The psychology behind my approach

My masters degree in Psychology gave me the opportunity to explore something I've been fascinated by for years: how people think, behave, learn, and respond to challenge. The more I learnt, the more I started to notice it when tutoring. Specifically: how we remember things, how we respond when we get something wrong, what happens when something feels too difficult, why some students avoid things they don't feel confident doing, and how previous experiences can shape what we expect from ourselves.

This doesn't mean I sit there giving students a lecture on behavioural and educational psychology whilst they're trying to study maths or English. It does mean that I'm thinking about the learner as well as the process of learning; trying to identify the things getting in their way as well as what's needed to help them move forward.

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Getting to know the person behind the work

I believe that in order to get the best out of a student, it's important to get to know who they really are - not just their target grade, the topics they are good at or struggle with, but what really motivates them, their interests, and how their brain works. Some students benefit from being challenged a little bit, whilst others might shrink away and shut down. Some students are an open book, and others might take a little longer to open up (and it's completely normal for them to need a few sessions to realise that I don't bite!). Building that rapport takes time, but I think it's essential. A student who feels comfortable enough to say "I don't get it" or question something I've said is much easier to teach than one who is worried about giving the 'wrong' answer.
 

My academic and professional background sits at the intersection of education, psychology, and student support. Alongside more than a decade of tutoring, I've completed an MSc in Psychology, trained as a tutor with the University of Exeter, and hold diplomas in Clinical Hypnotherapy and NLP. During the day, I currently work part-time as a Student Engagement Coordinator with the University of Worcester Library Services. When I'm not working, you can find me with my toddler, Adelaide, out in the countryside with the dogs or my ponies, or trying to squeeze some sort of creative project into whatever time is left (I do a few pet portraits each year as a creative outlet and as a side hustle for when tutoring is quiet, namely the summer holidays!).

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All of that said, the aim is progress, and results matter.

I'm fascinated by the psychology of learning and would love to undertake a PhD in Educational Psychology one day, but first and foremost I am a tutor, and ultimately I want my students to make progress.

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On average, my GCSE students achieve two or more grades higher than their predicted grade,
with most joining me in Years 10 or 11.

 

It's worth noting that every student is different, and a grade doesn't tell the whole story, but seeing a student become confident in tackling something they once found impossible is one of my favourite parts of the job.

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Above all else, I want to make a real difference to the lives of young people - helping them to feel seen, understood and achieve the grades that they need in order to do what they are most interested in. Whilst I personally love maths and English, I understand that for many students, they are simply necessary qualifications that stand between them and their life's purpose. If you'd like to find out more, see if I might be a good fit, or arrange a half-price taster lesson, please do get in touch.

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