I first encountered Isobel when I attended her 11+ preparation course for parents. I was so impressed that I booked my son onto her summer holiday tutoring course and I cannot recommend her, and the courses, highly enough. My 10 year old son is the most reluctant student you will find and when I finally told him (the night before) that I had signed him up for a week of intensive English training he thought his world had ended! Over the week he went from reluctant student to one who couldn’t wait to go and, each day when I collected him, he was eager to show me what he had done during that day’s session and was proud of his work. Him enjoying the course was a huge relief but more importantly we have noticed a big improvement from him in terms of how he approaches his work, the effort he puts in and, thankfully, there has been an improvement in the marks he is getting. When I mentioned to him that he would be doing some more sessions with Isobel over the October half term there was none of the usual reluctance we get when we mention the dreaded study word and he’s excited to go back, this time taking some friends with him who signed up following my, and his, recommendation.

From the outset Isobel hit the mark. Utterly unflappable, systematic, well paced and yet flexible and warm. Isobel has a deft hand with both the reluctant student and the anxious parent. She knows how and when to make class fun. And she isn’t afraid to highlight disappointing work when her pupils fail to try their best. She was always transparent and a strong communicator.

As a working parent I found Isobel a godsend. She went above and beyond to work around our commitments and enable tutoring when I wasn’t available. I always felt we were getting value for money, with someone who’s priority was equipping our son for success, rather than earning a salary. Isobel’s style is relaxed, nurturing and effective. She quickly deciphers her pupils and taps into what makes them tick, whilst building skills and confidence, particularly where a child is weakest.

Over the course of the early weeks Isobel recommended several schools that she thought would appeal to our son and our values. She hit the nail on the head with one of her recommendations becoming our first choice. With Isobel’s support and dedication our son achieved his goal and had the luxury of turning down a number of other offers. We will definitely bring repeat business with our second child when his turn comes.

Isobel started looking after our two girls eight years ago and has remained a big part of their lives. Isobel has a wealth of experience working with children coupled with a natural ability to engage and relate to them and gain their confidence and friendship.

She has been a great support to both my girls from nursery right through to senior school encouraging them and helping them along the way.