Donna Hughes

I am an experienced ESL teacher with 28 years of teaching experience since gaining my CELTA certificate. I have worked with both adults and young learners at all levels, from false beginners to advanced and proficiency students.

I also specialise in exam preparation, and many of my students have successfully achieved their target scores in IELTS and Cambridge exams (including FCE, CAE, and CPE). My exam-focused lessons combine clear strategies, targeted practice, and confidence-building techniques to help students perform at their best.

My teaching style is friendly, communicative, and student-centred. I understand that everyone learns differently, so I tailor my lessons to suit your individual learning style. To keep lessons motivating and effective, I use a wide range of resources such as news articles, videos, podcasts, and interactive games to support comprehension and long-term retention.

My main goal is to create a relaxed, supportive, and communicative learning environment where you feel safe, motivated, and confident using English.

All classes are taught online. Before each lesson, I send you the materials in advance along with a few simple preparation tasks. These might include reading a short news article to summarise, watching a video clip, or preparing ideas for discussion. For learners who prefer a more structured approach, I am also happy to use a course book. Ultimately, every lesson is adapted to meet your needs and goals.

If this sounds like the right fit for you, feel free to get in touch for an informal chat or to book a trial lesson. I look forward to helping you reach your English language goals.