Rugby Tutors and Rugby Tuition

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Does your child needs 1-1 support with English or Maths?

Is your child struggling to keep up with school-work or homework?

I can offer 1-1 support in a comfortable learning environment from an inspirational, patient and friendly teacher.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a range of settings for the last seven years. Teaching children from Early Years to Sixth Form. I have tutored privately for over 10 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very intuitive to the learning styles of all children. I like to spend some time getting to know a child and how they learn so as when working with them, I can work on their individual strengths to develop their understanding of different subjects.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am 30 years old who moved to Rugby from Coventry just before the pandemic.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching maths in a secondary school for 7 years and I am the KS3 curriculum designer.
I have been tutoring on and off for even longer with a previous pupil successfully completing a medical course.

Tutoring Approach:
The sessions will be flexible to meet the individual needs of the tutee. All sessions will be tailored to the individual.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Cambridge educated, and an Oxford University prize winning teacher, I have recently passed my latest OFSTED inspection. I specialise in :

11+
English Language (GCSE and iGCSE)
English Literature (GCSE/iGCSE/A Level/ELAT)
GCSE/ A Level Business Studies
GCSE / A Level History
Creative writing (adults)
Business English (adults)
ESOL (adults)
UCAS statements
Mock interviews

I am DFE authorised to teach the subjects I advertise.

I hold an excellent degree in English, a PGCE in English/History, a Cert Ed.in Drama, an MA in creative writing from the number one UK writing programme, and a post graduate in teaching creative writing from Cambridge University.

I am a published author and editor.

I have taught students from:

Independent Senior : Rugby School, Gordonstoun, Warwick School, The Kingsley School, King's High School, Kingham Hill, King Henry 8th, Princethorpe, Bablake.

Independent Junior: Crackley Hall, Warwick

State Selective: Lawrence Sheriff, Rugby High, Alcester Grammar, Ashlawn, WMG Academy, Stratford Girls' Grammar, Kings Edward's Boys Grammar, newport Girls' High School.

State non-selective: Kenilworth School, Finham Park, President Kennedy, Babington Academy, English Martyrs, Bilton High, Houlton, The Harris, Avon Valley, Walsall Academy, Joseph Leckie Academy, Myton, North Leamington, Ernesford Grange, Southgate School, East Barnet School, Attleborough Academy, Southfield Girls' School, Rugby Free School.

State junior: Potters Green, Long Lawford, Holbrook, Park Hill, Dunchurch, Hillmorton, Cawston Grange, Abacus Academy, Our Lady of Assumption, Henry Hinde, St Anthony's.

University: Cambridge, Warwick, BCU, Keele, York.

I have taught students in the UK, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Russia and South Korea.

I am a native English speaker - this is highly advantageous to English as a second language students.

Scholarships gained: Rugby School, Warwick School.
Bursaries gained: Bablake School, Princethorpe College.
Grammar Schools: King Edward's Boys, Lawrence Sheriff Boys', Alcester Grammar, Rugby High School.

Having a grammar school education myself has been most useful and that my children were educated in the independent sector gives me an insider insight.

Many of my pupils have gone onto Oxford University, Durham University, and elite Universities to study subjects such a medicine and dentistry. One of my GCSE students moved from grade 3 to grade 7 in three months and another moved 4 levels from grade 5 to 9 in 6 months.

I hold QTS and DBS. Unlike tutorial centres, I focus only on one student in a session, ensuring better progress.

I teach students between the age of 8-adult.

I lecture in Creative Writing.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced, successful online tutor. I update my teaching skills annually. I have completed my Safeguarding Certificate, Sexual Harassment Awareness, PREVENT training, and my GDPR certificate.

I have worked with Grammar Schools, Independent Schools, Public schools, selective and non-selective state schools. I have been a Head of English and Senior Leader in a highly successful Birmingham school. I have taught writing to post-grads at Cambridge Uni, Warwick Uni, Hull and York University. I have published educational research and resources, edited publications and mentored writers.

I have been an examiner for KS2 SATS, English Language and English Literature and am an Arts Awards Assessor.

I am familiar with the following curriculum:

AQA, EDEXCEL, OCR, EDUQAS, iGCSE, Essex 11 Plus, Warwickshire and Birmingham 11 Plus, IELTS,Trinity ESOL, British Council ESOL.

I have worked with pupils struggling to perform at schools which have not served them well. I have worked on behalf of schools, providing one to one tuition for LAC pupils. I have worked with very good pupils at very good schools in order to support pupils to become excellent.

I am willing to do unlimited prep. I do not pluck activities off the internet and hope they fit as I design work especially for my pupils.

Tutoring Approach:
Your child won't be placed in a group with other children who have different needs and work at different levels!

I have high expectations of your child - this helps them to reach their goals.

I will tell you the truth about your child, sharing information and assessments.

I standardise my marking in a secondary school every year.

