Laurence

About

Bonjour, hola, hello! I am Laurence, a native French speaker and highly experienced, qualified teacher of French and Spanish with over 30 years’ experience in secondary education.

I have taught both languages to A-Level since 1996 across the state and independent sectors, including 13 years as Head of Spanish at a leading selective grammar school in Buckinghamshire. During this time, students consistently achieved excellent GCSE and A-Level results.

My teaching has been recognised as outstanding, and I have also contributed to professional training focused on raising attainment and improving exam performance.

Alongside my school career, I have delivered thousands of hours of private tuition, supporting students from primary level through to university. I specialise in GCSE, iGCSE, and A-Level preparation, as well as selective entrance examinations, including ISEB Common Entrance, Eton CE, King’s Scholarship, Westminster 16+.

I am committed to helping students build confidence, develop strong foundations, and make meaningful progress in a calm, structured, and supportive environment.

What Students Can Expect

My approach to tutoring is highly individual and carefully structured, reflecting the level of attention and expertise each student receives.

Students can expect lessons that are focused, engaging, and tailored to their specific needs — whether that means building confidence, strengthening grammar, or refining exam technique. Together, we work to identify the approaches that help them learn most effectively and make steady, secure progress.

Lessons are interactive and academically rigorous, while remaining supportive and encouraging throughout. We combine targeted practice with exam-style questions and clear, detailed feedback, helping students develop accuracy, confidence, and independence in their use of the language.

Alongside academic progress, I place strong emphasis on organisation, effective study habits, and managing exam pressure, as these are often key to long-term success.

At the outset, we establish a clear and realistic plan so that both student and parent understand the direction of learning and the steps needed to achieve strong outcomes.

Teaching Experience

• Over 30 years teaching French and Spanish to A-Level

• 13 years as Head of Spanish at a leading selective grammar school

• Extensive experience with GCSE, iGCSE and A-Level across major exam boards

• Specialist in exam preparation, revision strategies, and exam technique

• Strong track record of helping students exceed predicted grades

• Experienced in preparing students for competitive entrance examinations

• Experienced in DELF preparation across a range of levels

• Experience teaching native French pupils in a UK bilingual school

• Thousands of hours of successful one-to-one tuition, including small group teaching