GCSE Grade 9 (A*) English tutor, definitely will improve your grade in just a few lessons, FREE trial lesson to help you decide.

Find out more about Makarious

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I have always loved English since GCSE. I feel that English is a beautiful subject, as some of the language has deeper connotations that make it interesting and exciting to read, and I would always be excited for English lessons growing up. I have also always loved teaching and spreading my knowledge to others, as I feel that I have a way of teaching and talking to students that makes them interested and willing to learn, and seeing my students grow and develop has always motivated me.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach English Language and English Literature at Primary (KS2), Secondary (KS3), and GCSE level, as well as general English. English is a subject I genuinely enjoy teaching because it combines creativity with clear structure, and when taught properly, it becomes much less intimidating for students. I especially enjoy teaching essay writing, analysis, and exam technique, as these are the areas where students can gain the most marks once they understand what examiners are actually looking for. I also like working on confidence-building, because many students are capable of top grades but don’t realise it yet. There aren’t any topics I truly dislike, but I find that students often struggle with certain areas because they’ve been taught in a very generic way. My job is to break those topics down and make them accessible, targeted, and effective.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Yes, studying at a highly academic public school exposed me to teachers who set very high standards but also pushed students to believe in themselves. The teachers that inspired me most were those who could explain difficult concepts clearly and expected excellence while still being supportive. That balance between high expectations and encouragement has strongly influenced the way I teach my own students today.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor needs to be patient, adaptable, and genuinely invested in their students’ success. Every student is different, so lessons must be personalised rather than one-size-fits-all. A tutor also needs strong subject knowledge and the ability to explain ideas in a way that actually makes sense to students. Most importantly, a good tutor builds confidence — because once a student believes they can succeed, their grades follow.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school

  When I was studying for my own GCSEs, I learned that English is not about being “naturally talented,” but about understanding structure and technique. Once I understood how to approach questions properly, my performance improved significantly. That experience is something I pass on to my students. Many start off thinking English is their weakest subject, but once they understand how to answer questions effectively, they realise they are capable of achieving top grades.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  One challenge I faced was learning how to turn strong personal understanding into clear explanations for others. Over time, through tutoring many students at different levels, I developed a structured teaching approach that targets weaknesses efficiently. I continue to refine my methods by tailoring lessons closely to each student’s curriculum and making sure progress is measurable and consistent.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My main passion is helping students improve rapidly and gain confidence. I enjoy seeing students move from feeling unsure or frustrated to feeling confident and in control of the subject. While I am studying medicine, teaching remains something I care deeply about because of the direct impact it has on students’ academic success and self-belief.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions 😄)?

  What makes me a Superprof is my results-focused, professional approach. I create personalised lesson plans, focus heavily on exam-style practice, and ensure students fully understand how to maximise marks. I also record every lesson and send it to my students, so they can revisit explanations at any time and never fall behind. Combined with my strong academic background and proven results, this allows me to consistently help students make significant grade improvements.