Rachel

AVAILABILITY 2025-26: 2 spaces available during term-time. More flexibility in holidays.
I can offer 30, 45 or 60 min lessons to suit different budgets.

Bonjour! Hallo! I'm a fully qualified secondary school teacher/head of department with 18 years' experience teaching Modern Languages in the independent sector (PGCE/QTS, MA (Oxon)). I speak French at near-native level, fluent German & Italian, and very rusty Spanish!

I have been tutoring privately for over 9 years, in addition to teaching part-time in school.

Before becoming a teacher, I worked in international business in Paris for 9 yrs and taught English in German-speaking Switzerland for a year.

I was educated at Oxford University (French & German) and also did my teacher-training there. As an adult, I have taught myself Italian and Spanish and achieved the top grade at A Level in both languages. Both experiences really reminded me what it's like to learn a new language and have to sit those nerve-wracking speaking tests!

Tutoring Experience

Current teaching roles:
- d'Overbroeck's Oxford: Teacher of German & Creative Writing, former Head of MFL (The International Section), former Teacher of French & Italian.
- Private tutor to long-standing students from both independent and state sectors

Previous schools taught at:
Cranleigh School, Surrey (Head of Dept); Headington School, Oxford; Wychwood School, Oxford (Visiting German Tutor); Abingdon School; The Downs School (Visiting A Level French tutor); Oxford Sixth Form College (Easter Revision Course - French A Level).

I am used to teaching all ability levels from Year 7 to Year 13 and including Oxbridge preparation. I consistently achieve strong results and am well-liked by my students. I conduct IGCSE/A Level speaking exams in school and have prepared students for most exam boards at GCSE/IGCSE and A Level, as well as 13+ scholarships and Oxbridge.

I can also offer mock Oxbridge interviews (please enquire about separate price).

Tutoring Approach

In my experience, what students need the most is a big boost to their confidence levels. I am patient, encouraging, friendly and understanding, I never judge, and I adapt to individual student needs.
In practical terms, this usually means an initial (informal) assessment with me, followed by a focus on the skill(s) that will help them to boost their confidence and overall grade - this could include any of: speaking, writing, grammar, vocabulary, listening/reading comprehension, exam paper practice. I focus in particular on exam technique so that students understand how to access the higher marks in whichever exam they are preparing for.
In terms of resources, I try to make lessons as visual and fun as possible by using online learning tools, quizzes and games.

Please note that for safeguarding reasons, an adult will need to be present during lessons (or in a nearby room) - this includes online lessons. I also record online lessons for safeguarding reasons, so everyone feels comfortable.