A poem by one of my tutees:

Thank you for what you taught me. You were the highlight of the week.
You pushed us all but made it fun. To help us reach our peak.
You took what some would dread, and turned it into fun.
The folders, sweets and biscuits, cheered us up when we felt glum.
Synonyms and antonyms, fractions and the sums.
We’ve done so many topics, and on the table we left crumbs.
I can’t believe it’s over. Our time has come to an end.
But I will always remember you, as not a teacher, but a friend.

Penelope

September 2022

Karen has been an amazing tutor for our daughter and we would highly recommend her. She has helped build her confidence and no matter the outcome, everything she has learnt has been beneficial. The organisation of each class and homework set has been outstanding and with encouraging emails every week with answers really did help support us at home.
Our daughter loved going to Karen as she was so kind and caring and helped in every way she could.

Katie Legg

September 2022

Our daughter really enjoyed tutoring sessions with Karen, it was a lovely small group of five.  All of the books, folders, work packs and answers were very well organised and easy to master for busy parents like us.  Our daughter hugely developed her skills and knowledge but most importantly, Karen helped to support and grow her confidence in a supportive and nurturing way over the year.  We thought Karen's tutoring worked so well we are booking up our younger daughter with Karen too.

David Carpenter

September 2022

I just want to take a moment and thank you for all your support and amazing teaching you have given to my son. 
He has grown in confidence and ability so much and I could not think of a better tutor to take him through this moment of his education. 
The constant communication and emails with answers and support have been more than professional, and I will always highly recommend you to anyone that asks.

Becky Smith

September 2022

Karen has been amazing working with my son Charlie throughout the year. He has come on leaps and bounds, particularly in his Maths - taking him into greater depth. She’s given him confidence in himself that he can achieve so much if he puts his mind to it. Karen made lessons fun and he’s always been keen to go every week.

Suzy Wootorton-Green

September 2022

Whatever the outcome of the 11+ my daughter has gained so much from the lessons. She has really enjoyed being tutored by Karen; she has found Karen very kind and encouraging and would look forward to the lessons. From a parent’s perspective, I have been very impressed at how much my daughter has learnt and her increased confidence. Karen is extremely organised, she is supportive and always happy to help if you have any questions. 

Nicky Hilton

September 2022

We cannot recommend Karen highly enough.  She tutored our daughter who was successful in the 11+ and went on to attend the Grammar School of her choice.  She has spent the last year tutoring our son who has always been keen to attend his tutoring sessions with Karen - the biscuits and sweets might have had something to do with that :-)  We have everything crossed he will get the result he wants in his exam in a couple of weeks.
The fact that Karen offered online learning was fabulous as it meant his 11+ tutoring could continue throughout the lockdowns and Karen was always keen to have the children back learning face to face as soon as she could.  Communication has always been excellent and Karen is full of tips and advice which she is happy to share.  Anyone looking for a tutor to guide their child (and themselves) through this process should look no further.

Susan Platt

September 2021

We have used Karen for tutoring for the past year to help our son prepare for the 11+ exam. Initially we weren't going to use a tutor but due to Covid and the disruptions to his schooling we decided this was the best course of action for him. I've written this review before learning his exam result because from our point of view we already have the best result from tutoring we could have wished for. Our son has enjoyed his weekly sessions and (on the whole!) gone with eagerness and returned having had a great time. He's going into his exam this weekend as relaxed as we could have hoped for in the circumstances and confident that he knows what to expect. As a parent it's been so easy working with Karen - she sends out regular, clear information, is available to talk to at anytime and has generally made this process as easy as it could be. I'd highly recommend Karen and we'll certainly be using her again in the future.

Jude Pinder

September 2021

Karen is an excellent communicator and very approachable, her tutoring sessions are both enjoyable and well organised. They are structured in a way to deliver the best learning outcomes, in a friendly, welcoming environment, and equipping the children with every chance of success in their 11+ exam. From the point of my initial enquiry, the whole tutoring experience has been very positive. My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed her weekly lessons over the last year, she has found Karen to be extremely supportive and always willing to go the extra mile to provide assistance with difficult areas of the syllabus. Karen’s a natural teacher and I would highly recommend her as a tutor.

