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.
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: 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.
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.
Smoothing Your Child's Transition from Primary to Secondary School: The Role of Private English Tutoring
I'd like to talk about a significant milestone in your child's education: the transition from primary to secondary school. I've seen firsthand how this change can be both exciting and daunting. English tutoring can play an essential role in setting your child up for a successful secondary school career.
How Personalised Learning Can Improve Your Child's GCSE Results
Today, I'd like to chat about a topic near and dear to my heart: personalised learning versus the standard school curriculum, especially when it comes to GCSE English…