I graduated with a degree in English from University College London, where my tutors included A.S.Byatt and John Sutherland. Subsequently, I studied for a postgraduate education qualification and have taught for over 20 years in state and independent schools (latterly as head of department) and as a private tutor.

I have coached students from most of the comprehensive and private schools in and around Oxford. My three children have all been through GCSE, A levels and university, so I am familiar with the hopes and anxieties of parents and teenagers.