English With Nicola

An adult woman tutoring a teenage boy at a table with schoolwork and books

Helping students develop confidence, master exam skills, and achieve their full potential in English Language and English Literature.

As a qualified secondary English teacher who is currently teaching in the classroom and a GCSE examiner, I bring up-to-date knowledge of the curriculum, classroom practice, and the GCSE examination process to every lesson. So, whether your child is aiming to improve their confidence, secure a strong GCSE pass, or achieve the highest grades, I provide personalised one-to-one tuition tailored to their individual needs.

My lessons are engaging, supportive, and carefully structured to build both subject knowledge and confidence. Every student receives a personalised learning, ensuring sessions focus on the areas that will make the greatest difference to their progress.

Specialising in:

GCSE English Language
GCSE English Literature
Transition from Year 9 to GCSE
KS3 English (Year 7 – 9)
Exam preparation and revision
Essay writing and analytical skills
Reading comprehension and creative writing
Building confidence and independent learning

Building Confidence. Inspiring Success in English.

Email Nicola

About Nicola

Hello, I’m Nicola.

I am a fully qualified secondary English teacher with a passion for helping young people discover confidence and success in English.

I currently teach English at a comprehensive secondary school in St Albans, working with students of a wide range of abilities and backgrounds. Alongside my classroom teaching, I am a GCSE English examiner, giving me valuable insight into how examination papers are assessed and what examiners are looking for in high-mark responses.

My academic background reflects my love of literature and language. I graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Hertfordshire, before completing a Master’s degree in Creative Writing at the University of Cambridge. I also hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary English, equipping me with the pedagogical expertise to support students effectively.

I believe that every student can make meaningful progress with the right guidance. My lessons combine academic rigour with encouragement, creating a calm and supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, developing their ideas, and challenging themselves.

My Approach

Every student is different, so every lesson is carefully tailored to their individual goals, strengths, and areas for development.

Lessons typically include:

Targeted support based on schoolwork or mock exam results
Explicit teaching of exam techniques
Structured essay planning and writing
Close analysis of literary texts
Vocabulary development
Constructive feedback and clear next steps
Regular opportunities to build confidence through discussion and practice

As both a classroom teacher and GCSE examiner, I help students understand not only the content they need to learn, but also how to demonstrate their knowledge effectively in examinations.

Why Choose Nicola

Qualified Secondary English Teacher
GCSE English Examiner
University of Cambridge graduate
First-Class Honours degree in English Literature & Creative Writing
Masters in Creative Writing
PGCE in Secondary English
Current classroom teacher with up-to-date curriculum knowledge
Personalised one-to-one tuition
Calm, supportive and encouraging teaching style
Online and in-person tuition available

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exam boards do you teach?

I primarily teach AQA specifications but also support students studying Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.

Who do you work with?

I work with students from Key Stage 3 through to GCSE, tailoring lessons to individual learning needs and academic goals.

How long are lessons?

Lessons are typically one hour, although longer sessions can be arranged during examination periods.

Are lessons online or in person?

I offer both online and in-person tuition, depending on location and availability.

Pricing

£60 for 1 hour of one-to-one tutoring, including preparation specific to you

Payment to be made by bank transfer, 24 hours before the lesson

24 hours notice is required for cancellations

Discounts available for tutoring 2 or more students at the same time