I‘ve built a library of articles for parents and students alike, designed to help you prepare for different stages of school life, like 11+, KS3 and KS4, how to get ready for exams (based on my experience as an AQA Examiner), alongside resources to help with key GCSE texts including An Inspector Calls, Macbeth and Lord of the Flies. And take a look at some of the book reviews I’ve written, too!
Articles
Helping SEND Students Manage Exam Anxiety and Build Confidence
Exam stress affects many students, but for those with Dyslexia, ADHD or Autism, it can feel overwhelming. Discover how tailored tutoring helps SEND learners feel calmer, more prepared, and confident.
Home Schooling and English: Expert KS3 & GCSE Tutoring to Fill the Gaps
Home schooling offers flexibility, but English can be tricky to manage. With 30 years’ teaching experience and senior examiner insight, I provide expert KS3 & GCSE tutoring for home educated students, filling gaps and building exam confidence.
Book Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (A Challenging, Powerful Read for KS3 Students)
Read my review of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Find out what it is about, the key themes, and why confident KS3 readers will get a lot from it…
Why My Experience as an English Teacher and Examiner Matters for Your Child’s Tutoring
With so many English tutors out there, how do you know who’s right for your child? Sophie Birchenall combines 20+ years in the classroom with Senior Examiner insight, giving students the skills, confidence and exam strategies that make the difference. Read more here…
Ozymandias – How Does Shelley Present Power in the Poem?
How does Shelley present power in 'Ozymandias'? Discover how this iconic poem critiques pride, legacy and the temporary nature of human power
Exposure – How Does Owen Present the Horror of War?
Wilfred Owen’s Exposure reveals the grim truth of trench warfare, showing war as a slow, painful battle against nature, hopelessness and emotional numbness. Ideal GCSE revision support for Power and Conflict students.
Macbeth: How Does Shakespeare Present Ambition and its Capacity for Corruption?
Shakespeare’s Macbeth explores the dark consequences of unchecked ambition, showing how the desire for power can destroy individuals and upset the natural order.
Supporting Students with Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism: Why One-to-One English Tutoring Can Make a Real Difference
Students with Dyslexia, ADHD or Autism often face extra challenges in mainstream classrooms. One-to-one English tutoring offers a calm, tailored space to help them thrive, academically and emotionally.
Starting Year 11 in September? 4 Easy Ways to Get Ahead in GCSE English
Starting Year 11 in September? These four simple GCSE English tips will help you get organised over the summer without sacrificing your holiday - from revising set texts to quick writing tasks.
Lord of the Flies: How Does Golding Present the Character of Jack?
Jack’s journey from arrogant choir leader to violent dictator shows how power and fear can quickly dismantle civilisation. This GCSE revision guide explores Golding’s portrayal of Jack and why he remains one of literature’s most chilling characters.
Starting Year 10? Here’s How to Get Ready for GCSE English
Starting Year 10 this September? These four practical tips will help you understand what to expect from GCSE English and how to build good habits from the start - without the stress.
Animal Farm – How Does Orwell Present the Character of Snowball?
Analysing Snowball in Animal Farm? This blog explores key quotes and Orwell’s intent, showing how one-to-one tutoring can help sharpen your GCSE English essays.
Jekyll and Hyde: How Does Stevenson Present the Character of Dr Jekyll?
Dr Jekyll is one of the most complex characters in Jekyll and Hyde, and Stevenson uses him to explore the duality of human nature, Victorian morality and the danger of repression. This post looks at how to write about him effectively for your GCSE English Literature exam.
11+ Creative Writing Checklist for Entrance Exam Success in 2025
Creative writing tasks can be make-or-break in 11+ and entrance exams. This simple checklist gives children a clear, confident way to approach story writing, with exam-specific tips and reminders for structure, technique and proofreading.
Book Review: A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll (Why KS3 Students Should Definitely Pick This Up)
If you’re after a story that’s heartwarming, powerful and makes you see the world a little differently, A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll is the perfect choice. It’s an uplifting, important story about courage, kindness and speaking up, and it’s a brilliant read for students in Years 7, 8 and 9.
11+ and Entrance Exam Success: How to Help Your Child Stay Ahead This Summer
If your child is preparing for the 11+ or independent school entrance exams this autumn, the summer holidays can feel like a risky gap. This post explains how to keep key English skills sharp and outlines the difference targeted one-to-one tutoring can make for schools like Altrincham Grammar, Loreto, Sale Grammar, Stockport Grammar and more.
Book Review: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Why KS3 Students Will Love This Epic Adventure)
A funny, fast-paced read packed with monsters, myths and magical quests…here’s why Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is a must-read for KS3 students who love action and adventure.
An Inspector Calls – How Does Priestley Present the Character of Sheila?
Struggling to revise An Inspector Calls? This breakdown of Sheila’s character explores her development, key quotes and Priestley’s message, with tips on how one-to-one tutoring can help sharpen your GCSE essay skills.
Summer Reading List for 11+ and Entrance Exam Students
One of the most effective ways to build English skills before the 11+ or entrance exams is through regular, enjoyable summer reading. This blog shares a curated reading list – with classics, short stories and non-fiction – plus tips on how to make reading stick.
Top 5 English Skills for 11+ and Entrance Exam Success in 2025
If your child is preparing for the 11+ or an independent school entrance exam this autumn, it’s essential to focus on the right English skills. My latest blog outlines five areas that make the biggest difference, with tips, insights and how one-to-one tutoring can help.