Successes in 24-25* ( grade boundaries moved up)
100 % eleven plus passes
100% Grade 8 and 9 at GCSE Language.
100% Grade 7, 8 and 9 at GCSE Literature.

testomonials:

'Thank you ...as your support has very much enabled this success.'
'I am short of words to thank you, for all the help and support you gave.'
'She couldn't have done it without your support.'

2023- 2024 Academic year* ( grade boundaries moved up)

NR-9, 8 GCSE Eng Lang and Lit
LS- arrived in the UK with no English and has made 3 levels of progress within 6 months.
JR- gained an 11+ place at King Edward's Grammar School
AN-gained an 11 + place at LSS Grammar School.
AS-gained a place at Lawrence Sheriff Grammar School
RM- gained places at The Kingsley and Princethorpe independent schools
SG- gained a place at Bablake Independent school
SS- gained bursaries at Bablake and Princethorpe Independent Schools
HJP- an adult ESOL learner from South Korea, has progressed from A2 to C1 British council levels, and gained a distinction at GCSE speaking and Listening in less than 9 months.


Testamonials

LR- " We DID it!!!! Thank you so muchhhhhhhh. The scores gets him into the best grammar school - KEGS!Thank you so much for your perseverance and amazing teaching!!!"

SC-" We think you're best English tutor there is so no surprises with your ofsted rating."

Successes 2022-2023.

AC-9, 9 GCSE Eng and Lit ( school predicted grades were 6,6)
ES- 9,8 GCSE Eng and Lit ( school predicted grades were far lower)
HH- 8, 8 GCSE Eng and Lit
WN- 8,7 GCSE Eng and Lit ( school predicted grades were 4,4)
PH- 6 Eng Lang ( school prediction was a 3)

LH gained a place at Medical School and met the offer.
NQ gained a place at University, and met the offer, when the school stated she was not able to.
KS- gained several places at university for Mechanical Engineering and met the offers.

Successes 2022

FO - gained a music scholarship at Warwick Snr.

WH- gained 225 in his 11 Plus exam, entitling him to places at two top grammar schools.

HG- gained his place at a highly competitive Grammar school sixth form- in July of Year 10 he was told he was 'pushing' grade 5 by his teacher.

TW- gained his GCSE score two grades above his September working at grade and 1 grade above his target grade.

SDP- gained a place at a competitive independent school, with a massive bursary

SR- gained a place at a competitive independent school, with generous bursary

HA- passed 11 plus at 249 marks

EK- passed 11 plus at 226 marks

FO has gained a place at his chosen Independent School- he was the first to have been accepted while only in Year 5.


Successes 2020-2021

HL-invited to a medical school interview

KC-Grade 8 in GCSE Business Studies- he was a grade 5 in September and had a target of grade 6.

QN- Grade 5 in English Lit after three months of tuition and beginning at Grade 3.

BJ- Grade 5 in English Language despite predicted grade of 4.

Successes 2019-2020

VY- Grade 8 in English Language- was struggling to maintain a good grade 5 in school.

MS-Grade 7 in English Language and in English Literature- was working at Grade 5 in school.

HL- Year 13- grade 7 in Eng Lang GCSE November re-sit- HL started with me on a very low level 5 and has worked with me for less than one year.

SK-Grade 6 in English Language- was a low grade 5 in school.

WL-Grade 6 - was low grade 5 at school.

LS- Grade 5 in English Language after working with me. School gave him a Grade 3 in their August teacher Assessment GCSE.
BJ- Year 11 - BJ was working at a grade 4 in mid September when I began working with him. He gained a grade 5 in the Eng Lit exam.

KC- Year 10- KC was a low level 3 at the start of year 9 - gained a high grade 5 in GCSE Eng Lit at the end of Year 10.

II- Year 10 - II was a low grade 3 - gained a grade 5 in Eng Lit GCSE.

NE- Grade 4 in English Language - a very low Grade 3 in school.

AA-Year 6-AA passed her 11 plus.

HL- Year 13- received an offer from a good university to take a great Science course only 15 days after sending her UCAS application in on October 15th. Has two interviews for medicine too.

HS- Year 13- HS began studying medicine at Norwich after working with me to write his UCAS personal statement.

SE- Year 13 -SE lacked confidence when trying to write a UCAS personal statement. With my help, SE is now at a very good University.

BR-First Year University- BR was struggling to write his first academic essay. I taught BR how to reference and the importance of using authentic and serious sources.

Parental/ Learner Testimonials:

20-21

I was accepted into LSS...I would like to say thank you for the help in Business Studies as that helped me ace my exams.

KC- GCSE students

P was so happy with the lesson yesterday. He told me that V taught me more in one lesson than school taught me for the whole year which is fabulous !

