Step 01
Book a Free English Consultation
We'll assess your child's current reading level and writing skills, review recent test scores and teacher feedback, and discuss exam board requirements and target grades.
From reading comprehension and literary analysis to essay writing and exam technique — our English specialists build the skills that transform grades across every subject.

90%
Improve English Grade
Students improve English grade
Average parent satisfaction rating
Additional progress (EEF)
English students helped
Based on student progress records and verified parent feedback.
Three steps to transforming your child's English — assessment, specialist matching, and measurable progress.
We'll assess your child's current reading level and writing skills, review recent test scores and teacher feedback, and discuss exam board requirements and target grades.
Your child will work with a tutor who specialises in their exact curriculum — GCSE English Language/Literature, A-Level English, IB Language & Literature, or IGCSE. No generalists, only subject experts.
Explicit strategy instruction builds reading comprehension, literary analysis, and essay writing skills. You'll receive progress updates after every session, tracking improvements in grades and confidence.
Global reading and writing scores are declining. One-on-one tutoring with evidence-based methods delivers measurable results.
NAEP 2022
Only 33% of US 8th graders read at the proficient level — meaning 67% cannot read grade-level texts with understanding.
Education Endowment Foundation
Reading comprehension strategies produce six additional months of progress, making them among the most effective literacy interventions.
GCSE 2023
28.8% of GCSE students failed to achieve grade 4 in English Language — meaning nearly one in three students did not meet the standard pass required for further education.
Review of Educational Research, 2019
One-on-one literacy interventions produce effect sizes of 0.40 to 0.63 — moving struggling readers from the 50th to the 65th-74th percentile.

90%
Improve 1+ grade
Many hold advanced degrees in English Literature, Linguistics, or Education and have classroom teaching experience. Every tutor is DBS-checked and has been through our rigorous vetting process.
AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Cambridge, IB—we teach your actual assessment objectives. If your child is studying Edexcel GCSE English Language, they'll work with a tutor who knows Edexcel GCSE English Language inside out.
Structured literacy approaches backed by decades of reading research. We use explicit strategy instruction for reading comprehension, literary analysis, and essay writing—methods research shows actually work.
Reading, writing, literature, language—we address all dimensions of English. Whether your child struggles with decoding, comprehension, literary analysis, or essay structure, we can help.
Online sessions fit around school, activities, and family commitments. No commute, flexible scheduling, and the option to add extra sessions when exams are approaching.
Regular assessments and detailed reports keep parents informed. You'll see measurable improvement in reading comprehension, writing quality, and exam performance—not just a feeling.
Former examiners, published authors, and English specialists with proven results.
“My son went from a predicted grade 3 in English Language to achieving a grade 6 on the actual GCSE. His tutor didn't just help him practice exam questions—she taught him how to structure arguments and use sophisticated vocabulary naturally. Life-changing.”
Emma R.
Parent — Year 11 Student, Manchester“I always thought I just wasn't 'good at English.' My ComboTutors showed me it's not about natural talent—it's about having the right strategies for breaking down texts and building essays. I went from Ds to As in A-Level Literature.”
Oliver T.
A-Level Literature Student“The Individual Oral was my biggest IB stress. My tutor helped me select a strong global issue, choose complementary texts, and structure my 10-minute presentation with confidence. I scored 28/30 and it pulled my final grade up to a 6.”
Sofia L.
IB Language & Literature HL Student, SingaporeEnglish is the gateway subject. Reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and essay writing underpin success in every subject — from History and Geography to Economics and Psychology.
The Education Endowment Foundation reports that reading comprehension strategies produce six additional months of progress — one of the most impactful interventions available.
At ComboTutors, every English student starts with a free consultation where we assess their current level and build a personalised plan.
33%
US 8th graders at proficient level
Only one-third of students can read grade-level texts with understanding.
+6months
Additional progress from strategies
Reading comprehension strategies produce six months of extra progress (EEF).
28.8%
GCSE students fail English Language
Nearly one in three students did not achieve grade 4 in 2023.
0.40-0.63SD
Tutoring effectiveness
One-on-one literacy interventions produce 0.40-0.63 standard deviation improvement.
English FAQ
English tutoring typically ranges from £25-£60 per hour in the UK, and $35-$80 per hour in the US, depending on tutor qualifications, student level, and whether tutoring covers Language, Literature, or both. A-Level and IB English tutoring is usually at the higher end due to the advanced analytical skills required. We provide personalised quotes based on your child's specific needs—contact us for a free consultation.
For GCSE students taking both (standard), prioritise English Language—it's typically considered harder to improve quickly and is more universally required. Most sixth forms require grade 5+ in Language specifically, whereas Literature requirements are often more flexible. However, students aiming for A-Level English Literature should ensure both are strong.
Absolutely. Online tutoring provides several advantages: screen-sharing allows collaborative close reading and annotation, real-time document editing enables immediate feedback on writing, and the one-on-one format eliminates the self-consciousness that inhibits participation in group settings. Research shows online literacy tutoring approaches in-person effectiveness when properly structured.
Reading fluency and comprehension strategies often show measurable improvement within 6-8 weeks of consistent tutoring. Writing improvement takes slightly longer—typically 8-12 weeks—as students must internalise new structures and practice extensively. For exam preparation, we recommend starting at least 6 months before final exams, though intensive 3-month interventions can still raise grades significantly.
Reading aversion often stems from past negative experiences, texts that don't match interests, or undiagnosed reading difficulties that make reading effortful and unrewarding. We work to rebuild positive reading identities through interest-based text selection, gradual exposure to challenging material with support, and explicit instruction that makes reading less mysterious and more manageable. As competence grows, enjoyment typically follows.
Yes—the essay writing, analytical thinking, and communication skills developed in English tutoring transfer to History, Geography, Economics, Psychology, and other essay-based subjects. Many students find their performance across humanities improves once core writing structures and analytical frameworks are mastered.

Book a free consultation today. We'll assess where your child is in reading, writing, and literature — then match them with the right specialist.