Nick Evans

September 2021

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Karen for 11+ tutoring. My son has really enjoyed his sessions and they prepared him well for the exam.
My son never once moaned about going along to tutoring or tried to get out of it and I think that speaks volumes about how much he liked Karen!

Jayne Bennett

September 2021

Karen is inspirational. She is genuinely warm, friendly, approachable and exceptionally well organised.  Orla looked forward to tutoring each week and said it was fun!  Karen goes above and beyond portraying a kind, calming approach when teaching and she sets homework without pressure that is achievable.  During the unprecedented challenges that the Coronavirus pandemic brought, Karen transitioned her classroom sessions seamlessly to online.  It honestly became one of the most positive aspects of lockdown for Orla.  We will always remember Karen who is a truly exceptional teacher that really made a difference to Orla's confidence and learning.

Claire Dowling

September 2020

Karen's tutoring sessions have given our son a drive to further his learning and engage him in the topics that the 11+ exam require. Karen's calm and supporting manner help to get the best out of her students. Despite being a Friday evening Owen looked forward to his tutoring session and worked hard to complete the weekly tasks set. When the pandemic struck in March we were worried about how it may affect Owen's progress. Karen went above and beyond to ensure that the learning continued and changed to online tutoring (something that she had to be patient with as I was not too familiar with Google Hangouts/Meet) Owen adjusted well to the new way of tutoring and it was refreshing to have the rigour and engagement from my son, particularly as homeschooling seemed less engaging. I was thankful for the focus, support and encouragement Karen offered during the unprecedented times. I would recommend Karen to anyone thinking of having a tutor for their son/daughter.

Sarah McInally

September 2020

Karen has tutored both of my children for the 11+ over the last few years and it has been an extremely positive experience for both of them. Both have enjoyed the sessions and really looked forward to the work each week, enjoying how much they learn and in such a supportive, positive environment. Karen is highly organised and very approachable and responsive to any queries as a parent. I would highly recommend Karen if you are looking for a tutor.

Debbie Burman

September 2020

Taylor has thoroughly enjoyed tutoring with Karen and he has always been happy to attend the sessions. Karen has been very supportive, friendly and helpful and I couldn’t recommend her highly enough. I’m looking forward to Karen tutoring my daughter Evelyn next September 

Michelle Symons

September 2020

Karen has been the best teacher I could have asked for in helping my son with his 11+.  He's come on leaps and bounds in his learning at school and also with his 11+ work.  I would highly recommend Karen as she and her family are lovely people and Karen is very professional and is great with all the children she teaches.  I was doubtful at the start about putting my son in for the 11+ but after a few weeks with Karen I felt more positive and now feel he will pass it.  Thank you Karen for everything you have done over this past year, it has been a difficult year for all and am sure I don't only speak for myself but for all the parents how much we appreciate everything you have done and carried on with the tutoring using Google hangouts as it couldn't have been easy.

Chris Wilkins

September 2020

My daughter Carla had 11+ tutoring with Karen for about a year from October 2018 until September 2019 and loved going every single week. I still remember Carla telling me after the first session "Mum, I so can't wait to go again to Karen's next week! I love it!", and her enthusiasm carried on like this throughout the entire year. Karen is brilliant at putting children at ease and creating a calm nurturing environment in which they can thrive and build up their knowledge as well as their confidence. Karen's sessions have been very well planned and structured, making what can be an overwhelming experience enjoyable and fun. Whatever the outcome, it's been a very worthwhile educational experience.

Antje Jaeger

September 2019

Karen has been fantastic with our daughter, who was very nervous about going to the tutoring sessions due to her lack of confidence in her own abilities.
Karen has empowered her to have confidence in herself & her abilities, her school work has improved massively & she has even enjoyed doing the homework!!
I would have no hesitation in recommending Karen to anyone, whether it is for catch up tutorials or 11 plus work.

Liz Roberts

September 2019

Liz Roberts

September 2019

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for tutoring Macy over the last year. She has come so far both in her confidence and abilities and she is now ready to take on the 11+ whatever the outcome may be!

Kelsey Fidler

September 2019

Oh my god mummy...it was awesome...tutoring is my new weekly treat!

Jo Preston

September 2019

My daughter loved her tutoring with Karen and she was always happy to go to lessons. Her confidence really grew and the help Karen gave was invaluable. Karen made learning fun.

