Amanda EcclestonEnglish Tutor
Tutoring for: 11+, 12+ and 13+ entrance exams; GCSE; IGCSE; A level;
University entry; Oxbridge; undergraduate and adult learners
Enhanced DBS checked
Online lessons and in-person teaching
All schools and exam boards are covered
Brilliant results
What I offer
As an Oxford University graduate, I tutor English language and literature at all levels.
Teaching the subject I have always loved is a vocation. Unlike some tutors, I do not have additional employment or commitments - I am happy to be 100% dedicated to my students 24/7/365!
I teach pupils from nine years old. I prepare individual lessons for each pupil, often using material I have personally produced, and any homework assigned is carefully selected to boost progress and nurture self-esteem in the subject.
I would advise starting tuition two years before grammar school exams and at least one year before other entrance exams. For GCSE and A levels, I would recommend tuition as early as possible in the course. English cannot be “crammed” at the last minute. Good preparation, well in advance, is the key to good grades, and yes, it is essential to prepare and revise for English language exams!
Whilst I am happy to teach those who require a general improvement in their work, I focus on training my students to get the best exam results they can achieve. I tailor teaching to each student’s needs but usually concentrate on exam strategy and technique. I focus on quality, not quantity, in any homework I assign. I do not offer an assessment in the first lesson as one hour is not long enough to fully cover all syllabus areas.
I am not a dyslexia specialist, but I have taught many dyslexic students, including my own child.
I do not teach English as a Foreign Language.
I have enjoyed an extraordinary success rate with my pupils, including numerous scholarships at 11+ (up to 20% off the school fees). I also assist with scholarships in subjects such as art and drama. My pupils have achieved scholarships at Surbiton, St Teresa’s and Notre Dame, and offers of a place at Lady Eleanor Holles, Surbiton High, Guildford High, St Teresa’s, Sir William Perkins, St John’s, Reeds, and Claremont Fan Court.
Students who have previously failed their GCSEs have all passed following their sessions with me. GCSE and A-level pupils achieved a 100% pass rate, exceeding their predicted grades. Students have a 100% successful first-choice university entrance rate, often at Russell Group Universities, and some have gained places at Oxford University.
I offer advice on suitable senior schools, universities, and careers for pupils, as I have numerous contacts in graduate recruitment. I will work with a family for many years, seeing their child progress from 11+ to postgraduate or career.
I support my pupils and their parents, offering advice and acting as a pastoral and academic coach and mentor.
MY EDUCATION AND WORK AS A JOURNALIST, CREATIVE WRITER,
AND WRITING COMPETITION JUDGE
I attended The Lady Eleanor Holles School before gaining an MA from Oxford University. Before having a family, I was a journalist and have had decades of experience writing and editing articles for national newspapers, such as The Sunday Times, and magazines and appearing on radio and television. This rare background for a tutor gives me a unique ability to teach non-fiction writing skills, presentation, and coursework editing. I study creative writing in my free time – I am currently writing middle-grade fiction. I am also a judge for the BBC’s 500 Words creative writing competition. My constant personal learning experience gives me an additional unique approach to teaching.
SCHOOL INTERVIEWS
With my background in journalism - working in print, on radio, and on television - as an interviewer and interviewee, I have more comprehensive interview experience than most tutors. I teach interview techniques regarding deportment, manners, and attitude, as well as questions and answers.
PERSONAL STATEMENTS for UK and US universities and Oxbridge entry
I guide pupils through the process for their Personal Statements for university entry in any subject.
All my Personal Statement pupils have achieved places at Russell Group universities.
OXBRIDGE
I specialise in Oxbridge preparation and entrance, including mock interview sessions with detailed feedback.
MOCK EXAMS
I offer mock exams, marking, and feedback at all levels.
An English Tutor that gets results
Latest results
Oxbridge: successful application
A level: results exceed predictions
GCSE/IGCSE: Pupils exceed their predicted grades and those who have previously failed pass following tutoring
Common Entrance: A grades for pupils who achieved Ds in mocks
11+: Academic scholarships at Surbiton, St Teresa’s and Notre Dame. Offers of places at Lady Eleanor Holles; Surbiton High; Guildford High (with comments on the excellence of their comprehension and interview); St Teresa’s; Sir William Perkins’s; St John’s; Reeds; and Claremont Fan Court.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Amanda is very friendly, and my daughter is finding her sessions very useful and helpful."
Janette
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Amanda has a passion for her subject and conveys this in her teaching. She fully understood our requirements, knew what was needed and ensured that my son’s tutoring session was enjoyable and effective. I thoroughly recommend Amanda.” Carolyn
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Very good; my daughter likes her and the way she coaches based on the student’s needs and capabilities."
Vytheki
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Amanda was excellent."
Chris
