Towcester Tutors and Towcester Tuition

Personal Description:
I offer personalised French and Italian lessons for learners of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to advanced students preparing for GCSE, IGCSE, A-Level, university exams, travel, or professional use.
My Tutoring Style
My lessons are supportive, engaging, and tailored to each student's goals and learning style. I aim to build confidence while developing strong skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, and translation.
I use a communicative approach combined with clear grammatical explanations, helping students use the language actively and naturally from the beginning.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced French and Italian tutor with over 16 years of teaching experience working with students of all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced learners. I provide personalised lessons for children, teenagers, and adults, including preparation for GCSE, IGCSE, A-Level, university exams, travel, and professional purposes.

Tutoring Approach:
My Approach
Structured lessons adapted to individual needs
Focus on real communication and fluency
Step-by-step grammar explanations
Vocabulary building through themes and context
Exam-focused preparation for GCSE/IGCSE/A-Level
Regular revision and retrieval practice
Interactive activities, role plays, and conversation practice
Supportive correction and constructive feedback
Cultural elements integrated into lessons

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Personal Description:
I am Ryan 28 years old and have been Teaching English for the last 5 years I teach all levels from zero to fluent in just 60hours.

Teaching Experience:
5 Years teaching abroad and still teaching abroad. currently working/ Teaching in Thailand.

Tutoring Approach:
feel comfortable and confident do not panic I don't bite.I will teach you however you like

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified Chemistry teacher with over 25 years experience of teaching and tutoring both GCSE and A-Level Chemistry. I am married with two teenage children.

Teaching Experience:
I am Head of Chemistry at a large 14-18 Leicestershire Upper School. I have taught at this school for 25 years. I teach GCSE and A-Level Chemistry. I have about 20 years tutoring experience with much success. As well as teaching AQA A-level and GCSE Chemistry, I have tutored OCR, Salters and EDEXCEL. Indeed, one of my private students achieved 100% in an A-level Chemistry module last year and this year another student achieved 100% in an AQA GCSE Chemistry module. My students consistently achieve over 90% in examinations.
I do tutor all abilities and all my students reach their potential and beyond.
I am Principal Examiner for IGCSE Chemistry for Cambridge International Examinations. I also set GCSE Chemistry Questions and check question papers before they are sat.
Recently, I have been tutoring students in preparation for the Chemistry component of the GAMSAT Examination - used as a route into medicine by some students.
I also use Skype, facetime and email for online tutoring. I am tutoring many students by Skype and FaceTime from all over the country. It is very successful and means that I can now offer tuition to students without any travelling involved or who live just too far away from me to travel. If you would like to try this as an option please get in touch with me. I can definitely recommend tutoring by Skype - try it if you live too far to travel. I offer first Skype lesson at 50% off or first 30 minutes for free so that you can try it.
I also tutor students from abroad using Skype or Botim.

Tutoring Approach:
I think the key to excellent examination results is confidence in being able to tackle the questions set. I, therefore, focus on passed papers alongside the teaching of the theory. I expect the students to ask about parts they do not understand and build on this whilst building up their understanding and knowledge.

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Personal Description:
As a teenager I was lucky enough to receive tuition myself and it made a huge difference, so I really know how much of an advantage it gives.

Tutoring is my full-time job and has been for many years.

I am extremely quick at identifying student problem areas and devising the most efficient solutions, sometimes with budget or time constraints. Where necessary I focus on exam technique as I find many capable and knowledgeable students gain confidence (and marks!) once these skills are taught.

My students like me and can sense that I want the very best outcome for them, and understand they are under pressure to succeed, and my services are frequently recommended to siblings and friends.

Since March 2020 I have tutored online using Skype, Zoom, Bramble and MS Teams.
This way of tutoring is surprisingly effective and time-saving, with results as good as in-person tuition,
something I probably would not have discovered if it were not for lockdown, as before then I always tutored in person.

Teaching Experience:
As well as many years continuous home-tutoring experience, I have taught in both state and private sectors since 1986; examples being Surrey College (Guildford), Horsell High School (Woking) and Farnborough College of Technology, and the prestigious Seaford College in Petworth, W.Sussex. I recently completed two terms at Farnborough College of Technology as a Physics lecturer.

