Nikki

Experienced, in-demand English teacher for private tuition.

Perhaps your child is facing important exams this year and would benefit from extra tuition during the week? Maybe your child struggles with spellings, reading or writing, and needs extra help to boost confidence and skills?

Whether your child is gifted yet lacks motivation - or wants to learn and can't - I can help. I'm Nikki de Villiers, a seasoned English teacher and private tutor with over 25 years' teaching expertise. Starting out as an English specialist with a special needs responsibility, I've a wardrobe of T-shirts in the 'experience' department.

As you know, success is not just about improving a child's results initially. It's about inspiring confidence and self-esteem... I see my role as facilitator of both.

Recently a parent of a dyslexic teen shared her joy that her son can now write for himself without a scribe - and is achieving what she never thought possible. If my claim to fame could be anything, I'm happy for it to be this...

In terms of results, annually I achieve a 100% success rate helping students improve their ability, pass school entrance exams and achieve desired GCSE grades. And very proud I am too. During the last academic year, students smashed their own records. Fabulous!

The difference is that I know what it's like to feel failure as a child. And what it takes to overcome a challenge against the odds. So when tutoring, I'm mindful of both emotional and academic needs - always taking care to make children feel special.

Finally, parents tell me I always put their child at ease with my friendly, gentle nature and sense of humour. Students even ask if they can study with me during their holidays - which I find very humbling. I must be doing something right!

Before reading on, rest assured that I am DBS checked, can provide references and a CV on request. Do please ask.

Tutoring Experience

For the past three decades, I've put my heart and soul into helping young people achieve. As an accomplished classroom teacher for over 18 years, and a popular private tutor for the past 12, I have a proven track record in helping children gain new skills. From gifted and talented to those who struggle and don't know how to turn things around, I've been there to help.

From supporting Primary school children get to grips with literacy to helping GCSE students fly through their English Language and Lit GCSEs, I also specialise in Common Entrance exams. Covering Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, along with all the writing and comprehension elements, I can help your child gain entry into the school of their choice.

I am also a professional writer. This added experience teaches students how imperative it is to be a strong communicator in the real world beyond the classroom.

Tutoring Approach

Children often expect a stern, old-fashioned teacher to turn up on their doorstep. Instead a bubbly, gentle - possibly slightly wacky - teacher arrives with a smile. Even the grumpiest child who (dare I say!) detests English doesn't stay grumpy for long.

My magic formula? I call it 'nature and nurture.' Using my personality and experience, I spend time getting to know a child. Then gently find out how they tick, and where the problem lies. Putting your child at ease, and getting to know them is the first step. The second is to find different ways to engage and inspire so that they 'want' to do better. Once those stepping stones are in place, children then learn to rise to the challenge.

Such personalised learning incorporating different learning styles means students never notice when the hour is up!

Perhaps a recent reference might say it best... 'You have such a wonderful way with words. You just bring out the best in Rachael who thoroughly enjoys and looks forward to every lesson. A totally trustworthy and flexible tutor, we have no hesitation in recommending you to other parents.'

I can support you too. Please feel free to me all about your child's needs, and I'll create a programme of lessons to help them. Simply get in touch.

Many thanks.

Please note: I specialise in online tuition which suits everybody. Combining traditional paper resources with online Zoom sessions, there isn’t even a hint of lockdown learning issues. My 11+, KS3 and GCSE students have thrived in online sessions these past two years. Please do consider it if you have not before.