My Story
I grew up in a working-class family and was the first to attend university. That experience showed me how transformative education can be. It opened doors, built my confidence, and brought joy into my life. I went on to earn a First Class Honours degree in English with History, followed by a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of St Andrews.
My educational journey was not always easy. I experienced a lack of support, school disruption, bullying, and even a short period of home education. I had to move schools during my GCSEs and quickly adapt to a new environment, often teaching myself missed content to plug the gaps in my knowledge.
Those challenges shaped the teacher I am today. Someone who understands how important it is to be seen, supported, cared for, and believed in. I know what it is like to struggle, and how life-changing the right support can be.
My Mission
At Hicks Home Learning, my mission is to help every student grow in confidence, skill, and independence, no matter their starting point.
I believe education should be both stretching and supportive. My aim is to create a space where students feel safe enough to take risks and confident enough to ask questions. I want them to see their own potential and to understand that learning is a process. I want them to feel proud of the progress they make at every step of their learning journey.
Teaching is not just about exam preparation, although that matters. It is also about building lifelong skills: resilience, curiosity, and clarity of thought. I help students think critically, express themselves well, and feel empowered in their learning. Above all, I want every student to know that with the right support, they can excel, and their potential is limitless.
My Approach
My approach is deeply personalised. I believe that every learner is different and that good teaching should reflect this.
I take time to get to know each student, building relationships based on trust, encouragement, and consistency. My aim is to strike the right balance between challenge and support. Sessions are structured and purposeful, while also being warm and engaging. Many students stay in touch long after I have taught them, which speaks to the lasting impact of those connections.
I tailor my teaching to suit the learner, going at the pace that is right for them, addressing gaps systematically, and celebrating progress at every step. Whether I am working one-to-one or in small groups, my goal is always the same: to help students feel more confident, capable, and in control of their learning.
Why 'Ever to Excel'?
The phrase “Ever to Excel” is a personal one. It originates from The Iliad by Homer. The phrase “αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν” has been translated as a call to always strive for excellence.
I first encountered it while studying at the University of St Andrews, where it serves as an important motto. The phrase stayed with me. It reminds me that education is not just about marks and exams. It is about growth, development, and self-discovery. That is exactly what I hope to offer through Hicks Home Learning.