Core English Skills

What Is Core English Skills?

Core English Skills is not a program that focuses on only one area of English.
At Square Studio, reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary, and sentence structure are viewed as interconnected parts of a single English skill set.

Through a level test, we accurately assess each student’s current ability and identify the most effective learning sequence for their development.
This program is especially suitable for students who:

  • speak confidently but struggle with writing

  • can understand texts but lack sentence accuracy

  • feel confident in English but have an unstable foundation

By analysing each student’s language habits and thinking process, we clearly identify why mistakes happen and where learning gaps exist.
Students are guided to build the ability to create and express their own sentences independently.

Core English Skills is a personalised foundational English program that develops sentence structure and grammar, spoken fluency and accuracy, writing organisation and expression, as well as vocabulary growth and reading comprehension in a balanced and structured way.

Why Is It Important to Start Core English Skills?

English proficiency is not built by excelling in just one area.
Speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and sentence structure are all closely connected, and when the foundation is not clearly established, students often feel increasing pressure and anxiety as they move up in grade level.

Core English Skills focuses on building a strong and lasting foundation rather than short-term score improvement.
The program is designed to support both current school learning and long-term academic growth.
Establishing core structures early becomes the starting point for all future English learning.

Core English Skills Teacher, Genna


Inspiring creativity, confidence, and academic growth through English

18+ years’ teaching experience — KS1 to 13+

Highly qualified educator:

  • IB Certificate in English Literature, Language & Literature, TOK, Theatre, Language B, CAS Coordination

  • Registered Behaviour Technician

Specialist skills:

  • Curriculum design and personalised learning

  • SEN support (ASD, ADHD, PDA, EAL) & behaviour management

  • Assessment and progress tracking

  • Student-centred instruction and pastoral care

  • Educational technology integration

  • Parent and family communication

Focus: creativity, confidence, and holistic student development
Goal: nurturing each learner to become a confident, expressive, and empowered communicator

BOOK NOW FOR SPRING 2026!

Booking now open for Core English Skills starts on Sunday 22nd of February 2026

Core English Skills – Secondary KS3

Core English Skills goes beyond focusing on a single area of English. It is a personalised foundational programme designed to strengthen sentence structure and grammar, improve spoken fluency and accuracy, and develop clear, well-organised academic writing.

By integrating vocabulary expansion with reading comprehension, students gain a deeper understanding of how English functions as a connected system.
This structured approach helps students express ideas logically, use language with precision, and build the core skills required for long-term academic success.

Core English Skills – Primary KS2

Core English Skills goes beyond focusing on a single area of English. Core English Skills helps younger learners build strong foundations in grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary while gaining confidence in speaking and writing.

Through guided reading and practice, students learn how words and sentences work together, supporting clear expression and accurate, confident English use.

 Who Is This Course For? (Max 4 students)

  • Group 1 : Year 4-6

  • Group 2 : Year 7-9 

Why Is This Important?

Core English Skills is important because English proficiency depends on a strong foundation across reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Building these skills together helps students use English accurately, confidently, and successfully in the long term.

Example Task Types Covered in the Course

1. Structured Learning

  • Tailored curriculum based on each student’s level and learning goals

  • Step-by-step guidance in sentence structure, paragraph organisation, grammar, and vocabulary expansion

2. Practical English Practice

  • Integrated exercises linking reading, writing, and speaking

  • Short writing tasks, presentations, and Q&A activities to build natural English use

3. Individualised Feedback

  • Immediate feedback on sentences and writing

  • Repeated practice and corrections to improve grammar accuracy and vocabulary use

4. Confidence Building

  • Clear structure and guided practice to increase confidence in English

  • Experiencing achievement throughout learning to boost motivation and engagement

Spring Term Dates 2026

OPTION Sundays 10:00-11:00am: BOOK NOW
2026 February : 22nd
2026 March : 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
Time : Sundays, 10:00-11:00AM
Age : Yr7-8 | Weekly sessions

NB: There is no lesson on 16th February for half term
Max 4 students per session / £45 per hour 

