Alvin - English literature tutor - London

1^st lesson free

Alvin

5 (2 reviews)

Price $113
Answer 1h

5 (2 reviews)

$113/h

1^st lesson free

English Literature
Year 12 Exam Preparation

Oxford Graduate | 11+ and GCSE |Track record at top performing independent schools

English Literature
Year 12 Exam Preparation

Lesson location

- online

About Alvin

From the first lesson, I try to always establish what the goals of our sessions are (exam, coursework, etc). I try to lay out as clearly as possible what the process of achieving that goal looks like.

I try to build an atmosphere of communal activity, treating all children as equals. I generally use "we" when speaking, because I see the tutor and the child as a team, with a common, shared goal.

The philosophy of my lessons is skills-based and practice-led. I believe that all academic skills — whether it be arithmetic, essay-writing, or creative writing - can be learnt through deliberate practice, much like learning to play an instrument or a sport.

Rather than speaking at a student passively, I want them to be doing. The core of this teaching style is therefore discrete exercises - simple, chunked, fun puzzles that help the practical application of the subject. (More examples of this can be found in the approach section.)

I also encourage web-based learning, for example using gamification to memorise large chunks of information and developing quizzes to aid vocabulary learning.

Ultimately, the end goal will be a student who can think, write, and solve academic problems independently, rather than one who has simply memorised the right essay or formula.

Sometimes this approach has unexpected results. One of my students inadvertently used my creative writing techniques to write a novel, which went on to receive a publishing offer!

Exams, of course, are a different beast. Closer to an exam, I will start using past papers and work on timed practice, to slowly bring skills learnt over the year into practice. I'll work on localised areas of weakness — timing, nerves, essay structure - and iron these out one by one.

Despite this rigour of preparation, I have a very relaxed, calming attitude during class. There is a large body of scientific research indicating that improving at any skill requires two things: (a) focused, discrete improvement on targeted weaknesses and (b) honest, clear feedback from an external source. My tutoring is informed by these two principles — and through hard work I genuinely believe I can teach children the skills to succeed not just in their exams but in later life.

School Entry Success (7+/11+)

City of London Boys School
Royal Grammar School
City of London School for Girls
South Hampstead School
Forest School
University College School
Highgate
Haberdashers Aske's Boys School
Dame Alice Owen's
Chigwell School
St. Margaret's School
Bancroft's School
St. Mary Magdalene Academy
Mill Hill School
Central Foundation School
Subjects Taught

Up to A-Level: English Literature, Language and Film
Up to GCSE: Maths and Spanish
11+: Maths, English, VR and NVR
7+: English and Maths
Testimonials

I am happy to provide references upon request. Over the last decade of tutoring I have had many happy past clients and students who would be more than happy to provide a reference, if necessary.

"I wanted to pass on a compliment — when Sarah submitted an essay in English Lit (as she too is doing A-Level English Lit) her teacher said whoever taught her was a genius!! True."

Mother of GCSE student, 2024 — taught daughter GCSE English
"I'm grateful for your help, each and every aspect. You've influenced me in more ways than I can list, from my thinking to my values for learning and so on. I'm proud and fortunate to have encountered great teachers in the field of literature — you, my GCSE teacher, and whoever awaits me after my A-Levels."

A-Level student, 2025 — homeschooled A-Level English
"Absolutely fantastic tutor. Always on time and has worked well with both my children. My older one has been offered places at Bancroft and City of London Junior School for Girls."

Father of student, 2025 — 7+ Maths — both daughters got into City of London Girls School, South Hampstead, Chigwell, Bancroft's
"Alvin has tutored my twin daughters to help get them through their English Literature and Language GCSE. They were feeling unconfident and not getting the grades they wanted, and after just a couple of weeks of lessons with Alvin they were feeling so much better about English and have gone on to get good grades, feel confident and really enjoy the subject. Thank you Alvin!"