PN's Mum (PN attends a Grammar school)


2019-2020

LS's mother-

I wanted to express my thanks again. I have no doubt that LS would not have achieved a level 5 without your tutoring, and it had been left to the school. I had every faith that LS was capable if he applied himself and had the right teaching and guidance but could not see him getting what he needed from the school. He did it. Thanks to you.

2018-2019

E has improved a lot lately with V's help. V is really good at teaching (E's mother)

I wanted to drop you a line to thank you personally for all the help and support you have given L over the last few months. Whatever the outcome is she couldn't have done it without your coaching. Her work has definitely improved which wouldn't have happened had she continued with just the support school gave her. So thank you.( L's mother)

Earlier Successes

2018-2019

KS 2 SATS - NJ had given up working in year 6. After my support he won a prize for writing and scored 113 and 117 in his English papers.

Scholarships - CA was a Grade 4 in History GCSE. He needed a grade 7 to obtain a scholarship. After my support CA gained his grade 7, got his scholarship and recently went on to gain a grade 9 in the actual GCSE securing his place at Rugby School.

GCSE- MS was at a good independent school and in top set. However, she was scoring at grade 2 in her English Language and English Literature mock exams. With my help MS went on to gain two level 7s for both her English GCSE exams.

Post Grads - S, A, I were all on a PGA at Warwick University. To get onto the MA course they needed to gain a distinction on their PGA assignments. With my support, all three transferred to the MA course.

ZN wanted to do as well as possible in his MA assignments but was struggling with Academic English. With my help he scored merits for his essays and dissertation.

H - a dyslexic adult who struggled with having to write personal emails/messages-she overcame this by just sending emojis. With my support H now composes emails using words and has the confidence to send emails / messages whenever she wants to.


2017-2018 successes :

N J-- NJ went from a Level 3 in school mock exams to achieving a Level 7 in the actual GCSE exams despite being dyslexic.

OL--OL went from a bottom grade D in school mock exams to achieving a high grade B in the actual A Level exams, taking up her place at Leeds Art School.

JA-- JA was home schooled and dyslexic. She felt that she was not able to study beyond GCSE. JA decided to continue with her education beyond GCSE as a result of the self- confidence she gained with my support.

AZ--As a result of my coaching, AZ had started to gain additional days work ( AZ has his own business)

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a University of Glasgow Biochemistry, Glasgow Caledonian MSc International Project Management and INSEAD Executive MBA graduate. I'm a French and English bi-lingual. I'm a lovely person, very dynamic and love the one-to-one of tutoring. It makes me really happy to help someone achieve something they have worked so hard for.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring privately for 20 years and have seen my students grow in confidence, understanding and knowledge of their chosen topics. I saw a girl who I tutored for 7 months go from getting an 'Unclassified grade' in her Biology AS Level to a B in her A2. I have never seen a student of mine's grades stay the same post-tutoring and I am very proud of that.

Tutoring Approach:
I approach tutoring different ways depending on who the student is. I ask them questions about themselves, hobbies, favourite subjects etc; and then using that to better understand how they learn, I talk to them about their private learning and revision and the method of approach to that and to exams. And then I teach them using the method appropriate to their style of learning. I also set plenty of work and get them to do past papers which I send to them in the first week. I then take these away and mark them in my own time and return with a deeper view of where they are going wrong after they have been taught. I do 2hr concentrated sessions either weekly or fornightly and have seen great results not only in grades but also in enthusiasm for learning. I am also on hand to discuss career and university options too, which helps ease the daunting choices the students have to make.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Ed. I am the Director of a private tuition company which has been providing impactful private teaching and tutoring services in a multitude of subjects across Common Entrance, GCSE, A-Level, IB and University.

We take pride in helping students to expand their minds, talents and skills, allowing them to reach their full potential. Our one-on-one tutoring brings a wealth of professional experience and expertise to those who strive to excel.

We offer personalised academic support, available in-person and online, to help students improve areas of difficulty and focus on exam techniques and preparation, helping them to succeed in attaining qualifications to their highest ability.

Please reach out and contact for further enquiries, look forward to hearing from you.

Teaching Experience:
Director, leading a team of tutors to support across a wide range of students including Common Entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB and University level - Present

Tutored a variety of subjects at different levels from primary schools, Common Entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB and University.

Offered service on giving academic advice as well as interview techniques for Oxford, Cambridge and other top schools and universities in the UK, US, Europe and Asia.

Tutoring Approach:
The approach is simple and effective. The general framework is to go through general concepts that are fundamental to student's understanding on the subject through the use of simple examples. I will then reinforce the message and encourage students to work on more specific and challenging problems.

Confidence is key and it is vital that my tutees are constantly motivated and encouraged in order to self-develop both at an academic and personal level.

We strive to make lessons as interactive as possible. We understand the different learning needs of different students. We will always be flexible with our teaching style and method and we are here to help you succeed.

