Leonora

My background is English literature and language and I hold an MA in English from Edinburgh University and Queen’s University, Canada. My main passion is anything to do with English and literacy - reading, writing, good speaking, knowledge of literature, Verbal Reasoning and comprehension / composition papers.

I now live in London but I have lived all over the world, including Canada, the USA, Spain and Ukraine. I learned Ukrainian and Russian from scratch to fluency in my twenties, so I am familiar with the stages of language learning and the struggles that come with it. I also founded a successful business and did an MBA, so I am a natural goal setter when it comes to learning.

I have three children so I’m comfortable working with children of any age – they are always fascinating! I am an extremely warm person and it's important for me to make a personal connection with students, as I put a lot into my teaching. Sometimes the teacher and student are not an ideal fit, and I am always honest about this.

I also work with a charity in London to teach English to refugees in the UK.

I have taught on-line for over 12 years, but can offer in-person teaching if travel is a reasonable driving distance.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Tutoring Experience

My most extensive experience is in preparing children for secondary school exams, in particular the 11+ and 13+ entrance tests.

(Please note that I do not teach the Maths side of entrance exams).

My students have won places at the following schools, among others:

Boys:
Eton College
St. Paul's School
Winchester College
Kingston Grammar School (KGS)
Tiffin School
Wilsons School
Claremont Fan School

Girls:
Wycombe Abbey (scholarship)
Cheltenham Ladies’ College (the school’s top scholarship – The Beale Award)
Lady Eleanor Holles School - 7+ and 11+
Wimbledon High (scholarship)
Latymer Upper (scholarship)
Godolphin and Latymer School (scholarship)
Downe House
Benenden School
Guilford High
Headington School
Putney High
Tiffin Girls' School
Nonsuch School
Henrietta Barnet School

I also work with younger children – from the age of 6 upwards – to improve their reading, writing, comprehension and verbal reasoning skills. I am happy to work with children whether the goal is to prepare them for a top academic school in the future, or to improve their level of literacy. I am always passionate about good reading and writing – whatever the goal is.

I also work with non-UK born children to improve their language, pronunciation and understanding and make sure they are confident and competitive in the UK-school system. I have worked with children from Ukraine, Nigeria, Korea, Kazakhstan, India, Holland and other countries with great success.

Tutoring Approach

I approach each student with a twofold strategy: first of all, what are their learning goals; and second, how do they learn best. I enjoy finding ways to make subjects and learning a pleasure for each student, so that their natural curiosity will drive them forward, and then be buoyed by increasing success. This involves understanding their interests and personal values, and aligning the teaching as closely as possible to them. A personal connection with a student is important for me, as I invest a lot of time and effort into helping them achieve goals.

I have several years of business experience and hold an MBA, so I am comfortable with any level of goal setting and achievement. I understand that all teaching should have a clear focus and measurable results.

Please note: due to the enormous competition for school places in recent years, I now only offer 2-hour slots to entrance exam students. This ensures that I can maximise their chances of gaining a place at their chosen school.