About Sophie

Hi, I’m Sophie. I’m a qualified, experienced and (so I’m told!) friendly English tutor based in Didsbury, helping students across South Manchester, Stockport, Trafford, and Cheshire build their confidence and achieve their academic potential.

I grew up locally in Cheadle Hulme, and my love for English began early. After graduating with a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Leeds, I decided that teaching was the natural next step. I stayed on at Leeds to gain my PGCE.

For nearly 20 years, I was Head of English at Priestnall School in Heaton Moor, Stockport, leading the department to an Ofsted Outstanding judgement at subject-level. It’s a professional achievement I’m still proud of today. During my time at Priestnall, I learnt exactly how to inspire students, build their confidence, and help them achieve results they sometimes never imagined possible.

Alongside school life I have been an AQA GCSE English examiner for 27 years, including time as a Senior Examiner, so I know inside out what markers look for in every response.

Outside teaching, you’ll usually find me curled up with a good book (especially crime thrillers, Jo Nesbo is my go-to), experimenting in the kitchen, listening to music, or keeping active. Fun fact: I once represented England in Karate, an experience that definitely gave me resilience and patience as a tutor!

I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and renew it annually, so parents can be confident lessons are delivered in a safe, professional environment.

I live in Didsbury with my husband, daughter, and our lovely dog, Izzy, who recently had her moment in the spotlight when she starred in a promotional video by the global technology firm OpenAI.

If you’re looking for an English tutor who genuinely cares, offers examiner-level insight, and knows how to help your child thrive at 11 +, KS3, GCSE, then you’re in the right place.

Feel free to get in touch to chat about how I can help.