Subjects

Personal Description:
From an early age I have been extremely enthusiastic about mathematics and since leaving education, and before I chose to pursue a career in education, I have been fascinated by learning and problem solving. I am currently a teacher in a new school in Hackney, East London. The college is for 14-18 year olds so I specialise in GCSE and A-Level maths teaching. We cater for a range of different backgrounds and abilities which requires the staff to have a wide ranging skill-set. I have previously taught for 5 full years, including 2 years at a 4-18 international school, and have 3 years teaching experience in the UK. My previous school was an independent international school. In all my years as a teacher I have taught GCSE classes and have come to have a sound knowledge of both AQA and Edexcel curriculums. I am also aware that GCSEs serve 2 purposes - one to gain a specific skill set and acquire subject knowledge, the other to achieve a prestigious and important qualification. I have worked in business for several years since completing a maths masters degree at Leeds University. As a relatively new teacher I have a fresh perspective on current barriers to learning and misconceptions within my chosen subject.

Teaching Experience:
1 year working in East London, 2 years overseas in the Dominican Republic (students are 95% native Spanish speakers), 3 years in England, 1 year PGCE training incorporating placements at 2 schools in Louth (North East Lincolnshire), trained at Lincoln BGUC. I am currently curriculum leader for maths at my college and have been acting head of department at my previous school.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe the key to learning is presenting a new topic in a way that the learner can engage with best. I would aim to break a complex problem down into smaller more manageable parts. Maths is a subject where each new concept is just a collection of previously learnt skills or techniques used in a specific way. I would visit the house of the tutee under the supervision of a parent. Also, if acceptable, I would try to involve a parent in the tuition process so that they can work with the tutee at a later date, if they thought it would help. I am happy to set additional work to be finished between tuition sessions, if the parent and tutee consent to this. I aim to not only help the tutee in acquiring the grade they want but also to improve their confidence in maths and help inspire them to enjoy the subject more.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been privately teaching music theory and instrumental based music around the midlands area for the last 4 years. I have experience teaching all age ranges and abilities including children with learning difficulties.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught with in schools "Blakedown C of E Primary School" "Sutton Park Primary School" Music academies "Sounds Electric Music academy" and i also teach privately at home.

Tutoring Approach:
I use a taylor made course to suit the individuals needs so they can control what areas they would like to focus on most. i am friendly and will always try my best to aid the pupils so they get the most from there tuition.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher holding Qualified Teacher Status for England. I graduated from the University of Lodz with MA in Polish Language and Literature and I hold a postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Modern Languages.
I was an invited lecturer at education conferences and courses. I continuously develop my knowledge in preparation for GCSE and A-Level examinations at UCL, School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies.
I have over 15 years of experience of teaching in schools, running exam preparation courses as well as private tuition for individuals and groups.

Teaching Experience:
My specialization is preparation for Polish GCSE and A Level examinations on one-to-one basis and class teaching.
I work with privite students and schools.
I have a good record of helping students with low grades to achieve A and A* (95% of my students achieved A and A*).

I have a lot of experience of teaching Polish as a foreign language to students and adults (including Business, tourist, and everyday Polish) on all levels.

Tutoring Approach:
I'm approachable, reliable and friendly. I'm able to help students with their understanding and encourage them to work towards their goals.

Subjects

Personal Description:
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A DEDICATED, PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERIENCED PRIVATE TUTOR?

I am a highly experienced and successful private tutor in English language and literature, with over 40 years teaching experience in secondary and further education.

I have been a private tutor for the past 10 years, and find it extremely rewarding to continue to use my expertise to support students preparing for challenging English qualifications, which are so vital for success in life.

This is what my most recent private tutee's mother has to say about my support for her son, who has just completed his GCSE English language and literature exams:

"Isla is a wonderful, dedicated tutor and I really couldn't have wished for a better tutor for my son's GCSE English. Isla's lessons are extremely well-planned, resourced and delivered, and she has created an excellent method of teaching which helped my son to engage and focus on his preparation for the exams. Most importantly, however, was the strong teacher/pupil relationship that Isla built with my son. From the first lesson, my son had great respect for his tutor, valuing her feedback and acting upon the advice given. I realised after the first tutorial that Isla's teaching style is perfect for today's students. Thank you so much Isla for your guidance, We are grateful for all your help!"
Mrs PD, Grantham, July 2024
Footnote: this tutee who has dyslexia gained a level 6 in both English Language and Literature.

(You can see more reviews in my testimonial section below.)

MORE ABOUT MY TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

After I retired from the full-time teaching post I held for 23 years, I decided to continue teaching by becoming a private tutor, because I love teaching.

Formerly, I taught Key Stages 3, GCSE and A Level, and in my work I had an excellent track record for enabling my students to achieve their academic potential; my school pupils achieved consistently good or excellent GCSE and A Level grades and this has continued to be the case with my private tutees.

I love my subject and I am a rigorous teacher dedicated to raising standards of literacy through my teaching of English language and literature, and to the educational and personal development of young people more widely. Reading and writing skills are vital to success, and I want to empower my tutees by helping them to acquire those essential skills.

