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Information About Catherine:

Personal Description:

I'm Catherine, an experienced online English tutor. I specialise in helping students aged 9 - 16 build confidence and achieve strong results in KS2, KS3, GCSE, 11+ and 13+ English exams.

I hold a BA (Hons) in English, a PGCE in Secondary Education (English) and a TEFL certificate.

I have over 25 years of teaching experience in both schools and private tuition and, although based in Hampshire, I teach students online across the UK.

I work with a wide range of learners, including those who are anxious about English, reluctant writers, high achievers aiming for top grades and students with additional needs.

Parents have told me that they value my calm, supportive manner and the clear structure I bring to lessons.

Teaching Experience:

I have over 25 years of experience teaching English, including work in secondary schools and as a full-time private tutor. Over that time, I've supported hundreds of students through:

* KS2 and KS3 English
* GCSE English Language and Literature
* 11+ and 13+ entrance exams

I regularly help students who are working below their target and need to rebuild confidence, on track but want to secure grades 6 - 9 at GCSE and those preparing for competitive entrance exams.

I'm very familiar with the demands of current exam specifications and mark schemes and use real exam-style questions, model answers and past papers to prepare students effectively. I also have extensive experience adapting materials for students with ADHD, autism and other learning differences, ensuring lessons are accessible and manageable.

Tutoring Approach:

My approach is calm, structured and personalised. I start by identifying each student's strengths, gaps and exam goals, then build a clear plan so they know exactly what we're working on and why.

In lessons, I will:

* Break down skills into clear, manageable steps
* Model how to plan and write strong answers
* Use scaffolds, sentence starters and examples to build confidence
* Provide targeted practice tasks and homework
* Give specific, constructive feedback so students know how to improve

I focus on core areas such as creative writing, reading comprehension, analysis of language and structure, essay writing, poetry, Shakespeare and exam timing. For GCSE students, I teach clear, step by step exam strategies so they understand exactly what examiners need to see.

I aim to create a positive, encouraging atmosphere where students feel safe to make mistakes, ask questions and take risks with their writing. My goal is always twofold: to improve grades and to help students feel more confident and in control of their English work.

Qualifications:

• PGCE in English (Secondary)
• BA (Hons) in English
• TEFL Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Further Information:

Availability:	Weekdays (daytime)
Types of Tutoring:	Travels to you / Online
References Supplied?	Yes
Current DBS/CRB Check?	Yes