I have a vast library of past examination papers in all my subjects at GCSE and GCE A level for Edexcel, AQA and OCR examining boards.

In addition I have some experience tutoring both common entrance and Baccalaureate Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

Tutoring Approach:
I appreciate that for most students, private tuition represents a workload additional to both schoolwork and homework.

Therefore I aim to make tuition as interesting, interactive and productive as possible- whilst focusing on their objectives- usually a target examination grade. Experience has shown that students can expect learning progress with an experienced tutor such as myself to be without exaggeration, 2-4 times faster than could be made in a typical school classroom, whilst simultaneously gaining a fuller understanding of the topics covered.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced tutor, based in Loughton and I can tutor in students' homes or online. I really enjoy tutoring as I find that my students make excellent progress which is very rewarding for me, too. Where required, I can provide references from previous students.

Teaching Experience:
I have 25 years' teaching experience (EFL/ESL, German and French) across all levels in colleges, local schools and as a private tutor.

Tutoring Approach:
My greatest strength is my ability to tailor my lessons to match students' exact linguistic needs - whether that means focussing on grammar, speaking ability, exam preparation or a combination of any of these for those who are learning for work and/or leisure purposes.

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Personal Description:
I am passionate about education, both theory and practical implementation, I have extensive experience working with adults and children specializing in teaching English as a foreign language. I have attended numerous courses and conferences to improve and develop my skills. I enjoy languages and have travelled extensively in Europe to improve my skills.

I love teaching my native language, which is Russian.

I also worked in a British secondary school for 5 years, and then I successfully completed PGCE Maths Secondary. Now I work as a Maths teacher in a secondary school.

Teaching Experience:
- September 2020 - June 2021 - PGCE Maths Secondary
-December 12 until now Skype lessons (Russian, English as a foreign language, Maths since September 2018; all ages)
- January 20 - July 20 SKE in Maths
- July 14 - August 14 Summer Camp at Concorde International, UK (teaching English as foreign language)
-April14 - August 19 Christopher Whitehead Language College ( teaching Russian GCSE, Russian A-Level, teaching assistant in Maths, English and Science)
-July 13 - August 13 Summer Camp at Concorde International, UK (teaching English as foreign language)
-December 12 until now Skype lessons (Russian, English as a foreign language)
-October 12 - November 12 CELTA course (grade B)
-Sept 09 - Aug 12: English teacher at Moscow Secondary School - The centre of Education 'Marino' No 491'
-Oct 08 - Aug 09: A Pedagogue of additional Education at Moscow Secondary School - The centre of Education 'Marino' 491 (teaching English to children of various ages)
- July 08 - May 09: English teacher at Moscow Language School 'Franglais' (teaching adults)
- July 08: English teacher at Moscow Language School 'Big Ben' (teaching adults)
- March - May 08: English teacher at Cherepovets Language School 'Dialogue' (teaching adults)
- Jan - Jun 08: English teacher at Cherepovets Secondary School No. 21
- Sept 07 - Jan 08: English teacher & secretary at the Department of Foreign Languages at Cherepovets State University
- Sep 06 - April 07 English teacher at Cherepovets 'House of Knowledge' (teaching children aged 4 - 6)
- Jun 06 English teacher at Cherepovets Summer Camp (voluntary work)
LANGUAGES

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to provide you with a tailored programme that is best suited to your individual needs.

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Personal Description:
My passion for teaching started in 2008, having qualified as a teacher at University in Madrid. After a pedagogic practice in an Secondary Bilingual School I moved to France, where I have recently graduated in French and Spanish Linguistics.

Last year I finished a master's degree in French Applied Language in the Sorbonne University and the Paris Trade Chamber, where I trained in didactics of Specific French (business, scientific, hotel trade, etc).

I'm a very enthusiastic teacher, able to find the talent hidden in every student.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience includes two years as a Modern Foreign Language teacher with Learnissimo, training individual from different sectors (enterprises as Danone, Tompress), three years in Primary and Secondary schools and a six months internship in the French Institute in Madrid.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching method for is based on tasks and the PPP paradigm (presenting a subject, practicing by repetition, matching or filling and producing in the context of a particular task). This approach allows the students to learn by practicing in their real communication situations and to progress in a very short time!