As well as teaching my academic subject, I was a sixth form personal tutor ( Years 12 and 13) in my school for 18 years, monitoring my students' academic progress, and guiding and mentoring those applying to university, assisting with UCAS applications and personal statements, or helping tutees plan for a gap year or for employment - a role which I found particularly fulfilling. I am available to support UCAS application personal statements. I get on very well with all my students and oerhaos especially those aged 16 - 18.

I also have experience of teaching in further education and have taught mature students from different cultural backgrounds.

I have also supervised sixth form students taking the AQA Extended Project Qualification. I greatly enjoy one - to-one tuition.

TUTORING EXPERTISE

In my long teaching career, I have built up extensive subject knowledge and teaching expertise, which I can adapt to students ranging from 11 years to adult, and taking exams with various examining boards, with my main focus as a private tutor being on GCSE and A Level.


A selection of TESTIMONIALS

I love working as a private tutor, helping my tutees to gain confidence in essential reading and writing skills and to achieve exam success.

In addition to the one above, here is a selection of testimonials from former tutees and their parents:

GCSE:

"When my daughter was about 14 it became apparent that she was really struggling with English. She had other difficulties going on that had made the subject very difficult for her. Her main problem was she didn't know how to approach answering questions and didn't understand how to structure an answer. We realised the importance of getting our daughter extra support, not only for her English Language and English Literature GCSE but as a foundation to other subjects and her future in life. We were very lucky to find Isla, who had experience of the exam board that we were using and many years teaching experience. She worked with my daughter on a weekly basis, through Year 10 and Year 11; Isla always planned our sessions and she covered all areas of the curriculum across both English GCSE subjects. By the time my daughter came to take her exams she was really prepared and had a new found confidence. I know that whatever her results are they will be better than they would have been. Do not hesitate to get support from Isla, she will work flexibly with you and listen to your needs."
Mrs LC, Stamford, July 2022
Update following exam results August 25 2022: this tutee is very pleased to have achieved a level 5 ( strong pass) in GCSE English Language and a 4 ( standard pass) in English Literature.

"My son was really struggling to get any motivation to study either English literature or language in both the first and second year of his GCSE course and so I made the decision to get him some support and contacted Isla to help him. Over a period of about 12 months Isla steadily helped Josh to work through the syllabus and both supported him and stretched him in order to help him maximise his potential. In his finals Josh received a solid B in both subjects and has gone on to study A level literature. I have no doubt he would not have achieved this without Isla's ongoing help and support."
Mrs M.M. Rutland , 2018


" Our son needed help to raise his GCSE English grade from a C to a B. We are so pleased that we found Isla to help him. He thoroughly enjoyed the sessions with Isla, which were paced at just the right level for him. He produced homework each week which was marked before his next session. He responded well to Isla's teaching methods and worked a lot harder than he had at school. Results day was brilliant - he gained an A grade. Fantastic! We would recommend Isla wholeheartedly."
Mrs J R, Rutland, 2017

Isla has helped both of our boys this year - one with his Personal Statement for his University application and one with his Dissertation for his degree. Both boys found Isla very easy to work with, approachable, friendly and very knowledgeable. Both boys have now moved on to University and work - both having benefitted from Isla's fantastic help.
Mrs J R Rutland, 2019


"Knowing her for roughly around two years, I found Isla to be a very professional, sincere, caring and accommodating teacher who has a passion to deliver the best she can offer. With no love for literature at all, my daughter struggled with GCSE English specially the literature where she would get C/low B compared to her other subjects. We were really concerned and wanted to push up her grade in English. That's when Isla came in as a great help. She quickly picked up and addressed the areas of concern and gave enough advice and support on revision techniques preparing her for the exam.. My daughter got a 9(A*)in Eng language and a 7(A) in literature in GCSE. In my daughter's own words: "Isla has been absolutely instrumental in boosting confidence within me without which I couldn't have asked for this result. No doubt - we highly recommend her."
Mrs P, Peterborough, 2017

"Isla provided excellent support during Year 10 and 11 to our daughter in relation to her GCSE studies in both English Literature and Language. This complemented her learning at school and enabled focus on those areas where extra support or explanation was needed. Isla was very flexible in her approach, tailoring her lessons to our daughter's needs and providing additional support on the run up to the exams themselves. Although our daughter isn't continuing her English studies at A Level, Isla is going continue to provide support in relation to essay structure and comprehension in the subjects she has chosen to study. We would highly recommend her."
Mrs R M, Leicestershire, parent of GCSE pupil, 2015

A LEVEL:

Isla is a very dedicated English Literature teacher. I saw the benefit of her lessons from the outset! Isla is reliable and meticulously organised as she always had the session planned which allowed us to make the most of every lesson. I am very grateful to have found Isla as I not only gained a clearer understanding of the books taught, but also my confidence in exam technique improved immensely due to Isla's support. I highly recommend Isla, she is a very kind person as well as an incredibly devoted teacher. Thank you Isla for your guidance and support.
DD, Grantham, September 2023
Footnote: my tutee DD gained a grade B in English at A Level and A grades in Mathemarics and Economics . She decided to take a gap year and is now studying for a degree in Economics at LSE.