Marie Croston

September 2019

My son, Owen, has really enjoyed attending weekly tutoring sessions with Karen. I can wholeheartedly echo the comments of other parents regarding the fun and welcoming environment the children go to learn in. Karen’s method and style of teaching create a very healthy learning situation in which the children feel confident and relaxed, which is essential to positive progress. Learning materials are excellent and well matched to each child’s ability and stage of progress. Karen also provides excellent pre-exam advice in the weeks leading up to the 11+. All of this amounted to Owen walking into the exam full of confidence. He came out very happy, remarking that he had found it quite straightforward and that Karen’s advice had been really helpful. Thank you so much Karen – we now have one very happy boy!

Rob Willox

September 2019

Karen is a great tutor.  She has always offered lots of encouragement and support, and makes the sessions enjoyable.  My daughter's confidence has grown so much over the past year and she misses her tutoring sessions now they have finished!  I would definitely recommend Karen to any parent looking for a tutor for their child.

Tamsin Mathew

September 2019

My son had a poor experience in school in Year 4.  Since attending the tutoring sessions with Karen he has grown in confidence hugely and has become an enthusiastic learner.  I would highly recommend Karen to any parent who wants to support the progress and confidence of their child.  My son really enjoys going to the sessions and comes bounding out each week!  It is never an issue getting my son to attend as he genuinely enjoys the sessions.  It was a fantastic decision to use Karen's outstanding tutoring sessions.  I have already signed up my younger son!

Martin Swannell

July 2018

Oli has been seeing Karen weekly for tutoring and absolutely loves it! He has improved hugely since starting and looks forward to his sessions every week. His mock exams reflect his improvement and I would happily recommend her, which I have, to my friends with kids coming into year 5.

Bryony Boyce

July 2018

With no experience of 11+ tutoring before, we had discussed with other parents who they were using for their children & it became apparent many parents went to the same network but we felt uneasy with this as you didn't know who the tutor was, you booked with an organisation rather than a person. So we began to look for alternatives when we saw a Facebook advert for Karen Hall tutoring. We contacted Karen & when we got to meet her we quickly realised she was exactly the right person to be tutoring our Emily. Karen immediately put us at ease, she was friendly, welcoming & she has the most amazing light, bright & airy classroom in her home, perfect little learning environment.
Emily has come on leaps & bounds since being with Karen & her school report reflects this! Emily is exceeding in all areas academically now & is confident to sit her 11+.
Emily has thoroughly enjoyed her time with Karen & we 100% recommend her to any parent looking for tutoring.

Tracey Stuart

July 2018

Karen has tutored my son this year and he has enjoyed every minute of the lessons, even insisting on going on his birthday as he didn't want to miss a session! He has gained a huge amount of confidence through his sessions with Karen and has made amazing progress this year with her help and encouragement. I would highly recommend Karen as a tutor.

Debbie Burman

July 2018

Karen has been remarkable - she has not only prepared our son for his 11 plus but has also given him invaluable skills that have boosted his confidence in both Maths and English. An absolute must for any parent we can’t thank her enough.

Mrs & Mrs Firth

July 2018

Karen has been an excellent tutor and my daughter, Bracken, really enjoys going to her on a Friday. Right from the start Karen made her feel welcome, and the sessions have been enjoyable as well as educational. Karen has always made time for a chat about Bracken's progress or a quick update on what they have been working on. I have seen Bracken's confidence and ability grow throughout the year, and this has been reflected in her school work too. We will miss Karen when the tutoring has finished and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone.

Gemma Endacott

July 2018

We are so grateful to Karen, she has been absolutely wonderful this last year in helping to prepare our daughter for the 11+ exam. The area the children have to work in is a lovely calm space helping the children concentrate and get the most out of their sessions. Karen is always helpful, patient and approachable. My daughter is always keen to attend her tutoring sessions and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Karen.

Susan Platt

July 2018

Thank you for making the 11+  tutoring so interesting and exciting for Archie, he has loved coming to your tutoring sessions and although he has said to you "He loves doing the homework and would like more," I wish he showed the same enthusiasm at home!! Thank you for offering alternative sessions when Archie was unable to attend his tutoring on his usual day and time, very much appreciated. Archie will miss his tutoring!

