Hazel Tomkin
Tutoring
Supportive and enthusiastic tutoring in Maths, English and Spanish
Maths – English – study skills
11+ preparation – essay writing
Spanish – Portuguese
“Hazel is a wonderful tutor who offers helpful and caring guidance.”
Alice
English Literature A‑level
“She makes learning delightful and personal. I plan to continue our sessions for quite some time.”
Carolyn
Spanish
“My daughter is gaining so much confidence.”
Caro
Maths GCSE
“We are thrilled to work with Hazel – she has helped my daughter sharpen her math skills and discover effective revision techniques. My daughter feels excited for her lessons and has mastered concepts she once found impossible.”
Poppy
Maths GCSE
About Hazel
Hazel is a supportive and enthusiastic tutor with over 20 years tutoring experience. She specialises in Maths, English, Spanish, Portuguese, 11+ preparation, essay writing and study skills.
Hazel has a particular interest in supporting anxious and neurodivergent learners. She takes time to understand each student’s needs, interests and learning style, then designs lessons that feel calm, encouraging and – above all – fun.
Her goal is always the same: to help every learner build confidence, reduce stress and discover that they really can succeed.
Teaching Experience
over 20 years' experience tutoring ages 7 to adult
2004–ongoing
One-to-one tutoring for children, teens and adults
2021
Mock Oxbridge interviewer, Invicta Grammar School
2015–2020
Junior member of faculty, University of Cambridge:
• Seminars on Academic Writing Skills
• Supervisions on Mozambican & Angolan Literature
• Supervisions on translation (Portuguese to English)
• Troubleshooting sessions on Portuguese language and literature
• Second examiner on exam scripts
• Portuguese taster sessions to secondary schools in Bexley, London
2013–2015
Volunteer tutor for GCSE and A-level students with dyslexia
2010–2011
Intern, CIDAC (Portuguese NGO):
• Managed Portugal’s participation in an international education project
• Created and implemented a “book-raising” idea leading to donations from the UK, US and Australia
2009
Intern, El Rostro de Jesús (Ecuadorean NGO):
• Gave talks to teachers about recent research on child development
• Designed and taught an English course for favela children
2008
Teacher, Centro Cultural Melodía (Paraguayan NGO):
• Designed and taught courses in English, Maths and Music to groups aged 7 to 64
Qualifications
2014–2022
MLitt Portuguese Literature, Queens’ College, University of Cambridge
2013–2014
MPhil European Literature, St John’s College, University of Cambridge, High Pass
2012
Advanced TEFL, TEFL Express, 90.54%
2008–2012
BA Modern & Medieval Languages, St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge, First Class
2005–2007
A‑levels: Mathematics, English Literature, Spanish – College of Richard Collyer, AAA
2000–2005
GCSEs: Warden Park Secondary School – 8 A*, 1 A
multiple advanced Oxbridge degrees
Publications
books, articles and DVDs
2017
"Learn English: a self-study book for speaking English 1"
2016
academic article in "Journal of Anglo-Portuguese Studies" (peer-reviewed)
co-wrote resource for University of Cambridge that conveys university-level learning to 6th-form students
co-edited and translated book of essays "Literature and Ethics in Contemporary Brazil"
co-translated short story (asymptotejournal.com, "Take 6: 6 Portuguese Women Writers")
2012
edited chapter in Latin American Popular Culture: Politics, Media, Affect
2011
script for educational DVD about Fair Trade used in Portuguese secondary schools today
Scholarships and Awards
recognised for academic brilliance and unique achievement
2014-2017
full scholarship for PhD in Portuguese Literature, Queens' College, University of Cambridge
2013-2014
full scholarship for MPhil in European Literature, St John's College, University of Cambridge
2012
1st in year in Portuguese; 13th in year in faculty; Henry Chaytor (1954) Scholarship; College Book Prize
2009
Henry Chaytor (1954) Scholarship; College Book Prize
2007
Trustees' Curriculum Star Prize for high achievement across a breadth of study
2005
Cup for best GCSE results in school