Private Tutoring & Mentoring:

Art History and Oxbridge Applications

“Katy is a highly educated, cultured, and experienced tutor with a rich background in the arts and education—a rare and valuable combination when it comes to teaching children. For me, she represents the ideal tutor: someone who not only understands the diverse curiosities and levels of commitment in children but who also brings her own depth as an academic writer, artist, and musician. She was incredibly perceptive of the subtleties in my son’s abilities and quickly adapted her teaching style to capture his interest. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

— Chisato, concert pianist and mother of Eiji, 10.

Head of Department, Art History
A-Level Examiner, History of Art
Oxbridge Coordinator & Interviewer
11+, 13+, 16+ Examiner & Interviewer
EPQ Supervisor and Coordinator
Undergraduate and MA Supervisor, Art History
History & English Teacher, KS2 & 3
International CPD Conference Coordinator
Teacher Trainer
SEN Support Teacher
Study Skills Teacher
Academic Mentor & Coach
MPW, London (2009-11), Teacher of IELTS, Art History
Godolphin and Latymer (2011-2018), Art History
Queen’s College (2018-2023), Head of Art History
Christ’s Hospital (2024-2025), Head of Art History
Private BA & MA Supervision for students at:
SOAS, Leeds, Cambridge, York, Sotheby’s Institute, Bristol, Sussex.
Private Tutoring for Entrance to:
Oxford University, Cambridge University, UCL, Edinburgh University, Leeds University, York University, Glasgow University, Highgate School, North London Collegiate, University College School, Godolphin and Latymer, Latymer Upper, Queen’s College, JAGS, Wycombe Abbey and Westminster College, London.

“Katy is a gem, and by far the best tutor I had! She tutored me through my A-Levels, and I loved working with her so much I got back in touch for my undergraduate dissertation...
I was ecstatic with my results (I ended up with a First Class degree). ”

— Florence, Bristol University, Undergraduate Final Year Dissertation

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“...the most flamboyant, brilliant and enthusiastic teacher I have had. She was patient and always put her love of the subject at the heart of her teaching. Her passion was infectious and she pushed me to explore theory and interests beyond the curriculum.”

— Matti, A-Level Art History & Successful Oxbridge Applicant

Academic rigor combined with an inquisitive interest in the unique intelligence of the young people I support characterises my teaching practice. My own research feeds my enthusiasm, which I love to share with my students. I studied Art History at Cambridge University (BA) and the Courtauld Institute of Art (MA). Since then I have written a number of books and articles and am currently working on a PhD.

I started teaching in schools in 2009 and since then have worked as Head of Art History in a number of prestigious institutions, including Godolphin and Latymer School, Queen’s College and Christ’s Hospital School, where I also held roles as Oxbridge and University Coordinator (I wrote the definitive guide to “Getting into Oxford and Cambridge”, Trotman, 2011-12), EPQ Supervisor and Examiner. These expertise I bring to my private tutees in abundance.

Wherever possible I aim to offer my students the pleasure of “meeting” works of art or architecture in the flesh and within their original context. An embodied experience has a powerful and lasting impact upon our memories and these interactions bring the historical world into focus for the student of art history - indeed for all learners. For the same reason, an interdisciplinary approach is central to my practice, and I aim to offer a 360 degree, sensual immersion into the culture of a period (including exploring the food, music, theatre, politics and philosophy, scientific advancements and economics), in order to bring a work of art to life.

Whilst I relish working with the academically gifted (my students often achieve A+, if not 100% in at least 1 module of their course), I am equally committed to a holistic appreciation of the individual, with the knowledge that the emotional equilibrium of children is the root to successful learning. I bring a sensitivity and awareness of neurodiversity and Special Educational Needs and have extensive experience supporting students on the Autistic spectrum and with Dyslexia. I see my work with young people as a collaborative process, where I aim to facilitate their love for learning, and a confidence in their own abilities.

Subjects Taught:

Undergraduate & MA Art History

My students received 2:1s and 1st Class grades, some even achieving awards for their research.

