Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our English tuition programmes, lessons, payments and enrolment process.
Getting started
How do I know if my child would benefit from tuition?
Many of the students who join us are bright, capable young people who simply need more confidence, structure or individual support than they receive in a busy classroom. Some are working below their target grade and need help closing gaps in their knowledge, whilst others are already achieving highly and want expert guidance to help them reach Grades 8 and 9. If you’re unsure whether tuition is right for your child, book a free consultation call and we’ll discuss their current attainment, confidence and goals.
What makes Your English Tutor UK different?
Your English Tutor UK is led by Claire Fennelly, an experienced English teacher and GCSE examiner with over 15 years of classroom experience. Our groups are capped at just 7 students, allowing every child to receive personalised support, detailed feedback and expert guidance. The curriculum is carefully planned to build confidence, develop skills and help students make meaningful progress throughout the academic year. Most importantly, we believe every student deserves to be seen, heard and supported.
How do I get started?
The first step is to book a free consultation call. During the call, we’ll discuss your child’s strengths, challenges and goals, answer any questions you may have and recommend the programme that best suits their needs. If you’d like to proceed, we offer a free trial session where your child can see if it is a good fit. Following the trial session, we’ll guide you through the enrolment process and secure your child’s place.
Lessons & learning
How many students are in each group?
All groups are capped at a maximum of 7 students. This allows students to benefit from collaborative learning whilst still receiving personalised support, feedback and opportunities to contribute during lessons.
What happens during a typical lesson?
Lessons are highly interactive and designed to build both confidence and competence. Depending on the year group and topic, students may analyse texts, develop writing skills, explore exam strategies, complete practice questions or participate in discussions and speaking activities. Every lesson is carefully planned to ensure students make meaningful progress whilst remaining engaged and challenged.
Will my child receive homework?
Yes. Students are regularly set independent tasks designed to consolidate learning and help them apply the skills taught during lessons. We will always plan the written task in the group session. Homework expectations vary depending on the student’s age, year group and programme. Students upload a photo/scan of their written work to their dedicated Google Classroom for personalised feedback.
Will work be marked?
Yes. Students receive personalised feedback on their work to help them understand their strengths, identify areas for development and make continued progress. Feedback is designed to be clear, actionable and encouraging.
How do you track progress?
Progress is monitored throughout the year through classwork, homework, assessments and ongoing teacher observations. Parents receive regular updates and termly progress reports outlining strengths, areas for development and recommended next steps.
My child lacks confidence. Will they be expected to speak in lessons?
Many students join us lacking confidence, particularly if they have experienced setbacks or feel anxious about English. We create a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions. Students are encouraged to participate, but they are never forced to contribute before they feel ready. As confidence grows, participation usually follows naturally.
My child doesn't enjoy English. Can you still help?
Absolutely. Many students join us feeling disengaged, frustrated or convinced that English ‘just isn’t their subject’. Our lessons are designed to make English accessible, engaging and achievable. By breaking down complex skills into manageable steps and celebrating progress along the way, students often develop greater confidence and a more positive attitude towards the subject.
What if my child misses a lesson?
Lesson recordings and resources are made available so students can catch up on missed content. This helps ensure they remain on track and don’t fall behind if they are unable to attend a session.
GCSE Preparation & Results
Which exam boards do you cover?
English Language teaching is suitable for all major UK exam boards, including AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas and WJEC. For English Literature, we will discuss your child’s exam board and set texts during the consultation process to ensure they are placed in the most appropriate programme.
What experience do you have teaching GCSE English?
I have over 15 years of experience teaching English and have worked with students of all abilities, from those struggling to pass through to those aiming for the very highest grades. I am also a GCSE examiner, which means I have a detailed understanding of exam requirements, mark schemes and what examiners are looking for in student responses.
My child is already achieving Grade 7s. Would they still benefit?
Absolutely. Many high-attaining students join us because they want to refine their exam technique, deepen their analysis and maximise their marks. The difference between a Grade 7 and a Grade 8 or 9 often comes down to small but significant improvements in interpretation, precision and exam strategy. Our programmes help students develop these higher-level skills and reach their full potential.
My child is currently working below their target grade. Can you help?
Yes. Many students join us feeling overwhelmed, lacking confidence or struggling to keep up in class. Through small-group teaching, personalised feedback and structured support, we help students identify gaps in their knowledge, develop key skills and build the confidence needed to make meaningful progress.