Mags Baber-Hale

July 2018

Karen is a lovely tutor and has made my son so much more confident. She is so friendly and she makes sessions really educational and fun. My son enjoys and looks forward to every lesson! I would really recommend Karen to anyone!

Thomas Tang

July 2018

Karen is a fabulous 11 plus tutor. My daughter enjoys the sessions and has gained confidence in her abilities. Karen always greets the students with a big smile and makes them feel welcome. She is professional, helpful and gives great feedback and advice to the parents making home learning less stressful.

Emma Curtis

July 2018

Karen has been tutoring my daughter for 12mths, she is very supportive and friendly. Lucy has always been happy to attend her tutoring sessions and has never felt overwhelmed by the work she is set and is comfortable to ask Karen if there is anything she does not understand or needs explaining again. Karen is very approachable and has a wealth of knowledge regarding the 11+. I would highly recommend Karen to any parent thinking of tutoring for the 11+ and we will certainly be booking her to tutor our other children.

Janice Tully

July 2018

I initially asked Karen to help my year 4 daughter with the various aspects of Maths that she felt she was struggling with at school. She started going once a month and really enjoys it.  As Karen works with small groups, each child gets individualised attention and support and Karen is such a lovely warm person who uses her many years of teaching experience to enable each child to understand and more importantly, enjoy what they are studying with her. 
Now my daughter is in year 5 she is about to begin 11 + tutoring with Karen.  The sessions don't feel like 'more work'  for the children which I think is important in respect of pressure. 
I'd recommend Karen 100%. Her patient and kind manner combined with her Grammar school teaching experience makes her perfect for tutoring.

Angela Tozer

Sept 2017

I've been using Karen's tutoring service for both my daughters who are in years 4 and 5, in preparation for the 11+ exam, for the past few months. They both absolutely love Karen's style of teaching as they say she makes it really fun to learn due to being an enjoyable and friendly environment, and they are always telling me how they can't wait to return the following week! They're both in small groups of 4, which works brilliantly as they're making new friends as well as receiving a more personalised and individualised tuition. My eldest's self confidence in her abilities has grown tremendously since she's been attending, and the fact that they always come away with a smile on their faces says it all. I can wholeheartedly recommend Karen as a tutor for her wonderfully friendly and relaxed manner, and once you enrol your child with her, you won't be disappointed!

Niki Lawford

May 2017

Karen offers a warm, welcoming and engaging environment in which to learn.  Noah is supported fully in everything he does and is continually nurtured and praised which ensures he looks forward to his weekly sessions.
Karen really understands Noah's unique qualities and can relate to him in a way that keeps him motivated and inspired.
The work Karen provides is ordered, methodical and is easy for us as parents to follow.  Each week builds on previous work and with it Noah's confidence and self esteem.  As parents we have seen Noah's 'Can do' attitude grow, an invaluable life skill.  The sweet treats definitely help!

Sarah Kelly

May 2017

I was rather cautious about the whole concept of tutoring and worried about putting additional pressure on my son.  However, after talking through with Karen about her approach I decided to give it a try and booked my son on to a Saturday morning session.  2 months later we haven't looked back!  My son loves these sessions and looks forward to them each week.  As it's just a small group of 4 he is able to receive so much more personal attention and feedback and this has really boosted his confidence and I can see that he is flourishing.  The homework folder ticks all the boxes for him too, literally!  He eagerly completes all his worksheets as he really likes ticking off each one on his control sheet.  I never have to prompt him to complete Karen's homework, he actually wants to do it!
From a parent’s point of view I'm so happy we booked these sessions and I appreciate the fact that Karen takes the time to give me a quick update on his performance and progress each week.

Julia Melluish

May 2017

My son, Nathan, has been having monthly tutoring sessions with Karen since the middle of year 4.  From the first session, Karen built a great rapport with him and he came out enthused, excited and actually asking to do his homework immediately (which is a first for him)!  In his words, she teaches him "simple tips and tricks and new methods of thinking and working", which will no doubt help him throughout his education as well as preparing him for the 11+.  Karen is unreservedly positive and enthusiastic with the kids, but I have no doubt that she would be honest with me if she had any concerns that Nathan isn't ready for grammar school or that this isn’t the right route for him  This honesty and realism was a very important factor for me in choosing a tutor for my children.  I would thoroughly recommend Karen to anyone.

Su Apps

May 2017