Sheena
“Sheena prepared my daughter for the 11+ exams and was instrumental in her acceptance into her first choice, Roedean School. Sheena’s approach, organisation, and teaching style were exceptional."
Parent of 11+ student
11+
7+/8+
Economics
University Applications
Academic History
School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
MSc. Globalisation and Development (Merit)
St. John’s College, University of Cambridge
BA (Honours) in Economics (II.i)
Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls
A-Levels: Maths (A), Economics (A), French (A); AS-Level: Physics (A); Winner of school Economics Prize; GCSES: A*s and 2 A grades
Counselling Skills Training
Counselling Skills Level 3 Certificate (City Lit)
Currently completing Level 4 Counselling Diploma
St. Giles College
CELTA Certification (English Language Teaching)
About Me
I am a Cambridge graduate and counselling trainee with a Master’s in Globalisation and Development, and over 14 years’ experience supporting students from primary school through to A Level. I specialise in 7+, 8+, and 11+ entrance exams, helping students gain entry to leading schools including NLCS, City, Beth’s Grammar, and Latymer. My approach focuses not only on exam success but also on building confidence and a genuine love of learning.
I also teach Economics at GCSE and A Level. I hold a BA in Economics and an MA in Globalisation and Development, and have worked in international development writing policy papers for NGOs and international organisations. My independent documentary filmmaking explores social and economic issues, enriching my teaching with real-world context and creativity.
Alongside tutoring, I am completing a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling. My training in counselling supports a compassionate, attuned approach that helps students overcome barriers and thrive academically and personally.
My professional background in development and filmmaking has shaped a flexible, engaging teaching style. I’m passionate about helping students grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence – so they enjoy learning, not just achieve high marks.
Recent tuition
7+ Preparation
I have tutored Year 1 and Year 2 students for the 7+, who have gained entry to UCS, James Allen and Habs Girls schools. Focus was on solidifying academic foundations through an encouraging and playful approach, building exam-day confidence and accelerating pupils toward Year 3-level proficiency in English, Maths, and reasoning.
8+ Preparation
I have tutored Year 2 and Year 3 students for the 8+, for schools such as Dulwich Prep. Focus was on building to Year 4-level mastery in Maths and English as well as reasoning skills, and exam technique using a nurturing and encouraging approach.
11+ Preparation (Maths, English & Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning)
I supported this state primary school student over one year for 11+ exams. Limited curriculum exposure meant we focused on core skills, reasoning strategies, exam technique, and confidence. Through structured lessons and targeted practice, the student passed both Bexley and Kent 11+ grammar exams.
11+ Preparation for Independent Schools (Maths & English)
I tutored this student over twelve months for competitive London independent school entry. Lessons focused on time management, exam strategy, and school-specific requirements. The student was academically strong but needed structured support. By the end, they secured offers from multiple schools, including NLCS, Haberdashers’, Henrietta Barnett, and St Paul’s Girls’.
11+ Preparation for Two Siblings (Maths, English & Reasoning)
I worked with two sisters over several years, adapting tuition to each child’s learning style. One student was supported in person and the other, both in-person and then online. Lessons emphasised skill-building and incorporating challenge, while also encouraging confidence. Both students successfully gained offers from top schools including North London Collegiate, South Hampstead High, and Godolphin & Latymer.
11+ Online Preparation (English & Maths)
I supported this overseas student (school in Mumbai) via online tuition for UK independent school entrance exams. Lessons were structured, interactive, and tailored to maintain engagement remotely. Because of time constraints, we focussed on the areas she found most challenging, such as multi-step problems. Over five months, the student achieved strong 11+ results and secured a place at her first-choice school, Roedean.
Primary English and Maths Support (KS1)
I worked with this year 1 student needing additional support in KS1 English and Maths. Lessons focused on consolidating phonics, handwriting and basic numeracy skills through play-based as well as more formal methods. The student struggled with confidence and attention, so we focused on tactile methods (e.g. Cuisenaire rods) and adapted learning to his interests. He made good progress over eight months, was more confident in class and and no longer needed additional support.
Primary SEN-Aware Support (Maths)
I supported a primary student with additional learning needs, adapting pace, resources, and teaching methods to suit their learning style. Lessons focused on breaking down methods into smaller steps, and confidence-building, helping the student engage more positively a variety of problems. Over time, the student made steady progress, strengthened core maths skills, and improved motivation for learning.
Introductory Economics Course (Pre-GCSE, Online)
I designed and delivered an ten-week introductory Economics course for two students (homeschooled abroad) aged 13 and 14 to help them decide whether to take the subject at GCSE. Lessons used interactive scenarios, games, and real-world examples tailored to their interests. By the end, both students could confidently apply key macro and micro economic concepts to real-life scenarios.
A Level Economics (AQA)
I tutored this student (Trinity Academy) over one academic year in A Level Economics. The student understood core content but struggled with essay structure, analysis, and applying theory to real-world contexts. Lessons focused on evaluation, exam techniques, and analytical writing. The student made significant progress and achieved an A grade in the final exams.
Sixth Form Academic Mentoring & University Applications Support (Humanities)
I mentored this sixth form student who struggled with workload and anxiety around applications. Support included guidance on Humanities subject choices, workload management, and personal statement development. I also recommended wider reading and facilitated discussion to increase engagement. The student successfully gained a place at her first-choice university.
Hobbies
In my free time, I enjoy painting (acrylics), playing with my young son, going on forest hikes, and learning dance, especially Latin and Middle Eastern styles. I also love traveling, watching and making films, and reading novels and non-fiction, particularly on the intersection of history, politics, psychology, and sociology.
Testimonials
“Sheena tutored my son on a weekly basis for over a year. Her approach was exactly what he needed – she was extremely kind and encouraging, but also set high expectations and helped build his confidence. He is at a state primary school so was not covering a lot of the 11+ curriculum at school. He sat 11+ in Bexley and Kent and passed both, and has just been called back for interview at the only independent school we applied for. He was the only person in his friendship group doing this extra work so sometimes it felt like trying to get blood out of a stone. We definitely could not have done it without Sheena’s patient and compassionate approach.”
Parent of 11+ student (Maths, English, reasoning)
“Sheena has tutored both of my daughters who are aged 11 and 13. My youngest has just completed her 11 plus examinations and it was in no small measure thanks to Sheena that she obtained offers from NLCS, SHHS, Francis Holland and Highgate. In my opinion Sheena possesses all of the qualities that a parent looks for in a tutor. She is extremely diligent, organised and reliable and clearly has both a strong grasp of the subjects she teaches and an ability to explain difficult and complex concepts. I couldn’t recommend her highly enough and in fact I have already recommended her to a number of my friends.”
Parent of 11+ and Year 7 students (Maths, English, reasoning)
“Sheena worked with my son to prepare him for his A-Level Economics exams. Her in-depth knowledge of the subject, combined with her ability to explain complex concepts clearly, made a huge difference. She tailored each session to his needs, focusing on essay structure, analysis, and exam technique. His grades improved significantly, and he achieved an A in his final exams. I couldn’t recommend Sheena highly enough!”
Parent of A-Level Economics Student
