Qualified teacher of 23 years, and an examiner of History and English for 15 of them. Former head of History and politics as well as a director of learning in the humanities in state and independent schools. Especially dedicated and adept at teaching students with additional needs (ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, SEN-tweeners, etc) I provide personalised, adaptive and supportive lessons tailored to each student’s needs
Tutor Profile
Debra
(5 reviews)
Debra
(5 reviews)
Teaching Experience
23 years Qualified teacher Former Head of Humanities with over 20 years of teaching experience Assistant examiner over 16 years for all major exam boards (Edexcel, AQA, OCR, CIE and Eduqas) Experience in Public and private sector teaching Specialism in Humanities (especially History) and English at all levels. Specialist qualifications as well as family experience in Specific Learning Difficulties and autism / neurodivergent within mainstream, specialist schools, and SEN In-betweeners (anxiety, masking, etc.)
Tutoring Approach
My approach to tutoring is focused not only on improving subject knowledge and exam performance, but also on helping students become more confident and independent learners.
Alongside academic support, I help students develop effective study habits and executive functioning skills, including organisation, revision strategies, planning, time management, and breaking tasks into manageable steps.
As an experienced examiner, I tailor exam preparation carefully to mark schemes and examiner expectations, helping students understand exactly how to structure and develop answers in order to maximise marks and reach their full potential.
I tailor lessons to each student’s individual learning style, creating a calm and supportive environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, build confidence, and develop the skills needed for long-term academic success.
Qualifications
QTS
QTS · Middlesex University · 2003
Reviews (5)
Debra has been coaching our grandson since last September in preparation for his 11+/Selective Eligibility Test for Sutton Grammar Schools. Our grandson really enjoys his lessons and has an excellent relationship with Debra. Under his guidance he has come on impressively since he started and he looks forward each week to his lesson. Debra is very honest in her feedback to us all and will discuss areas for improvement and focus, working together to formulate a plan. We have certainly valued Debra's time with our grandson. Keeping fingers crossed for September/October!
Debra is very knowledgable and thorough. Great Tutor!!!
Debra is a warm, patient and professional tutor and my daughter seems to enjoy attending her lessons each week! She has a wealth of experience and knowledge and researched the school we were interested in before we started attending her lessons. My daughter has dyspraxia and Debra’s approach and advice has been invaluable, not only academically but also in raising her confidence. She teaches the individual child aswell as the subject matter, and always engages in a short feedback session with me after the hour of tutoring. Would absolutely recommend!
Tutor response
Thanks for the lovely comments, Ruth. It is an honour to teach your lovely daughter.
My son who has high functioning autism struggles with his English lessons at school, we wanted to build his confidence and attainment in this subject so decided to find a tutor who was experienced in tutoring SEN children. We found Debra on first tutors and were instantly reassured to know that not only did she have experience in teaching SEN children she also had SEN children of her own which made us feel confident that she would be the right tutor for our son. In a short period of time Debra has built a very good relationship with my son, she is patient & gentle in her teaching approach and makes the sessions fun, engaging and stimulating. we can already see improvements in my son’s confidence and motivation in the subject and are in no doubt that we will continue to see progress and development as time goes on. Seema Ganatra
Tutor response
Thank you, Seema. I will do everything possible for J.
Debra put my daughter at ease at her first meeting. She took time to learn how she was going to best help my daughter with her history A level. She was always mindful of encouraging her and maintaining her confidence. We both think that Debra will be a good fit as a tutor
Tutor response
Dear Shelagh. Many thanks for the coffee and cannoli. It is lovely to meet with clients who feel they need to explain some important details before tuition begins and I am happy to help out in this regard. Onwards and upwards for the future. X
Online TuitionHome TuitionDBS checkedTravels up to 7 km
Subjects Taught
Special Needs
Primary (Up to 11 years)
£80.00
Secondary (11 to 14 years)
£80.00
GCSE or National 3-5
£80.00
History
Secondary (11 to 14 years)
£80.00
GCSE or National 3-5
£80.00
A-Level, IB or Highers
£80.00
Study Skills
GCSE or National 3-5
£80.00
Entrance Exams
Primary (Up to 11 years)
£80.00
Secondary (11 to 14 years)
£80.00
English
Primary (Up to 11 years)
£80.00
Secondary (11 to 14 years)
£80.00
GCSE or National 3-5
£80.00
French
GCSE or National 3-5
£80.00