I help international families navigate UK independent school admissions through specialist British English writing tuition, giving children aged 7–14 the skills and confidence to stand out in any academic environment.
Why Families Choose Home Star Tuition
I graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2003, earning a B.Ed (Hons) in Education and Music, along with a Certificate in Education. Home Star Tuition works with three groups of families who share a common need – expert, flexible British English tuition that fits around their lives.
Early in my career, I was entrusted with senior leadership roles, including Leader of Key Stage 2 and Leader of English, where my teaching consistently achieved an ‘outstanding’ rating under the OFSTED framework.
From 2005 to 2013, I taught at a large primary school in Cambridge, championing innovative approaches to curriculum delivery and student engagement. As a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team, I focused on creating an inclusive learning environment that celebrated diversity and provided every student with the tools to succeed, empowering them to reach their full potential.
In 2013, I relocated to New Zealand, continuing my successful career in independent and state Primary and Secondary schools. There, I remained dedicated to fostering an environment where every student was empowered to thrive, ensuring that innovation and inclusivity were central to my teaching practice.
Specialist Academic and Creative Writing Tuition for International Families
- The Difference Between Creative and Academic Writing – and Why Both Matter
- How to Structure a Persuasive Essay: a Guide for Children Aged 10-14
- Why Expat Children Often Struggle with English Writing – and What Actually Helps
- The 11+ Writing Paper at Independent Schools – What It Is and How to Prepare
- What Does “Flair for Writing” Actually Mean – and Can It Be Taught?
In 2019, I returned to the UK and founded Home Star Tuition in April 2024. I specialise in academic and creative British English writing tuition for children aged 7–14 for international families, helping them develop the skills to write clearly, argue persuasively and communicate with confidence. My lessons are tailored to each child’s level and goals – from building core writing skills to preparing for competitive entrance exams.
Entrance exam preparation
I help 7–14 year olds from international families develop clear, confident writing through specialist tuition, so that they’re ready to secure a place at their chosen UK independent school. This includes personalised, targeted tuition for UKiset, 11+. 13+, ISEB Common Entrance and independent school own writing papers. Recent successes include Tonbridge, Brighton and the Perse.
Online English Writing Tutor for Expat and International Children
For international families, I provide specialist academic and creative British English writing tuition that gives your child a genuine competitive edge. Whether they are attending an international school, preparing for UK entrance exams, or simply developing the writing skills that will carry them through their academic career, I offer expert, personalised lessons online – designed to suit your time zone. [Find out more about international writing tuition]
What I teach: Academic and Creative writing and the Skills That Support that
I teach a full range of primary and lower-secondary writing skills online, following the British curriculum and adapting each lesson to your child’s age, confidence and learning style. Lessons are delivered online and designed to build strong foundations in writing.
Writing
- Structuring clear, well-argued essays and responses
- Writing for a range of academic purposes: argument, analysis, explanation and persuasion
- Preparing for entrance exam writing tasks (11+, 13+, independent school entry, UKiset)
- Building vocabulary and using language with precision and effect
- Creative writing
- Editing and refining writing for clarity, cohesion and impact
- Developing an assured, confident academic writing voice
Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation
- Mastering key grammar concepts taught in the British curriculum
- Improving spelling through patterns, rules and strategies
- Using punctuation accurately and confidently
- Applying grammar knowledge directly in written tasks
Curriculum Support
- KS2 and KS3 academic writing
- International school writing requirements (British curriculum, American and IB)
- Tailored lessons for learners aged 7-14
