This is for students that specifically require AQA 1:1 tuition. It is offered at a premium and is ideal for students who feel more at ease learning in a 1:1 setting. As these slots are usually filled by several students in a group setting, there are very few slots available, so do apply early.
Answer: Whilst I am a great advocate for group learning, some students do not thrive in a group setting. At its best, group learning is terrifically powerful, however one size does not fit all. More than two decades of experience in tutoring English has taught me that, whilst many students thrive in a small supportive group, others need a 1:1 focus. As a tutor who cares about providing the right learning environment, I want to offer parents a range of options to suit preferred learning scenarios and different budgets.
Answer: a bespoke programme where the modelling, exam skills, exemplars and forensic ‘how to’ bits are done in a 1:1 setting
The student will start by meeting with the tutor to discuss their current level of ability, performance and target.
Next, they’ll move into a systematic and highly accessible programme of 1:1 lessons taking them step by step through both AQA English Language and English Literature exam papers. Every lesson will be recorded so that students can watch or rewind as many times as needed. This is based on a technique called ‘Mastery Learning,’ whereby subject matter is broken into bite-sized pieces and with clear objectives, which students work through at their own pace until they have mastered it.
Research from ‘The Education Endowment Foundation’ reveals that some of the most effective strategies for learning include: metacognition, (being able to think about their own learning and giving them strategies for learning,) mastery learning, oracy and dialogue. Therefore, when we get together for a live 1:1 Zoom meeting, the focus can be on talking through progress, asking questions, sharing challenges and doing a deep dive into one of the questions each week. These lessons are all about bespoke content, live support, modelling and dialogue.
The result: far from ‘getting lost in a crowd,’ students will feel that their lessons have been tailored to suit them and that there is a clear path through both Language and Literature exam papers.
Answer: Many students find the small group learning incredibly useful, however, this may not suit every single student.
Answer: a 1:1 environment where the student can develop a sense of confidence
A student working 1:1 may feel more relaxed and able to engage in the lesson meaningfully. This includes a range of students from those suffering with anxiety to those who need additional intervention, (either to access the mark scheme or hit the top end of the mark scheme,) to those who may struggle in a group due to being neurodivergent. I have taught a range of students in a 1:1 setting for a whole host of reasons.
The result: the bespoke 1:1 service that parents always hope for when they are paying for a premium offer.
Answer: Offer a small number of 1:1 slots on an ongoing basis
I am a very strong advocate of small group learning and believe that it suits the VAST majority of students – even those who are reluctant to join a group. However, if it becomes apparent that a student is not thriving in a group, I like to have a small number of 1:1 slots available for students that really need it. And some do!
I can fill all of my available slots with groups of 3-4, which makes far more business sense, however I like to maintain some flexibility so that I can support every student I agree to take on. It may make less financial sense for me and parents, but on occasion it is the right decision for the student.
Please note that these fill up fast and there may be no spaces available once the school year begins.
The result: a confident and independent student who is mastering key skills for AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature in a setting that suits them.
“Claire tutored both my children through Years 10 and 11, resulting in them achieving decent English GCSEs. As a parent I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Claire – not only as a tutor but as a person who actually takes an invested interest in her students. My children are adults now and still to this day are grateful and have fond memories of ‘Mrs Davidson’.”
Claire supported my son with his English language paper. Her individualised approach really helped him to feel that he could achieve and his voice was valued. The grade he got for GCSE was his highest grade out of all his subjects. He achieved a 6. Claire made him believe that he could pass. Her detailed feedback and positivity meant that he enjoyed the online sessions and came out of them understanding what he had to do rather than his classroom lessons where he became lost. We highly recommend Claire for supporting students not only academically but in developing their confidence and empowering them to believe they can do it!
A recent message from a happy parent: ‘Hi Claire, I just wanted to let you know that J got a grade 9 in her mock! She is over-the-moon. Thank you so much for all your support so far.’
I would thoroughly recommend Claire as a tutor. Claire was a conscientious and thoughtful tutor who went the extra mile to make sure that my son was prepared for his English GCSE’s. He wouldn’t have achieved the grade he did without her support and knowledge.
‘I highly recommend Claire. She has been absolutely fantastic with my daughter, getting her through her GCSE in just a year. We had taken our daughter out of school and really struggled to find an English tutor until we found Claire. She immediately built a great rapport and her supportive tutoring was just what M needed to build her confidence and self-belief. Our daughter took her GCSE in 2025 and passed with a Grade 5! This would not have happened without Claire’s enthusiasm, knowledge and skill and we cannot recommend her highly enough.’
My son really struggled with his English; 2 years ago it looked like he was not going to pass his GCSE at all and we were really worried. This is when Claire kindly agreed to support him. The one to one tutoring Claire gave him was online. I loved listening to her lessons. Claire is so enthusiastic, encouraging, kind and supportive. She also has a huge amount of knowledge and understanding around her subject. Over the next two years my son’s confidence grew. He started to enjoy English and believe in himself. I know this is because of how Claire made him feel; it was wonderful to watch. This summer our son passed his English GCSE. This was such an achievement and I believe it was only possible because of Claire’s patient and continued support. I cannot recommend her more highly. She has enabled our son to believe he can do it. He is now going to continue with his education and start his A-levels. I couldn’t ask for anymore.
