For many students in the UK, GCSE English is one of the most important subjects they will study.
It lays the foundation for critical thinking, communication skills, and academic success across multiple subjects. It’s where your child is likely to first read, such as “To be, or not to be” from Shakespeare’s Hamlet or “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me” from Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.
While some children take an immediate liking to English, others might find it challenging, as it requires a strong grasp of both language and literature.
In this scenario, GCSE English tutors can make a real difference, offering personalised support to help students achieve their potential.
What does an English tutor do?
The main purpose of a GCSE English tutor is to work with students to improve their knowledge and skills in English Language and English Literature. And ultimately, help them pass or improve their GCSE grades in these two vital subjects.
Perhaps your child didn’t perform as expected in their mocks or they might have also struggled with particular skills in this subject? Additional learning can help them fill in knowledge gaps they might have, helping them understand and interpret texts, from novels and plays to poetry.
But it’s not only about the knowledge itself. An English tutor can also guide students through exam techniques and help them develop skills that translate to all subjects.
A tutor should also provide personalised learning plans, tailored to each student’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, a student struggling with essay writing might receive targeted lessons on structure and argument development, while a student who finds reading comprehension difficult may focus on close reading strategies and vocabulary building.
How do they differ from in-school teachers?
While in-school teachers deliver lessons to large groups, a GCSE English tutor works with smaller groups. This allows tutors to tailor their teaching to the specific needs of each learner, rather than having to follow a general pace suited for the entire class – for some children, this can lead to them falling behind.
Additionally, tutors can often introduce creative and interactive learning methods, a flexibility that isn’t always allowed in the classroom.
At institutions like Excel in Key Subjects, additional support is largely guided by teachers who have extensive knowledge of exam boards in England and classroom experience. This ensures your child still receives the same high level of expertise, combining personalised attention with proven teaching skills. One salient component of our service at Excel is the feedback that our teachers give to students from the work the student completes.
Different methods of learning
As mentioned above, learning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and students benefit from a variety of approaches depending on their strengths, preferences, and goals.
Tutors have the benefit of being able to tailor support to your child. This might include methods like:
| Learning Method | Description | Examples / Techniques |
| Visual Learning | Relies on seeing information; learners remember material better when presented graphically. | Diagrams, charts, mind maps, videos |
| Auditory Learning | Retains information through listening; benefits from verbal explanations and discussions. | Lectures, discussions, podcasts, reading aloud |
| Kinesthetic Learning | Involves learning by doing; physical engagement helps internalise concepts. | Hands-on activities, experiments, role-playing, movement |
| Reading/Writing Learning | Learners understand best through reading and writing; writing and summarising helps retention. | Taking notes, rewriting information, summarising, lists, essays |
| Collaborative Learning | Learning in small groups encourages discussion, peer teaching, and gaining new perspectives. | Group discussions, peer explanations, collaborative problem-solving |
| Multisensory Learning | Combines multiple senses to enhance understanding and retention. | Reading instructions (visual), discussing aloud (auditory), performing experiments (kinesthetic) |
By incorporating a mix of these methods, tutors and teachers can cater to individual learning styles, keeping lessons engaging and helping students achieve their full potential.
Will they still know the curriculum?
Yes, qualified GCSE English tutors are familiar with the national curriculum and current exam specifications. They stay up to date with changes in syllabus content, assessment methods, and marking criteria. This ensures that the tutoring a student receives is relevant, practical, and aligned with school expectations. At Excel, our English tutors are fully qualified English teachers with many years of teaching experience at GCSE and a-level in schools in England.
Tutors can also complement classroom learning by addressing gaps in knowledge or reinforcing topics students find difficult. They provide extra practice materials, mark essays, and give constructive feedback, ensuring students are fully prepared for exams.
Where’s a good place to look for an English tutor?
There are several ways to find a reliable GCSE English tutor:
- Local tutoring agencies: These often vet tutors and match them with your child based on their needs.
- Online tutoring platforms: Many experienced tutors offer virtual sessions, this can provide flexibility and access to a wider pool of specialists for you and your child – especially if you have busy schedules!
- School recommendations: Your child’s teachers or school administrators may be able to suggest tutors who are familiar with the GCSE curriculum.
- Word of mouth: Speak to other parents, they’ll often recommend tutors who have successfully helped their children.
When choosing a tutor, consider qualifications, experience with GCSE exams, teaching style, and compatibility with your child’s learning needs. A short trial session can help determine if the tutor is the right fit.
Considering a GCSE English tutor?
A GCSE English tutor plays a vital role in supporting students, whether they find the subject challenging or just need an added boost before exams.
They can offer tailored lessons, exam preparation, and skill development for a world that still finds GCSE English a hugely important subject.
If you aren’t sure what your child needs, it may be worth having a conversation with them and their teacher. We’re also available for a chat if you need some advice on the best next steps.
