Shiona
"I went from feeling completely overwhelmed to actually enjoying the subject and my final grade improved far beyond what I thought possible."
IB English Literature
11+
13 +
16+
A Level
English Language
English Literature
IB
IGCSE
Philosophy
Postgraduate Level
Psychology
Religious Studies
Undergraduate Level
University Applications
Academic History
Theology, Starred First, University of Manchester
A Levels: Philosophy (A), RS (A), English Literature (A)
GCSEs: English Language (A*), English Literature (A*), Maths (A), Science (AA), History (A*), RS (A*), Drama (A), Textiles (A), French (A*), AS French (A)
About Me
I always tailor my teaching style to the needs of each individual student, and many years of experience has made me highly responsive and quick on my feet. I’m equally comfortable helping a student feel confident and well-prepared for both coursework or exam preparation, and enjoy the challenge of spur-of-the moment surprises! I offer detailed, line-by-line guidance on essays when needed, or provide broader support with planning, thesis development, evidence integration, paragraph structure, and language use. I’ve worked with students on intensive, last-minute deadlines as well as those engaged in long-term academic development across the year, and I have experience tutoring learners of all abilities and requirements.
For students preparing applications, I take a holistic, “five-sided” approach to strengthening and presenting their profile. This includes aligning exam results, personal statements (or statements of purpose), letters of recommendation, and work experience or extracurriculars in a way that allows each element to enhance the others. When done thoughtfully, this can be extremely effective.
One thing I’ve noticed across all my students is how often they begin by feeling overwhelmed, whether by a heavy workload, complex material, or the sheer scope of what’s expected. My aim is to reduce that sense of anxiety and support each student in a way that feels manageable and empowering.
Often, students begin to see their tasks differently quite quickly. More importantly, they start to see themselves differently. They develop confidence in skills they hadn’t realised they possessed. When working on applications, it’s especially rewarding to see students engage with the image of themselves reflected in their final profile, often with a sense of pride and surprise. Every inch of every student’s progress makes my work deeply fulfilling and important to me.
Recent tuition
I provide tuition for both school and university entrance examinations. I support students preparing for a range of school entrance assessments, including the 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry exams for selective independent schools in the UK, as well as international school entrance requirements. I’ve helped students gain entry to competitive schools such as Westminster, St Paul’s, Latymer, and City of London, among others.
At university level, I assist with admissions preparation for both UK and international institutions. This includes guidance on UCAS personal statements, admissions essays, and interview preparation for top Russell Group universities as well as support with statements of purpose and supplemental essays for elite US colleges. I also help postgraduate applicants refine academic CVs, research proposals, and applications for Master’s and PhD programmes across a range of disciplines. I teach the ISEE, SSAT, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT.
Below is a snapshot of my recent tutoring experience.
11+ English and Verbal Reasoning (Independent Schools)
This student (attending a state primary in west London) sought support with 11+ entrance to selective independent schools. We focused on comprehension, creative writing, and verbal reasoning over a year. With regular, engaging practice and tailored feedback, the student received offers from Latymer Upper, City of London School, and Godolphin & Latymer.
IGCSE English Language and Literature (Cambridge International)
I worked with this student (British International School of Shanghai) for one year, supporting them in essay planning, creative writing, and textual analysis. Their writing lacked structure and clarity at first, but with weekly sessions, their confidence and technique improved significantly. They achieved an A* in both English Language and Literature.
A Level Religious Studies (OCR)
This student (Alleyn’s School) was aiming for an A to meet their university offer. We focused on improving essay structure, evaluating philosophical arguments, and using scholars effectively. Over six months, we practised timed essays and refined exam technique. The student achieved an A* and secured a place at Bristol.
A Level Psychology (AQA)
This student (King’s College School Wimbledon) needed support with research methods, evaluation skills, and structuring essays for longer exam questions. We worked together weekly over the academic year. By focusing on essay writing strategies and regular timed practice, the student progressed from a C grade to an A, which helped them secure a place at Durham University.