OPTION Saturdays 11:30-12:30pm: BOOK NOW
2026 February
: 22nd
2026 March : 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
Time : Sundays, 11:30-12:30AM
Age : Yr4-6 | Weekly sessions

NB: There is no lesson on 21st February for half term
Max 6 students per session / £45 per hour 

OPTION Sundays 05:00-06:00pm: BOOK NOW
2026 February : 22nd
2026 March : 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
Time : Sundays, 05:00-06:00PM
Age : Yr8-9 | Weekly sessions

NB: There is no lesson on 16th February for half term
Max 4 students per session / £45 per hour 

General Details:

  • This course takes place online.

  • There will be a maximum of 4 children on the course.

  • Taught by a qualified and experienced teachers with excellent references and hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate, registered with the Update Service.

  • Teachers will contact clients directly to discuss course details

  • Please choose PayPal at the checkout if you would like to pay in instalments.

  • Once booked, places are non-refundable

2025 Christmas Holiday

2025 December : 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st
Yr7-8 Group : Saturday-Wednesday 9Am-10Am
Yr4-6 Group : Saturday-Wednesday 10Am-11Am

What you get with Square Studio Tutoring

  • DBS Certificates

    Tutors hold Enhanced DBS and are signed up to the Update Service.

  • Direct Communication

    All scheduling of sessions is done directly between client and tutor.

  • Online or Face-to-Face

    Depending on location, tutoring can be online or face-to-face.

  • No Commitment

    There is no obligation to commit for a set period of time, allowing flexibility for the client.

Your Questions Answered

  • Safeguarding is essential in tutoring, whether it's conducted in person or online.

    Background Checks and References

    Qualified tutors must undergo appropriate background checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This process helps identify any criminal history that could present a risk.

    Additional Safeguards

    Even with a DBS check, parents should take extra precautions. We recommend the following:

    • Avoid holding lessons in a bedroom. It’s best to have lessons in a central area, like the kitchen table.

    • For online tutoring, use parental controls on the devices your child uses to monitor and limit access to inappropriate content.

    • Discuss privacy measures with your tutor, such as recording the lesson for future use, using a virtual whiteboard, and limiting screen sharing to the necessary materials.

    • Sit in on the first lesson or two, especially if your child is younger. Gradually allow more independence as you get to know the tutor and build trust.

    • Keep the door open so you’re within earshot.

    • Regularly ask your child about their experience with the tutor. Make sure they feel comfortable sharing any concerns. Teach your child about online safety and appropriate behavior, and encourage them to talk to you if they feel uncomfortable.

    • Stay in communication with the tutor. Address any concerns right away and keep an open line for ongoing dialogue.

    • Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, discuss it with us immediately.

  • If you’re seeking someone skilled and trained to teach, opt for a qualified tutor. While this may seem obvious, a tutor with the right teaching qualifications will have hands-on experience working with children in your child’s age group and specific subject. A qualified tutor is a subject matter expert who can monitor progress, communicate with your child’s school (if needed), and stay informed about the latest curriculum updates and exam standards.

    We offer high-quality tuition at home with fully qualified teachers. All our tutors are experienced professionals, carefully vetted by us, and hold enhanced DBS checks.

  • Square-Studio Cambridge Tutors offers both 1-on-1 tuition and group lessons. Group sessions are limited to a maximum of 6 pupils. This social setting allows children to learn alongside their peers, which can help build confidence in the classroom.

    One-on-one tuition is available either online or offline, depending on your location. This type of tuition provides focused support, making it ideal for children who may get distracted in groups or need extra help to build self-esteem and confidence in learning. If you’re looking for a private English or math tutor, this is a great place to start.

Becoming a Tutor

If you’re a dedicated tutor with a degree, a qualified teacher, a specialist or SEND teacher, SENCO, or an experienced teacher who shares our commitment to making students feel positive about themselves as learners, we’d love to hear from you.

Registering with us is completely free. We do not ask for any up-front payments or registration fees.

Please send us your CV to

info@square-studio.co.uk