Devyani

ABOUT ME

I am a highly experienced GCSE & A-Level English tutor, senior examiner, and former Head of Faculty & educational Senior Leader, with 15+ years of teaching English Language & Literature across KS3, KS4, and KS5.

I specialise in A-Level and GCSE English Language and English Literature tuition, providing expert exam preparation to help students master:

- Essay writing techniques: learning how to structure responses with clarity and precision
- Analytical skills development: breaking down complex texts and expressing ideas effectively
- Exam techniques & timing strategies: training students to perform under pressure
- Understanding mark schemes & examiner expectations: ensuring responses meet top-band criteria

I have first-hand experience of the challenges students face in English exams. Many struggle with essay structuring, confidence, or knowing what examiners are looking for. This is where I can help. My exam board-specific guidance builds clarity and confidence, helping students go into their exams feeling prepared, not overwhelmed.

I hold three master’s degrees, including an MA in English Education, where my research focused on creative writing pedagogy, structured writing processes, and confidence-building in English. Additionally, I have conducted paid action research on removing emotional barriers to writing, helping students overcome anxiety, refine their writing skills, and develop clarity in their ideas. I understand that many students feel hesitant about expressing themselves in writing, and my approach is designed to make them feel supported while pushing them towards progress.

As a senior examiner for AQA and examiner for OCR, WJEC/Eduqas, and Edexcel, I provide insight on achieving top grades. I know exactly what examiners are looking for and how small adjustments in writing can make a big difference in a student’s final mark. I also stay fully up to date with the latest GCSE curriculum changes, ensuring that students receive relevant, exam-focused tuition that maximises their potential.

However, I also understand that success in English is about more than just exams. It`s about developing confidence, self-expression, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively—skills that go beyond the classroom.

WHAT DO I SPECIALISE IN?


SUBJECT - ENGLISH LITERATURE

Below is a small selection of GCSE and A-Level texts I have taught over the years; please do get in touch even if the title you need help for is not listed!


GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE

SHAKESPEARE: Romeo and Juliet| Macbeth| Merchant of Venice| Much Ado About Nothing| The Tempest| Twelfth Night

MODERN TEXT: An Inspector Calls| Anita and Me| Never Let Me Go| Lord of the Flies| Blood Brothers| The Curious Incident| A Taste of Honey| Leave Taking| Woman in Black| The History Boys| DNA| Boys Don`t Cry| To Kill A Mockingbird

19th CENTURY PROSE: A Christmas Carol| Pride and Prejudice| Jane Eyre| Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde| Great Expectations| War of the Worlds| Frankenstein| Silas Marner

ESSAY WRITING: constructing a line of argument|selecting textual references|analysing language, structure and form|subject terminology|context| essay structure

A-LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE

TEXT: Othello| Measure for Measure| Hamlet| A Streetcar Named Desire| Dracula| A Picture of Dorian Gray| The Handmaid`s Tale| Owen Sheers| Love Through The Ages| Atonement| Death of a Salesman| Tess of the D`urbervilles| The Colour Purple| Wuthering Heights| Jane Eyre| The Tempest| 1984| The Taming of the Shrew

ESSAY WRITING: constructing a line of argument|concepts and terminology|coherent written expression|textual references|language, structure, form analysis|significance and influence of context|connections across literary texts| theory| different interpretations| debate|essay structure


SUBJECT - ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Below is a small selection of topics I have taught over the years; please do get in touch even if the topic you need help for is not listed!


GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

TOPICS: Synthesis| Summarising| Language Analysis| Structure Analysis| Evaluation| Comparison| Transactional Writing| Narrative Writing| Descri ptive Writing| Inference Through Writing

A-LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE

TOPICS: Child Language Acquisition| Groupings| Language Change| Language and Gender| Language and Power| Language and Technology| Linguistic Analysis| Language Variation| Theory| Frameworks| Context


SUPPORTING PARENTS THROUGH THE PROCESS

I know that many parents feel uncertain about how to support their child’s GCSE, A-Level, or 11+ English preparation. You might want to help but feel unsure about the best way to do so, especially with complex exam structures and evolving curricula.

My tuition provides structured, high-impact learning, offering clarity and reassurance that your child is getting individual support tailored to their needs and learning style. Whether your child lacks confidence, struggles with essay writing, or simply wants to push for a top grade, I offer a clear pathway to improvement.

By focusing on clear essay structuring, exam strategies, and confidence-building, I ensure that both students and parents feel supported throughout the learning journey. Every student has the potential to succeed—I help them find the confidence and skills to do so.


ONLINE TUITON

1-1 tutoring online. Students are set extended writing tasks weekly, both formal essay writing and creative or transactional writing. Feedback is given on these pieces of extended writing during the session to help students progress and to address any misconceptions or gaps in subject knowledge.

Bespoke teaching resources are planned for each student based on their individual needs with developing a particular skills or understanding key concepts linked to the units they are studying in school.

Flexible scheduling for UK & international students; ideal for home-schooled learners

Availability: WAITING LIST: If your child is currently in Year 10 or Year 12 and would like to begin tuition from June 2026 onwards, please get in touch to be added to the waiting list. Spaces are limited and are expected to fill quickly.

International students: please contact me privately for time options.

Online & 1:1 GCSE & A-Level English tuition: flexible availability on weekdays & weekends

Intensive revision & exam preparation slots: available for students taking GCSE & A-Level summer 2026 exams

Half-term structured exam practice session packages available

Home-schooled students: tailored English tuition during the day & assessment marking

Willing to travel: Home Only

Experience: EXPERIENCE

- 15+ years’ experience teaching KS3, GCSE & A-Level English Language & Literature
- 6-years as Head of Faculty (English & Media) – expert in curriculum & exam strategy
- Assistant Headteacher for Teaching & Learning – leading whole-school improvement
- Senior Examiner for AQA | Examiner for OCR, WJEC/Eduqas & Edexcel
- Expert online Private English tutor with 1000+ hours of experience with 60+ repeat students – GCSE, A-Level & 11+ preparation
- Teaching IGCSE (Cambridge & Edexcel)

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
- MA Leading Innovation & Change
- MA English Education
- MA Victorian Studies
- PGCE English
- BA History & English

Examiner Accreditation:
- https://aqa.accredible/e61b41ad-e884-431f-8b5c-59c0e9e9d58d

Coaching:
-Teaching WALKTHRUs accredited coach

Additional Certifications & Skills:
- Mountain Leader Training
- Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver & Gold Expedition Training

DBS Check: Yes

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