Emily Mcfadden

My lessons are tailored to each student’s individual needs, helping them build confidence, improve skills, and achieve their target grades in English Language and English Literature. I have over 20 years of teaching experience in two outstanding schools and currently work as a Head of English. Alongside this, I have been tutoring students privately for the past six years across Hertfordshire and North London, including St Albans, Harpenden, and Welwyn Garden City, working with students from both state and independent schools.

I have extensive knowledge of all GCSE English Language and Literature specifications and texts, including AQA papers and mark schemes. As an AQA examiner for the past seven years, I have an in-depth understanding of what examiners are looking for and how students can improve their grade. I have supported students across the ability range, for example, moving from a grade 3 to 4 and achieving the top grades 8 and 9. I regularly use real graded examples in lessons so students can clearly see what successful responses look like and how to improve their own work.

Lessons are engaging, structured, and supportive, focusing on both exam success and long-term confidence in reading and writing. I break down complex skills into manageable steps and provide clear strategies for tackling each question type. Students benefit from a wide range of high-quality resources, including vocabulary banks, model answers, writing frames, revision resources, annotated extracts, and personalised feedback.

For online lessons, I post all resources, extracts, and exam papers in advance so students are fully prepared and can make the most of each session. This allows lessons to run smoothly and gives students the opportunity to review materials before and after tutoring sessions.

I place a strong emphasis on developing analytical writing, critical thinking, and exam technique, while also helping students improve organisation, expression, and accuracy. Lessons can focus on specific texts, exam papers, coursework support, revision planning, or building core literacy skills depending on the student’s goals.

Many of my students have significantly improved both their confidence and grades through regular tuition, and I pride myself on creating a calm, positive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and challenging themselves.