Qualified Teacher with Enhanced DBS

I have been teaching since 2011, so I have over 15 years experience. My teaching and tutoring spans a range of settings including: UK and international, state and private schools, college, university, alternative provision, key stage 3, GCSE, post-16, and English as a Foreign Language. My background in psychology (specifically memory and developmental psychology) informs my teaching style. I began teaching English in 2011 when West Herts College employed me to teach Psychology but asked if I would also teach English. I then completed by Post-Graduate Certificate in Education with a focus on these subjects. I’ve worked extensively with learners with Special Education needs throughout my years of teaching experience.  

Antonia Cartwright (GCSE) English Tutor has Google 5-Star status. 

I have an enhanced DBS which I am willing to provide on request (or employers are able to view it on the DBS Update Service site). 

I have a proven track record of helping learners achieve high results and have seen many learners enter their choice of university and pursue exciting careers. 

In the months preceding the 2026 GCSE exams I was fully booked, with most clients coming to me as a referral, or having found me through ChatGTP or Google. I do not maintain an active social media presence to promote my business - I’d rather spend my time preparing premium-quality tutoring sessions. 

Due to my extensive teaching experience nationally and internationally I primarily specialise as a tutor for iGCSE English Language and Literature, especially Pearson Edexcel (4EA1/4ET1). I am familiar with the needs of busy families with children attending private, independent and international schools, who are targeting grades 8 and 9 in preparation for applications to top universities. I often work with learners from year 8 or 9 onwards to ensure a strong foundation before they begin their iGCSE studies. I offer detailed support and feedback for iGCSE English coursework and am very familiar with the poetry anthology, and set texts such as Macbeth and An Inspector Calls. 

I also maintain my previous experience with AQA and regularly tutor learners preparing for these exams. I have also tutored learners for late-entry grammar school exams, as my teaching experience is with key stage 3, GCSE, and post-16.

I have taught English GCSE and English Functional Skills across exam boards. I have examiner experience and have previously marked English papers for Pearson Edexcel. I have also assessed speaking and listening presentations, internally verified coursework and invigilated exams (so I am very familiar with exam board rubrics and boundaries, JCQ rules and internal moderation practices). 

I have a growing bank of free, high-quality material available on my website. However, my priority is offering personalised tutoring sessions, which are planned for each learner. I also give feedback on homework and make all learner work available for parents. 

I have supported new teachers through their teacher training, and also trained English teachers internationally (in Ukraine). I have also lead the English curriculum in alternative provision, designing the scheme of work and a full year’s worth of lessons resources for other staff to use. 

My main hobby is calligraphy. While I have classroom experience of helping students with their handwriting, I now also have a deep understanding of techniques and strategies for improving handwriting. Styles I’m currently working on include: Copperplate, Spencerian, Modern, and Business Cursive. I’m left-handed and position my hand under my writing (to avoid smudging), but I am familiar with some of the struggles faced by left-handers. As a new challenge, and because it suits some calligraphy styles better, I am now teaching myself to write right-handed. So, I am able to offer support, from a place of experience, for children or adults, left-handed or right-handed, looking to improve their handwriting, learn cursive or try a new handwriting style. 

PGCE = Post-Graduate Certificate in Education - (University of Greenwich)

(PGCE - Psychology and English focus)

TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language -  (University of Toronto)

(TEFL units included: Online Teaching and Learning, Teaching Test Preparation Courses, Learner-Centered Lessons)

MA = Masters in Psychology (University of California)

(MA Psychology focus on learning, memory and developmental psychology)

MSc Criminology & Criminal Psychology (University of Portsmouth)

(Focus on developmental experiences)

BSc Psychology (hons) (University of Hertfordshire)

(BSc Psychology, focus on memory and linguistics)