Melissa

I offer 11+, 13+, GCSE English Language and Literature, A Level and ELAT tuition.

I was educated at Westminster School and Exeter College, Oxford - where I was an exhibition scholar - so I've been lucky enough to have been taught with rigour and enthusiasm and the insight I've gained has stayed with me ever since. I have worked creatively and as an editor in television and am also a published novelist.

I enjoy tutoring immensely, finding it very rewarding to teach a variety of abilities and temperaments and see my students gain in confidence and do well.

In 2019 I was an examiner for AQA GCSE English Language.

Apart from tutoring, I'm a keen cook, reader, love the cinema, being with my family friends and other animals. I love Italy as I'm a huge lover of Renaissance Art.

Tutoring Experience

Former Head of English at Collingham Independent Sixth Form and GCSE College where I still teach. Over the last years I have taught A level one year classes, AS and A2 two year courses as well as individuals. I am available after school and at weekends.

Former Head of English Tower House Prep School, London, 13+
English Teacher, CE, Willington School, London

4 A*s, 1 A Summer 2022. ELAT Success.
5 A*s, 6 As, out of 17 students Summer 2020
6 out of my 19 students achieved A* Summer Exams 2019

I have been tutoring for 8 years. All my students are different but they have all achieved wonderfully well, whether I teach them for a few weeks or months before exams or we work weekly together for a long period of time. I'm very proud of all of them.

Tutoring Approach

English is not about reeling off ordered lists of themes. It is about close attention to text, detail and thought. And then learning to write well. So it's important to be receptive and able to think clearly and in detail about what you are reading.
I teach careful essay structures.
Once the text is clear any essay question can be answered. English is a wonderfully rewarding subject. I have a rigorous approach but I also think that the experience of being tutored should be fun.

For History of Art once again it is about looking closely and writing well. Results will follow.