FAQ

What teaching qualifications do you hold?
I have attended training courses as part of my role as a university lecturer and I have a wide variety of teaching experience:

  • I have been teaching at university level since 2013.
  • 2013-2018, I home-tutored two children in their home full-time and covered the entire primary school curriculum. I took them from their ABCs to Shakespeare.
  • Again from 2013, I provided private tutoring on an hourly basis. I took a short break from this in 2016 to complete my doctoral thesis.
  • 2018-present, working as an after-school governess for different families with children aged between 2-18. This role is a mix of childcare and tutoring.
  • 2019-2020 supply teacher for schools in the Berkshire area mainly covering humanities subjects in secondary schools.

In the UK, you do not need a specific qualification to teach privately. This is partly why parents are able to home-school their children and why independent schools are able to choose who they hire, regardless of qualifications, and many opt for experience. Since 2012, state-maintained schools have also been granted a greater freedom in who they hire. I hold a doctorate in History and A-levels (and a lifelong passion) for English Literature and Language.

For more on home education law, see:

For more on who schools can hire, see:

Can you teach children of different ages simultaneously?
Yes. However it will depend on the age of the children. Primary school children aren’t a problem as I can cover all subjects but I cannot cover the whole secondary school curriculum. I can cover the humanities however and help you source tutors for the other subjects and help the children with homework in these topics.

Do you have feedback from previous students? Or references?
Yes. Please see here for examples of feedback I have received. For references, please get in contact with me directly.

Would my children be safe with you?
Yes, but I would ensure that you (and the children) got to know me first of all as it is paramount that you are all comfortable with me. I am on the DBS update service and receive safeguarding training. I am also first aid trained.

I’m interested in X teaching approach – can you provide it?
I would need more information. I try and keep abreast of the different approaches to teaching (at all levels) and I’m familiar with most (e.g. unschooling, Montessori, Steiner) although I lean towards classical schooling as that’s how I myself was taught. However, if there’s a specific way you wish your children to be taught it would be best to discuss it and see if it’s something I am able to provide (both ethically, and competently).

Can I hire you for a research project?
Yes of course. Please use the contact pages to get in touch and we’ll discuss what’s involved.

Do you give private talks to organisations?

Yes, In the past I’ve spoken about my research to local history groups. Let me know what your interests are and I might be able to help.