About Kerry Gooderson

Fueled by a passion for education and a drive to see students succeed, I bring a tailored and empathetic approach to tutoring.

I was inspired to become a tutor because I went through the 11+ myself. As well as passing my 11+, I ended up a scholarship student at a prestigious school. As an adult, I recognise the advantages this gave me in life, and I appreciated it even more because I earned it through academic prowess. I want to help others achieve their goals by guiding them to the best possible schools and results they are capable of. It feels incredible when students get into a good school; I feel like I know they will be in good hands and that, with their hard work and mine, they have achieved something great.

Empathetic Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is built on empathy and clear communication. I aim to decode the often intangible aspects of English for my students. By finding the best ways to help each student understand, I unlock their potential. From using formulas and venn diagrams to break down literary devices, to encouraging GCSE students to fully invest in their texts, I provide the tools for academic mastery.

I don't fight AI - it is becoming an increasingly regular part of life, I encourage students to use it for research and exploring model answers, but I implore them to practise their writing skills through their own independent work. I wish tutoring was a panacea but it is important to recognise that it is a team effort. If all sides invest, it usually leads to strong results.

A Success Story

I typically work with 11+ students for 2 years and gradually help build up their skills. One year, a young boy came to me in August with 11+ around the corner. He had a lot of raw talent, he just needed help organising his answers and style to hit the specific markers. In about 6 sessions he elevated himself so much that he got into Latymer. I stress that a lot of this was about his raw ability and hard work, but I also feel (and his mother agrees) that with my support, he quickly grasped how to fit this to the 11+ approach and leapt from getting 60% to 80%+ - a leap that was instrumental in his success.

What to Expect

When you choose me, you're not just getting a tutor; you're gaining a dedicated partner invested in your success. I go above and beyond to support every student. As one parent shared, 'With surgical precision, Kerry highlighted the areas he needed help with and focused on how to score vital marks in both comprehension and creative writing... After each session, Kerry provided feedback on how he was doing; whenever I needed clarity or advice, she was available.' I combine targeted support with kindness, patience, and understanding for both students and their parents.