Our tutors - issie richardson

Issie - Modern Languages, University of cambridge

Hi! I’m Issie, a recent graduate from New College Oxford, having studied a BA in Modern Languages (Spanish). At university I developed a lifelong love of literature, earning first class marks in papers such as early modern writing and women’s novels in modern Spain. That being said, my studies were by no means restricted to prose; while at New, I studied Czech, Slovak, and Portuguese alongside Spanish, giving me a real understanding of the language learning process. Outside of my course, I held multiple positions on committees and rowed in the college boat club for two years.

Before going up to Oxford, I studied at a state comprehensive school in Milton Keynes, where I achieved straight A*s in A-levels in History, Spanish and English Literature, with full marks in my English coursework. I won school prizes for my attainment in Spanish and for receiving the highest A-level grades in my year, something I am particularly proud of given that I balanced my studies with both voluntary and paid work. I also secured top grades across all my GCSEs, including an A* in Maths.

I started working as a tutor when I was 16, gaining experience working with children aged 4-17. I’ve supported students with Maths and English Language up to GCSE, and Spanish and English Literature at A-level. Furthermore, I’ve taught children in preparation for 11+ entrance exams and supported students with university applications.

I feel passionately that everyone should have access to education and achieve the best that is possible: this is something that drives my tutoring. I’ve supported students with anxiety, autism, gaps in their education, and those being homeschooled. I employ a growth mindset model, helping students overcome their own personal obstacles to not only fulfil their potential, but become scholarly in their approach.