Mother of two English GCSE students, 2024
"Alvin is an excellent tutor with a very calm presence. His patient, methodical approach eases away the stress and worries, while identifying areas of focus to solidify foundations and build confidence. I would not hesitate to recommend him."

Mother of Maths GCSE student, 2023
"We have just met Alvin but he has been super so far and came well recommended from a neighbour too. Smart, professional and patient — he is a great tutor. He quickly assessed my daughter and could accurately ascertain her ability and what needs focus. Lucky to have found him and have utmost trust in his ability."

Mother of GCSE student, 2020–present
"Wow. Alvin is a very impressive tutor. We took him on with three weeks to go before Sandy's GCSE Maths exam. We had very little hope as we had tried other tutors before. In 3 weeks, Alvin moved our son up 4 grades, from a 2 to a 6."

Mother of student, GCSE Maths, 2025
"Alvin tutored my son in GCSE English and progressed him from a predicted grade of 3 to achieving a 6. He was especially mindful of my son's dyslexia and thoughtful in his preparations. Can't recommend him highly enough."

Mother of GCSE English student
"My son has been working with Alvin to study his English Literature A-Level for over a year. His confidence has grown so much and his grades have improved to A–B, up from C–D. Thank you so much for all your help!"

Mother of A-Level English student
"Alvin has been an invaluable asset helping my son prepare for the 11+. He has been patient, supportive, and committed. My son has demonstrated real progress in his writing and confidence."

Mother of 11+ student — gained a place at St. Mary Magdalene School

About the lesson

I’m an Oxford English graduate and I’ve been working as a private tutor since 2018 with over 5000 hours of tutoring experience. I teach English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal reasoning.

I’ve taught students of all different ages, including children of high-net-worth individuals and celebrities. I have plenty of experience working with students with dyslexia, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and autism. Many of my students have won places at top grammar schools and independent private schools such as City of London and South Hampstead.

I spent 2 years tutoring for the Escape Charity, where I taught English GCSE group classes at Gladesmore School. I have also worked as a mock examiner for Oxbridge Applications, where I conducted over 100 mock interviews. I am a top tutor at a number of London’s major agencies, including Athena tuition, Bright Young Things, Bonas Macfarlane and Enjoy Education.

Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher

K

Kate

"Alvin has tutored my twin daughters to help get them through their English Literature and Language GCSE. They were feeling unconfident and not getting the grades they wanted, and after just a couple of weeks of lessons with Alvin they were feeling so much better about English and have gone on to get good grades, feel confident and really enjoy the subject. Thank you Alvin!"

Read more

K
Kate
"Alvin has tutored my twin daughters to help get them through their English Literature and Language GCSE. They were feeling unconfident and not getting the grades they wanted, and after just a couple of weeks of lessons with Alvin they were feeling so much better about English and have gone on to get good grades, feel confident and really enjoy the subject. Thank you Alvin!"
S

Sid

"Absolutely fantastic tutor. Always on time and has worked well with both my children. My older one has been offered places at Bancroft and City of London Junior School for Girls."

Read more

S
Sid
"Absolutely fantastic tutor. Always on time and has worked well with both my children. My older one has been offered places at Bancroft and City of London Junior School for Girls."
View more recommendations

Rates

Price

$113

Pack prices

5h: $565
10h: $1130

free lessons

The first lesson with Alvin will allow you to get to know each other and discuss your needs for future lessons.

online

$113/h

Oxford Graduate | 11+ and GCSE |Track record at top performing independent schools

Lesson location

Recommended

About Alvin

About the lesson

Recommendations

Rates

Price

Pack prices

free lessons

online

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Lesson location

Recommended

About Alvin

About the lesson

Recommendations

Rates

Price

Pack prices

free lessons

online

Similar English Literature tutors in London

Jaye

Mary

Evie

Heath

Victoria

Neha

Angela

Neesha

Cheryl

Arpan

Sangweon

Minh

Dahi

Vishwas

Jasmin

Sue

Elizabeth

Crystal

Bella

Abhileen

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