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
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.
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.
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.
Is Your Child Ready for Year 11? How to Make the Most of Summer for GCSE English
Is your child about to start Year 11? The summer holidays are a perfect time to reflect on their English progress and take small, low-pressure steps to prepare for the final GCSE year with confidence.
Starting Year 11 in September? 4 Easy Ways to Get Ahead in GCSE English
Starting Year 11 in September? These four quick and easy summer tips will help you feel more confident going into your final GCSE English year…all without giving up your holiday.
Back to School: How to Boost Your Child’s English Skills Before Term Starts
The summer holidays are a great chance to give your child a boost before school starts again. From reading challenges to grammar refreshers, here are five simple ways to help build confidence and get ready for the new term, written by a former Head of English and GCSE examiner.
Your Child’s Starting Year 10: How to Support Them with GCSE English
If your child is about to begin Year 10, now’s the perfect time to help them prepare for GCSE English. This guide for parents explains what to expect, how to offer support over the summer, and when to consider tutoring for a confident start.
Is Your Child Ready for Year 10? Why Now’s the Time to Review Their English Progress
Is your child about to start Year 10? This post explains why summer is the ideal time to check their English progress and take small steps to build confidence before GCSEs begin.
Remains by Simon Armitage: What It Means and Why It Matters for Your GCSE English Exam
Remains by Simon Armitage is a raw and unsettling poem that explores the psychological fallout of modern warfare. Told from the perspective of a soldier haunted by a memory of killing, it highlights the lasting effects of trauma, guilt, and the invisible wounds soldiers carry long after they’ve left the battlefield.
Book Review: Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Why KS3 Students Should Read It)
Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a heartfelt, uplifting story that KS3 students will love. This review explores why it matters, what it teaches, and how it helps readers reflect on kindness, empathy and being brave.
Book Review: The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf (Why KS3 Students Should Read It)
The Boy at the Back of the Class is a moving and memorable story that KS3 students will love. This review explores what it’s about, why it matters, and how it can help young readers develop empathy, understanding and reading confidence.
5 English Tutoring Strategies That Work Brilliantly for Students with ADHD
Students with ADHD can thrive in English with the right teaching approach. This blog shares five practical strategies that make one-to-one tutoring more effective, enjoyable and empowering for energetic, imaginative learners.
Book Review: Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick (Why KS3 Students Will Love This Creepy, Funny Read)
Like creepy stories with a sense of humour? Crater Lake is a spooky, funny, fast-paced adventure that KS3 students will love. Think Goosebumps meets school trip gone wrong…here’s why it’s worth a read.
Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Why KS3 Students Will Love It)
If you’re in Years 7–9 and love stories that are exciting, dramatic and packed with big ideas, The Hunger Games is a must-read. This review explains what it’s about, why it works so well for KS3 readers, and how it can inspire your English skills.
Your Child’s Starting Year 11: How to Help Them Get Ahead in GCSE English
Is your child about to start Year 11? This practical guide for parents explains how to support them with GCSE English over summer, from quote revision to essay practice, to help them feel confident and prepared for the year ahead.
What to Expect in KS3 English: A Parent’s Guide to Years 7–9
Wondering what your child will cover in KS3 English? This simple guide breaks down the key skills, texts and assessments from Years 7–9, with practical tips on how to support learning at home: written by a former Head of English and GCSE examiner.
Moving into Year 10? How to Get Ready for GCSE English
Starting Year 10? Here’s how to get GCSE English ready over the summer without the stress. From set texts to writing practice, this guide shares easy ways to build confidence and start the year feeling prepared.
Supporting Students with ADHD in English: How One-to-One Tutoring Can Help Build Focus and Confidence
Students with ADHD often find classroom English lessons frustrating, but one-to-one tutoring can offer the structure, flexibility and encouragement they need to thrive. This blog explores how tailored support can help build skills, confidence and focus.
Starting Year 11? Here’s How to Get Ready for Your Final GCSE English Year
Starting Year 11? This guide breaks down what to expect in your final GCSE English year and offers practical summer tips to boost confidence before September. Perfect for students who want to stay one step ahead without the stress.