PGCE qualified English language and literature teacher (QTS) with 10 years' experience as an English language GCSE examiner. I am passionate about my subject and have become a specialist in this area of teaching (English KS3 and KS4). I am also a trained counsellor (Certificate in Counselling skills) with an awareness of the need for empathy when tutoring young people. As a tutor on First Tutors, I taught over 100 students and gained excellent feedback. I regularly receive recommendations through past tutees. My lessons last for 60 minutes and I set a weekly homework task so that students can practice their learning while fresh in the mind.

• PGCE qualified teacher with QTS (Secondary English language and literature)

• English language approved GCSE examiner with 10 years’ experience

• English language GCSE examiner team leader

• Over 15 years’ experience teaching English language and literature within KS3 and KS4 school settings (grammar schools, independent schools and maintained schools)

• Experienced private tutor for English language and literature with online lessons via Zoom (60 minutes)

• Offering private tuition in the frequently taught GCSE literature texts including: Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Of Mice and Men, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Blood Brothers, An Inspector Calls, A Christmas Carol, Lord of the Flies, the Poetry anthologies and many more

• 10 years on 'First Tutors' with 5* feedback

• Able to provide references from existing and past tutees

• Tutoring a wide range of abilities including students with SEN (ASD/ADHD tutoring experience)

• Enhanced DBS registration

As an experienced private tutor with over 15 years of experience, I understand that students may often struggle in large school settings. I begin by assessing a new student’s current abilities and grades using my experience and knowledge of the English language and literature curriculum. Once areas of strength and weakness have been identified, I support students in developing their confidence through a range of reading and writing tasks.

I often work with students preparing for their GCSE exams, focusing on exam skills and working through exam-style questions. I have experience working with several exam boards, including AQA, Eduqas, Edexcel, and iGCSE. As an English language examiner, I understand the marking process and how students can answer questions as effectively as possible to maximise marks. Exam skills practice is highly valuable for students in Years 10 and 11. I also work with younger students in KS3 to build confidence, understanding, and enjoyment of the subject. Occasionally, I work with students preparing for entrance exams.

I find tutoring to be a highly interesting and rewarding profession; it is always a delight to help students develop their confidence and skills. My tutees not only pass their exams in English language and literature but also consistently improve by several grades.

Here is some of the feedback I received from past students:

FROM TAMSIN: Michelle has been excellent in building my daughter’s confidence, skill and knowledge. She has quickly built rapport and is really helping her develop and get ready for the exams. We would definitely recommend.

FROM TARA: Michelle tutored both my children at GCSE level. The improvement was outstanding for both, jumping grades by at least two points. She definitely helped improve writing and analytical skills, while allowing them to develop their critical thinking about texts and context.

FROM OLENA: Michelle has been an absolutely wonderful tutor for my son. From the very first lesson, it was clear how dedicated, patient, and genuinely caring she is. She creates a supportive and encouraging environment that really helps build confidence. English is not my son’s first language, and we were quite anxious about his exam. In a short space of time, Michelle helped him improve his skills, believe in himself, and feel truly prepared. We received his exam results today, and he achieved the grade he had hoped for. We couldn’t be more grateful. I would highly recommend Michelle. She is an exceptional tutor, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for professional support and genuine care when learning English.

FROM NEVE: Michelle has been a wonderful tutor for my son. She is always well organised and prepared, but what really stood out was her patience and understanding during difficult times. Her support made a real difference to his confidence and progress in English.

FROM VIOLET: Helped me greatly with improving my GCSE English skills overall especially my English language over the years. Thank you so much! Enya :)