English Language tutor & more · Bancroft

Jo

Oxford graduate with a quarter of a century of experience as a teacher, tutor and senior examiner. Author of study and revision guides.

Bancroft In-person Online 26 yrs Joined Aug 2026

About

After graduating with a degree in English Language and Literature from Oxford University, I initially trained and qualified as a solicitor before turning to teaching. I worked in both private and state schools before deciding to home educate my own children, two of whom have gone to Oxford and one to Durham. This involved teaching them thirteen different GCSE’s and eight different A Levels, with them achieving top grades throughout. At the same time I have worked as a senior, supervising examiner for GCSE English Literature, and an examiner for A Level English Literature and Law plus GCSE English Language. I have been tutoring since 2000 and have an excellent track record in improving students’ performance, grades and enjoyment of the subject.

£53/hr · 2 subjects · 59 levels

Subjects & pricing

  • GCSEAQA · CCEA · Edexcel · Eduqas · OCR · WJEC
  • KS3, 11+, Pre-school, KS1, 7+, KS2, 8+, 13+, 16+, IB, Pre-U, National 3, National 4, National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher, University, Postgraduate, Adult, ESOL, BTEC Level 1, BTEC Level 2, BTEC, Scottish Nationals
  • A-levelAQA · CCEA · Edexcel · Eduqas · OCR · OxfordAQA · WJEC
  • EPQ, AS-levelAQA · Edexcel · Eduqas · OCR · WJEC
  • IGCSE, T-level, BTEC Level 3Edexcel
  • Functional SkillsAQA · Edexcel · OCR
  • GCSE, A-level, AS-levelAQA · CCEA · Edexcel · Eduqas · OCR · WJEC
  • KS3, KS1, KS2, 13+, 16+, IB, Pre-U, National 3, National 4, National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher, University, Postgraduate, Adult, ESOL, BTEC Level 1, BTEC Level 2, BTEC, Scottish Nationals
  • IGCSE, T-level, BTEC Level 3Edexcel
  • EPQAQA · Edexcel · Eduqas · OCR · WJEC

Languages

  • English Native
  • French Fluent
  • German Fluent

Qualifications

Higher education

  • MA (Hons) English Language and Literature Certificate checked University of Oxford · 2:1 (Upper second) · 2012
  • BA (Hons) English Language and Literature Certificate checked University of Oxford · 2:1 (Upper second) · 1994
  • MA (Hons) MA in Education with Qualified Teacher Status Certificate checked University of Durham · Distinction · 2008

Other

  • Common Professional Exam in Law Certificate checked College of Law · 1995
  • Legal Practice Course Certificate checked College of Law · 1996

Reviews from Tutorperch

No Tutorperch reviews yet. Students can leave a verified review here after a lesson.

Reviews from First Tutors

4.9 17 from First Tutors

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  • Tayyaba

    Mar 2022 ·imported from First Tutors
  • Alison

    Oct 2018 ·imported from First Tutors

    My son felt very comfortable and at ease with Jo.I feel she gave him the confidence to complete and continue with his studying, in areas he was struggling with.Thank you.

  • Elena

    Aug 2018 ·imported from First Tutors

    Jo prepared my son for his GCSEs in English Language and English Literature. He is scientifically minded, so neither of those subjects was his strong point. Just few months before he had to sit his exams, he got 3s in his mocks. Working with Jo got him from those 3s to attaining a 7 in both subjects in his final GCSE exams, and that's probably all I will need to say about Jo, who has fantastic experience and an amazingly engaging approach! If anyone needs evidence of my son's grades, I would be happy to provide them on request. Thank you for everything you did for Alex, Jo!

    Jo replied

    Thank you, Elena, for your very kind feedback. It was a pleasure to work with you and your lovely family; and I wish you all the best for the future.

  • Caroline

    May 2018 ·imported from First Tutors

    Jo always goes over time (at no extra charge) to finish what she is teaching and is very knowledgeable about English. She is confidence inspiring too.

    Jo replied

    Thank you, Caroline, for your kind comments.

  • Farida

    Nov 2017 ·imported from First Tutors

    Very talented and professional. My daughter is very impressed

  • Francisca

    Sept 2015 ·imported from First Tutors

    Jo was very good at approaching my personal difficulties in a fast and efficient way. She rung me before my first session to understand what my fears and issues were. I did not feel anxious upon attending her sessions because she is very friendly and boosted my confidence with my English skills. Her advice was spot on as it led me to smashing my A-Level exams. Thank you Jo! Alex

    Jo replied

    Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. I wish you the very best of luck at University, Jo

  • Maria

    Apr 2015 ·imported from First Tutors

    Jo has been great so far; brings the subject to life and makes it very interesting for the student. I would not hesitate to recommend Jo as a tutor.

  • Jessica

    Oct 2014 ·imported from First Tutors

    Jo was a great help for Eric in understanding a little more his English texts.

  • Debbie

    May 2014 ·imported from First Tutors

    Jo is well-versed in the GCSE English curriculum. She coached my son in both Language and Literature; her position as a board examiner obviously an added bonus. She comes very highly recommended. Thank you, Jo, for your prompt response and for accommodating our requirements at very short notice. Best Wishes in all your endeavours and I hope we can work together again soon. Debbie.

  • Simon

    Apr 2014 ·imported from First Tutors

    Jo has been brilliant in the short time that she has been tutoring our daughter. She has been inspiring and motivating and quickly identified the areas that will benefit the most and each session is looked forward to.

  • Caroline

    Jan 2014 ·imported from First Tutors

    I have been thrilled with the results Jo has achieved with my son Mark. With only a few weeks tuition he passed his English Language GCSE retake.

  • Daniel

    Nov 2012 ·imported from First Tutors

    Very approachable from a parent point of view. Teaches Robert to the required curriculum, sets him the appropriate homework and provides Robert and his parents a debrief after each tutorial.

  • Gita

    Nov 2012 ·imported from First Tutors

    Our son was achieving B's and C's in English at school and had lost his interest for the subject. Jo has rekindled his passion for the subject and the highlight was this week when he came home with a beaming smile and an A in his work. This has rippled through to improved grades in his other subjects as well. We're really pleased for him as you can imagine

    Jo replied

    Congratulations on the results of your hard work!

  • Raef

    Oct 2012 ·imported from First Tutors

    Jo is an excellent English teacher. Definitely the best one we have had. My daughter improved quickly in a short space of time due to Jo's great support and exceptional teaching.

  • Kirstie

    Sept 2012 ·imported from First Tutors

    Our daughter has had 3 tutorials so far and each one has been brilliant. Jo is really friendly, an excellent teacher and makes each session fun. The increase in confidence in our daughter so far has been great and she looks forward to each lesson. Jo made her feel at ease straight away and really understands her capabilities and how best to teach her. Jo very kindly tells us the lesson plan and progress made each session. We would highly recommend Jo. Overall we couldn't ask for a better start to our daughter's tuition.

    Jo replied

    Thank you Kirstie. It's so kind of you to take the time to give such lovely feedback. Jo

  • Caroline

    Apr 2011 ·imported from First Tutors

    I learnt so much in just a few lessons. The way in which I tackle questions and structure my essays has improved. I feel far more confident towards my exams which are the next few weeks. Thank you for the help.

    Jo replied

    Thank you for working so hard! Good luck in your exams.

  • Kay

    May 2010 ·imported from First Tutors

    Jo has made a big difference to my daughter's approach to English Literature. She is now much happier with the work she is producing and more confident approaching her AS exam.

    Jo replied

    Thank you Kay for taking the time to make a comment.