"Isla has been a wonderful tutor for my son, and was able to support him enormously in all aspects of his AQA A level English Literature. Isla is very knowledgeable and thorough in her approach and assisted with his research and planning for his coursework, and with close study and revision of the challenging texts my son studied over the course of the 2 years, until he took his final exams in June 2019 . She also supported him in developing and writing his personal statement for UCAS, which resulted in excellent offers of university places. My son found Isla to be very approachable and very easy to work with as her teaching style is friendly, patient and clear, and she was also open to scheduling extra sessions when needed to fit around his studies. Isla"s support has been invaluable and has enabled my son to achieve a good set of A Level grades, including a creditable grade English Literature, and he is now settled into his first term at one of the top universities in the country, studying Economics. We would have no hesitation in recommending Isla as a private tutor.."
Mrs J.M., Leicester. October 2019

We turned to a private tutor because our daughter received a disappointing result in her first year of A Level English, but she knew she could do better and wanted to go to a first class University to study English. Her coursework had been excellent and most of her homework was good, too, but her exam technique was less secure. Isla definitely made a difference. She is a nurturing teacher who interacts with the student really well. Isla gave good advice about preparing for the exam paper and gave support in revision of the various texts, which boosted our daughter's confidence. Having achieved the necessary entry grades, our daughter is now at Newcastle University starting her degree course and wants to keep in touch with Isla."
Sally S, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, parent of A Level student, 2016

"As someone who wanted to pursue English at university, my grade C at AS Level was not good enough, so during Year 13 we found a private tutor to help me with my A Level English Language and Literature course. Isla put lots of time into helping me come out with an overall high grade B. She gave me wonderful advice with my creative coursework and really enhanced my knowledge of the two plays I was studying for my written exam. I am so grateful and will continue to keep in touch with Isla as I enter my degree course at Newcastle University for English Literature and Creative Writing."
Emily S, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, A Level tutee, 2016

Update from Emily S, Peterborough (above) received June 27 2019:

"I wanted to send you a quick email to let you know that I have received a First Class Honours from Newcastle University in English Literature and Creative Writing!
I am really thrilled as I wasn't expecting it!
You were a real help to me and my time with you was the beginning of me finding my feet with poetry; I went on to write a creative portfolio of poetry instead of a dissertation and received a mark of 75 for it.
So this is just to say, thank you very much!! "


"Isla has helped both of our sons this year - one with his Personal Statement for his University application and one with his Dissertation for his degree. Both boys found Isla very easy to work with, approachable, friendly and very knowledgeable. They have now moved on to University and work - both having benefitted from Isla's fantastic help."
Mrs J R, Rutland, 2018

I assisted a former GCSE resit tutee in his final year at university . This email arrived from his mother to tell me about her son's graduation:

Just to let you know that XXX got a 2.1 in his Sports Psychology degree!
We are very proud of him.
Thank you so much again for all your help and support.
June 2021

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor for 9 years. Private tutoring enables me to stay in touch with young adults and to continue to use the teaching skills I have developed over a long and successful teaching career.

I greatly enjoy one to one tutoring and my students feel supported and more confident about facing their exams. My tutees tend to be students who are struggling with the subject and have been predicted lower grades than they need. Sometimes there is a specific issue such as spelling, or a student might struggle with a particular aspect, such as reading, or with a particular set text, or with how to write essays and exam answers that will earn high marks. Without exception, my tutees improve their standard and often go in to achieve very creditable grades that enable them to move to the next stage of their school career, or gain the university place they want.

In my last full-time teaching post, which I held for 23 years until my retirement in 2014, I taught English Language and English Literature throughout the school: to pupils aged 11-14 at Key Stage 3, to pupils taking GCSE exams, and to sixth formers taking AS and A level English.

At GCSE and AS/A Level my pupils have obtained consistently excellent results. I have taught a very wide range of set texts for literature and have taught courses by different exam boards, such as Edexcel, OCR, AQA, and the CIE IGCSE.

My school teaching often involved one-to-one sessions with pupils who needed extra support and I have taught those whose attainment in the subject is modest, as well as higher achievers in English.

Other teaching experience includes teaching for a total of 7 years full and part-time in further education colleges, and I have also taught English as a foreign language for the British Council in a Middle Eastern country.

Because I love teaching and supporting young people in their intellectual development, I can't bring myself to stop completely, I have been tutoring privately since retiring from full time school teaching, and I currently tutor students ranging from 14 to 18, assisting with preparation for GCSE and A Level exams. I find it hard to say no to anyone who asks me, so I am busy, but like it that way because I never see teaching as a chore or "just a job."

