Sarah
"Sarah’s classes are always engaging, thanks to her creative teaching methods and interactive activities that make learning enjoyable."
French tuition, Adult Learner
English
French
Spanish
Study Skills
Academic History
King’s College London, PGCE Secondary School Modern Foreign Languages
University of Warwick, BA (Hons) French with Film Studies: 2:1
About Me
My approach to tutoring is highly individualised and relationship based. With over a decade of classroom teaching experience and a background as both a senior and middle leader in secondary schools, I bring a deep understanding of how students learn best and how to adapt teaching to different needs and abilities. I take time to understand each student’s personality, learning style and goals so I can tailor my teaching accordingly. Whether supporting a GCSE or A Level student with exam preparation, helping a younger learner build confidence or guiding an adult learner to develop practical language skills, I create structured yet flexible lessons that balance grammar, vocabulary and conversation with real-world application.
I make language learning engaging and relevant, using interactive exercises, cultural context and practical examples to deepen understanding. I am patient, encouraging and flexible and I believe that progress, and confidence, develop most effectively when students feel relaxed, supported and motivated. I have experience working with a wide range of learners, including those with additional learning needs and tailor my approach to help each student stay focused, confident and reach their full potential.
Ultimately, my goal is to help students achieve excellent results while also developing a genuine enjoyment of learning.
Recent tuition
Key Stage 2 French – Early Language Learning and Engagement
I worked with a student (Year 6) who was new to French and anxious about learning another language. By using songs, storytelling and interactive games, I helped her build confidence and curiosity. Over six months, the student developed a solid foundation in vocabulary and pronunciation and began initiating conversations independently and enjoyed French.
Spanish (KS3, EdExcel) – Extension for a Gifted Learner
I currently teach an academically gifted 13 year old student in Spanish who quickly masters new material and enjoys linguistic challenge. To extend his learning, I incorporate scaffolded authentic material, spontaneous conversation, and higher-level grammar typically introduced at GCSE. His vocabulary range and spoken fluency have expanded rapidly and he now works confidently above age level.
GCSE French (AQA) – Raising Attainment in a Challenging Context
As Head of MFL, I supported a cohort of GCSE students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve outstanding outcomes in both French and Spanish GCSE. Through data-led teaching, targeted intervention and mentoring, French and Spanish achieved Progress 8 scores between +1.26 and +3.76. Students exceeded national expectations, many achieving grades 7–9 despite significant barriers to learning.
GCSE French (AQA) – Exam Preparation and Confidence Building
I lead a GCSE French cohort to GCSE exam success. Many students initially struggled with a lack of confidence especially in spoken fluency and grammatical accuracy. Through structured oral practice, writing feedback, tailored revision strategies and interventions, the cohort’s average grades improved from 5s in Year 10 to 7s (and beyond) in their final GCSE examinations.
A Level French (AQA) – Essay Writing and Cultural Analysis
I taught this A Level group for two years, supporting students with the four key skills as well as grammar, translation and critical analysis of La Haine and L’Étranger. Lessons emphasised essay structure, argument development and sophisticated grammar. All students achieved grades A–B, with two students progressing to study French at university.
Adult French (CEFR-aligned Conversational Course)
I tutor an adult learner with near fluent, advanced level French. Lessons focus on conversational fluency, listening comprehension and journalistic and literary language. Through immersive dialogues, pronunciation work, and cultural context, this learner has progressed from CEFR A2 to C1 within (just under) three years, gaining confidence to navigate daily life interactions in French as well as developing a deep love for the language and culture of francophone countries.
Hobbies
Some of my interests and hobbies include reading, film, learning languages, psychology, yoga, gardening, animals and the natural world. I enjoy things that connect me to and deepen my understanding of people and the world around us.
Testimonials
“Sarah has been teaching my sons (ages 8 and 12) Spanish and French, providing invaluable support to help them stay aligned with their school curriculum. Her lessons have strengthened their academic foundation and equipped them with practical language skills for travel and future GCSEs.
She is consistently punctual and highly focused in her teaching approach. Her attention to detail—especially in delivering grammar concepts —is exceptional. As a qualified teacher of French, Spanish and English as a foreign language, Sarah brings a clear and structured understanding of grammar that enhances her language lessons.
We’re truly grateful for her dedication and the progress our sons have made under her guidance.”
French and Spanish, Key Stage 2 and 3
“My daughter has been receiving French tuition with Sarah for over a year and the progress she has made has been remarkable. Sarah’s lessons have not only strengthened her understanding of grammar and vocabulary but also built her confidence in speaking and writing, particularly as she prepares for her GCSE exams. Sarah’s calm, encouraging manner and creative lesson style have made French one of her favourite subjects. We’re so pleased to see her enjoying the language and achieving results that reflect her hard work and Sarah’s excellent teaching.”
French GCSE
“For more than two years, attending French classes with Sarah has greatly improved my confidence in using the language. I consistently observe progress each time I communicate with native speakers. My understanding of grammar has developed steadily, and my motivation to continue learning remains strong. Sarah’s classes are always engaging, thanks to her creative teaching methods and interactive activities that make learning enjoyable. Studying with her never feels like a chore; rather, it is an experience I look forward to. I highly recommend Sarah to anyone wishing to make meaningful advancements in their French studies.”
French, Adult Learner
