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
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.
Who Is the Inspector in An Inspector Calls? Why He Matters for Your GCSE English
Who is Inspector Goole, really? This GCSE-friendly guide explains what makes him one of the most important characters in An Inspector Calls, and how to write top-grade exam answers about him.
The Duality of Man in Jekyll and Hyde: What It Means and Why It Matters for Your GCSE
The duality of man is one of the key themes in Jekyll and Hyde. Here’s a simple, student-friendly guide to what it means, how Stevenson shows it, and how to write about it for your GCSE exam.
Who Is Juliet in Romeo and Juliet? What You Need to Know for GCSE English
Juliet is more than a lovestruck teenager. Here’s a clear, student-friendly guide to her character, how she changes, and why she’s so important for your GCSE exam.
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.
The Theme of Redemption in A Christmas Carol: Why It Matters for Your GCSE English Exam
Studying A Christmas Carol for GCSE? This guide unpacks the theme of redemption, showing how Dickens uses Scrooge’s transformation to deliver one of the most powerful moral messages in literature - and what examiners are looking for.
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.
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.
Boost Your KS3 English Skills Before September: Top Tips for Reading and Writing
Looking to boost reading and writing skills before September? This quick guide shares practical tips for KS3 students who want to stay sharp over summer and start the new school year with confidence. Ideal for parents and students alike.
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.