Rosa

About Me

I studied English at Cambridge University where I read extremely widely and came to specialise in Victorian poetry, in my free time directing Shakespeare and Greek Tragedy.

I teach English Language and Literature to students at all stages of development, including GCSE, A Level and IB.

I also guide students through the process of applying to schools and universities, preparing them for entrance examinations (11+, 13+, sixth form, and university admissions), giving feedback on personal statements, and offering interview practice and preparation.

Alongside my work as a tutor I run an educational consultancy, offering long term and short term academic planning and advice to students and their families, and am highly knowledgeable when it comes to choosing and applying to the selective London day schools and top UK universities (in particular Oxford and Cambridge).

I encourage all my students to read widely and beyond the syllabus, including literature in translation, and to develop their personal tastes. My own interests include Shakespeare, the essay as a literary form, W. G. Sebald, 19th-century poetry in English and French, 20th-century American fiction, and modern and contemporary poetry.

Teaching Experience

I draw on more than nine years’ experience teaching English literature as a private tutor and coaching students through the process of applying to schools and universities.

My students frequently exceed expectations. I have helped several GCSE students raise a grade 5 in English to a grade 8 or 9, and I have inspired already high-achieving students to continue to push themselves and realise their ambitions.

Recent GCSE results include:

• Improvement from Grade 5 to Grade 8 in both English Language and Literature

• Improvement from Grade 7 to Grade 9 in English Literature

• Improvement from Grade 5 to Grade 9 in English Literature

I am experienced in preparing pupils for 11+ and 13+ admissions, from the ISEB/CEM through to school-specific tests and interviews.

Recent school offers secured by students include:

St Paul’s School

St Paul’s Girls’ School

North London Collegiate School

King’s College School

City of London School for Girls

James Allen’s Girls’ School

Wimbledon High School

South Hampstead High School

Francis Holland Schools (Regent’s Park and Sloane Square)

I have supported students applying to Oxford (Biology, Russian and Arabic, Russian and German, and Fine Art at the Ruskin School of Art), Cambridge (Medicine), and UCL (Human Sciences). All students received and met their offers.

Approach to Teaching

I teach students to achieve the highest grades they can. My students learn how to conduct careful and rigorous literary analysis at a high level and to think in depth about the social, historical, and political contexts of the works they are studying their texts.

I believe in the importance of a general education in becoming a fully formed individual. I therefore encourage all my students to read widely and to take responsibility for their intellectual development. This approach leads both to the best results in examinations and success in school and university applications, and to building a lifelong appreciation of literature.

For English Language, my lessons are primarily exam-focused. Here critical thinking, clarity of thought, and essay technique are of primary importance.

Testimonials

“I am delighted to share that my daughter received offers from all four schools she applied to, including Francis Holland, Sloane Square and Francis Holland, Regent’s Park. I cannot thank you enough for your patience, professionalism, reassurance, and guidance throughout the process. You played a tremendous role in her preparation – always kind, encouraging, and genuinely caring. Both my daughter and I are truly grateful for everything you have done.” — Parent of successful 11+ applicant

“Huge thanks for all the help, support, and confidence boosting you gave my daughter in her application to Oxford. She has exceeded her required grades and secured her place.” — Parent of successful applicant to Oxford University for Russian and Arabic.

“Ms. Rosa has been such a wonderful tutor! She explains things in a way that’s easy to understand and always takes time to make sure I really get it. She’s patient, kind, and genuinely cares about her students’ progress. I’ve learned so much from her and truly appreciate all her help.” – GCSE English Language student

“When we began tuition six months ago, my son was working at around a Grade 5 in GCSE English Language and Literature. His English teacher has since confirmed that he is now predicted a Grade 8 in both subjects and has even asked whether he would like to take English at A level. He also achieved 100% in his reading test. Thank you so much for all your help.” — Parent of GCSE student

“My son started his English Literature tuition with Rosa from grade 5 and after five months of tuition achieved an impressive grade 9: a testament to Rosa’s exceptional teaching skills. I wholeheartedly recommend Rosa to any student or parent seeking a highly skilled and results-driven English Literature tutor. Her professionalism, deep subject knowledge, and ability to deliver rapid, tangible improvements make her an invaluable educator.” — Parent of GCSE student

“Thank you for all your help with my personal statement and interview prep for Oxford, which was not only very helpful but really interesting and enjoyable!” — Successful applicant to the University of Oxford for Russian and German.

“We honestly could not have done this without you; I just can’t thank you enough.” — Parent of successful applicant for 13+ entry at King’s College School.

“The two things I will never skip are my cricket sessions and Rosa.” — Year 6 student