English Language and Literature Tuition in Edinburgh

I am an experienced playwright offering English Language and Literature tuition in Edinburgh at National, Higher and Advanced Higher levels. I also tutor pupils taking GCSEs and A levels in both subjects. I have Masters qualifications in Scriptwriting from the University of East Anglia and Playwriting from the University of Edinburgh, which this gives me an insight into the writing process that I bring to my tuition.

You can read testimonials from previous students here.

I believe that studying English should be rewarding and enjoyable. As well as helping students to achieve the grades they need it can also lead to a lifelong interest in reading and/or writing. To do this, it's important that the tutor has a strong interest in the subject and helps students understand novels, plays, poetry and non-fiction writing, knowing what writers are saying, and not just the techniques or methods they use. This is at the heart of my approach to tuition.

I talk to students and parents, taking time to understand what they hope to achieve and what their current levels of ability are. I assess existing strengths and weaknesses and areas for improvement. By understanding how they feel about learning and studying English, how far it figures in their long term academic plans, and their levels of confidence in the subject, I then provide tailored tuition that engages them and helps delivers the result they need.

For more information on English Language or English Literature tuition in Edinburgh please contact me using the form below.

Testimonials

'Andy taught our son (15), taking him through the difficult theme of Macbeth! Despite our son`s reluctance to engage with the text, Andy`s knowledgable and calm approach has encouraged reflection, deeper thinking, analysis and extended writing. Andy is hardworking, well prepared and communicates well with the parents, too, providing detailed feedback on the progress and areas to focus on next.
I have no hesitation in recommending him as a tutor.'

'Andy was an excellent GCSE English tutor for my son. He built a great rapport and his love of his subject was infectious. I think it takes a special kind of teacher to connect and engage with teenagers, and Andy certainly did that. My son missed a great deal of school following a cancer diagnosis and I am pleased to report that with Andy`s help, he passed his GCSE English Language.'

'Andy has provided fantastic support and immediately managed to coach my son in improved quality of work and deeper understanding of the set text. I cannot recommend Andy highly enough'

'Andy has been teaching my daughter for the last 4 months for her GCSE English. He has excellent teaching skills. Andy is a passionate teacher. He is punctual and teaches for the full hour. He is very friendly and flexible. We have noticed a significant improvement in my daughter`s skills since she started her lessons with Andy and that was reflected in her exam. We are lucky to have found him'

'Andy is an excellent tutor. He tutored my daughter for 2 years on a one to one basis including on-line tutoring as we could not find anyone as good as him when he relocated. He is very methodical, focused, reliable and very well prepared. I would suggest having Andy as early as possible because both English and literature are very demanding and a lot harder now. I am pleased to say that my daughter achieved excellent grades(her best grades) in both subjects and many thanks to Andy`s hard work, patience, dedication and support. A key element was also tackling exam questions regularly which had a significant impact. Although my daughter attended a good state school I still think that private tutoring specially with someone like Andy will definitely guarantee excellent grades.

All testimonials can be verified on request

My experience as a writer

My plays include After We Danced, Casual Encounters, Are You Lonesome Tonight? A Bridge Game Too Far, Heart Shaped Box and Going For Gold. Are You Lonesome Tonight? Casual Encounters and After We Danced have all enjoyed highly successful runs at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Are You Lonesome Tonight? has also had two US productions in Memphis in 2015 and 2016. A Bridge Game Too Far won the 2011 Roy Purdue New Writing Trophy at The Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond.

My first book Around the States in 90 Days was published in 2009 and has been a fixture in the best selling travel books on Amazon since the Kindle edition was published in 2012.

My experience as a tutor

I have been tutoring English Language, Literature and Creative Writing in 2012 after completing my first MA at University of East Anglia. Initially based in England I taught students at all levels from 11+ to degree, helping them to improve their performance in the subject.

I subsequently moved to Edinburgh where I completed a further MSc in Playwriting at the University of Edinburgh and now provide tuition for National, Higher and Advanced Higher students.