I am an experienced private tutor and 'A' Level examiner, with a degree in English Literature from the University of Cambridge and a PhD in English Literature and History from the University of Oxford. As an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, I am dedicated to enhancing and supporting the student learning experience. On a personal level, I am married with three grown-up children, and I am a friendly and approachable person. I understand that all students have different strengths and weaknesses and my aim is to nurture and encourage my students while helping them to turn any weaknesses into strengths.

Teaching Experience

I have over 10 years of experience teaching 'A' Level and GCSE students. I have also taught first and second year undergraduates at the University of Oxford, and I continue to tutor first, second, and third year university students privately. I have examined ELAT papers for Oxbridge for seven years as part of their admissions process, and I continue to assess work for admissions to the University of Oxford. I am an 'A' Level examiner, Senior Team Leader, and coursework moderating Team Leader for one of the leading exam boards with over ten years of examining experience. This means I have a very good understanding of how mark schemes are applied and how to achieve the highest marks in English Literature examinations and NEA assessments.

Tutoring Approach

I am highly sensitive to the differing needs of each individual, and I tailor lessons to the pace and ability of each student. I am very passionate about my subject - hence my examining experience - and I aim to pass on my enthusiasm to my students. Academically, my focus is on nurturing each student's strengths to enable them to develop the ability to write confidently without losing their individuality. I encourage students to ask questions and offer opinions. This, I believe, helps to build their confidence whilst at the same time developing their analytical and essay writing skills. These are skills which serve students well in all subjects and are essential to academic success

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Qualifications

PhD English and History

Doctorate · University of Oxford · 2015

AFHEA

Professional · Higher Education Academy · 2014

MA History: Early Modern History, Literature and Culture

Masters · University of London · Distinction · 2010

BA English Literature

Bachelors · University of Cambridge · Honours 2:1 · 2006

Reviews

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31

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AsmaFirst Tutors

Nicola has been supporting my daughter with English Literature A Level exam preparation and revision in the run-up to exams in Summer 2024. Nicola is a supportive and professional tutor. My daughter leaves her weekly online sessions filled with enthusiasm to put all of Nicola's advice and guidance into practice. Nicola gives kind and constructive feedback in a way that encourages my daughter to put in more effort, with a clear sense of how she can improve her skills and knowledge. We only wish that we had looked for a tutor, and found Nicola, sooner.

MelanieFirst Tutors

Nicola is an incredible tutor. We feel very fortunate to have found her. She is making an impact within a short space of time; she has a great way of explaining things. Highly recommend Nicola to anyone.

AlbertoFirst Tutors

Really pleased with the support Nicola provided for my daughter to lift her A Level English prediction form C to B which allowed her to be accepted by her top University choice

IsabellaFirst Tutors

Nicola was the most amazing tutor I could've asked for! I re-sat my A Level English Literature after being a few marks off my required grade, and Nicola was truly committed to helping me strengthen my essay writing skills and providing guidance when I was re-writing my coursework. Without her I wouldn't have been able to achieve my A*, I wholeheartedly recommend Nicola to anyone seeking to excel in A Level English Literature!

PrimFirst Tutors

Nicola is an outstanding tutor. We discovered her on First Tutors a few months before my daughter's A level Literature exam and are so grateful we did. Within a few lessons she had not only pinpointed exactly what my daughter needed to do in order to achieve top marks across all her papers, but had also given her the self-belief that she was capable of getting those marks. As a parent, I particularly appreciated the revision essays she set and marked between lessons and the quality of the feedback she gave to me on my daughter's progress. Nicola is a very supportive and reliable tutor, and as an experienced OCR examiner knows exactly what the exam board is looking for in terms of an A*. On results day my daughter did get that A*. Thank you Nicola - we have really appreciated your help and support.

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Nicola