Jennifer

Experience

Extensive experience both as a teacher and tutor in the following;

• 8+/9+/10+ English and Maths

• 11+ English, Maths, Reasoning and History: London day schools, ISEB and most major public school exams

• 13+ English and History: ISEB and public school entrance exams

• GCSE (AQA and Edexcel), and curriculum/subject area dependent, A Level and University level History and English.

I am a Durham, Cambridge and Roehampton educated teacher and tutor, and have recently completed a second Masters degree in Medieval Studies at King’s College London.

I completed my PGCE at Cambridge before working at Maidwell Hall in Northamptonshire as an English, maths, art and history teacher, before moving to London where I spent six years teaching upper KS2 at Thomas's Kensington.

During this time I worked as Head of History and Creative Curriculum Leader as well as teaching Maths, English, Reasoning and the Humanities to Years 4, 5 and 6. I also worked as a core part of the future schools development team and as such I have an in-depth knowledge of the requirements for all exam preparation up to the 11+, 13+ and Common Entrance, and am particularly strong in working with scholarship children on history, English and interview preparation.

During my time at Thomas’s I also completed an MA in Educational Practice at Roehampton University, specialising in assessment techniques and nurturing creativity which has helped to shape and inform my practice over the subsequent years.

I also have extensive experience of supporting children with a range of abilities, working with SEND children both as a teacher and tutor, developing English language skills for EAL children, and in exam and interview preparation for 11+ and 13+, including scholarship exams, to many London day schools and British boarding schools, including, St Paul's, Westminster, Francis Holland, Latymer, Putney High School, King's Wimbledon, Dulwich, Queensgate, Eton, Wycombe Abbey, Ampleforth, Westminster, St Mary's Ascot, Fettes, Sedbergh, Radley, St Edward's Oxford and Uppingham.

Biography

I live in the countryside in Northumberland, having moved back to where I grew up after ten years teaching and tutoring in London.

I went to Sedbergh School in the Lake District before going on to read Combined Arts at Durham focusing primarily on Medieval history and 19th Century European art.

I have since then completed a PGCE at Cambridge and an MA in Education at Roehampton, whilst also working at top tier prep schools including Maidwell Hall and Thomas’s Kensington.

In 2018 I left full-time teaching to undertake a further MA, this time in Medieval Studies at King's College London during which time I started tutoring both face to face and online. Since having my daughter in 2020 I now work part-time tutoring children from both from the UK and abroad with a specialism in 8+, 11+ and 13+ as well as history and English at GCSE and A Level.

Personal Approach

I have a passion for teaching creatively and helping children develop a deep understanding of whichever topic we are studying by immersing them in the subject, and giving them the opportunity to take ownership over their learning. My main aim and philosophy in education is to ensure that children develop a firm set of skills which can then be applied laterally as their knowledge base grows, with an emphasis on developing their ability to think critically, communicate and work both independently and with others effectively.

Learning is a collaborative process, and I have found that extensive reading and development of comprehension through discussion and guided written work, alongside some gentle drilling of core skills and knowledge, yields excellent results. I won't sit and watch your child write an essay and then mark it with them!

I’m firm, fair and hopefully quite fun all at the same time, and enjoy giving children individual support and the time to ask questions, with the aim of ensuring they feel confident and secure enough to pursue the next step in their education.

What I do when I am not tutoring

My husband and I moved to beautiful Northumberland in 2019, we have a two year old daughter and a rambunctious Cardigan Corgi called Clemmie. Aside from being run off my feet at the weekend by the two small people in our life, I enjoy reading widely, yoga, swimming, skiing and working with and riding ponies in the surrounding countryside.

Testimonials

After offers from Godolphin and Latymer and St Paul’s, and an academic scholarship from Francis Holland, we are thrilled to say O took up her place at St Paul’s. Thank you so much - with your help and support, O sailed through her exams and found the confidence to use her voice at interview. Thank you so much Jenny, you were super, so so encouraging!

Parent of a Francis Holland girl who achieved her place at St Paul’s

————————-

Wren, you are absolutely brilliant. If you were a company I would buy shares in you. You could always start your own school? 11-18 would suit me and the boys, please.

With great love and respect,

Mother of Year 3 and Year 4 boys

------------------

Dear Jennifer,

U has turned 10 this month and he is now reading a lot, (over 12 books since he left school!) and he is really loving it. We do really think that amongst other things, your approach and teaching has been a real kick starter for him.

Your welcoming attitude and all you did to boost his confidence have been key for him this past year and we are very grateful for all the attention you gave him.

Thank you so very much.

Parents of a Year 4 boy

------------------

Dear Ms Charlton,

I just wanted to say that J has simply loved being in your history class. Your dynamism and passion for the subject is simply contagious and your connection with the children is quite unique! He has been so complimentary since the beginning of the year. Thank you!

Kind regards,

Parents of a Year 6 boy on acceptance of a place to Wellington

——————

Miss Charlton,

We would like to thank you for your amazing teaching and wonderful support over the last two years, because S has just been offered a place at St Paul's Girls' School and will be joining her sister in September. She is absolutely delighted and so are we. You may know that maths has not always been her favourite subject, but you managed to re-enthuse her during year 5, and obviously the fun and stimulating way in which you've taught her has paid off. And it was nice to see that despite the narrow focus of the 11+, the great way in which you've introduced the children to maths and history benefited her at interview.

We have been really impressed by the calm and thoughtful way in which you've prepared the children, without turning Year 5 and 6 into a hothouse. Thank you for all your hard work and enthusiasm.

Kind regards,

From parents of a Year 6 girl on acceptance of a place to St Paul’s