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.
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.
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.
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.
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.