Award-Winning English & Maths
Tuition
Studies have shown that working with a private tutor can help students improve by as much as one and a half grades. For Maths and English Language GCSE, that's from a 4 (the old C) to a 7 (the old A).
But private tuition doesn't just boost grades. A good grounding in the key subjects of Maths and English builds confidence that lasts longer than the exams.
For nearly five years, I've worked as a private tutor with many pupils. All had different personalities and different levels of ability. Whether at KS3, coming up to GCSEs, or preparing for the 11 Plus, I've helped students begin to enjoy learning, one extra lesson at a time.
Extra Lessons for KS3 & GCSE
If there's a particular topic in English that's bothering you, or if you've got a tricky Maths homework assignment, let me know and I can put together a personalised lesson.
For longer learning, I have lesson programmes designed to improve core skills in English Language and Maths, important not only for exams, but for life.
-
Learn from lessons developed in line with the DofE’s Assessment Objectives, not specific exam boards.
-
See how skills are important for life beyond exams.
-
Cover the pathway topics that help pupils become mathematically fluent.
-
Be able to access many other topics in the curriculum.
-
Study comprehension, critical evaluation, and creative writing.
-
Learn new vocabulary, technical terms and read from many curriculum texts.
Get 11 Plus Ready
I help pupils get ready for the 11 Plus using content developed by Learning Street. They provide course content for both the CEM and GL boards that run for 40, 20 and 10 weeks.
Courses are available for the complete programme, just Vocab, English and verbal reasoning, and for Maths and non-verbal reasoning. They also offer boosters in Vocab and Creative Writing, as well as for general revision, and have mock papers for all the schools listed here.
Learning Street are highly respected leaders in 11 Plus. Their course material costs from £19 (for the Maths Booster) to £89 for the full 40-week programme. Mock papers cost around £10 each.
The cost for the preferred programme will be added to the invoice for the first lesson. After the lessons, the pupils can keep the material for as long as they wish.
Tutor of the Year
A Proud Achievement
Every child should be able to benefit from private tutoring. I volunteer some of my time to tutor for Action Tutoring: a charity dedicated to narrowing the attainment gap. Currently, I deliver online tuition in English Language to a group of GCSE students in Stockport.
This year, I was proud when the charity awarded me Volunteer Tutor of the Year.
FAQs
How long does a lesson last?
Lessons are bookable by the hour but two hour sessions can sometimes be helpful if appropriate for the topic, timing and learning style of the pupil. I don't advise any one session running for longer than two hours.
Can more than one pupil attend a lesson?
Though the benefits of 121 tuition are evident, I will take lessons for up to three students of a similar ability. Additional pupils are charged at a discounted rate.
Where do the lessons take place?
I am based in South East London but can travel anywhere with good transport links (travel costs be may be chargeable). Lessons take place at the student's home or another place of their choosing. In extenuating circumstances, it may be possible for the occasional lesson to be held at my own home. If distance is a problem, I also provide online tuition using Learn Cube. The platform enables full interaction so lessons are as engaging as they would be in person.
What do the pupils need to bring to lessons?
All I ask pupils bring to lessons is a willingness to give things a go for an hour. Though a pen and calculator are also useful! Some students find it helpful to bring a notebook. This isn't required for writing answers but can act as a 'memory book': a place to jot down useful notes to refer to at a later date. I provide all the other materials.
What do the pupils need for online lessons?
For online lessons, pupils need to bring the same positive attitude that I ask for offline lessons. They also need the basic technology to stay connected for an hour: access to a computer, webcam and microphone and a strong internet connection.
Are you DBS checked?
I have a fully enhanced DBS certificate which I am happy to provide on request. I also include a copy in the contract I ask all new students (or their parents or guardians) to sign.
Do you have a teaching qualification?
I'm very open about not having had teacher training. This isn't required for tutoring but I know some parents think it is imperative. Before I switched careers, I had built a 25 year career in marketing. I run my own consultancy business and I am a theatre critic, writing reviews and interviews. My approach to tutoring is informed by an awareness of life outside of education. My pupils react well to being taught by someone who knows there is more to life than education and that life goes on after exams.