“I cannot recommend Claire (Mrs Davidson/Ms Smith) highly enough. I was fortunate enough to be taught by Claire for my GCSE English (years 10 & 11). I really struggled at school, English in particular (later diagnosed with Dyslexia) and struggled even more with authority. Far from the perfect student. Claire completely transformed my English learning experience. I enjoyed the books we read and even enjoyed writing about them afterwards. I was given an understanding of that which had previously alluded me. Claire’s passion, patience and strong personality make for an exceptional teacher. I am extremely grateful for her influence in my schooling as I was able to attain a Grade C in GCSE’s – which I appreciate isn’t the pinnacle of educational accolades, but for someone who was previously predicted E/F this was a great achievement and meant I was able to enter into my chosen career as an Aircraft Engineer in the RAF. Again, for this I am extremely grateful and would not hesitate to recommend her as a tutor”
“Claire was my A Level English Teacher after I relocated to Plymouth from Liverpool with family. English and reading in general had always been a huge passion of mine, but the move and leaving best friends behind had been somewhat of a distraction and my heart was no longer in it. Claire not only reignited my passion for English which got me the A needed for Birmingham University, but also the highest exam mark that year in our local district. Her love for the subject is contagious. The way she presented each module was dynamic and thought provoking. Othello is still my favourite Shakesperean Play solely down to Claire’s presentation of it. In fact, it inspired me to write an essay on the play whilst at University for which I received a “First” class mark from a tutor notorious for never giving out “Firsts”. I couldn’t recommend Claire as a personal tutor more. My husband (who was also taught by Claire) and I still refer to her as “Superwoman” due to her outstanding level of talent, patience and professionalism. If you need assistance, inspiration or help getting back on track with English, Claire is 100% your lady!”
‘Happy to report M got Grade 7s. And to be honest, the only study she did was with your group… So, thank you!!! I shall be recommending your services!’ KW ‘I’m very happy…Without the extra support it’s very unlikely he would have passed his English!’ EG ‘I just wanted to let you know that I PASSED!!!!! I got an amazing and very unexpected Grade 5. Thank youuuuuuu!’ MR ‘F got a 9 in English Lang & an 8 in English Lit. Amazing. Can’t thank you enough! Lots of thanks.’ SB ‘I got two Grade 8s in Language and Literature. One mark off a Grade 9 in Literature’ TR ‘E has attained the grades he needs to proceed with an apprenticeship in Engineering. We are delighted. The tutor sessions were fab.’ KQ ‘A double Grade 5 in Lang & Lit and only 2 marks off a 6 in Lang and one off a 6 in Lit. I cannot thank you enough. I’m in tears here. We didn’t think he was going to pass at all. I am over the moon.’ SG ‘O got 7s in both Lit & Lang!!! Absolutely delighted. Thank you so much for the support. He did so much better than we thought.’ CC ‘He gained a 7 in English Language & a 6 in Literature. We are delighted…’ SB ‘She got a double Grade 7 in Lang & Lit, which we are all delighted with. Thanks for your expert tutoring and encouragement all the way.’ CM
Claire has been absolutely wonderful tutoring our daughter and helping her understand what is required for her GCSE English exams. K always looked forward to her lessons with Claire as she was so approachable, and she was always on a high after her lesson as she just understood it so much better than in the classroom environment at school. K particularly liked her lessons at home and not having to leave the house to go for tutoring. Furthermore, Claire always marked her work and gave feedback straight away. She also kept in touch with us on our daughter’s progress and also let us know when she was getting a bit lazy!! We highly recommend Claire, and we are so grateful she was recommended to us. K went from disliking English to enjoying it, which is all down to Claire. Thank you Claire.
‘I wasn’t an amazingly academic student. Frequently, I was the class clown and the one to make a cheeky comment. This was of course all bravado and in reality, a cover up for a 16 year old with little confidence and belief in herself. I had a passion for English and occasionally some good ideas which were reflected in my work. Claire, Mrs Davidson saw through to the real me and coaxed me to put some effort in and see how I did. Eventually I softened my stubbornness and did what she advised. She was there every step of the way, constantly marking my work, to give me an idea on how I was getting on. She was on hand for everything and no idea was bad in her eyes. She truly believes in her students and does everything she can, professionally and personally to get results, but also provides fantastic support in the process, making you believe in yourself. I was terrified to do my speaking and listening exam and was sure I was going to fail. Claire listened to my endless moans and whinging (give the woman a medal- patience of a saint!!) and she just urged me to give it my all and to believe in what I was saying. You best believe it, I nearly fell off of my chair when she delivered the news that little old me had the highest speaking and listening grade out of our top set class! I went from an E Grade in my mocks, to getting 2 As in English Language & English Literature. If you are looking for anyone to help you with your English, Claire is the lady for you.’
Hi Claire, Just to let you know A enjoyed the lesson and tells me she is getting a lot out of it. Yippee!’