Stuart

I have always been passionate about English, starting with a love of reading and writing stories at primary school, then on to grammar school where I achieved A and A* respectively for GCSE English Language and English Literature, then an A at A-level for English Literature before studying English at the University of Birmingham where I achieved a 2:1.

Tutoring Experience

I’m a qualified teacher (QTS) with over 13 years' of experience in comprehensive schools, including 7 years as a Head of English. I’m also an examiner.

As English is a core subject, I have worked to support the secondary education of thousands of students across the full range of abilities. I don’t expect every child to share my passion, but I do know how to work with them to engage with this vital subject. If they hate the subject, I’m here to help make it tolerable and to break down those barriers to learning that can so often prevent them from succeeding. If they love it, I am here to share that passion and to really open their eyes to how rewarding, challenging, and thought-provoking it can be. It isn’t just about learning to read and write; it’s about empathy, creativity, and understanding human beings - with all of their complications - and the world they live in.

Tutoring Approach

I deliver bespoke, small-group, online sessions (currently capped at 4 students per group) across the full range of ability for both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students.

Key Stage 4 sessions focus on the separate GCSEs of Language and Literature (AQA specification ideally, but other boards considered too) and will be organised by year group and ability, depending on the grades students are focussed on achieving.

Key Stage 3 sessions focus more on general English skills, whether that is improving levels of literacy, analytical writing, or creative writing.

Beyond the English curriculum, I also offer coaching to help prepare students for the challenges of GCSE study. I’ve found that so many students struggle with organisation and revision, as well as the general pressures of day-to-day study. My coaching sessions are designed to give them the tools to manage better, organise their time appropriately, chunk revision down into small, manageable portions, and make revision active, focussed, and useful, reducing the anxiety that exams can bring.