Experienced English teacher (MA, BA HONS, PGCE)

My aim is to engender an enthusiasm for studying literature and fostering self – expression through a lively approach to the written, spoken and acted word.

I have an infectious passion for my subject as well as long experience inspiring others to share my love for language.

I work hard to make learning relevant and accessible, maintaining my proven track record of improving predicted grades and varying my approach to suit the individual’s needs.

Literature:         poetry, plays and novels

Language:          grammar and punctuation

Writing skills:    creative, non-fiction and essay skills 

 Remote lessons offered by Skype, FaceTime,  or Zoom

 

Fantastic 2024 results now in! There is a story behind each grade…

2024 AL results 

A * ( predicted C) , B, Reigate Sixth Form College ( Edexcel)

2024 GCSE results

Literature: grade 9 ( x 3 students, 2 ESL predicted grade 4s! );

 grade 8 ( x 4 students, one of whom really struggled with English)

Language: grade 9  x 3,  grade 8 x 2, ( one pupil highly  dyslexic);

grade 7 x 3 ( 2 ESL students, one really struggled with English)

(AQA, Edexcel IGCSE, WJEC)

2023 11+ places offered

              11+ Academic Scholarships : Reigate Grammar School; Whitgift 

 11+ St Paul’s Girls’ School,

Guildford High School, Wimbledon High School, Academic and Music scholarship: Surbiton High,  Lady Eleanor Hollis, Tormead

STEM scholarship: Ibstock Place 

Sports scholarship: Reigate Grammar School  

           Music scholarship: Sir William Perkins’   

      13+ Reigate Grammar School

  2022 GCSEs –  each result represents a significant increase in grades from mocks:       five grade 7s, seven grade 8s and two grade 9s
          2022       11+ sports scholarship Reigate Grammar School                   11+ Academic scholarship Box Hill

                      11+ Duntottar School    13+ Academic School;arship reigate Grammar School 9 remote learning)

      2020 11+ places offered at: Hampton,  King’s, Kingston Grammar, Reigate Grammar School, St Paul’s and Tiffin.

Fantastic 2109 GCSE results in: 6 pupils achieved grade 8, 5  achieved grade 9, 2 pupils were writing in a second language, 1 pupil went up 6 grades from their mock!  

2019 11+ offers: Brighton College (scholarship), Caterham, Cranleigh, Duntottar, Epsom, Hampton (scholarship), Kings College Wimbledon, Reeds,  Reigate Grammar School (scholarship), Royal Grammar School Guildford, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Barnet ( 100% score plus scholarship), St Johns, Tiffin (scholarship), Portsmouth Grammar (scholarship)
 
 2018  11+  Academic Scholarships awarded by: Reigate Grammar School,Guildford, Hampton (100%), St Paul’s, Whitgift and Wilson’s.
     

                        GCSE and A Level revision classes

Creative Writing, Non-Fiction, Writing Format, Excellent Essay Skills,

Poetry Analysis, Unseen Poetry / Prose Preparation…

                                                 ( If you don’t see what you need, just ask!)

NEW: GCSE writing guides for information texts ( non-fiction ) now available to purchase as a bundle     

  • 11+ and independent schools’ exams
  • Common Entrance preparation
  • GCSE & IGSCE
  • A Level
  • UKCAT practice
  • Tuition for home-school pupils
  • Dissertation support
  • Adult education

  • Individual and small group classes
  • Revision classes with exam technique & practice questions

  • A personalised learning plan
  • Current knowledge of the curriculum and exam boards (eg IGSCE, AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEP …)
  • Experience examining at 11+, GCSE & A Level
  • Creative Writing Workshops
  • Scholarship guidance
  • E-mail support outside lessons
  • CRB checked
  • References available
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Value for money

The lesson fee includes personalised notes, thorough marking of written work, e-mail support and regular feedback to parents. Prices  vary according to age group.

Discounted prices are available for group lessons and revision classes.

Quotes from students:

 

”“Tim is really enjoying the poetry section now that he has been studying with Mrs Coombes (GCSE student from Epsom College)
”“ “My son was predicted C/D grades in English and has just achieved A/B with Mrs Coombes’ help. Not only could he not have done it without her help, he grew in confidence and developed a real love for poetry with her enthusiastic support. We are thrilled with the progress he has made” (2013 GCSE candidate)

 

”“Mrs Coombes’ help  converting my predicted GCSE B grade into an A helped me get into Bristol University, where I gained my degree and met my wife. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her help! (Jonathon ACA)
”““I wish I had found Mrs Coombes earlier” (Sean, AS Level)
”“Mrs Coombes is la crème de la crème of teachers. All three of my sons have benefitted from her GCSE revision classes and they have been thrilled to receive A grades with her help,” Sally Ann from Reigate.
”““Mrs Coombes is a real star – she has transformed my daughter’s love of English” (from Chris M., Founding and Company Director of the Public Law Company)

 

Skype & Facetime Lessons

 

 

SKYPE & FACETIME

available for international and domestic clients alike:

 no matter where you are in the world, I am able to tutor you!