Rachael

I am a degree-educated tutor (BA English Literature). In the past I had a career in the book publishing industry where I honed my skills in writing and communication. After having my family I started my own local gardening business to fit around being a busy mum of 3, but once my children were through their own exams, I looked for opportunities to reconnect with the skills I acquired during my degree and took on a voluntary tutoring role with The Access Project - a charity that enables under-resourced young people to gain places at top universities. This aligns with my personal values as I believe education plays a major role in social mobility.

I love building skills and confidence in learners. I am passionate about my subject and hope to inspire students to feel the same. I work hard at identifying areas for improvement, instilling wider subject knowledge and encouraging a growth mindset. My sessions are planned to keep my students engaged for the full hour so they notice improvement after every tutorial.

Students nearing exams will benefit from my focussed approach on the skills and techniques required to manage their time and gain marks in their GCSEs. It`s worth noting that improved skills in answering English Language questions will also lead to improvements in other written exams. For those with exams a little further off, we will spend time exploring texts and building the subject knowledge necessary to achieve top grades.

I am happy to tutor GCSE, KS3 and students preparing for entrance exams. For younger students, I can offer the patience and time needed to embed good habits in reading and writing. Examiners are keen to reward marks for perceptive analysis and reader response and this is something I focus on in detail with all my students.

Availability: ****I am currently very booked up, but please check back early in 2027 when my entrance exam students have completed their tests.****

I am happy for students to come to my home for their sessions. This often works well for learners who struggle to maintain focus in their own home environment. We learn in my conservatory which is bright and quiet and comfortable.

Willing to travel: Home Only

Experience: I have tutored students from year 5 through to GCSE. I am equally comfortable working with students who are struggling with English as well as higher achievers who wish to target top grades. Over the last three years I have tutored with The Access Project - a charity that supports young people from under-resourced backgrounds to gain places at top UK universities.

Additionally I am a volunteer for Hampshire Learning in Libraries. I assist in classes for adults who have English as an Additional Language. We target oral, reading and written skills - all essential for today`s communication requirements in education, employment and social settings.

DBS Check: YesVerified