Choosing the right tuition can often feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. It is a flourishing business (roughly a quarter of GCSE students are tutored). Ironically there are now so many agencies and “study centres” the more you hunt, search and deliberate the more they start to look the same and you’re left just hoping you make the right call.

Is tuition a good investment?

It is not about gaining an unfair advantage over classmates or undervaluing what schools do. Not at all. Most parents simply want to see their children reach their potential. Certainly help (or “intervention” in edu speak) is much more beneficial at the beginning of say a GCSE course than towards the end.

How does tuition differ from school?

Like a Venn diagram there are lots of overlaps. Schools often set really clear goals; it is important to know the student’s targets, but one to one tuition is more responsive. Identifying what they have understood and where they are struggling is much easier individually, than in say a class of 30 students.

Some students are very engaged with English as a subject but reach badly to say a chop and change of school staff , and so underachieve. Assessing prior knowledge and filling in the gaps is crucial when I first meet a new student. It is not just about giving them information. You need to be strategic.

Most students are not aware of what these knowledge gaps are and it’s only human to avoid areas we feel less confident in. Similar to schools I use knowledge organisers and ideas like cognitive load theory to embed ideas. A deep knowledge of the exam boards’ mark schemes is crucial. I try to keep things interesting with different formats; digital resources are really useful but often printed resources are more challenging (educational publishers get higher margins on these.)

Will tuition increase my child’s confidence?

Study centres keep costs down by applying a tested format to group situations while reassuring parents that they are “caring and “encouraging”; they have their place in educational attainment. A good rapport between student and tutor is much easier on a one to one basis. Building confidence is a longer term aim which grows organically from your student getting better marks. A deep knowledge of the exam boards’ mark schemes and how to apply these, is how to get students to flourish.

What types of private tuition do you offer?

I offer tuition aimed at improving general overall performance. Additionally I offer more targeted tuition for specific weak areas or to bridge some knowledge gaps. I also offer one-off last minute exam practice sessions with detailed feedback.

  • GCSE English Language and English Literature.
  • A Level English Language and English Literature.
  • The Common Entrance 11+, 13 or scholarship papers

How much do you charge for a lesson?

I charge £25 for a 60 minute lesson up to GCSE, and £35 for A Level.

Useful links

Safeguarding Policy

I ensure there is a provide a safe physical environment for tutees by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law.