'Love to Learn' is about exactly that! Our mission is to make learning something that is enjoyable, something that is a pleasurable experience. Learning should not be a chore or a hassle, not something that is endured or suffered through, but something that is a fun and positive part of a child's daily routine.

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Each day we are all learning, every single one of us, whether we are actively involved in the process or not! It takes energy, concentration and motivation to become better at something, to embed skills or to master something completely new.

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Having taught young people aged 6-19 during our careers, we have seen the very real frustrations experienced by pupils when they don't quite "get" it. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of time focusing on one particular skill or topic with a specialist teacher without the distractions of a busy classroom.

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Our passion for enabling learning is intrinsic. In our roles as private tutors, we can offer each child our undivided time and energy to break down any learning barriers, to ensure that they have no reason to feel trapped or confused, and to provide all the necessary tools required to thrive and achieve whatever they desire.

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As parents ourselves, we understand how important it is to ensure that our kids are happy. Only then do we believe that they will be able to reach their full potential. By allowing us to work with your little treasures, you are choosing to help them on their learning journey.

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Emily Spurgeon (BA Hons / PGCE):

I completed my degree in English at Swansea University in 2002, and then moved to London to work as a trainee Script Editor for a TV company based at Pinewood Studios, working on programmes such as 'Midsomer Murders'. In 2004, I decided to return to education and undertook a PGCE in Secondary Education specialising in English at Exeter University. My first teaching post was here in Wimborne Minster at Queen Elizabeth's School. During the 18 years of my career in education, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of secondary and middle schools across the South Coast.

 

I set up 'Love to Learn' in 2017 and have since worked with over 85 local children on a 1-to-1 basis. I have also helped support many other children in small groups during my Creative Writing workshops and 11+ Grammar School Revision workshops. I teach part-time in a local secondary school as a SEN English Intervention teacher.

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When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, yoga, meditation, listening to music, collecting crystals, spending time with my family and my cats Zebby and Pixie.

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I am enhanced DBS checked and registered. 

John Dover​ (BEd / SLE):
I completed my teacher training degree at St. Mark’s & St. John’s Plymouth University in 2003, and then moved to Dorset to work as a middle school teacher of Maths, Humanities, and PE. In 2007, I became Head of Department and I led teacher training and quality first teaching provision. My first senior position in education was a director of college specialism post with close working associations with Queen Elizabeth's School.

 

During the 19 years of my career in education, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of secondary and middle schools across Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, and have been fortunate to have featured in OFSTED case studies of best practice.

 

My ten years as a Deputy Headteacher taught me the importance of maintaining positive relationships with children and adults.
 
I have always enjoyed the challenge of making Maths fun and engaging and have considerable experience of teaching children from age 9 to 17.

 

I currently teach in a Special Needs school supporting students with a range of social and emotional needs, and find it incredibly motivating to guide them towards GCSE qualifications.
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When I am not teaching, I support people with their mental health, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing. I love reading, football, movies,

collecting geeky gadgets, and spending time with my family and my cat Lenny.
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I am enhanced DBS checked and registered.

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Laura Barnes (BA Hons / PGCE):

Having previously followed a career in special needs in the voluntary sector, I reconnected with my love of literature and became a teacher of English. For the past 10 years, whilst raising my family, I have taught GCSE English Language and Literature in schools in Dorset. I have gained great pleasure from engaging young people from year group 7 to 11 in the subjects that I teach; opening up new worlds through the books we read and learning the skills needed for effective communication.

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Both my children have a late diagnosis of autism and I have therefore gained a greater understanding of what this and associated issues can mean for children in the school environment. It has also been very apparent to me that everyone's needs cannot always be met within a busy classroom. It gives me real satisfaction to see how quickly young people can make progress given one-to-one or small group support. I am very excited to have this opportunity to teach beyond the classroom and give students the skills and confidence to achieve their best. 

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In my spare time I enjoy being with my family, reading, drawing and painting, being in nature, dancing, Shiatsu massage, music and spending time with our cat.  

 

I am enhanced DBS checked and registered.

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Joanna Hodnett (Bsc Hons / Msc / PGCE):

I trained to teach at the University of Oxford and returned there to complete a master's degree in education. My hope is to help you achieve your ambition for GCSE science and A level Physics. So that you can realise your higher education goals! 

 

I love helping people learn. Outside school, you may find me serving in the kids' team at the local community church which is another great passion of mine. 

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I am enhanced DBS checked and registered.

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Georgie Pinder (BA Hons / PGCE / Dip Cert):

I am a qualified teacher, Animas accredited Life Coach, and Young Minds Academic Resilience mentor. With 20 years of experience working with young people and their families, I cannot wait to be part of the growing team at Love to Learn.

I will be offering practical support and life coaching sessions to students applying to universities or to students who are applying for an apprenticeship / employment. I combine my expertise of the post 16 and post 18 education and employment landscape with my skills as a life coach to offer bespoke sessions that fit with students’ individual needs.

My sessions can help guide students through the university admissions process, including personal statement writing, interview preparation and supporting students in decision making on received offers. I have guided 100s of students and families through the UCAS process over the years and understand the additional pressure and anxiety this can put students and families under.

I have helped secure university offers and places at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities and onto medicine, Vet Med/Science and Dentistry as well as supporting students onto applied / vocational pathways. I am passionate about young people having access to individual advice and guidance and believe it is a privilege to support students as they make the leap to university or into employment.

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I am enhanced DBS checked and registered.

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Michael Dunn (AET/FdSc):

After gaining A levels in Maths and Further Maths I joined the Merchant Navy as a Deck Officer. My career at sea allowed me to put my Maths skills to use in navigation, ship stability and even through determining my position at sea using the stars. During my time in the Merchant Navy I had the pleasure of mentoring other officer cadets through the ranks and I realised that education was something I loved being a part of.

I left the Merchant Navy after 14 years to pursue a career in education and haven’t looked back. I have worked in both mainstream and specialist colleges as a tutor and am now based in a local secondary school as a full time maths tutor.

I specialise in teaching small groups and one-to-one, using an adaptive approach so that I am constantly tailoring sessions to the individual students’ requirements to give them the best opportunity to make progress and build confidence.

I am enhanced DBS checked and registered.

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