I went into teaching because I love literature and I love working with young people; as a result I find it not only satisfying but also thoroughly enjoyable. I have worked in independent schools since 2005 and have taught both English Literature and Drama and Theatre Studies to A level standard as well as giving private tuition and running a boarding house.

I am qualified to MA level and have a Boarding Schools Association certificate in pastoral care.

A recent homeschooled tutee's parent left me this testimonial:

'We cannot express our gratitude enough for your support of our son throughout the last two years. Your clear understanding of his learning challenges and your ability to tailor your teaching to suit his ways of working allowed our son to grow in confidence and begin to explore his creative side leading to an increased ability to express himself in writing. Indeed, not only did he begin to read more but he also began to write more. Your encouragement of his writing and forensic approach to the reading disciplines of the exam paper meant that when it came to taking the exam, he was absolutely clear on how he approached the questions. Clearly his result of a grade 9 exceeded even our expectations and is testament to your dedication, professionalism and ability in preparing candidates for public exams whatever their learning needs are.'

I am also a published poet, and have won a Northern Writers' Award for poetry as well as the Poetry Society's Stanza Competition.

I am a highly qualified and experienced teacher.

GCSE/iGCSE/IB: I have taught iGCSE English Language and English Literature (CIE, Edexcel A and B, AQA), GCSE English (OCR, WJEC and AQA), GCSE English Language (OCR and AQA) and GCSE English Literature (OCR, WJEC and AQA) as well as examining for OCR, AQA and CIE. (I can teach to any syllabus, however.) I have also taught IB SL and HL English Language and Literature.

A level: I have taught English Literature (OCR, Edexcel, AQA A and AQA B) and the Literature aspect of English Language and Literature (Edexcel). I have also taught Drama and Theatre Studies (AQA).

University entrance exams: ACT and SAT.

I examine for two boards, and am a senior examiner for one. I have given private tuition to students of all ages including mature students requiring help at all educational levels. I have also tutored English Literature undergraduates and PGCE students (Primary and Secondary) and provided help for students needing to learn the skills and exam techniques required for the Literacy Key Skills Test. I am one of the only tutors in the UK providing expert English tuition for the ACT and SAT American university entrance exams. My students come from state schools across the country, some of the country's best public schools such as Eton, Westminster, Sevenoaks and many others, and from boarding and international schools all across the world.

I believe that study and revision skills are incredibly important and always teach them alongside academic subjects.

As a Housemistress I have several years of experience of pastoral care and am empathetic and sensitive to my students as individuals.

I am a strong believer in working with my students' strengths while challenging them to improve areas of weakness in a supportive and friendly manner. As well as the syllabus required I also teach the study skills students need to continue their learning between lessons.

I believe that learning should be fun and that everyone has the capacity to enjoy language, novels, poetry and plays. I aim to help all students set themselves ambitious but realistic goals, whether that is to read aloud confidently, pass GCSE English or get an A* in A level English Literature, and then to meet those goals and go on to face new challenges with positivity and determination. Recent pupil success stories include one who was predicted a G at GCSE but achieved a C grade after only half a term's tuition with me, and several who have achieved A* grades at A level.

As well as offering tuition sessions of one, two or three hours on a regular basis, I offer intensive day and two day long courses to pupils preparing for exams. These are during half terms and school holidays and are one on one. Please enquire for further details.