Experienced English teacher (MA, BA HONS, PGCE)

My aim is to engender an enthusiasm for studying literature and fostering self – expression through a lively approach to the written, spoken and acted word.

I have an infectious passion for my subject as well as long experience inspiring others to share my love for language.

I work hard to make learning relevant and accessible, maintaining my proven track record of improving predicted grades and varying my approach to suit the individual’s needs.

Literature:         poetry, plays and novels

Language:          grammar and punctuation

Writing skills:    creative, non-fiction and essay skills 

 Remote lessons offered by Skype, FaceTime,  or Zoom

 

2025 GCSE results: Language and Literature : grades 8 & 9 ( x 6 )

2024 AL results 

A * ( predicted C) , B, Reigate Sixth Form College ( Edexcel)

Fantastic 2024 results now in! There is a story behind each grade…

Literature: grade 9 ( x 3 students, 2 ESL predicted grade 4s! );

 grade 8 ( x 4 students, one of whom really struggled with English)

Language: grade 9  x 3,  grade 8 x 2, ( one pupil highly  dyslexic);

grade 7 x 3 ( 2 ESL students, one really struggled with English)

(AQA, Edexcel IGCSE, WJEC)

2023 11+ places offered

              11+ Academic Scholarships : Reigate Grammar School; Whitgift 

 11+ St Paul’s Girls’ School,

Guildford High School, Wimbledon High School, Academic and Music scholarship: Surbiton High,  Lady Eleanor Hollis, Tormead

STEM scholarship: Ibstock Place 

Sports scholarship: Reigate Grammar School  

           Music scholarship: Sir William Perkins’   

      13+ Reigate Grammar School

  2022 GCSEs –  each result represents a significant increase in grades from mocks:       five grade 7s, seven grade 8s and two grade 9s
          2022       11+ sports scholarship Reigate Grammar School                   11+ Academic scholarship Box Hill

                      11+ Duntottar School    13+ Academic School;arship reigate Grammar School 9 remote learning)

      2020 11+ places offered at: Hampton,  King’s, Kingston Grammar, Reigate Grammar School, St Paul’s and Tiffin.

Fantastic 2109 GCSE results in: 6 pupils achieved grade 8, 5  achieved grade 9, 2 pupils were writing in a second language, 1 pupil went up 6 grades from their mock!  

2019 11+ offers: Brighton College (scholarship), Caterham, Cranleigh, Duntottar, Epsom, Hampton (scholarship), Kings College Wimbledon, Reeds,  Reigate Grammar School (scholarship), Royal Grammar School Guildford, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Barnet ( 100% score plus scholarship), St Johns, Tiffin (scholarship), Portsmouth Grammar (scholarship)
 
 2018  11+  Academic Scholarships awarded by: Reigate Grammar School,Guildford, Hampton (100%), St Paul’s, Whitgift and Wilson’s.
     

                        GCSE and A Level revision classes

Creative Writing, Non-Fiction, Writing Format, Excellent Essay Skills,

Poetry Analysis, Unseen Poetry / Prose Preparation…

                                                 ( If you don’t see what you need, just ask!)

NEW: GCSE writing guides for information texts ( non-fiction ) now available to purchase as a bundle     

  • GCSE & IGSCE
  • A Level
  • UKCAT practice
  • Tuition for home-school pupils
  • Dissertation support
  • Adult education

  • Individual and small group classes
  • Revision classes with exam technique & practice questions

  • A personalised learning plan
  • Current knowledge of the curriculum and exam boards (eg IGSCE, AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEP …)
  • Experience examining at 11+, GCSE & A Level
  • Creative Writing Workshops
  • Scholarship guidance
  • E-mail support outside lessons
  • CRB checked
  • References available
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Value for money

The lesson fee includes personalised notes, thorough marking of written work, e-mail support and regular feedback to parents. Prices  vary according to age group.

Discounted prices are available for group lessons and revision classes.

Quotes from students:

 

”“Mrs Coombes is la crème de la crème of teachers. All three of my sons have benefitted from her GCSE revision classes and they have been thrilled to receive A grades with her help,” Sally Ann from Reigate.
”““Mrs Coombes is a real star – she has transformed my daughter’s love of English” (from Chris M., Founding and Company Director of the Public Law Company)
”“Mrs Coombes’ help  converting my predicted GCSE B grade into an A helped me get into Bristol University, where I gained my degree and met my wife. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her help! (Jonathon ACA)
”“Tim is really enjoying the poetry section now that he has been studying with Mrs Coombes (GCSE student from Epsom College)
”““I wish I had found Mrs Coombes earlier” (Sean, AS Level)
”“ “My son was predicted C/D grades in English and has just achieved A/B with Mrs Coombes’ help. Not only could he not have done it without her help, he grew in confidence and developed a real love for poetry with her enthusiastic support. We are thrilled with the progress he has made” (2013 GCSE candidate)

 

 

Skype & Facetime Lessons

 

 

SKYPE & FACETIME

available for international and domestic clients alike:

 no matter where you are in the world, I am able to tutor you!