and an A star as well in her EPQ. Her highest marks were in English Literature ( 197/200)'.

'I achieved 4A*s in my Alevels - one being in English Literature. My teachers also let me know that I got full marks in both the exam papers'.

'[T.] smashed English Literature, A* […] she is absolutely over the moon . Thank you so much for all the work you put in with her !'

'I got a D[distinction]2!!! […] I got full marks on my PI!'

'I got an A* in English!!! Thank you so much for all of your help I wouldn't have been able to do it without you!'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*

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 have been teaching for 14 years, specialising in Art and Craft at GCSE and A level. I have a PhD in Art Education and a first class honors in Fine Art. I have worked for AQA exam board for several years and Eduqas/WJEC Exam board so I understand the mark scheme very well for all arts courses and this helps me to get excellent results for my learners. I also have an MA in Creativity for the professions. I have studied sculpture, collage, printmaking, painting, mixed media, drawing, life drawing, textiles, art history, photography and critical thinking. I am a very personable, friendly and encouraging person. I love supporting students and helping them to reach their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for nearly 14 years, specialising in Art and Craft at GCSE and A level. I have a PhD in Art Education and a first class honors in Fine Art. I have taught in the UK, the Congo, France and Tuscany.

I have had several 1-1 tuttees. I have also delivered art workshops for primary school children and adults, as well as teenagers.

I teach an adult art class weekly and lots of one off art and craft workshops for a range of ages.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very personable, friendly and encouraging person. I love supporting students and helping them to reach their potential. I am a good listener and a creative thinker. I am always able to offer suggestions to benefit students marks in a friendly way. I always see the best in my tuttees and encourage them to enhance their grades by clear guidance.

I offer practical support with demonstrations of techniques.

I ask my students what it is they would like to learn and continually adjust my teaching style to meet their needs.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm currently in my second year of college studying A-level economics, A-level maths and A-level business.
I went from failing all my subjects to getting predicted Bs, this has led me to wanting to help others fall in love with the subjects they're struggling in and achieve great results. I will be studying economics at university therefore economics is the subject that I'm most confident at and can help first year students only, as for help regarding GCSE maths I'm open to tutoring students in year 8 and year 9.

Teaching Experience:
I've previously helped helped younger family members with their homework, classmates and friends.

Tutoring Approach:
I personally prefer that the student brings a question(s) that they need help on and I can assist them. However I believe that the same technique might not work for some students and therefore I'd ask whether they'd prefer to get support on specific topics or a specific style of question.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a confident, hard working and positive person with a mature attitude.
I am an experienced private tutor. I work with A-level chemistry students who have been excluded for under performance in their schools and get them back to where they achieve an "A" when they take their final exams.
In short, I am good at motivating disaffected children, and raising the self esteem of those whose self esteem has been damaged.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught GCSE Biology, Physics and Chemistry and A-level chemistry for more that 30 years. I have been tutoring for the last 16 years.
I am currently teaching full time at a catholic school and taking some KS3, GCSE and A-level chemistry tuition after school and on Saturdays.

Tutoring Approach:
For GCSE and A-level, I make it a point that students familiarise themselves with the way examiners ask questions and the topic areas frequented by examiners. Through practice, students learn how to respond to exam questions with accuracy and precision. This is done for every topic. In addition, I train my students to be independent learners who can use available resources to help themselves find answers.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a highly qualified and experienced tutor of Polish. I have University level of qualifications both in Polish and in English.

Teaching Experience:
I am highly experienced teacher of Polish, teaching the subject in various schools in Poland. Also tutoring, Polish and English as a foreign languages to children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I am making the learning experience for my tutees as effective, engaging and enjoyable experience.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi! My name is Hayley. I am a fully qualified, full time Psychology and Health&Social Care teacher! I am extremely passionate and dedicated to these subjects and absolutely love teaching both of them. I have two degrees in Psychology - a BA (Hons) in Educational Psychology and MsC in Psychological Sciences from Brunel University, London.

As a Mother of two, I fully understand how important it is to support your child's education and I am dedicated to helping your child succeed in these subjects! I am patient, reliable, and focused on creating a supportive environment that encourages growth, confidence, and academic success.

Looking forward to hearing from you! :)

Teaching Experience:
I have a PGCE with QTS in Psychology from University College London, Institute of Education. I am a full time teacher at a secondary school situated in North London.
I have been teaching A-Level Psychology (AQA) for two years and GCSE Psychology (AQA) for one year, as well as BTEC Health and Social Care Tech Award.
I have been working in Education for over 12 years, and started as a Teaching Assistant.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is student-centered, supportive, and adaptable. I begin by identifying the student's current level of understanding and any specific challenges they may be facing. From these challenges, I use an integrated and collaborative approach with the student at how we can best face these challenges using specific tasks.

I focus on breaking down complex concepts into simple, manageable parts, and I encourage active participation through questions, practice problems, and real-life examples. My goal is not just to help students get the right answers, but to build their confidence, critical thinking, and long-term understanding of the subject - fostering their love and passion for it! I also provide regular feedback and adjust my teaching strategies based on what works best for each individual.

My personal strengths lie with supporting the student with exam technique. For example, how to answer exam based questions using specific subject terminology and focusing strongly on how to write these answers in an academic way. I use techniques such as scaffolding and modelling to embed these concepts, and this has proven successful with my cohort of students.

Most importantly, I aim to create a positive, encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and are motivated to keep improving.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm an art & craft design tutor with a passion for keeping traditional techniques alive while blending them with contemporary creativity. With 9 years of experience in textiles and craftsmanship, I specialize in Indian handwork such as chikankari, zardosi, aari embroidery, kalamkari, bobbin lace, carpets, and rugs.

As a tutor, my goal is to share skills, inspire creativity, and encourage hands-on learning. Whether it's teaching intricate stitches, design concepts, or craft-based storytelling, I love guiding learners of all levels to explore their artistic potential.

For me, art and craft are not just skills - they're a journey of patience, culture, and self-expression.

Teaching Experience:
Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching art, craft, and textile design to learners from different age groups and backgrounds. With 9 years of professional experience in textiles and craftsmanship, I bring both practical industry knowledge and hands-on artisan skills into my teaching.

I have conducted workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one mentorships that focus on:
• Traditional Indian crafts like chikankari, zardosi, aari work, kalamkari, and bobbin lace
• Textile techniques including carpet weaving and rug design
• Creative design development, material exploration, and storytelling through craft

My teaching style is interactive, patient, and process-oriented. I believe every student should not only learn a technique but also understand its cultural heritage, design value, and potential for innovation.

What excites me most about teaching is watching learners gain confidence, skill, and creative freedom while connecting deeply with handmade traditions.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, my focus is on creating a balanced learning experience that combines technical skill, creative freedom, and cultural understanding.

✨ Hands-on learning - I believe the best way to learn crafts and design is by doing. Every session includes practical exploration with materials, tools, and techniques.

✨ Personalized guidance - Each learner has a unique pace and style. I adapt my teaching to individual strengths, encouraging both beginners and advanced learners to grow with confidence.

✨ Connecting tradition & innovation - I emphasize the heritage of crafts like chikankari, zardosi, aari, kalamkari, and weaving, while also showing how these techniques can be reimagined for modern design.

✨ Process over perfection - Craft is a journey of patience and practice. I guide students to enjoy the process, experiment fearlessly, and develop their own artistic voice.

✨ Creative mindset - Beyond skills, I nurture curiosity, problem-solving, and storytelling through design - helping learners see craft as both an art form and a career path.

Subjects