Maths and English with Cathy

30/03/2026

I was very happy to be at Crispin Academy's Celebration Assembly today, as I got to see two of my fabulous year 11 students get awards- one for English and one a Headteacher's Award. I'm always proud of how hard my students work, especially as GCSE time approaches, so it was particularly pleasing to see them both rewarded ❤️

07/02/2026

I'm hopping on the AI trend to reintroduce myself.
I've been a home tutor for 10 years (the anniversary is actually in April), but have been teaching for 25 years. I love working with students one to one to help them unlock their full potential.
I have a degree in English Language and Literature, but completed my PGCE teaching maths. This means I can support students in both subjects.
I initially specialised in teaching in post-16 education and still work in the sector. I am Curriculum Coordinator and Functional Skills tutor at Train4All Construction & Engineering Academy, a fantastic training provider based in Somerton.
Tutoring is a part-time job for me, which means I am only able to take on a limited number of students. I am already fully booked for the next two years and extremely grateful to be so busy.

20/12/2025

It's the first day of the Christmas holidays for me and all my students- I think we can all agree we've all earned our two week break!

It's been a very busy term but I'm always grateful to have such an amazing job working with so many fantastic young people. Despite taking on more students than ever, I have had to turn away so many because I simply cannot take on any more. I always do this with a heavy heart, so this is your annual reminder to begin looking for a tutor before year 11 starts if you think it's something you wish to consider.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years 🎄🎅 (and don't forget to do some Christmas Carol revision by watching my favourite film version...)

12/09/2025

I'm proud to be sponsoring my son as he plays for Ashcott FC Colts team this year. I'm looking forward to watching him play tomorrow- come along, the bar is open (and the cakes are always amazing).

⚽ Matchday Alert!
The first of several local derbies kicks off tomorrow at Kings Lane as we welcome AFC Strode!

🕑 Kick-off: 2:00 PM
🍻 Bar open – come early and enjoy the build-up!

Come down, show your support, and be the difference on derby day! 🔴 ⚫ ⚽ 🔥

02/09/2025

Good luck to everyone going back to school (or starting college) this week.

As a reminder, tutoring starts next week and I'm looking forward to hearing all about your summer holidays 🌞

21/08/2025

A little message for everyone getting their GCSE results today ❤️
Despite facing some huge challenges over the last 6 years, you have all worked so hard and today is just the beginning of a fabulous new adventure. Results will not define you but your amazing attitudes and resilience will.
I can't wait to find out how all my students have done. I'm so proud of you all ❤️

12/05/2025

Good luck to everyone taking GCSE English Literature paper 1 today. You have all worked hard to get to this point, so just take a deep breath and let that carry you through. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint; if today isn't quite it for you, there is another paper where you can shine.

My predictions (but I'm always wrong so hopefully my students have revised more widely than these!):
Macbeth- Guilt or Supernatural
A Christmas Carol- Poverty or family (could be worded as Christmas Spirit, which covers everything anyway).

I'm looking forward to seeing how close I am this year!

13/02/2025

Everyone knows that reading is good for you- it can help reduce stress and improve brain function, whatever age you are. For young people, reading is even more important. It helps them to expand their vocabulary, boosts self-esteem, improves concentration and exposes them to different experiences and perspectives.

If you are looking for a good read, then I highly recommend 'James' by Percival Everett, which tells the tale of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the slave who accompanied him on his journey. It's a very moving and thought-provoking book. It's also very cleverly written and would be a great book for a higher level GCSE or A Level student to read.

What books would you recommend for me?

01/01/2025

Happy New Year everyone! Did you know that this year is a 'square' year? 2025 is the square of 45. It's a once in a lifetime event for most people; the last square year was 1936 and the next one is 2116.
Let's hope it's a good omen for anyone taking their maths GCSE this year.
I look forward to welcoming students back from 7th January 🎉

24/12/2024

Christmas Eve is here at last! It's been another amazing year for me- I'm so lucky to have a job I love, teaching a fabulous bunch of students. For year 11s, the hard work really begins in January, but, for now, it's time to relax and have some fun.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Peaceful New Year. See you in 2025!

19/09/2024

I am now completely booked up for this academic year (until June 2025) and I cannot add any more people to my waiting list for any spaces which might come up before then.

I may have some available time in June next year, after GCSEs, but these spaces are already very limited. Please message if you are interested.

I wish I could help every parent who is worried about their child's progress, but sadly there are not enough hours in the day xx