My experience with special educational needs
I've worked as a teacher in secondary comprehensives, independent boarding schools and alternative provision. I started my teaching career as an Art teacher, but I later specialised in supporting students with different needs. I worked for several years as a SENCo, and also developed a new role of "ADHD Lead". I've provided 1:1 tutoring to students with a wide range of learning profiles, but I specialise in understanding ADHD and in helping students with ADHD recognise and grow their strengths. I trained with the world leading ADDCA (ADD Coaching Academy) to achieve my International Coaching Federation accreditation. I now offer ADHD Coaching, focused on developing executive function and harnessing strengths, as well as Maths tutoring at GCSE level. These can be offered separately, or as a combined approach.
A bit about me
I studied Architecture at Cambridge University, before working in the fashion industry. Helping students at my old school put on their own fashion show is what first got me interested in teaching. I enjoyed a 20 year teaching career, teaching Art and Design, Maths and 1:1 Learning Support. Along that journey, I eventually finally realised why I'd always felt "a little different", and why I'd always related so well with neurodivergent students, and was diagnosed with ADHD (combined type). I also grew up with a Maths teacher as a stepdad, and he inspired me to specialise in tutoring students who feel they simply "can't do" Maths. I've helped students who really hated Maths, and believed they would always be "bad" at it, to exceed their target grades. Can you imagine going from hating Maths, to choosing to come to an optional 3 hour session the day before your GCSE exam, and actually saying: "You know what? These are kind of fun!" That's a real story! Target grade 4, achieved grade 7!
My teaching philosophy
People with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles do things a little differently. Sometimes, we put all our effort into trying to do things "the way they're supposed to be done" and this doesn't work for us. We can end up feeling like a failure, or that things are so hard and the results so far off where we want to be, that we may stop trying. When we use our ADHD strengths, we do amazing things, but we often don't acknowledge or celebrate our successes. We run straight into the next 'problem' or 'struggle', so can feel and tell ourselves we are not capable or successful. I help young people notice their successes and learn from them, bringing new tools to their current challenges and working out how to succeed their way, rather than trying to fit themselves into doing things 'the right way'. Coaching can help you develop skills and interests, engage with and enjoy school work, manage time, complete assignments, manage big emotions, impulsivity and other executive function challenges.
Schedule
Time zone:
Tutoring specialisation
I’m providing tutoring sessions for students with these educational needs:
Subjects Provided
Primary
Secondary
GCSE Foundational level
GCSE Higher level
A-Level
University
Coaching specialisation
Specialisation
Primary
Secondary
GCSE
A-Level
University
Teaching qualifications
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Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
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ADHD Specific Training (e.g., ADHD Foundation, Advanced ADHD courses)
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Formal Coaching and Mentoring Qualifications (e.g., ILM Level 3 or 5)
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Record of Continuous SEND CPD
Reviews
3 reviews
Mark Curtis
October 21, 2025
Caroline was our son’s personal tutor at school for nearly 3 years at a pivotal age (13-15). He needed a lot of support for poor working memory. Caroline was patient, kind and astute. Caroline gave him a very bespoke level of help which boosted him both academically and personally. Her academic knowledge and guidance and pastoral care was excellent. Caroline’s continual feedback and communication with us as parents was reassuring and very genuine. We highly recommend Caroline’s expertise and experience.
Oscar
October 31, 2025
Caroline has been an amazing addition to how i have been able to feel confident and independent in having ADHD. I have been a long term client and collectively we have been able to develop numerous strategies to help myself achieve areas of my condition where I struggle. I would not be in the position i am today without Caroline highly recommend to anyone who is struggling with there condition or not as i can promise from my case you will be able to deal with neurodiversity to a far greater extent then going through it yourself !
Will W
December 16, 2025
Our young teenage daughter was recently diagnosed with ADHD after she was becoming increasingly wayward and chaotic at school, including a serious lack of focus in the classroom, leading to disciplinary issues. With the diagnosis, we as parents needed to rapidly educate ourselves about ADHD, but most importantly we needed our daughter to learn about herself and develop techniques to regulate her impulses and emotions. Caroline has been outstanding in this regard, not only helping to develop those techniques but also showing us and our daughter the positives of her neurodivergence, and how to better harness her abilities. Our daughter truly looks forward to her sessions with Caroline and the result has been a huge improvement in her focus and school life generally, and importantly also in her self esteem.
