Online English tuition for GCSE & A-Level success.

Marcus Balmer

Headshot of a smiling GCSE and A-Level tutor offering online tuition to pupils seeking support in English Literature and/or English Language.

With over a decade of experience teaching English at GCSE and A-Level, my tutoring approach enables students to build confidence and achieve outstanding results.

I offer bespoke one-to-one tuition tailored to each learner’s needs. Whether the focus is on deepening literary understanding, improving essay writing or understanding exam technique, my lessons are known to be personal, structured and results-driven.

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation so that we can develop a tutoring journey that works for your child, with 50% off your first trial lesson.

Get In Touch
  • Icon of a graduation cap on a black background.

    University of Oxford, BA

    First-Class degree in English Literature & Language

  • Outline of a diploma or certificate with a ribbon and medal in the center, set against a black background.

    King's College London, MA

    FIlm Studies (Distinction)

  • Line drawing of a medical professional with a stethoscope and a clipboard on a black background.

    PGCE

    Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education

  • DBS

    DBS Verified

    Enhanced DBS Certification

  • 10+ Years

    10+ Years

    Experience in Secondary Education

  • Outline of a head in profile with a lightbulb inside

    50+ Pupils

    Supported through 1:1 English Tutoring

My Approach

Personal

Every learner’s journey is unique, so my tuition is designed around the individual — their strengths, goals, and challenges. Lessons feel engaging and relevant, ensuring students connect with the material in a way that builds confidence and lasting understanding.

A smiling GCSE and A-Level tutor sitting at a wooden table conducting an English Language / English Literature lesson using his laptop with the exam texts from the syllabus next to him.

Structured

Progress thrives on clarity and organisation. Each session follows a carefully planned pathway, balancing literary insight with practical exam skills. This structured approach helps students see their growth step by step, turning complex tasks into manageable achievements.

Close-up of a student holding a black pen and checking off an English skills checklist on revision notes for upcoming GCSE and A-Level exams.

Results-Driven

Success is measured not just by effort, but by outcomes. Through targeted practice, precise feedback, and exam‑focused strategies, students gain the tools to excel in assessments. The aim is clear: improved grades, deeper knowledge, and the confidence to perform at their very best.

Rows of desks and chairs set up in an exam hall, prepared for GCSE or A Level pupils who will enter to undertake their public examinations/assessments.

Testimonials

  • Dionne (mother of GCSE pupil) - London

    “Marcus is very professional, organised and very hardworking and he has the ability to engage my son, exceptionally well throughout the lesson. I have nothing but the highest praises for Marcus’ teaching approach and effectiveness. He is also a very exceptional English Tutor. He is very knowledgeable on the material that my son is studying and has gone through it, thoroughly with him so far. My son is very lucky to have Marcus as a tutor, as he’s brilliant all round and I am extremely grateful.”

  • Sophie (A-level pupil) - London

    “His understanding of the exam boards and the ways examiners mark essays has really helped me to adapt my style of writing and I feel a lot more confident in my written responses. He is always eager to improve my understanding of texts and has helped me become more critical of my own ideas surrounding them. Not only is he a brilliant academically focused teacher, he is an immensely approachable and likeable person."

  • Xianhui (mother of GCSE pupil) - London

    “Marcus is a very experienced tutor. He is passionate and professional on the subject. He tends to explain what examiners may think from the assessment perspective which is really useful for exam preparations. Lots of exam techniques are introduced which is extremely helpful. I would highly recommend Marcus to everyone.”

  • Alex (father of GCSE pupil) - London

    “Marcus’s work with my daughter helped her structure her writing and prepare her not only for her creative writing exam but also with an approach to her writing and written questions across different subjects. She gained confidence as well as knowledge from her tutorials. Marcus is easy going, engaging and fitted straight in with a busy household. During Alice’s recent exams Marcus took the time to check up on Alice and offer encouragement. I’m happy to highly recommend Marcus.”

  • Charlotte (A-level pupil) - London

    “Marcus is a very good tutor. He is clearly very enthusiastic about the subject and displays a significant depth of knowledge of it. His approach to teaching is also very helpful; he asks questions, encouraging you to think about the texts rather than simply delivering a lecture and he is always patient when you aren’t able to complete work for personal reasons. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.”

  • Milena (mother of GCSE pupil) - London

    “Marcus is very professional in his approach. So far my daughter has had about 3-4 sessions with Marcus and we have already seen a big improvement in her writing skills. He is patient and engaging and always arrives with a prepared lesson plan. We hope to continue with Marcus this fall.”

Work With Marcus

Booking Sessions

  • Get in touch! We will begin by establishing what you or your child would like support with. For example, it will be useful to know which set texts are being studied, which exam board is being used and which particular questions are proving challenging. From there we can determine our mutual availability and schedule in our first session!

  • Whilst I specialise in GCSE and A-level English support, I have experience teaching across a wide range of age groups - from Year 6 pupils preparing for 11+ entrance examinations to final year university students working towards thesis submission. I have extensive experience supporting sixth form pupils with personal statements and Oxbridge applications. I also welcome pupils who are seeking more holistic support with reading, writing and general enjoyment of English as a subject.

  • Many of the students I work with have SEN, and I always tailor lessons to meet their individual needs. One of the advantages of 1:1 tuition is the capacity for the pupil to work at their own pace in a way they find to be accessible, supportive and confidence-building.

  • All lessons take place online via Microsoft Teams. An invite will be sent through in advance of the lesson - as well as a shared document that will allow tutor and pupil to work through English tasks collaboratively.

  • After each lesson, you and your child will receive communication summarising the contents of the lesson and outlining specific areas of strength and specific areas for development. You will always have access to the shared document, should you wish to review tutoring work outside of lesson time. Most importantly, I maintain an open line of communication and welcome any questions about your child’s progress.

  • Sessions cost £70 per hour.

  • Please do provide 24 hours’ notice if you would like to cancel or move a session. This allows me to make the slot available for other pupils.

    If you do need to cancel within 24 hours, I will do my best to offer an alternative slot for the same week. However, if no suitable time can be found, the session may still be chargeable.

  • Enjoy a free 15-minute consultation and 50% off your first lesson.

    Book a course of 10 lessons and receive the 10th lesson free.

A stack of five books on a surface, including 'A History of English Literature' and books by William Shakespeare and Anaïs Nin.
Close-up of three books to represent the English exam board set texts that are studied for GCSE and A-Level public examinations in English Literature and English Language.

Get Started

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation so that we can develop a tutoring journey that works for your child.

Book Consultation
A friendly English tutor at a wooden desk providing 1-1 personalised English tutoring lessons to GCSE and A Level pupils via a laptop in order to help them attain a top grade.