I have been tutoring students following a range of different GCSE courses and examining boards, including Edexcel IGCSE,mCambridge IGCSE, and AQA GCSE courses, both language and literature qualifications, and also the Edexcel combined A Level Language and Literature, and also Edexcel English Literature . My tutoring role includes assisting my tutees with close study and revision of a wide range of set texts, demonstrating my adaptability in quickly grasping what different exam techniques are required. I have also given advice and support to students in higher education, pursuing English degrees.

My private tutees gained English language and literature grades that exceeded their school teachers' expectations in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 GCSE exams, achieving grades ranging from C (D predicted) to A* (B predicted). In summer 2017 , one of my private tutees achieved a grade A in IGCSE First Language English through working with me exclusively during Year 12 and resitting independently, having achieved only a D in Year 11, which - without improvement - would have damaged his chances of admission to a good university.

Tutoring Approach:
PASSION FOR AND KNOWLEDGE OF MY SUBJECT
I prepare lessons thoroughly and imaginatively, striking a balance between getting through the necessary work - but making it varied, interesting and fun.

I begin by getting to know my pupil, their background, and specific needs.

Often, pupils needing extra tuition lack confidence and self-esteem and I care about addressing that sensitively.

In addition, I plan what needs to be covered: making sure I am fully in the picture with regard to the specific course being followed and the exam criteria, and I use the exam boards' websites to source relevant materials such as past papers and teaching resources.

In my tutoring, I aim to give my pupils more confidence in the classroom and in their written work.

BUILDING A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH MY TUTEES

I always have a clear plan for the session and an aim of what I wish to achieve in the time available.

Equally, I am flexible and nearly always end up adapting my plan to what comes up that day, in terms of what the pupil needs.

I like people and I am a friendly, outgoing person who communicates warmly with a tutee; I greatly enjoy the company of young people and am experienced in putting my tutees at their ease, reducing their anxiety and building their self-confidence, which is vital.

I form friendly, personal relationships with those I teach and am good at listening to them and assessing their needs, and adjusting my strategy accordingly.

A RIGOROUS APPROACH AND DETAILED FEEDBACK
As well as preparing thoroughly, I mark work meticulously and give very detailed and helpful feedback, both in writing and orally. I set relevant work to be completed for the next tutorial, and monitor progress closely; I stay in regular contact with my students and/or their parents via email and phone.

MY COMMITMENT TO YOU
You will find me a hardworking, and sympathetic tutor committed to the interests of my tutees; my aim is to help you to achieve your full academic potential in the subject and gain exam success. I see your progress in English in the context of the whole school or college picture and as part of your personal development. I often stay in touch with my pupils as they move on in life and take a keen interest in how they are getting on. I always treat my tutees with respect, kindness and understanding.

WHERE AND WHEN TUTORIALS TAKE PLACE
I tutor in my own home where I am set up to receive my tutees in a quiet and relaxed environment with my extensive resources and teaching materials readily to hand. During the pandemic I continued to tutor online and since then have continued to tutor online because my tutees often find it saves then travelling time and fits in with their lives better. I will consider face to face tutoring if this is required, or online only, or a combination of the two methods.

Normally I tutor on weekdays, and aim to complete my tutoring sessions by 7.30 p m but my times are flexible. I prefer not to tutor at weekends because of family commitments, though I can do so by by arrangement, with Sunday morning being a possibility.

I am usually able to tutor in school holidays, when I can offer longer, more intensive revision sessions.

I am always willing to try to fit in with a pupil's/parents' needs.


FEES

My professional fee for an hour is £45 for GCSE and £50 for A Level English and for support with UCAS personal statements.

Fees for other tutoring categories on request.

My fee include include preparation for the lesson, marking of set written homework, the actual intensive contact time with me, and follow-up emails and phone calls.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A Chartered Accountant with First Class BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance and more than 10 years of experience in the industry.

Teaching Experience:
I have gained extensive experience tutoring students from various backgrounds and different age groups. Helped successfully in meeting tight deadlines and improved learning abilities by focusing on key syllabus.

Tutoring Approach:
Teaching students by helping them understand the concept logically rather than memorising complex problems. Understanding application of concepts in real life helps in retaining the lessons for longer term.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Fully-qualified French and Spanish teacher with a degree (BA) in Spanish and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (MA) in Modern Foreign Languages.

Teaching Experience:
- 2 years teaching French & Spanish at secondary school.
- 10 years tutoring French and Spanish privately, in which time I have tutored over 100 students.
- 6 years working as an external examiner (marking GCSE exams).
- Experience working with students of a variety of abilities and needs.
- I have tutored 138 students through my own tutoring business.

