Terms & Approach
One-to-one online English tuition works best when expectations are clear, communication is respectful, and boundaries are well understood. This page explains how I approach tuition, how communication works, online delivery, cancellations, and the professional standards you can expect when working with me.
My Ethos
I believe that effective English tuition is built on clarity, curiosity, and collaboration. My role is not to provide memorised answers, but to help students develop confidence in their own thinking, articulate ideas with precision, and navigate texts and tasks with understanding and purpose.
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I never teach to a textbook alone – I teach with the student: thinking through problems, structuring responses, and refining skills in a way that sits comfortably with each learner’s personality, pace, and goals.
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Tutoring is tailored, not templated.
Learn more about me→
Sarah
Parent of a GCSE Student
Tom took a genuine interest in my son.
He understood his individual needs, motivated him, and helped him believe in himself.
Online Format & Technology
All sessions take place online using Google Meet, which provides a secure, easy-to-access video link for each lesson. No installation of specialist software is required, meaning that students can join with a single click.
During sessions we use:
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Google Meet screen sharing for texts, extracts, and questions
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Collaborative Google Docs for writing, planning, and annotations
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Screenshots (when helpful) of planning diagrams or whiteboard work
Lesson links and calendar invitations are sent via Google Calendar. All shared documents and feedback remain accessible after the session so students can revisit notes independently.
Online tuition is flexible and interactive; and so, the screen becomes a shared learning space rather than a barrier.
Communication Standards
Clear, timely communication is a priority.
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After each lesson, parents receive a brief session report outlining what was covered, strengths, areas for development, and suggested next steps.
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Written summaries include screenshots of any planning visuals used.
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Invoices are sent by email after each session (unless part of a pre-agreed block booking).
​I aim to respond to messages within 48 hours on weekdays. Communication is paused on weekends unless otherwise agreed.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
Respectful notice allows both of us to manage time well.
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24 hours’ notice: To cancel or reschedule a session without charge.
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Sessions cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time may be charged in full, except in cases of illness or extraordinary circumstances.
If you need to reschedule, please contact me as early as possible so we can find a suitable alternative. Regular patterns of late cancellations may require discussion.
Safeguarding
When working with students under 18:
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Parents may be copied into communications if appropriate.
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Sessions are conducted respectfully and professionally.
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Material and discussion remain academic; personal issues are approached with care but not explored therapeutically.
Fees, Payment & Invoicing
Session fees are outlined on the Pricing page.
Invoices are issued after tuition unless otherwise agreed. Payments are due within 1 week of an invoice being issued.
Please contact me if there are any questions relating to fees or invoicing.
Changes to Terms
These terms may be updated from time to time. Parents and students will be notified of any substantive changes.
A Final Note
Tutoring is most effective when it’s a collaborative process between student, tutor, and parent.
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My role as a tutor is to provide clear guidance, structure, and subject expertise, while creating a calm and supportive space where students can ask questions, make mistakes, and build confidence in their own abilities.
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Parents play an important role too - particularly with younger learners - by helping to support routines, encourage consistency, and communicate any changes or concerns that may affect learning. Open, respectful communication helps ensure sessions remain focused, productive, and responsive to each student’s needs.
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While progress looks different for every student, the most meaningful improvements often come from steady work over time, combined with encouragement both inside and outside of lessons. By working together, we can help students develop not only stronger academic skills, but also greater confidence and independence as learners.
If any aspect of this approach isn’t clear, or if you’d like to discuss how lessons might be tailored to your goals, I’d be glad to talk.​