With 25 years’ private tutoring experience, I am a qualified English and Music teacher, former Head of Department, examiner and examination-board Chief Executive. I am Enhanced DBS checked and the author of English and Verbal Reasoning textbooks for Oxford University Press/Bond. Former BBC journalist and music industry PR for Sony BMG, led the development of award-winning music assessment solutions used internationally, and continue to work professionally across the contemporary music industry and higher music education.

I tutor GCSE, iGCSE, A Level and IB English Language, English Literature and Music. I also support students with NEA and coursework, analytical and academic writing, revision and examination technique, study skills and university applications, including Oxbridge admissions.

I have taught in state and independent education, worked as a university lecturer and supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students. I have designed degree and Master’s programmes, previously examined A Level English Literature and Music, and spent five years leading an examination board as its Chief Executive.

I particularly enjoy working with bright, ambitious, neurodivergent or under-confident students who need teaching to be genuinely adapted to them. My students have achieved top grades and secured places at their chosen universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. I also bring 30 verified five-star reviews from my previous First Tutors profile.

I have taught and tutored for more than 20 years, working with students from secondary school, homeschooling, through to undergraduate, postgraduate and adult education.

My specialist areas include:

• GCSE and iGCSE English Language and English Literature • A Level and IB English Language and English Literature • GCSE, A Level and IB Music • NEA, composition, performance, coursework and extended analytical writing • Examination technique and targeted revision • University applications, personal statements and admissions preparation • Undergraduate and postgraduate academic writing and study skills

I work across all the principal UK examination boards and quickly identify the difference between a student’s underlying ability, what they are currently producing and what the assessment criteria require.

Lessons may form part of a sustained programme or a shorter, intensive intervention. I review existing work, teacher feedback and assessment information before creating a focused plan, with tailored resources and detailed feedback provided where appropriate.

My teaching is relaxed, energetic and highly individual, but also intellectually and academically rigorous. I begin by identifying what the student already understands, where the friction lies and what the relevant examination or assessment criteria actually require.

I do not simply give students model answers or teach them to reproduce a script. I help them understand how ideas work, develop their own interpretations and then translate that thinking into precise, high-scoring responses.

I make expectations and processes explicit, break down apparently overwhelming tasks and connect abstract material with the student’s existing interests and knowledge. This approach is particularly effective for autistic and ADHD learners, students who have become anxious or disengaged, and able students who feel insufficiently challenged at school.

Lessons are genuinely tailored, but never vague: the destination is determined by the curriculum and assessment criteria; the route we take to reach it is personal to the student.

If you contact me, it is helpful to include the subject and level, examination board, current grade or principal concern, and the days or times you are considering.