Helen

I am a highly qualified and experienced former schoolteacher with a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and more than thirty years experience of teaching in both state and independent schools. I specialise in preparing pupils for 11+ and 13+ entrance assessments to grammar schools and highly selective, independent schools such as The Perse, Cambridge.

I am fully booked for individual lessons at the moment but there are a few spaces available in my Year 5 and Year 7 Starseekers Extension Groups for children with bright, enquiring minds who are keen to accelerate their learning. Groups meet weekly throughout the year in six, half-termly blocks of 5-weeks. Each block is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for pupils who are eager to learn, explore and excel, thus ensuring your child is not only prepared academically but also equipped with valuable skills for lifelong success.

My academic interests include educational research focusing on effective teaching methods; I have spoken at international conferences, and my research work has been published. When tutoring, I use my expertise in this area to build upon children's strengths and address any gaps, enabling pupils to become confident, independent and enthusiastic learners.

In-person lessons take place in my well-equipped study within my home in Colne, Cambridgeshire. I also offer lessons online with live streaming via Zoom and have found this to be a highly effective method of teaching and learning for all ages, with the additional benefit of convenience for parents.

In my spare time, I enjoy writing, painting and working with reclaimed fabrics and other recyclable materials. I exhibit my work at Cambridge Open Studios and the Summer at the Beach Arts Festival.

Tutoring Experience

I have a genuine love of teaching and a passion for helping pupils realise their potential. . Since becoming a private tutor in 2013, I have specialised in working with children aged 7 - 13+ who have many different needs and goals, including those preparing for the 11+ and/or entrance assessments for independent schools such as The Perse, Stephen Perse, The Leys and King’s Ely.

I also have a great deal of experience teaching children and adults with neurological differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and ASD.

Tutoring Approach

I am passionate about making learning engaging, relevant and as intrinsically rewarding as possible. My aim is to inspire learners to become more confident in their own abilities and reach their potential by focusing on teaching and learning which is effective, meaningful, creative and fun.

Each lesson is prepared individually, based on the student's own needs and interests. I offer 5 minutes of verbal feedback to parents after every lesson, which is included in my fees (along with my planning and preparation time and all books and resources used during the lessons). Group lessons start at £39 per hour per pupil, with a maximum group size of 6 pupils. Individual lessons start at £55 per hour for pupils in KS2.

The first lesson is a 'taster lesson' with no obligation to continue (fees apply). Following this, as and when I have a suitable space, regular weekly tuition is booked and paid for monthly in advance. I tend to book up very quickly and often have a waiting list, so please get in touch with me well in advance, particularly for help with independent school entrance exams.