Holly

Experience

• English studies at any level (my youngest student was 5 years old and my oldest student was 23 years old).

• 11+ English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning: ISEB, public school entrance exams and interview technique.

• 13+ preparation and interview technique.

• GCSE/iGCSE English & History: AQA, CIE, Edexcel and OCR.

• GCSE/iGCSE Science: AQA, CIE, Edexcel and OCR.

• A-level English (Language & Literature): AQA, Edexcel, OCR and IB.

• History and Ancient History: AQA, Edexcel, OCR and IB.

• English as a Foreign Language.

• Examination and writing skills.

• Interview preparation.

• Drama, singing, piano, other performance skills.

I began teaching in schools, primarily Oxbridge interview preparation and English as a foreign language, before privately teaching English A-Level, general university admissions and GCSE English. After moving to London in 2017, I began tutoring with new agencies, and branching out into new subjects. I have taught many 11+ students (English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning), 13+ (general), GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE History, A-Level History and Ancient History, although my passion still lies in the tutoring of English at GCSE, A-Level, IB and Undergraduate level.

Alongside academic tutoring, I am also a private singing and acting coach.

Biography

I was born in Staffordshire in the West Midlands, where I attended Weston Road Academy and took my A-Levels, receiving three A* grades in English, History and Classical Civilisation. Alongside my studies, I trained as a classical singer, and received my Grade 8 with a distinction (142/150). I went on to study English at Clare College, Cambridge, specialising in Medieval Literature, where I received an 85 in the compulsory Tragedy final paper (seldom awarded) and I won the Chaucer reading prize. In my time at University, I became heavily involved in the theatre, performing in the Marlowe Showcase, and going on to train at Drama Centre (Central Saint Martins) for my MA in Acting. During my studies, I began tutoring, beginning with English as a Foreign Language and Oxbridge entrance preparation, before teaching English and History more broadly. I now tutor around my acting and writing commitments, which mainly involves voice work and presenting, as well as a little bit of Musical Theatre.

Personal Approach

As my tutoring experience covers a wide range of ages and abilities, it is my firm belief that tutoring styles and approaches must always depend on the candidate. Different approaches correlate with different students, and flexibility of approach is one of the key skills needed for tutoring. However, it is always my approach to begin with instilling confidence within my students, whatever their level, as the end goal is always that of intellectual independence. Once a student feels safe to work at new academic heights, they are able to move leaps and bounds towards their goals. I am just as familiar with helping exceptionally gifted students achieve their potential as I am working with students who struggle with the curriculum and need time and effort to help them get to grips with the basics. I am also experienced in working with students where English is not their first language and with students who are still finding their feet in the UK school system. I also have a wealth of experience in tutoring students with Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am an actor, musician and a writer, working especially in voice acting and musical theatre. I am also a reviewer and journalist in gaming (both video games and board games).

Testimonials

My son and I have both appreciated all your hard work and support. The sessions and homework have been very successful. Irrespective of whatever his final grades are, I think your input has made a tremendous difference to him. I am particularly grateful to you for the change in his confidence. (Parent of Year 11 Student)

''As I have said in previous emails, Holly is the best tutor that we have ever come across. Her interests mirror my daughter's and she has been incredibly helpful in helping our daughter not only prepare for her 11+ exams but also prepping my daughter for her music scholarship auditions.'' (Mother of Year 6 student)

''We think that Holly is brilliant and the best tutor that our daughter has ever worked with.'' (Mother of 11+ student)

"We are delighted with Holly. She really engaged the boys and they both spoke afterwards about how much they had enjoyed their lesson with her. We couldn't have wished for a better start."

''You know Mum, I actually think I ENJOY writing now...'' - Year 11 GCSE English student.

''We feel so lucky to have had such wonderful help from you. Thank you for all of your support. You have been wonderful.'' - mother of an 18 year old student.

''Thank you so much for everything. You've been such a massive help and great mentor in these past two years and I really appreciate it'' - A-Level English candidate on finishing their exams and receiving their first choice place at university.