Students may never have studied Art History when they start their degree or MA, or they may simply feel they need more support.
Academic essay writing, reading complex texts and critical theory, structuring and writing dissertations are my speciality.
I have worked with over 20 students from a range of universities, including Sussex, York, SOAS, Edinburgh, Sotheby’s Institute and Bristol on dissertation topics from the Renaissance and Romanticism to Modernism, Contemporary Art and Street Art.
“Katy was a truly excellent tutor. I went to her for tutoring for my A-Levels, and loved working with her so much I got back in touch when I needed help with my undergraduate dissertation.
Without Katy I don’t know where I would be today. She helped me find a topic focus through discussion and brainstorming. She also helped with structure, editing and proofreading.
I was ecstatic with my results (I ended up with a First Class degree).
She is a gem, and by far the best tutor I had!’’
Florence, Bristol University, Undergraduate Final Year Dissertation
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A Level & IB Art History

All my students increase their grades twofold, and most achieve A* and A grades.

With 15 years + of experience as an A-Level Art History teacher in top London Schools, Head of Department and Examiner in A-Level Art History, I have all the expertise to support students excel. I also have a wealth of experience working with students with SEN, with excellent results.
Visual analysis, subject content, essay writing and exam preparation are my specialism.
All my students increase their outcomes by at least one, usually two grades, and the majority receive A and A+.
"I was really ill during my first year of A-Levels and got completely left behind. I’m also dyslexic and I found it hard to make sense of the notes and impossible to catch up. I got more and more anxious. Katy was amazing. She made me feel calm and helped me sift through the information. It felt manageable. I really felt inspired. She helped me with my work but she also really boosted my confidence.
I had been predicted a D, but with Katy’s help I ended up with a B. I also rediscovered my love for Art History. I was so inspired that I decided to switch from Classics to studying Art History at University”.
Maya, A-Level Art History
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Oxbridge & University Entrance

100 % of my students are asked to interview. Most accept places at Oxbridge or their first choice of University.

I wrote the definitive guide to “Getting into Oxford and Cambridge” (Trotman Pub., 2011/12) and have worked as the Oxbridge Coordinator for top London schools and as an Interviewer for the company Oxbridge Applications.
With 15 + years’ experience supporting my students in writing outstanding Personal Statements and preparing them for interview, they grow both intellectually and in confidence.
Applying to university can be daunting, and I have a wealth of experience supporting students through the UCAS process. From choosing the right course and university through writing a Personal Statement and interview preparation, I have helped my students gain a place at their first choice of university, including Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, York, SOAS, UCL, the Courtauld Institute of Art, Edinburgh and Glasgow University.
“Katy tutored me in History of Art, a subject I had not studied at school, and helped me with my Oxbridge application. I always looked forward to our sessions – she was enthusiastic and patient and always put her love of the subject at the heart of her teaching. Her passion was infectious and she pushed me to explore theory and interests beyond the curriculum.
Thanks to Katy’s rigorous teaching, not only in visual analysis and history, but also in interview technique, I was offered a place at Cambridge.”
Matilda, Emmanuel College, Cambridge
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EPQ
Supervision

My students receive top grades in their EPQs and flourish in confidence.

It can be daunting working on a long essay of this sort for the first time, and private tuition can increase confidence.
I have supported students working on diverse topics, from ecology and cancer treatments to women’s rights and literature. From choosing and narrowing a topic question to focusing research and structuring writing, I am happy to help with all stages of the process.
With 15+ years’ experience working with students on their EPQs, most get top marks.
“Katy tutored me in History of Art, a subject I had not studied at school, and helped me with my Oxbridge application. I always looked forward to our sessions – she was enthusiastic and patient and always put her love of the subject at the heart of her teaching. Her passion was infectious and she pushed me to explore theory and interests beyond the curriculum.
Thanks to Katy’s rigorous teaching, not only in visual analysis and history, but also in interview technique, I was offered a place at Cambridge.”
Matilda, Emmanuel College, Cambridge.
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11+, 13+, 16+
Entrance

My students gain places at their first choice of the top schools in the country.

