Cressida

I am an Oxford English graduate with twenty six years' experience of excellence in classroom teaching, examining and tutoring. I specialise in KS3, GCSE, A Level, IB, Oxbridge entrance, adult learners and the English component of professional exams. As every student learns differently, I offer individualised courses. These are tailored to the needs of high flyers and to those who are struggling with the subject.

After taking early retirement from classroom teaching in 2019, I realised how much I missed it and have continued with the work I love as an English Tutor. In addition to my private work, I have tutored students from disadvantaged areas of London online with a major educational foundation. I am a graduate of Jesus College, Oxford, a member of the government recognised professional body for tutors and have an enhanced DBS certificate.

I have twenty six years’' classroom experience in successful state and independent schools, and many years’' work as an A Level examiner. Most recently I have spent thirteen years at one of the country’'s leading sixth form colleges.

Tutoring Experience

I gained my BA in English Literature from Oxford University and was for many years an A Level English Literature examiner, progressing to the role of examiner team leader.

Over the course of my long teaching career, I have also enjoyed tutoring students with many different goals, from passing school entrance exams or the GCSEs they are finding a challenge, to studying English at a wide range of universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

Whether a student is confident and just wants a bit more guidance or feels anxious about their studies, I have helped many just like them to achieve their dream results.

I offer countrywide online tuition to help with:
11+
13+
A Level English Literature
GCSE English Literature
GCSE English
Extended Project Qualifications
Oxbridge entrance exams for English (ELAT)
Adult Learners

I also offer expert help with UCAS personal statements and university interview preparation and practice. Thirteen years working as a UCAS tutor in a sixth form college and specialising in interview practice means I know just how to impress admissions tutors.

Furthermore, I create bespoke lessons for adult learners. There are often stages in our working lives where a bit of professional help with English skills can make a big difference. Maybe you are an expert in your own field, but English has never been your thing. It may be you are planning on further study or a career change. Some university and professional courses involve entrance exams where your English will be tested. Maybe, as an adult learner, you are struggling with the written requirements of an Access to University course or just want a little help with presentations and written reports in your current job. I’ve helped many adult learners over the years, and am currently working with students tackling Access courses, the essay writing part of medical school exams and English as a Second Language.

Tutoring Approach

All my teaching is tailored to the unique needs of the individual student. I start by carefully investigating what they have achieved so far, their levels of confidence, areas of concern and ambitions.

As teaching progresses, I encourage a two way conversation so we are always monitoring what is working well and what needs reinforcing, adapting learning methods as we go to work towards short and longer term targets.

My students have always told me that the detailed and constructive feedback I give them on their work helps them to see very clearly how to improve.

As a mother and professional who has worked with teenagers for twenty six years, I am very aware of the anxiety many young people today can feel about their studies. Although I think like an examiner and am always working to stretch and challenge, I teach like a human! My ex-students have overwhelmingly reported that I am good at boosting their confidence by helping them to relax and enjoy their studies. This gives them the mindset to think for themselves and achieve their very best.

Praise from parents

"Cressida has been tutoring my son for GCSE English since the start of the first lockdown. In this time I have seen a tremendous difference in his approach to his work and understanding of the subject. She is so very friendly and approachable and really engages pupils with her relaxed and understanding approach."
Jill - mother of a GCSE student.

"It is impossible to think of a more dependable and supportive educator than Cressida. She has the ability to ignite a passion for literature in her students. Her sessions were relaxed, varied and creative so that my daughter often didn’t realise how hard she was working! Her confidence grew the more she was encouraged to express her thoughts about texts. This not only had a huge impact on her English Literature essays but helped with her essay writing for all her A Levels."
Lynn - mother of an A Level student.

"Cressida is a fantastic support to my daughter as she prepares for her A Level English Literature exams. Her approach is one of respectful direction which suits my daughter as she lacks confidence and wasn't sure what she needed to improve. My daughter was excited to work with her from their first introductory conversation!

As a parent I am always kept up to date. I am aware of how my daughter is progressing, what she needs to do to move forward and how I can assist her at home.

My daughter says she is, "really helpful and really clear. I always understand how to improve my work." "
Michaela - mother of an A Level resit student.

Although I can offer a few local students in-person lessons at my home, I mostly teach online using Google Meet. This allows me to chat with the student while we work together on resources on the screen. Some like to use the camera to make it more like a face to face lesson, but more self-conscious teenagers relax more with the camera off. A copy of the notes we have worked on together is automatically saved for them at the end of each session. I have discovered that young people love this way of working.