What grades have your students achieved?
Every student is different, and we never make guarantees about outcomes. However, many students have achieved significant improvements in both confidence and attainment whilst working with us. On average, students make 2 grades of progress within 60 days of working with Your English Tutor UK. Check out our testimonials for more!
What is the difference between The Guided Route and The Full Journey?
Both programmes include weekly small-group tuition, personalised feedback, lesson recordings and GCSE Revision Masterclasses. The Full Journey also includes access to all online revision courses and three 1:1 coaching sessions that you can book at important times of the year which provides an additional layer of support. It is our most comprehensive programme and is ideal for families who want complete support from start to finish.
Payment & Enrolment
How does payment work?
Places can be secured through a one-off payment or one of our payment plans. Payment options vary by programme and are clearly outlined during the enrolment process. Once a place has been secured, students will have access to their programme for the academic year.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We understand that families have different budgeting preferences, so flexible payment options are available across our programmes. Full details can be discussed during your consultation call.
Is there a contract?
When enrolling, parents commit to the chosen programme for the academic year. This allows us to plan groups effectively, maintain small class sizes and provide continuity of support for every student. If you wish to cancel, we ask for 14 days’ notice.
What happens after I enrol?
Once your child’s place has been secured, you will receive a welcome email containing everything you need to get started, including lesson details, access information and important dates. We’ll also ensure your child is placed in the most appropriate group based on their year group, goals and availability.
What does the programme fee cover?
Our programmes are designed to provide comprehensive support throughout the academic year, rather than simply offering a weekly lesson. Your investment covers live teaching, lesson planning, personalised feedback, carefully designed resources, progress tracking and ongoing support throughout the year. Depending on the programme selected, students may also receive access to revision masterclasses, online revision courses, lesson recordings and one-to-one coaching sessions. Most GCSE students receive approximately 36 – 46 hours of live teaching across the academic year, alongside expert guidance from an experienced English teacher and GCSE examiner. Our goal is to provide the structure, support and accountability students need to make meaningful progress and achieve their full potential.
Are there any additional costs?
No. The programme fee covers everything included within your chosen programme. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges during the academic year.
Online & Face-to-Face Tuition
Do you offer online tuition?
Yes. Our online lessons are delivered live via Zoom and are highly interactive. Students can ask questions, contribute to discussions and receive personalised support throughout each lesson.
Do you offer face-to-face tuition?
Yes. Face-to-face lessons take place at Bishop’s Park Community Centre in Bishop’s Stortford. Places are limited and availability varies depending on the year group and programme.
Is online tuition as effective as face-to-face tuition?
In our experience, yes. Online tuition offers flexibility, convenience and access to lesson recordings, whilst still allowing students to engage directly with their teacher and peers. Many students thrive in the online environment and make excellent progress throughout the year.
What technology does my child need?
Students will need a reliable internet connection and access to a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. A microphone and camera are recommended so that students can fully participate in lessons and discussions.
Are lessons recorded?
Yes if anyone is absent, the lesson will be recorded. Lesson recordings are available to students who need to revisit content or catch up following an absence. This provides valuable flexibility and helps students remain on track throughout the year. Students faces are not shown in the recordings.
Additional Support
My child has ADHD, dyslexia or additional learning needs. Can you help?
Many of our students have a range of learning needs, including ADHD, dyslexia and other barriers to learning. As an experienced classroom teacher, I understand the importance of adapting teaching approaches, providing appropriate support and helping students develop confidence in their abilities. We are always happy to discuss your child’s individual needs before enrolment. You can check out some of our success stories on our Testimonials page.
Can parents contact you during the year?
Yes. We believe that a strong partnership between tutor, student and parent is key to success. Parents are welcome to get in touch if they have concerns, questions or would like to discuss their child’s progress. Parents have direct address to Claire’s Whatsapp and students have the ability to ask questions at any time on Google Classroom.
How will I know how my child is getting on?
Parents receive regular communication throughout the year, including termly progress reports. These reports highlight strengths, areas for development and recommended next steps to support continued progress.
Still have a question?
Choosing the right support for your child is an important decision. If you have a question that isn’t covered here, we’d be delighted to help. Simply book a free consultation call and we’ll be happy to discuss your child’s needs and recommend the most suitable programme.
Not Sure What Your Child Needs?
That’s where we start.
Begin with a free 15-minute consultation, and I’ll talk you through the most suitable support for your child.