As an interviewer and examiner for some of the top Independent schools in the country, I have a superb insight into the requirements for entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+.
As a private tutor I help with exam technique as well as interview technique and confidence building.
All my students have gone on to receive places at one of their chosen institutions, including Highgate School, North London Collegiate, University College School, Godolphin and Latymer, Latymer Upper, Queen’s College, JAGS, Wycombe Abbey and Westminster College, London.
“Katy is a highly educated, cultured, and experienced tutor with a rich background in the arts and education—a rare and valuable combination when it comes to teaching children. For me, she represents the ideal tutor: someone who not only understands the diverse curiosities and levels of commitment in children but who also brings her own depth as an academic writer, artist, and musician. She was incredibly perceptive of the subtleties in my son’s abilities and quickly adapted her teaching style to capture his interest. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Chisato, mother of Eiji, 10, English
“We were thoroughly pleased with Katy’s work with Anthony towards his 11+ Entrance Examination. She used images to help stimulate his imagination, and ignited a flair for creative writing that we didn’t think he had in him! She was firm but kind and encouraging with Anthony, which really helped him focus. With Katy’s help, Anthony accepted a place to study at UCS.”
Anthony, 11+, University College School, London.
“Katy helped me prepare for my Entry Examination to study A-Level Art History in London. I come from Russia and did not know what to expect from the UK education system. Katy helped me practise for my interview, not only with factual content but also with timing and presentation. I was very excited to get a place to study at Highgate School. Thank you so much, Katy!
Ana, 16+, Highate School Entrance Examination and Interview
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Fine Art, Critical & Contextual Studies

Students increase their understanding of art history and their written work improves dramatically.

To gain top grades in Fine Art at A-Level a significant amount of contextual art historical research and writing is required. I help my students with their academic research, structuring their writing, and presentation, with outstanding results.
“My son, Mark, really enjoyed Katy’s lessons. He is ambitious and wanted to improve his grades, particularly in his written portfolio.
Katy was patient and warm and I could see he felt comfortable working with her very quickly. Her knowledge of art was also truly inspiring. She really helped Mark find a passion for his research. In the end his grade improved from a B to an A*.
I would highly recommend her.”
Mark, Mill Hill School, GCSE and A-Level Fine Art
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English, Study Skills & SEN Support

My students improve their grades twofold through organisation and support with written work.

As workload increases during the examination years, stress around academic tasks can feel unmanageable. Particularly when students are neurodivergent, anxiety can cause young people to become de-motivated and blocked.
I work privately with students, in collaboration with their schools if desired, to support their learning at home. This involves helping them with study and revision techniques, breaking down homework tasks, and scaffolding writing for all Humanities subjects.
With 15+ years working with students with SEN, including Autistic Spectrum and Dyslexia, I have tried and tested techniques that empower learners and rebuild their confidence.
Providing a holding relationship for students through difficult stress points supports their academic success and personal development. My students exceed their expectations and find pleasure in their learning again.
“I met Katy at the start of my second year of A-Levels. I was considering dropping out of school as the stress of the exams looming felt suffocating.
I have always been able to articulate my ideas in conversation really well, but I find structuring my words on a page confusing. My notes were in an absolute mess. I felt like I was drowning.
Katy literally saved my A-Levels. She taught me History of Art, but what we did also completely transformed my History and Music grades. She helped me organise my folders and my notes. She broke down the course into manageable chunks. We then spent ages highlighting and colour coding my essays so I really understood how to structure an argument. She even took me to see different exhibitions around London, which brought everything to life.
When it came to revision she helped me work out a timetable, showed me how to structure revision notes, and then tested me until I really felt confident.
I had been predicted a D. In the end I was thrilled - I got a B!
Thank you for everything, Katy.’’
Hattie, Study Skills for SEN, History, Art History, English.
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Academic Mentoring & Coaching

My clients flourish in confidence, focus and in their academic work.

Adolescence and early adulthood is a time of great transition, and this can be accompanied by anxiety, self-doubt, tensions within friendship groups and at home, and, as workload increases during the examination years, academic pressure can feel unmanageable. A supportive adult who understands the stress-points and structures of the education system can be hugely reassuring.
I offer a safe, confidential and neutral space to discuss concerns. I can also use visualisation tools, NLP, hypnotherapy techniques and questioning strategies to help young people discover a sense of their own capabilities, focus and equilibrium.
My sessions help young people become more confident in navigating challenges at home, school or university and feel able to find new pleasure in their learning. I also work with parents and care-givers, offering strategies to support their children.
“My daughter started sessions with Katy in the first year of A-Levels. She found A-Levels a huge step up from GCSEs and was floundering. She had also switched schools and had to make new friends. She didn’t want to talk to me about her unhappiness, but I could see that she needed help.
I was reassured by Katy’s deep understanding of the school system, as well as her warmth. Katy met weekly with Suzie for the first term, and by the end of that time she had found her feet and has gone from strength to strength.’’
Suzie, London School.
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