Ex Head of Department. Examiner experience
As the former Head of English at a prestigious London secondary school (currently ranked in the top 10 nationally for progress), Zoe brings more than a decade of experience to her tutoring. She strikes a careful balance between nurturing students’ ability to express themselves with confidence through written and spoken language and ensuring they meet the precise requirements of each assessment objective.
Besides holding a BA in English Language and Literature and a PGCE in Secondary English, Zoe has experienced the subject from every angle: leading classrooms, training teachers, marking and examining for a major exam board, and working one-to-one with students.
Now working full-time as a professional tutor, Zoe brings reassuring clarity to a subject often considered subjective, along with a contagious passion that inspires students to see language not just as an exam subject, but as a tool for self-expression, creativity, and future opportunities.
Zoe began her career in education more than 10 years ago, and since then she has taught students from KS2 through to A level across all major exam boards. She quickly embraced the challenge of leadership, leading an English department where she oversaw curriculum delivery, conducted performance reviews, and facilitated professional development courses.
A results-driven professional, it comes as no surprise that during her tenure as Head of Department the school achieved its best English GCSE and A level results to that point (2022): GCSE grades 9–4 rose from 83% in 2019 to 91%; grades 9–5 from 67% to 80%; and at A level a 100% pass rate (A*–C) was secured, with 85% at A*–B and 35% at A*–A.
Her experience examining for AQA has given Zoe valuable insight into how marks are awarded, along with a sharp eye for identifying the differences between levels and what is required to move students up to the highest bands.
Zoe’s lessons focus on fostering analytical thinking and developing students’ ability to communicate ideas clearly and compellingly, a skill that not only elevates their performance in other essay-based subjects but also equips them with tools for life, with an impact that reaches far beyond the exam room.
"As a parent, I can’t thank Zoe enough for the incredible support and dedication she’s shown my child. At the start of the course, he was working at a grade 5 in English Literature and struggling to find confidence in the subject. Under Zoe's guidance, he not only improved academically but also developed a genuine appreciation for literature."
"What truly stands out is Zoe's kindness, patience, and the way she consistently encouraged and motivated my son. She always took the time to explain things clearly, offer thoughtful feedback, and make sure he felt supported every step of the way. Her belief in his potential made a real difference. We’re so grateful for the impact she’s had—not just on grades, but on confidence and attitude."
"English had always felt like a tricky subject for me, but Zoe completely changed that. Her lessons were always interesting, well-planned, and actually made the subject make sense. For the first time, I felt like I truly understood how to approach texts and, more importantly, how to structure and write strong essays. Before, essay writing felt overwhelming, but Zoe broke it all down in a way that finally clicked."
"Zoe always goes the extra mile—whether it is answering questions, giving thoughtful comments on my work, or encouraging me when things feel tough. It was always clear that she genuinely cared about helping me do my best. Thanks to her support, I’ve improved massively, and I’m really proud of how far my writing and understanding have come."