The keynote of Lesley’s teaching has always been her unfeigned, unalloyed and utterly infectious passion for literature in all its forms. Her students have been fortunate indeed to have encountered someone so evidently in love with her subject; I know this because they have told me so. Her openness, warmth and concern for her students have made her a much-loved teacher, as has her imaginative and creative approach. Whether she is recreating the Copernican model of the universe on the front lawn or welcoming a member of the Katherine Mansfield Society who could have stepped straight out of a Bloomsbury drawing room, there is never a dull moment in Lesley’s lessons.

Julian Bell, (former) Head of English, Godolphin and Latymer School

Lesley won my trust and that of my daughter instantly. Her calm and caring manner coupled with her astute understanding of the papers, syllabus and standards required took us successfully from 11+ and GCSE’s through to A levels.

The results were outstanding, and my daughter’s love for English flourished. So much so that she is currently studying English at Bristol University.

 Charlotte M

Lesley has taught both my children for GCSE and A Level English. She is a superbly skilled teacher and was able to guide both of them through their courses with endless enthusiasm, patience and kindness. She assesses the individual need of each child and tailors her teaching accordingly. My son’s grade went up from a 7 to a 9 in a matter of months and my daughter saw similar progress. I cannot recommend Lesley highly enough.

Charlotte Reiner

Lesley is a warm, passionate, caring and intelligent teacher who has provided an exciting and challenging programme of study including full sets of material and question papers which helped my daughter enormously in her GCSE exams. Lesley has become a mentor, and always goes above and beyond the call of duty in her support. Whoever we have recommended her to has also been delighted to have her as a tutor. We love her.

Sara Ghara

Dear Lesley

Thank you so much for all the help that you have given me. You have given me lots of confidence in myself. I’ve never felt so happy and strong about my literacy. You have been so kind and thoughtful. I can really see that you have put all your effort into helping me achieve great strides. I hope that we shall meet again. I hope after my exams we could have another lesson. Maybe we could?

Love Hugh (aged 10)

I taught alongside Lesley at the Godolphin and Latymer School and saw many, many students flourish under her unstinting care, support and guidance. Her expert subject knowledge inspired all who sat in her classes, while her championing of creative writing encouraged students to produce outstanding imaginative work, with some choosing to develop their own writing beyond their school careers. A calm and patient tutor, Lesley is able to bring out the very best in her tutees, helping them to become independent thinkers and confident writers.

Dr Jenny Stevens, Editor, Writer and Consultant in KS4 and KS5 English, co-author of Essential Shakespeare: The Arden Guide to Text and Interpretation and Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama: Text and Performance

In both her prose and poetry, Lesley’s sensitivity to the possibilities of words is evident. Widely recognised as an outstanding teacher who always encourages her students to think outside the box, in her own craft Lesley is also pushing boundaries, as we witness the emergence of an original voice.

Dr Gerri Kimber, author of Katherine Mansfield, The Early Years & editor of The Collected Fiction of Katherine Mansfield (Edinburgh) & The Complete Poems.

Lesley was inspirational. She helped my children Hugh and Ailsa to really engage with the beauty of both prose and poetry. Their writing skills were enhanced dramatically and they were very well prepared for the rigours of the entrance examinations that we wanted them to take. Hugh gained a scholarship at Emanuel School and Ailsa gained a place at Godolphin and Latymer. It is evident that Lesley prepared them both very thoroughly and did so with great care and attention to their intellectual and emotional needs. I can recommend her without hesitation.

Quintin Davies

Lesley guided me throughout my schooling career, from 11+ straight through to A levels and beyond. Her extensive knowledge of the curriculum was a huge help during exams and coursework, and I always found that she brought out an academic confidence in me, which had hitherto been absent. She taught me how to structure my ideas effectively, and introduced me to new forms of criticism that expanded my reading. Her love of subject, coupled with her clear instruction, has proved to be invaluable.

Sophia, Bristol

‘Going to see Lesley every week was so much fun, she made comprehension really easy and the time went so quickly. Her dogs Merlin and Rolo would sit with us when we were working and then we would have a snack. It was brilliant!!’’ 

Ryan and Sacha, aged 10

‘It was such a stressful time for the family, so much material to cover and just not enough time. Lesley just knew exactly what to cover and how to cover it. The improvement was noticeable after each session, and we are so thankful to Lesley for getting us through it with excellent results!!’

Shadi Dent

Dear Lesley

Thank you for all the fun, funny and enjoyable English lessons…you were kind and we didn’t just sit and do comprehensions all day. You’re the best English teacher I’ve ever had!

Teo, aged 9

I worked with Lesley for GCSE English Literature and Language. I was predicted two grade 7’s for both from my school, and my average grade internal assessment was a grade 6.  Her tuition involved learning how to properly structure my responses and correctly interpret questions, which led to the two grade 9s I achieved. Lesley’s help was instrumental in my achievement, as she improved the quality of my writing, showing me how to use a greater range of vocabulary, and demonstrate greater subject knowledge in both literature and language. I also worked with her to prepare for sixth form entry, gaining a number of offers and a scholarship, and again for my Cambridge entrance exams, preparing for the TSA and essay writing, and was offered a place. 

Anish, Cambridge

We are very grateful for all your help in preparing my son for his sixth form interview and for GCSE preparation in English Literature and Language. Without your help and guidance my son would not have achieved his 9’s in both subjects. Your interview preparation was second to none. My son feels that your interview preparation won him an academic scholarship and gained him offers to other excellent schools in London.

N & A Hussain