Lia Gardner

I am a qualified English teacher with around 25 years of experience in teaching, literacy support, school librarianship and faculty leadership. I have worked with students from a wide range of backgrounds, both in the UK and overseas, and have also provided literacy and numeracy tuition through First Class Learning.

My approach is patient, encouraging and practical. I take time to understand each student’s strengths, interests and areas of difficulty, then plan lessons around their individual needs. Whether a student wants to build confidence, catch up with schoolwork or prepare for examinations, I aim to make learning manageable and rewarding.

Lessons have a clear focus, with explanations, examples and guided practice before students work more independently. I use discussion, reading activities and writing tasks to develop understanding, rather than simply asking students to complete worksheets. I check progress throughout each lesson and adapt the pace and level of support as needed.

For English, I can help with reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, essay writing and literary analysis. My previous experience as an AQA GCSE and A level English Language examiner helps me explain assessment expectations and show students how to improve their responses.

I also support research skills, evaluating sources and organising extended assignments, drawing on my experience supporting EPQ and IB Extended Essay students.

Above all, I want students to feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. My aim is to help them become more confident, independent learners who understand both what they are learning and how to improve.