Ashley W.

I specialise in 11+ and 13+ English, competitive school admissions, GCSE English Language and Literature, interview preparation and academic writing.

My students have gained places at highly competitive schools including Winchester College, St Paul’s, Hampton, Abingdon and St Mary’s Ascot.

11+ & 13+ School Admissions

I have extensive experience preparing students for competitive entrance examinations from 8+ to 16+, with particular expertise at 11+ and 13+. This includes preparation for Common Entrance and school-specific English papers, as well as interviews.

My aim is not simply to get students through an entrance examination. I develop the underlying comprehension, creative writing, vocabulary, analytical and critical-thinking skills they need to succeed once they arrive at an academically demanding school.

GCSE English & Other Subjects

I teach GCSE English Language and English Literature, helping students develop the analytical, writing and examination skills required for the highest grades. I also teach History, study skills and critical thinking, with additional experience teaching at A-level and undergraduate level.

My academic background is doctoral research in History, and I have taught undergraduate university seminars.

My Approach to Tutoring

Every student is different, so I begin by identifying their existing strengths, gaps and priorities. I establish strong foundations before progressively introducing more challenging material.

My lessons combine clear explanation, modelling and worked examples with guided practice, questioning, discussion and creative activities. As students improve, I gradually withdraw support so that they become confident and independent.

Whether a student needs encouragement and confidence, intensive preparation for an approaching examination, or greater challenge to reach the highest level, I adapt my teaching accordingly.

I aim to make lessons intellectually demanding without making learning feel laborious. I particularly enjoy helping students discover that they are capable of producing work well beyond the level they initially expected.

Professional & Academic Experience

Alongside private tutoring, I have worked as a British Council Senior Examiner, including responsibility for assessment connected with entrance examinations in China. This experience has given me an unusually detailed understanding of assessment, marking and what differentiates stronger responses from weaker ones.

I hold an MA in History and a Cambridge CELTA, and my experience spans private tuition, university teaching, assessment and examination work.

Above all, I want students not only to achieve the immediate result they are working towards, but to leave tuition as more capable, confident and independent learners.