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
How to Achieve a Grade 4/5 in GCSE English Language: Skills, Mindset and Practical Tips
GCSE English Language can feel daunting, but securing a Grade 4 or 5 is possible with the right support. This blog offers expert advice on skills, mindset, and exam techniques that make all the difference.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
Understanding Dyslexia: Supporting Your Child Through Secondary School
Dyslexia affects how students process written language, but with the right support, they can thrive at secondary school. This blog shares practical tips for parents and shows how one-to-one English tuition can build confidence, boost skills, and help dyslexic learners shine.
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.
Book Review: Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes (Why KS3 Students Should Read This Powerful Story)
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a powerful, thought-provoking story that tackles racism, injustice and courage in a way that KS3 students can connect with. This review explores why it’s such an important read for Years 7–9 and how it builds empathy, understanding and discussion.
Why Established Experts Yield Better Student Outcomes Than Unqualified Tutors
As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education, but in the realm of private tutoring, not all options are created equal…