Saba

Hello

I am a University of Cambridge graduate and native English speaker. I've tutored English for over 15 years and all my long-term school students have attained A-A* grades or equivalents in their GCSE and A-Levels. 100% of my secondary school pupils attained 9-7 grades (A/A* equivalents) under the new 9-1 system in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

I have experience of teaching English Literature and Language to GCSE level in the Independent and faith school sectors, and I also run my own tutoring company as well as being a UK Solicitor, having spent several years working in the legal field before choosing to focus exclusively on teaching, and consultancy in the Education Sector. My classroom teaching at secondary school level was consistently graded 'Outstanding' and 'Excellent' in formal observations for Ofsted.

After graduating from Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge, I worked in Canary Wharf at one of the largest global law firms, one of the leading 'magic circle' law firms, before I moved to Berkshire to work for a major UK charity and then the legal non-profit sector. In my spare time, I've served as Editor and Copy-Editor for a variety of publications, websites and magazines and served on many voluntary Committees. In addition to my love of teaching, I also enjoy reading, yoga, meditation, spirituality, walking, the English countryside, the occasional run, and quality time with friends and family.

I have a particular passion for teaching English Literature and Language, as well as Public Law and interview skills. I specialise in teaching and videotutoring exam technique for pupils aged 12-18 and adult learners. I have over 15 years’ experience of teaching English Literature at GCSE, iGCSE, A-Level, Pre-U, & their equivalents. I additionally help pupils prepare for 14+ SATS English exams, university entrance requirements, BMAT and LNAT, and a wide range of other written tests. I also continue to teach Law, from A Level to undergraduate and postgraduate level to professional level. I am often invited to deliver Seminars to Law Firms and other professionals on various aspects of the Law. My Law pupils also include a wide range of LLB and other pupils from Russell group and other leading UK universities.

I personally attained nine A* grades in all of my GCSE examinations, and scored four extremely high A-Grade results in all of my four A-Level subjects, both at AS and A2 Level. The A grade was naturally the highest grade available at the time and the A* level grade for AS and A2-Level was, of course, introduced several years after I obtained my qualifications. I also scored the highest results in my school for almost all of my A-Level subjects, and was awarded local prizes for three of my four A-Level subjects (including English Literature, French, and Government & Politics).

Tutoring Experience

I commenced teaching at A-Level and beyond in 2008. I also have ample experience of teaching Law to pupils attending Russell Group universities such as LSE, Edinburgh University and others. I also teach pupils studying Law and postgraduate Law at other well-established universities across the UK. I understand that increasing confidence in a subject and attaining higher grades or a better pass mark is often a key motivating factor for seeking tuition. Some of my more interesting pupils' accomplishments include an A-Level student who sought lessons to help with her AS English Literature resit and, following less than a year of lessons, improved from a U Grade to a high A-grade in both her resits and her A2 (A-Level) English exams. Another such pupil seeking help with resits improved from a D-grade to an A-grade at A2 level within one year of lessons.

My longterm GCSE & AS/A2 and equivalent level students almost always score A*-A passes and their equivalents on the new 9-1 exams, regardless of initial ability or examination grades prior to commencing lessons.

As a lawyer and qualified Solicitor in England and Wales, I have been teaching and training lawyers and other professionals at charities and not-for-profit sector organisations for over five years. I tutor Law up to and beyond postgraduate level, including a wide range of Law undergraduate, LPC & GDL subjects. I worked as a secondary school English teacher teaching GCSE year groups and Key Stage 3 pupils. I also have experience of teaching younger pupils including KS2 pupils and pre-school children. I have experience of teaching pupils who are learning English as a second language, including experience of teaching classrooms with up to 45% of pupils learning English as a second language, and I am experienced in working with pupils with some special educational needs. One of my notable accomplishments with young children was teaching a 2 year old how to read. I am always delighted to hear from parents who would like to give their children an early head-start.

At Cambridge University, I was Editor of the Law Society Magazine for almost three years, President of the CUPS, and I was also an Access Officer for Gonville & Caius College, which provided me with a unique insight into the Oxbridge admissions process. I feel privileged to be able to impart these insights to my pupils. I have been offering assistance with UCAS personal statements and Oxbridge applications, as well as general education consultancy, for over 13 years with approximately 75% of my mentees securing offers from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and approximately 100% securing offers from Russell Group universities. My mentees have successfully secured places to study Medicine, Law, Economics, Engineering, Humanities and a wide array of other subjects.

Tutoring Approach

I specialise in teaching exam preparation and exam technique, using a variety of interactive methods suited to the individual student including face-to-face and online tutoring (via FaceTime, Skype or Zoom lessons). Online lessons on Zoom and FaceTime are currently the most popular choice. Many of our University and professional students are also choosing to minimise screen time and stay Covid safe by requesting “black screen” (Video off) online lessons in which slides and a dimmed whiteboard is shared where appropriate, and otherwise screen time is kept to a minimum to promote good eye health.

I have a friendly and approachable outlook, and believe in offering a tailored programme combined with a flexible and compassionate approach, assessing each pupil's individual needs at the outset. I enjoy seeing my pupils making remarkable progress not only academically, but also in their confidence and enjoyment of their studies.

I also run Summer holiday revision and UCAS/interview skills courses, on a first come first serve basis.

All UCAS Personal Statement and University Interview packages currently reduced due to Covid 19:
£249 Bronze
£399 Silver
£799 Gold
£2499 Platinum.

CV and Interview Skills training packages:
£279 Bronze - CV Review
£499 Silver - CV Review
£649 Gold - CV Review & Interview skills
£1400+ Platinum - CV Review & Interview skills.

I also offer Practical Contract Law training sessions, for both individuals and companies. Please enquire for details.

All other lesson rates are available to view opposite.

My pupils currently attend lessons online, due to Covid 19.

I have a recent, valid Enhanced DBS/CRB certificate for the last few years, and parents are most welcome to request to view these and any of my Cambridge degree certificates or A-Level/GCSE transcripts. I understand that finding a new tutor can be a challenging process; parents of younger children may sit in and observe the first lesson, and I warmly encourage parents to ask any questions!