I am an Oxford-educated English Language and Literature tutor based in Thames Ditton, Surrey, providing individual tuition both in person and online.

I specialise in helping pupils achieve their potential in 11+, 12+ and 13+ independent school entrance examinations, GCSE and IGCSE,
A Level and university entrance, including Oxbridge preparation. I teach pupils from nine years old. I prepare individual lessons for each pupil, often using material I have personally produced, and any homework assigned is carefully selected to boost progress and nurture self-esteem in the subject.

I advise starting tuition two years before grammar school exams and at least one year before other entrance exams. For GCSE and A levels, I recommend tuition as early as possible in the course. English cannot be “crammed” at the last minute. Good preparation, well in advance, is the key to good grades, and yes, it is essential to prepare and revise for English language exams! 

Whilst I am happy to teach those who require a general improvement in their work, I focus on training my students to get the best exam results they can achieve. I tailor teaching to each student’s needs but usually concentrate on exam strategy and technique. I focus on quality, not quantity, in any homework I assign. I do not offer an assessment in the first lesson as one hour is not long enough to fully cover all syllabus areas. 

I am not a dyslexia specialist, but I have taught many dyslexic students, including my own child. 

A strong record of results

I have enjoyed an extraordinary success rate with my pupils, including numerous scholarships at 11+ (up to 20% off the school fees). My pupils have achieved scholarships at Surbiton, St Teresa’s and Notre Dame, and offers of places at Lady Eleanor Holles, Surbiton High, Guildford High, Reeds, Claremont Fan Court, St Teresa’s, Sir William Perkins, St John’s, Tiffins, Tiffins Girls’ and all the Sutton grammar schools including Wilsons and Nonsuch.

Students who have previously failed their GCSEs have all passed following their sessions with me. GCSE and A-level pupils achieved a 100% pass rate, exceeding their predicted grades. Students have a 100% successful first-choice university entrance rate, often at Russell Group Universities, and some have gained places at Oxford University. 

I offer advice on suitable senior schools, universities, and careers for pupils, as I have numerous contacts in graduate recruitment. I will work with a family for many years, seeing their child progress from 11+ to postgraduate or career.

MY EDUCATION AND WORK AS A JOURNALIST, CREATIVE WRITER, 

AND WRITING COMPETITION JUDGE

I attended The Lady Eleanor Holles School before gaining an MA from Oxford University. Before having a family, I was a journalist and have had decades of experience writing and editing articles for national newspapers, such as The Sunday Times,  and magazines and appearing on radio and television. This rare background for a tutor gives me a unique ability to teach non-fiction writing skills, presentation, and coursework editing. I study creative writing in my free time – I am currently writing middle-grade fiction. I am also a judge for the BBC’s 500 Words creative writing competition. My constant personal learning experience gives me an additional unique approach to teaching. 

SCHOOL INTERVIEWS

With my background in journalism - working in print, on radio, and on television - as an interviewer and interviewee, I have more comprehensive interview experience than most tutors. I teach interview techniques regarding deportment, manners, and attitude, as well as questions and answers. 

PERSONAL STATEMENTS for UK and US universities and Oxbridge entry

I guide pupils through the process for their Personal Statements for university entry in any subject. 

All my Personal Statement pupils have achieved places at Russell Group universities.

OXBRIDGE

I specialise in Oxbridge preparation and entrance, including mock interview sessions with detailed feedback. 

MOCK EXAMS

I offer mock exams, marking, and feedback at all levels.