Phonics Tutor
From blending basics to confident reader
Find A Phonics Tutor with Dukes Tutoring
Learning to read is one of the biggest milestones in a child’s education – and for some, it can also be one of the most challenging. A skilled phonics tutor can make all the difference, helping children build confidence, accuracy and fluency from the very start.
Phonics is the foundation of early literacy. By teaching children how letters and sounds connect, it gives them the tools to decode unfamiliar words independently. When this foundation is secure, everything else – comprehension, spelling, writing and overall academic confidence – becomes far easier.
Our tutors are available in person in London or online anywhere in the world.. With patient guidance, engaging activities and a clear, systematic approach, they help children not only learn to read – but enjoy reading too.
Contact our friendly team to get matched with the perfect tutor for your child.
Make an Enquiry
Meet our Phonics Tutors
Please see a small selection of our tutors below. All are highly experienced at working with young children on fundamental English skills.
We take care to match each child with the best-fit tutor for their needs, goals, and personality.
Denise
“Having worked as a classroom teacher for more than thirty years – including roles as diverse as Head of English, Head of PHSE and Head of Religious Studies. I joined the Dukes Tutoring team as a private tutor more than ten years ago. Over time, my role with Dukes Tutoring expanded and I became the examiner for 11+ English mock exams: this has seen me both writing and marking these exams. I have also run numerous workshops in both English and maths for 7+ and 11+ students. I pride myself on having a 100% success record for my 11+ students being offered a place in one of their schools of choice. Outside of my professional role with Dukes Tutoring, I am a qualified teacher of both ballet and tap dancing and attend classes twice a week. And I am passionate about Fiat 500 cars – having never owned any other car in my life!”
Qualifications
- University of Manchester
- BEd in Education and Psychology
- Associate of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing
Elliot
“I have been working in education since 2019 and as a tutor specialising in school entrance exams for over three years. I specialise in all subjects for the 11+, 13+ and Common Entrance exams. In addition, I have a vast amount of experience in assisting younger students in their 7/8+ exams. I have prepared students for a range of competitive schools including St Paul’s, Westminster, Eton, Winchester, Highgate, Latymer Upper, City of London (Boys and Girls) and many more. My tutoring style is rigorous and structured but also holistic, focusing not only on preparing students for exams but in developing them as an individual and critical thinker. I am a keen writer and published my debut collection of short stories, ‘Peace and Quiet and Other Stories’ in October 2025. The leading story of this collection was longlisted for the Yeovil Literary Prize 2014. ”
Qualifications
- TEFL & TESOL -Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- University of Nottingham – LL.M Human Rights Law
- University of Birmingham – LL.B Law
Katie
“With over 16 years of experience as both a classroom teacher and one-to-one tutor, I am dedicated to fostering a supportive and trusting learning environment where children feel motivated to pursue their goals and explore their learning potential. It is a privilege to tailor learning to each student’s individual needs, and I take great pride in helping children grow into confident, enthusiastic learners who think independently, work creatively and enjoy the process of problem-solving. I specialise in all subjects for the 11+ and have experience preparing students for the 7+, 8+, and 10+ exams. Over the years, I have guided many children toward securing places at some of the country’s top independent and grammar schools. Outside of teaching, I’m happiest outdoors—be it hiking, camping, or just getting into nature. To unwind, I love a good book or film. ”
Qualifications
- Oxford Brookes University, MA – Creative Writing
- Oxford Brookes University, PGCE– Primary
- Manchester University, BA (hons)- Religious Studies
Tania
- 11+
- 13+
- 7+
- Education Consultant
- English
- Interview Preparation
- KS1
- KS2
- Literacy & Numeracy
- Maths
- Music
- NVR
- Occasional Place: 8+ 9+ 10+
- VR
Tania
“I have extensive experience in education having taught for over 25 years as a class teacher, Assistant Head and Deputy Head Teacher in outstanding primary schools in Norfolk, London and Cheshire. Also, I was Head of Schools, Head of Learning and Head of Dukes Tutoring; however, I now focus solely on tutoring. I am meticulous and take pride in creating structured lessons to match each of my student’s potential. Lesson feedback is both thorough and personal, inspiring students to meet achievable goals, involving them in setting their own academic targets. I am enthusiastic and highly committed, building professional relationships with my students and their families. I also act as an education consultant for Dukes Tutoring, conducting many academic assessment reviews and guidance, as well as interview preparation for secondary schools. Music is my passion, and I am a skilled pianist, a keen songwriter and a member of a local community choir. I love both attending and performing in concerts as well as regular trips to the theatre.”
Qualifications
- PGCE – Homerton College, University of Cambridge.
- BA (Hons) Music – Anglia Polytechnic University, Cambridge.
Understanding Phonics in Early Childhood Education
When children start school they will be introduced to a wide range of learning experiences. One of these is phonics. Children will be taught a range of phonemes (sounds) and graphemes (the letter/s that represents the phoneme).
Phonics underpin children’s early reading experiences and enable them to make good progress. Teaching needs to be consistent and rigorous with constant revision to embed phonics into their reading skills.
Phonics are particularly important in the early stages of reading as children need strategies beyond word recognition to decode texts (e.g. c-a-t which reads as cat).
FAQs
Phonics underpins early reading by teaching children how sounds (phonemes) map to letters or letter-groups (graphemes) and helps them decode new words. It also supports early writing through segmenting words and spelling strategies.
Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s phonics. We suggest they should stay aware of their child’s phonics, reading and writing progress, listen to their child read and read to their child. Our phonics tutors are always happy to keep parents’ updated on their child’s progress and make suggestions for further activities to gently reinforce the learning at home.
Our phonics tutors are available to teach either in person or online. The best format can be discussed in your initial consultation.
The pace depends on the child’s current level, consistency of practice, and parental reinforcement at home. For the best results, outside of lessons with a phonics tutor, your child should do regular revision and application of phonics in reading and writing.
Our phonics tutoring is designed for children in Key Stage 1 (approximately ages 4–7-year-olds) who are working on phonics, early reading and writing.
How our Phonics tutoring works
Book Consultation
A conversation to understand your child’s needs, goals and learning style.
Tutor Matching
We recommend a carefully selected tutor with the right expertise and approach.
First Session
Building rapport and setting a clear plan of action.
Ongoing Support
Regular check ins and progress updates for parents.
The process of booking in sessions, getting familiar with the online system was all incredibly well managed.
The tutor worked so efficiently and was able to quickly pick up on the areas of focus and get straight to work in a fun and enjoyable way that my daughter could engage in.
She was able to
support my daughter with her phonics –
for example clever tricks to remember certain phonemes – and also build confidence with numbers. By the end of the week, it was clear to see the huge amount of progress made within a short space of time. It was a positive, confidence-building experience for my daughter and I will definitely be using Dukes Tutoring again. Thank you!
Chloe
GB
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