About Philip

Philip says :

​"I always had a passion for English and loved my studies at school and at Oxford University. While pursuing a career entirely separate from English, I still found time to write three novels. It was when my two sons were approaching their 11 Plus exams that I found I was able to help them enjoy their studies and go on to pass even though my younger boy was classified as dyslexic. Word spread amongst our friends that English help was at hand and soon I found a steady stream of students coming through the door!  As things progressed I added to my core skills with mentoring sessions from top education professionals.
"Ten years later I am still getting a thrill from helping young people improve their life chances through better English. It is not unusual for me to see between fifteen and twenty students a week.
"I believe strongly that one-to-one sessions are invaluable in helping a student really get to grips with developing the good writing style which is at the core of succeeding in English. I also help with the vital work of understanding a wide range of texts. At the same time I see my role as very much one of supporting what the student is being taught at school or college and I stay current with differing school entry requirements."

How it works:

"The key component of my method is teamwork between myself, the parents, the child and the school. Much of my time outside lessons is spent planning a strategy to suit each child's individual requirement, which I discuss with the parents. I listen to their ambitions for their child and any concerns they may have. My teaching method is based on supporting self-esteem (which can often be fragile when students first arrive) and then providing "tool kits" which can help the student unlock set texts, essays, comprehension, poetry and creative writing.   
Here is some feedback I have received from parents :

"Phil was a brilliant English tutor who taught this subject with enthusiasm and understanding especially as my son was dyslexic and needed extra help from spellings to comprehension. I always thought Phil went the extra mile and encouraged my son to really do his best, he even popped over one Sunday afternoon to help him just do a bit more before he had his exam on the Monday. I have no hesitation recommending Phil and I have already done so to other parents. I am glad to say my son passed his GCSE and some of this  was definitely down to Phil's hard work." Karen 

"Thanks for all your help with my daughter's GCSE, it made all the difference". Tracy 

"Dear Phil. I'm just emailing to let you know that I passed the Reigate Grammar School entrance exam. Thank you for your help." William  

"Hi Phil, hope all is well, just to let you know my son got confirmation of getting into Epsom College. Thank you for all your hard work it really has paid off. You're a fantastic teacher. Kind regards." Tony  

"Hi Phil, I am very pleased to tell you that my son achieved a level 6 in English and has since gone on to study engineering at college, with an opportunity to go on and study at uni. So we would like to thank you for all your help." Mick 

"It helps him so much. I wish you came every day." Stefania 

"Just had a glowing report from Dunottar about my daughter's English project. Thank you so much." 

"Thank you for all your work with both children. It has been a huge help to them and to me." Veronika

"Thank you again for your efforts with our daughter. We see a big difference and we really appreciate your kind and effective approach!" 




Here are some websites which Philip would recommend for help with English.

The English Biz is great for essay writing tips. http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/

​BBC Bitesize covers all aspects of English
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

Spark Notes do excellent study guides, and students particularly like their side-by-side Shakespeare translations.
www.sparknotes.com/

Here is an interesting insight from Stephen Fry on reading.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-zISnJ-oao