GCSE and IGCSE English Language and English Literature

What can The Cambridge Tutor do for your son or daughter that other tutors might not offer?

As a parent paying for private tuition, you want to know you're getting value for money.

I have worked with pupils across the full range of ability, helping each one reach their potential; for many, that means exceeding the targets set by their school. I know the formats and expectations of the major exam boards and - having marked exam papers - understand exactly what examiners are looking for.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

GCSE and IGCSE English Language exams test how well pupils understand a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, and how confidently they can analyse the ways writers use language and structure to create meaning and impact.

My lessons turn these skills into higher grades. Pupils learn clear, step-by-step methods for approaching each question with confidence, explaining not just what a writer is doing, but why. This is exactly what examiners reward.

I also help pupils apply these techniques to their own writing, so they produce more thoughtful, controlled and effective responses. With regular practice, targeted feedback and strategies tailored to their exam board, pupils build the skills and confidence to improve their marks and reach their target grades.

For pupils aiming for the top grades, the focus is firmly on results. I teach exactly what examiners look for in top-band answers, with clear, structured approaches to every question type. Pupils learn to move beyond basic understanding and develop the skills required for detailed, perceptive analyses that the highest marks demand.

Every skill we build links directly to exam performance. Pupils practise using high-level vocabulary, embedding precise quotations, and structuring their answers to secure marks consistently. In their writing, they learn to craft engaging, purposeful pieces that show the control, accuracy and sophistication examiners expect at Grade 7–9.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

GCSE and IGCSE English Literature can feel demanding, even for pupils who enjoy reading. Your child must study a range of challenging texts: a nineteenth-century novel; a Shakespeare play; a modern text (written since 1914) and a poetry anthology. Success depends on more than simply understanding the content. Your child needs to analyse themes, characters and context clearly, and explain how writers use methods - such as language and structure - to create meaning, all in a way that meets exam criteria.

The biggest challenge for many pupils is applying these skills under timed exam conditions. Even strong students can struggle to organise their ideas quickly, recall quotations relevant to the question, write with precision, and consistently reach the higher mark bands - especially without the book in front of them.

I help your child turn their understanding into higher marks. Through carefully tailored lessons, they'll learn to structure top-level responses, use evidence effectively, apply key quotations and references to the text - all whilst meeting examiners' expectations. We'll practise exam-style questions regularly, refine technique and build the confidence needed to perform under pressure.

For IGCSE pupils, coursework can be an excellent opportunity to secure higher grades, but only when it's approached with a clear structure and careful attention to the assessment objectives. With the right guidance, this can significantly boost overall results.

With consistent support, your child won't just improve their skills: they'll see clear progress in their grades, often moving up by multiple grade boundaries, whilst gaining the confidence to walk into their exams feeling prepared, capable and in control.

One-to-One Tutoring

Each one-hour lesson is designed to help your child grow in confidence, strengthen their reading and writing skills, and reach their full potential in English. (see testimonials).

You’re not just paying for an hour of tutoring: I also provide your child with the time, care, and expert support they need to truly succeed. For every session, I spend on average three hours of dedicated time, carefully planning and tailoring the lesson to your child’s specific goals.

For £60 per lesson, your child will receive:

• A one-to-one, hour-long lesson fully tailored to their individual needs, with engaging and interactive activities to keep them motivated and focused.
• Dedicated, personalised lesson preparation – I spend around an hour carefully planning each session so it is exactly right for your child. Every lesson is built around their current level, exam board, target grade, and any work they’ve shared with me. This ensures they always receive the right support at the right time, whether they are building confidence or striving for top grades.
  
  My aim is for every student to leave each lesson feeling more confident, more capable, and ready to succeed. The time and care I invest in each pupil means their progress is consistent, clear, and meaningful.
• A targeted practice task after every lesson – I spend additional time preparing a focused piece of work based on what your child has learned, so they can continue improving between sessions and strengthen their skills and exam technique.
• Careful marking and detailed feedback – I dedicate around 30 minutes to assessing each piece of work using official examination board mark schemes, providing clear guidance on what your child is doing well and exactly how they can improve to gain more marks.
• Ongoing support and regular updates – you’ll always be kept informed about your child’s progress and any concerns, with support and guidance available outside the lesson time.

This structured approach, combined with the time and attention I give to each individual pupil, ensures your child is consistently supported and making clear, measurable progress, building their confidence, strengthening their skills, and ultimately achieving higher grades in their English exams.

Spaces are limited to ensure every student receives dedicated attention. Enquire now to secure yours.