The type of materials I use are generally design by myself, using authentic documents as reports, conversation recordings, emails, hand outs and I also use general linguistics and grammar manuals and essays to support my research

Using a task-based approach, you will be focusing in particular missions and I will give you the tools to accomplish them and I will be designing a individualized programme from your personal or professional targets.

Basically, this is a very practical methodology based on learning by doing.

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Personal Description:
Teacher of Maths (Science and Physics, Russian tutor).

Teaching Experience:
Russian - 10 years
Biology - 20 years
Maths - 5 years
Physics - 1 year

Tutoring Approach:
Enthusiastic and primed for success

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Personal Description:
I like to tutor targeting problem areas if any in order to get all areas on the same level. If my student is a beginner which ever style makes them comfortable and confident is my style.

Teaching Experience:
5 years tutoring in private households in Turkey, Students aged between 7-14

Tutoring Approach:
Patience is a virtue :) I enjoy end results so my approach is effort wins

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Personal Description:
Hello!

I'm De from the North-West of England, but currently living in Bournemouth. I love learning about different cultures and people and practising my French and Spanish. Other interests I have include reading, music, art and travel.

Teaching Experience:
I have substantial experience of working in an educational environment and of dealing with a wide range of professionals and students - I have worked in an administrative capacity at a University and taught EFL and ESOL English to students of various ages, nationalities and levels of ability at colleges, summer schools and on a one to one basis.

I have also taught some IELTS and EAP English (at University) and can teach Business English if required.

Other teaching experience includes teaching beginner-level Spanish and French on a one-to-one basis.

Tutoring Approach:
I do my best to make lessons interesting and enjoyable and to help students progress. When teaching, I understand the importance of a well-prepared lesson plan, well-timed tasks, variety, flexibility, structure, discipline and humour and of enabling students to practise the four key language skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) during lessons.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher of both Spanish and French with extensive, recent experience teaching to both GCSE and A Level in UK-based schools.

Teaching Experience:
I have 10 successful years experience in UK schools teaching primary Spanish through to GCSE and A Level. I have worked in both the state and independent school sectors. Young people I have tutored have all passed or improved their expected grades after working with me. I also have experience supporting adult learners looking to develop or improve language skills for holiday travel or business purposes. I have additional experience teaching English as a foreign or second language with primary and secondary aged students. I have been an A Level examiner for a number of years.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy working with students on a 1 to 1 basis or in small groups and am particularly keen to help them overcome the 'I can't do it!' mindset so frequently seen in language learners in the UK. I have an excellent working knowledge of Spanish grammar and am familiar with many of the A Level texts and films exam boards require students to be able to understand and analyse.

Happy to work face to face or online where distance is an issue.

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Personal Description:
I am Greek and I live in Oxford.I am a teacher holding a QTS and I have experience in teaching French,Greek and English at all levels.I have studied French Language and literature (Bachelor with Honours) and I have completed a Masters Degree in :Teaching French as a foreign language. (MEd)

I am a Greek native speaker and I am fluent in both English and French.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified teacher (QTS) in UK and I am recently DBS checked. Since September 2021 I am part of the Greek School of Oxford teaching Greek Language and Culture to mixed abilities classes of different year groups.

I have extensive experience in teaching French to all year groups and abilities, as well as Spanish for year7/8/9. My M.Ed degree (2nd Cycle) helped me to develop expertise in teaching French as a foreign language especially for intercultural environments. I have successfully completed a postgraduate dissertation named: "Méthodes et pratiques de l'enseignement de FLE dans le cadre de l'école primaire en Angleterre." ("Methods and techniques of teaching French as a foreign language in primary schools in England".)

For the past 10 years, I was employed as an MFL teacher in secondary schools and the last few years I worked as a KS2 teacher in primary schools in London and Oxford. As a Language Coordinator, I have actively participated in redesigning the KS2 curriculum and I have a proven record of raising achievement and behaviour, most pupils made significant progress since I was there. Furthermore, I am aware of the British curriculum and the needs of every single year group. My lessons are planned to meet these particular needs but simultaneously, they satisfy the needs and interests of the different groups I am teaching each time.