Extended Essay – IB Philosophy
This student (Sevenoaks School) needed support developing their Extended Essay on moral responsibility and determinism. We worked across one academic term, focusing on refining the research question, improving structure, and deepening critical analysis. The student achieved an A for their Extended Essay, contributing to their final IB score of 43.
IB Psychology (Standard Level, IBO)
I supported this student (International School of Geneva) across two terms in preparation for their Paper 1 and Internal Assessment. They struggled with evaluating studies and applying theories effectively in timed essays. We focused on exam structure, critical thinking, and writing fluency. Their final grade improved from a predicted 5 to a 7.
IB English A: Language and Literature (Higher Level)
I tutored this student (UWC Atlantic College) in preparation for their IB English exams, focusing on Paper 1 unseen analysis and HL essay structure. They had strong ideas but lacked confidence in analytical writing. Over eight months, we developed their ability to structure arguments and use literary terminology fluently. The student achieved a Level 7 in HL English.
Undergraduate Psychology (University of Exeter)
I tutored this undergraduate student in cognitive psychology and social psychology modules during his second year. He struggled with understanding key theories and applying them in essays. We worked together for one academic year, and his marks rose from 52% to consistent 68–72% scores. He graduated with a high 2:1.
UCAS and Personal Statement Mentoring (Economics/Management)
I supported this student (St Paul’s Girls’ School) over six months in preparing her UCAS personal statement for Economics and Management. We worked on multiple drafts, refining her narrative and highlighting their academic and extracurricular strengths. She received offers from LSE, UCL, Bath, and Warwick, and went on to accept an offer from LSE.
Master’s Dissertation Support (Psychology of Music, Goldsmiths University)
This postgraduate student needed help designing and writing their dissertation on music and identity. Over four months, I supported them with refining their research question, integrating sources, and improving clarity and structure. They submitted with confidence and received a Distinction (74) for the project.
Hobbies
Outside of tutoring, I find huge joy in spending time with my young children, whose creativity and curiosity constantly inspire me. I love hiking, especially in remote settings, as it helps me recharge and think clearly. I also enjoy crafts – particularly anything with yarn and fabric – which gives me a sense of accomplishment, calm and focus. Poetry is another passion of mine; I’m drawn to the precision and emotional depth of language, and I enjoy how poetry sharpens both attention and empathy. These interests not only bring balance to my life but also enrich my teaching, helping me stay present, imaginative, and attuned to individual voices.
Testimonials
“Working with Shiona was a turning point in my IB course. Her deep knowledge of the English curriculum and calm, encouraging approach made a huge difference to my confidence. She was always ready to help with whatever I needed to do that day and actually helped me understand how to structure essays! I never knew how to make my argument concise but also thorough and she helped me with that. I also learned how to really engage with the texts. I went from feeling completely overwhelmed to actually enjoying the subject and my final grade improved far beyond what I thought possible. I couldn’t recommend her more highly.”
IB English Literature
“Wanted to write straight away to let you know….. Cambridge offered me a place!!!!!!!! I can’t thank you enough for your help. I loved working with you so much that I’m kind of sad that the whole process is finished. Really excited to take my next step but I’ll always remember this time working with you with great fondness.”
Postgraduate, Philosophy
“Shiona tutored our son through the USA college application process. She drew the very best out of him. Focusing first on the big picture, helping our son to understand which colleges would suit him as an individual, then narrowing this vast choice down to a structured few, some of which are extremely difficult to get into. Once the short list was achieved, they started working on the many relevant statements/assignments for each college. The statements which she mentored him to create were exceptional. Every word counted and the story which was told, touching on the extreme health issues which made him miss 6 years of school, was powerful. Our son has been accepted into his dream college with around a 2% international acceptance rate. He was also accepted into his second choice… The rest we are yet to hear. Shiona was a true find. We were in safe hands.”
USA College Application