Lauren

• Qualified English teacher with 15 years of experience (UCS, Cheltenham Ladies' College, Francis Holland School, Hampton School)
• First Class degree from Oxford
• GCSE & A Level Marking experience
• Admissions experience at 11+, 13+ and 16+
• Forensic knowledge of most GCSE & A Level exam boards
• Oxbridge & Russell Group applications, ELAT and interview technique specialist
• Warm, knowledgeable, enthusiastic.

Hello! I'm a qualified teacher with a First from Oxford and over 15 years of teaching experience at some of the UK's most prestigious schools, including University College School, Francis Holland (Sloane Square), The Cheltenham Ladies' College and Hampton School. I've taught in both single sex schools and co-educational settings and have an abundance of experience of working with young people.

My approach as a teacher is to make lessons rigorous, exciting and productive. I've taught both English and Drama from year 7 through to year 13 and am well versed in all the public exam boards (WJEC, Edexcel, AQA and OCR), across a full range of qualifications (GCSE, A Level, Cambridge Pre U). Over the years, I have coached dozens of students towards successful Oxbridge and Russell Group university applications, advising on personal statements, the ELAT and developing interview technique. Whether it’s a public exam, a piece of coursework or an admissions interview that you’re concerned about, I can bring clarity, focus and expertise to the task.

Alongside school teaching, I’m a creative, committed and compassionate private tutor and mentor, having worked one-on-one with students from the age of 7 to undergraduates. I have a firm grasp of admissions processes from both the inside and outside: as a teacher, I’ve marked papers and conducted interviews, and as a tutor, I’ve supported students in winning places at some of the UK’s most competitive schools (11+, 13+, 16+). I know how overwhelming it can be, for students and parents alike, and can elucidate the process for you.

Every pupil is different, but each a pleasure and unique challenge. I pride myself on quickly understanding your learning style and what motivates you, then producing a tailor-made plan. I'm particularly keen to help students who might feel that English is not 'for them', perhaps as a consequence of lacklustre teaching, or having had the joy sucked out by relentless exam preparation. If this is you – I can help you get the spark back!

Tutoring Experience

As an English teacher, I have taught years 7-13 at the following schools:

The Cheltenham Ladies' College (2009-2011)
Francis Holland School, Sloane Square (2011-2012)
Hampton School (2012-2014)
University College School (2014-2024)

I'm new to First Tutors, but not to tutoring! Here are testimonials from two recent students. (More available on request.)

From an A Level English student, who went on to win a place at Harvard:
"I will always remember you as the teacher who taught me that learning is more than the mere syllabus, and so much more joyous - your effect on me extends past English into all my intellectual passions. Amidst the monotony of our education system your lessons shone through. I want you to know how deeply appreciated you are amongst your students and that your name is synonymous with impassioned and wildly effective teaching. Even as I move to another continent, I know your name will live on in my conversations with my peers. I hope that we can stay in contact and that many more students are fortunate enough to enter your classroom and share my experience."

From a GCSE student, who received 2 grades higher than he was initially predicted:
"I owe you so much for constantly challenging and enriching me throughout the past two years you taught me English. I came into year 10 not particularly enthused nor particularly talented at English. I always found it tedious and boring. However, I can say now honestly that it is my favourite subject and I certainly have improved. Your role in transforming my perception of English cannot be understated. I was always excited to come into your class and get to work. (I apologise for anytimes I was excessive or annoying, it was just excitement!) I really really hope that you are my teacher next year, however, should it not happen I will always be thankful for your unending help and support."

Tutoring Approach

It might be that your subject knowledge is not secure – either through missed school time, poor teaching or simply because you find the material challenging. My first step as your tutor is to identify these gaps and ensure you are quickly brought up to speed. For instance, if we are looking at Arthur Miller's 'A View from the Bridge' as a GCSE set text, we would start with forensic examination of the most important scenes, considering language and characterisation. Once this is understood, we can step back and work on thematic connections and patterns, before moving towards building essay plans together.

Once texts are understood, our focus moves to honing writing technique. First, I will help you to become conscious of the 'style' you already have, deconstructing it and identifying any limitations in structure, phrasing and expression. Then I use a combination of modelling and guidance to build a new style with you, showing you how to write clear, concise, polished prose that is packed with analysis.

My aim is a tutor is to make maximum progress within each session, building confidence and independence whilst working productively.