I specialise in Lesser Taught Languages and serve as an examiner for GCSE/International GCSE Greek and French.

When in Greece, I worked in language schools as well as privately for more than 16 years teaching foreign languages and Greek to both children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a linguist with rich experience in teaching languages in various settings at all levels. I keep myself updated to all recent teaching approaches. My lessons are student-centred and planned to satisfy and meet each student's specific needs.

I strongly believe that the contrasting nature of my places of work has enriched my knowledge as a teacher in expanding my experience of dealing with a diverse range of young people, identities, personalities and needs.

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Personal Description:
I have worked in theatre for forty years as an actor, director, Artistic Director, playwright and teacher. After a drama degree, I trained as an actor and worked for ten years in fringe, rep, and educational theatre with a little TV on the side. I then moved into directing and writing and - eventually - teaching. I have worked with all ages from small children to older people in care; youth theatre, new writing, touring theatre and regional rep as both director and Artistoic Director. I have taught at several leading drama schools.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama, The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, LAMDA, Italia Conti and had a 25 year association with Drama Studio London during which time I taught sight reading, was a personal tutor, directed productions and had spells as Head of Year (One & Two Year Programmes) and Co-Artistic Director.

Tutoring Approach:
Starting with the individual - their wants, needs & aims - I work with and from the text in an atmosphere of trust and creative playfulness.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I'm a Senior Lecturer in Cybersecurity and Data Science at Cardiff University, with over 10 years of teaching and tutoring experience. I have worked with learners at a wide range of levels, from GCSE and A-Level through to higher education, helping them improve their understanding, build confidence and achieve their academic goals.

I specialise in Computer Science, Digital Technology, Cybersecurity, Python Programming and Data Science, with experience supporting both students who are just starting out in computing and those working on more advanced topics.

Over the years, I have helped many students improve their grades and develop confidence in subjects they previously found difficult. One of the most rewarding aspects of tutoring for me is seeing students realise that they are capable of much more than they initially thought. I have even worked with students who had not originally considered university but, after developing their confidence and interest in the subject, went on to pursue higher education.

My teaching style is friendly, patient and adaptable. I appreciate that every student learns differently, so I tailor my sessions to the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. This might mean breaking challenging concepts into manageable steps, using real-world examples, working through problems together or finding a completely different way of explaining something until it clicks.

For school and college students, sessions can be tailored to their specific syllabus and exam board, including Computer Science and Digital Technology, with support for theory, programming, revision, coursework and exam technique.

For more advanced learners, I can provide support across a broader range of computing topics, including programming, cybersecurity, data science, computer systems and research and technical skills.

My aim isn't simply to help students achieve better grades. I want them to become more confident and independent learners, develop strong problem-solving skills and, hopefully, discover an interest in computing and technology that continues beyond their studies.

Teaching Experience:
2022-Present - Lecturer / Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University, School of Computer Science & Informatics

I teach across Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Data Science, working with students at undergraduate and postgraduate level. My role includes lectures, practical teaching, project supervision and supporting students in developing their technical, analytical, research and problem-solving skills.

2016-Present - Private Tutor

I have over 10 years of private tutoring experience and have successfully supported a wide range of learners, from GCSE and A-Level students to those undertaking more advanced study.

My tutoring experience covers Computer Science, Digital Technology, programming and wider computing topics. I have helped students prepare for examinations and assessments, strengthen their understanding of difficult concepts, develop their programming and problem-solving skills and become more confident and independent learners.

I am particularly proud that tutoring has sometimes had an impact beyond grades. Some students I have worked with have developed a much greater interest in computing and education through our sessions, with several deciding to pursue university when this had not previously been part of their plans.

2016-2018 - Teaching Assistant, Cardiff University, School of Computer Science & Informatics

Delivered undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories and tutorials across a range of Computer Science topics, including Python and Java Programming, Web Applications, Computer Architecture, Distributed and Cloud Computing, Data Visualisation with Python and group software projects.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is based on a simple principle: every student learns differently.

