Melissa

'Melissa has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Western Canon', (A Level Student 2024).

Offering weekly sessions, short courses, revision, all texts or one text. Essays marked with detailed feedback.

A Level and ELAT Specialist. Very successful also with 11+, 13+, CE GCSE English Language and Literature, IB

I was educated at Westminster School and Exeter College, Oxford - where I was an exhibition scholar - so I've been lucky enough to have been taught with rigour and enthusiasm and the insight I've gained has stayed with me ever since. I have worked creatively and as an editor in television and am also a published novelist.

I enjoy tutoring immensely, finding it very rewarding to teach a variety of abilities and temperaments and see my students gain in confidence and do well.

In 2019 I was an examiner for AQA GCSE English Language.

Apart from tutoring, I'm a keen cook, reader, love the cinema, being with my family friends and other animals. I love Italy as I'm a huge lover of Renaissance Art.#/k#

Tutoring Experience

Freelance English Tutor:
• Preparing students for 11+, Common Entrance/13+, GCSE, IGCSE, A level and ELAT exams in English
• Teaching History of Art A Level and university students
• Teaching enrichment courses to Russian and Chinese students

Employment:
A Level English Language and Literature Lecturer (Cover Contract) - East Sussex College, Hastings.
January-May 2025

KS2 and KS3 English Teacher (Short Term contract)
Willington Preparatory School, Wimbledon, London (Jan 2022-August 2022)

A Level English Literature Tutor, Westminster Tutors, South Kensington, London (Sep 2021-Sep 2022)

Head of English (Maternity Cover) Tower House Preparatory School, Sheen, London (Jan 2020-July 2021)

AQA Examiner - GCSE - Summer 2019
English Teacher and Head of Department
Collingham College, Kensington, London, (2015 to present)
• Taught small groups A Level English literature at an accelerated pace (1 year/18 months)
• Led Easter Revision Courses
• Differentiated work across ability levels, SEN differences and between retake and non retake students.

Please contact me for detailed references.

Tutoring Approach

My approach is to help you read the text accurately, write about it well and enjoy the whole process.

What my students say about me:
'Melissa is absolutely fantastic.' Gav, A Level student
'I recommend Melissa with endless praise'. Florence, ELAT student
'I am confident that Melissa will inspire your students'. Maddie, A Level Student
'Whomever she tutors next will be very lucky indeed'. Luke, A Level student
'A fantastic teacher'. Lola, A Level student
'I loved every single one of her lessons.' Marina, A level student
'I would recommend her highly', Polly, History of Art A Level Student.
'I'm so glad she was the person found to tutor me'. Christina, A Level Student.
'Melissa taught me A level for a year. She is a patient, passionate, entertaining and thorough teacher who encourages creativity. I would highly recommend her to those of all levels!' Bella, A Level student
'Melissa has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Western Canon... which made her references absolutely stellar... whatever texts you're studying Melissa will know them like the back of her hand...'
For full references please get in touch.