Tutoring Approach:
- I am organised, friendly and enthusiastic (but strict when necessary!).
- I aim to create a positive learning environment for my students where they feel comfortable, gain confidence and enjoy their lessons.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I find Maths exciting and want to impart my knowledge on the subject to the learners in a way so as to make it interesting. I have worked in a customer facing environment for nearly 20 years and use my problem-solving and interpersonal skills to make Maths fun for the students. In my current role as an Employability Adviser in a Further Education college, I work with the 14-19 year-old students to improve upon their employability skills, including numeracy and literacy.

Teaching Experience:
I am into teaching over the past three years and over this period I am working directly with the 14-19 year-old students to make them employable by improving their skills, including in numeracy and literacy. I try to make the subject of study relevant and contextualise it with the real life situation.

Tutoring Approach:
An important feature of my teaching is the ability to change the style of teaching according to the needs and ability of the students.
I provide practical examples to explain concepts in Maths.
I help my students towards obtaining knowledge beside imparting them with the practical tips of problem solving.
I am patient and a strong believer of the fact that building a sense of trust and respect help students overcome the fear of knowing the unknown.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Native German DBS checked Tutor working at an Independent School at KS3, GCSE and A-level. Conversation classes, grammar and exam preparation.

I teach German as a foreign language but also to semi native German kids, who would like to prepare for GCSE or A-level exams.

All lessons are tailored to suit student's preferences, ability and needs.
I have some daytime availability, weekends and limited evenings. Please check directly, as availability changes frequently when students finish their exams.
I'm happy to teach from my home in Surbiton, but I also offer online tutoring.

From experience the greatest learning loss occurs during the school holidays and I therefore now also offer "Ferien auf Deutsch" to stop your learned knowledge from going missing. It is proven that by September a student's ability is lower than it was in July. "Ferien auf Deutsch" can prevent that. These are intensive courses offered during the school holidays. Special rates available.

About me:
I was brought up and schooled in Berlin and came to the UK on a scholarship a few years back. I know what it is like to grapple with a foreign language and I also know how to succeed. My teaching style is interactive, immersive, fun and relevant.

Teaching Experience:
During the day I teach at a private secondary school in Kingston. In the evenings I tutor beginners, KS3, GCSE and A-level German.

Tutoring Approach:
All lessons are tailored to suit student's preferences, ability and needs.
I have some daytime availability, weekends and limited evenings. Please check directly, as availability changes frequently when students finish their exams.
I'm happy to teach from my home in Surbiton, but I also offer online tutoring.

I was brought up and schooled in Berlin and came to the UK on a scholarship a few years back. I know what it is like to grapple with a foreign language and I also know how to succeed. My teaching style is interactive, immersive, fun and relevant.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Ive been teaching since 2000, my career started at durham university as a lecturer for education and ICT. I then went on to teach secondary ict then secondary english. I now teach Computer Science.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught mainly English and Computing for over 20 years.
My strengths in English are definitely Creative writing, and I have obtained an MA in Creative writing. I have taught KS2 - KS4, mature students and undergraduates at university .

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly and approachable and would concentrate on building relationships with my students as well as teaching them relevant skills in their particular subject.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a biology specialist teaching KS3 and KS4 in an outstanding secondary school. I am friendly and approachable, as well as having excellent subject and curriculum knowledge.

Teaching Experience:
I am in my 4th year of teaching after completing my PGCE.

Tutoring Approach:
I work collaboratively with tutees to help improve their retention, overcome exam anxiety, and give them confidence.

Subjects

Personal Description:
PhD Biochemist, female with long term interest in the Neurosciences who enjoys teaching, the outdoors and arts and culture including scientific culture. Happy outgoing personality. Interactive lessons.

Teaching Experience:
I have 3+ years experience as a tutor of Biology and other STEM subjects and classroom experience based on teaching EFL mostly to juniors. I also have completed a Master's in teaching Biology at the University of Athens, in Greece and 2/3rds of PGCE science with Chemistry at Oxford University.I currently teach Chemistry and Biology A level at a Further Education College in Hampshire.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to give my tutees a comprehensive understanding of their subject including the relationship between exam papers and their specification, study skills and exam technique and build their confidence so they would eventually be able to study without a need for a tutor and become independent learners. I also use ICT to make the lessons more engaging-lively and try to accommodate their individual learning styles.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Experienced University admissions assistant with over 5 years experience at Oxford & Cambridge.

I have extensive experience assisting students to understand the requirements and best practices in enhancing their university applications to maximise their chances of securing their dream university.

Currently undertaking a PhD at Oxford and a member of my college admissions team.

Teaching Experience:
I utilise my experience and extensive bank of good personal statements, understanding of what universities are looking for in candidates and offer insider advice on how students can enhance their applications.

I offer the opportunity to coach students into improving their applications, proofreading and reviewing applications.

Tutoring Approach:
I provide a wealth of knowledge and materials to my candidates to enable them to succeed.

Subjects