I start by understanding the student's current level, what they are finding difficult and what they would like to achieve. From there, I tailor the sessions around their individual needs, whether that's filling gaps in knowledge, preparing for an assessment, improving programming skills or tackling more advanced concepts.

Depending on the student, I can provide support with:

- Computer Science and Digital Technology
- Python programming and computational thinking
- Cybersecurity and computer systems
- Data science and related technical skills
- Exam preparation and exam technique
- Coursework and project guidance
- Revision and consolidation of difficult topics
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- More advanced computing concepts

A key part of my teaching is that I don't simply give students the answer. I help them understand how to approach and think through a problem so that they gradually become able to solve similar problems independently.

I also try to make computing relatable and interesting by connecting concepts to real technology and practical examples. I want students to feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and saying when something doesn't make sense.

Ultimately, whether someone is preparing for their GCSEs or A-Levels, developing their programming skills or tackling more advanced computing topics, my aim is the same: to help them understand the subject, build confidence and become a more independent learner.

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Personal Description:
I am a French national and a qualified teacher from the University of Warwick (PGCE).

I have a real passion for teaching and have gained a lot of experience throughout my career. I always put the interest of my students first, endeavour to make them reach their full potential and give them a sense of achievement. I have often been praised for my dynamism and enthusiasm, as well as my thorough lesson planning involving differentiation and personal support. Moreover I am a very friendly and approachable individual, and make use of fun and engaging activities in class in order to create a pleasant learning atmosphere.

I have a wide experience and a huge bank of resources including examination materials. I am certain that I will find the right method that works for you. Some of my students have said to me that that they have learned more with me that with other tutors.

If you have any doubt, I will offer you a free trial lesson with no obligations.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching French for over 15 years. I taught 12 years in secondary schools in schools around Birmingham, West Midlands. I taught GCSE and A Level and also taught evening classes to adults.

I also taught ESOL for over 6 years at Birmingham Metropolitan College.

I have also been teaching online for over five years. I have been working with a wide variety of students from around the world from different abilities and with various objectives. I have been working with total beginners up to advanced students. I have prepared students for numerous exams such as IGCSE, GCSE, A Level, Nationality tests, DELF and DALF. All my students have always achieved excellent results in their examinations.

I have also been working with students who just want to learn the ropes of French to be able to get by on holidays or who wants to learn French. I always try o find the right method and resources for my students and can provide you with students`s references if you wish me to.

I also have worked with people who wanted to work on some specific themes such as tourism, business for instance.

Tutoring Approach:
I always try to adapt to my students' objectives and levels. I try to find the right method for each individual and I try to personalise my lessons. I provide my students with all the resources they need.

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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!'

*

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 experience of working in one of the big 4 Accounting firms as well as industry as a qualified Accountant. Tutoring comes natural to me,with years of experience under my belt . I have done classroom teaching of A level students on a part time basis where i taught Accounting, i have also done one on one tutoring for subjects like Maths , English at primary level. I have experience teaching students from primary level from year 4 to year 11 up to A level as well as professional level. I also provide learning for Accounting professionals doing AAT, degree and CIMA

Growing up my parents were both in the teaching field and i acquired skills of learning and how to share knowledge with others. I endeavour to deliver the best and create a comfortable learning environment for my students. They should free to ask questions and there wont be such a thing as a silly question in other words an environment where the students can express themselves without feeling judged. I aim to get all my students to pass with flying colours and achieve their career goals.

I am available Saturdays from 10am till 6pm and weekdays after 6pm till 9pm.

Teaching Experience:
I have had over 3 years worth of experience teaching and supporting students from A level to Master degree level.

Tutoring Approach:
I use a combination of providing learning materials and also using the students learning resources. I am open to mainly online tutoring but can also do in person in areas around Leeds UK.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My aim as a tutor in an educational organization would be to utilize my knowledge, skills and experience in molding the students into powerful global citizens and emerge as a leader.

Teaching Experience:
I am an innovative and skillful primary & high school teacher who has been working in this field for more than 10 years.

Tutoring Approach:
First and foremost to set clear boundaries and make a plan that meets both tutor and the student's. Communicate openly and Often. To focus on the student and aim to support them to identify their own goals and issues and develop strategies and solutions.

Subjects