Samantha

I am a dedicated tutor and mentor, specializing in essay-writing, study skills, academic writing, and university entrance preparation (especially Oxbridge) with more than decade of experience across the arts, humanities, law and languages. I have worked as a supertutor at most of London's top agencies, including residential assignments overseas.

I am passionate about helping students overcome blocks and setbacks to achieve goals currently beyond their reach. Combining mentoring with subject tuition, my approach is hands-on, scaffolding new skills to accelerate progress. Drawing on a professional background in writing, coaching and project management across communications, journalism and the global arts sector, I empower students to take ownership of academic challenges. Together, we transform complex assignments into structured, manageable processes with clear, achievable goals by creating a tailored, rewarding pathway to success.

As I'm returning to this platform from sabbatical, I am offering a limited back-to-school 30-50% reduction on my usual rates in all subjects. The reduction of has already been applied. When you contact me, please tell me a bit about the student's age, challenges, subjects, interests if you can. The more I know, the better placed I am to tell you how I can help. :)

Outside tutoring, I'm a narrative designer for immersive arts, extended reality and video games, and an MA lecturer at the University of London. I've also worked as a media and communications consultant for the Royal Opera House, Disney and members of the Royal Family, and as a narrative consultant in business, law and tech. My work as a writer and theatremaker has appeared internationally.

Tutoring Experience

Previous Tutoring Assignments

BA, MA and PhD
• BA, MA and PhD thesis writing and editing support
• Subjects including art history, cultural management, education, journalism, politics, law, journalism, war studies,
• Institutions including: Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, KCL, SOAS, Goldsmiths, QMUL, Courtauld Institute, Royal Academy of Arts, Institute of Education, University of Westminster, Bristol, Brunel, Manchester, St Andrews, Hertfordshire, Aristotle University (Greece)
Pre-university
• BA, MA, MPhil and PhD proposal application and research proposal support
• University Entrance: Cambridge Law Test, LNAT, MLAT, ELAT, TSA and Oxbridge interview coaching
• UCAS personal statement support – all arts and humanities subjects
• General university application consultancy support including applicants outside the UK system

GCSE and A Level
• Extensive individual tuition in GCSE and A Level English literature and language, including intensives
• Extensive individual tuition in GCSE and A Level history, including intensives
• Extensive individual tuition in GCSE and A Level French and German, including intensives
• Group classes in GCSE English language and literature in tuition centres
• Highgate School 16+ entrance preparation
13+ and Key Stage 3
• Successful 13+ coaching across the full subject range to pupils applying to schools including Eton
• Private KS3 English, history and essay-writing tuition to students at various state and independent schools
• Ongoing placement teaching French and German to 11 and 13-year-olds
• Ongoing tutoring to support students at Highgate and Haberdashers Aske’s bursary students to keep up with their cohort
• Intensive catch-up tuition and mentoring across full subject-range for Year 9 Benenden student following illness
• Remedial tuition at Cardinal Pole School in Hackney to raise literacy and numeracy of underperforming students
7+ and 11+
• Group preparation classes for 7+ and 11+ applicants to independent and grammar schools across full subject range: English, maths, verbal and nonverbal reasoning in London and Hertfordshire; various syllabuses
• Designing and teaching 7+ and 11+ summer revision courses across full subject range: maths, English and VR
• 11+ individual sessions (tuition centre) across ability range, setting goals to improve technique and confidence
• Private 11+ coaching across subject range: English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning
• 12-month placement preparing two non-native speakers for UCS, Immanuel College, and Highgate

Schools:
Benenden, Dulwich College, Eton College, Godolphin and Latymer, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, Highgate, Immanuel College, King’s College School, University College School, St Albans School, St Albans Girls’, Streatham and Clapham High School for Girls, Surbiton High School, Sylvia Young Theatre School, University College School, Winchester College

Other Relevant Experience

2016-20 MA Lecturer | Academic Writing, Dramaturgy and Criticism | Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
• Designed and taught lecture and workshop series on contemporary dramaturgy for immersive theatre
• Assessed and moderated MA theatre criticism portfolios to learning outcomes
• Provided one-to-one student tutorials including academic mentorship and thesis guidance
• Ran weekly student writers’ room to generate original scripts

2010-11 English language communications consultant | Dentons (Salans) LLP, Berlin
• English language teacher, communications and pitch consultant to Head of Global Employment Law

2009-10 Professional Legal English teacher | Akademie für Fremdsprachen, Berlin
• Course leader, intensive EFL residentials for adults (intermediate and advanced)
• Taught professional legal English in-company courses and classes for advocates, judges, notaries and students
• Double Translation (German-English-German) classes

2009-11 Art editor | Exberliner Magazine, Berlin
• Editor of art section of Germany’s leading English-language magazine
• Wrote previews, reviews, essays and interviews with prominent artists, gallerists and curators
• Writing, editing, commissioning; mentoring and training interns

2006-7 Strategic communications consultant | Brown Lloyd James, London
• Clients incl. Girls’ Schools Association, Prince’s Teaching Institute, Royal Opera House, Associated Newspapers
• Worked closely with heads of St Paul’s Girls School, City of London School for Girls’ Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, Wakefield Girls School, Manchester High School, across the GSA and GDST, HMC, ISC, ISEB
• Coached clients in writing and interview technique for national press and broadcast
• 24/7 press office and crisis management duties

2005-6 Oxbridge Applications tutor and mentor
2001-5 Oxford University Access Scheme and OUSU Target Schools programme tutor and mentor

Tutoring Approach

My approach benefits from years of experience as a university lecturer, private tutor and teacher of English as a foreign language, as well as my background as a publishing writer and communications professional.

Schools and universities increasingly focus on content without adequately preparing students with the skills to use their knowledge effectively. As a tutor, I address this by focusing on skills training. I work with students to develop (and stick to!) manageable revision and coursework schedules. I take the stress out of the revision period by breaking it down into easy-to-follow stages, and provide students with a 'plan of attack' tailored to the syllabus and to them as an individual.

I encourage a passionate, confident and playful approach to learning, seeking out the point of entry that makes the subject come alive for each student. Combining supervised practice with creative challenges, I provide students with the tools needed to become independent thinkers, and promote healthy practices for lifelong learning. I have tutored students from both state and independent schools in the UK, including 13+, KS3, GCSE and A Level, as well as teaching at university level and mentoring students applying to UK universities.