About Us

Helena

I created The Story Room as a place where children can come and be themselves and write freely, without fear of judgment or the red pen. As an 11-plus tutor I am all too aware that children are often told what they should and should not write. But at the Story Room there is no right or wrong. In the welcoming and friendly environment of our workshops children can let their creativity flow. Through this they can grow in confidence and become better writers, which ultimately will help them improve across the whole curriculum. I aim to instil a passion for writing and reading in all the children who come through our doors.  I have worked with children who thought they didn’t like English and now skip to our workshops and enjoy writing in their free time.

I spend a lot of my free time reading and writing and am constantly on the look out for new, exciting ideas for our workshops. I regularly attend writing courses to develop my own writing skills and have had my poetry published in City Lit’s ‘Between The Lines’,  ‘South Bank Poetry’ ‘Poetry for Good’ competition top 100 poem, Stonecoast Review (USA), https://enfieldpoets.com/ekphrasis-a-poetry-and-photography-exhibition/ and  ‘Enfield Poets Anthology’. I write poetry and short stories. I was a 2020 BBC 500 Words judge and have appeared on BBC Radio Berkshire talking about the work the Story Room does.

I am a partner at www.succeed11-plusmocks.co.uk where we specialise in 11-plus tuition and mocks, preparing children for their entrance exams.

As a mother of three boys, I am particularly passionate about getting boys into reading and writing.  I have written articles for N21online.com on helping dyslexic children access literature and  how to encourage boys to read

I have a degree in Law from UCL and am a qualified solicitor.

I absolutely love what we do at The Story Room – We are very lucky to have a brilliant team of workshops leaders and tutors, all passionate about writing and guiding children to flourish personally and academically.  We are proud of what every child writes at The Story Room.

See you soon at The Story Room!

Helena Steel

LIST OF SUBJECTS HELENA TUTORS IN:

  • 11-plus and 13-plus Entrance Exams
  • King’s Scholarship (Eton)
  • Creative writing

Helena has had more than ten years of 11+ experience. She has helped countless children gain entry to their first choice school including; City of London (girls and boys), St.Pauls, Dame Alice Owens, Latymer, Henrietta Barnet, Queen Elizabeth Boys, Haberdashers (girls and boys), St Albans, Channing, St Michael’s Catholic School, Palmers Green High, St John’s (Enfield), Benedeen, North London Collegiate, Highgate, Mill Hill and Queenswood.

Helena

I created The Story Room as a place where children...

Ben

As a musician and poet, storytelling has always been at the heart of what I do. And whether I’m leading a writing workshop of Traveller children in Belfast, performing my one-man show An Imaginary Circus to families at the Edinburgh Festival, or singing songs on the sunny coast of Hastings where I live, my aim is always to make people excited about the magic of their own imaginations. 
 
My teaching experience began in Belfast where I moved to complete a Masters and then PhD in creative writing. During that time I taught undergraduate and Masters students, while running creative writing workshops for children in local Northern Irish communities. Back in London, I began working as a tutor with several top London agencies, teaching children from 5-18 years of age. From my current home on the south coast, I tutor children online in 8-plus, 11-plus, 13-plus, GCSE and A Level for London grammar, selective and independent schools, plus university admission. 
 
Kids always come up with the most incredibly imaginative ideas. They are born storytellers (usually much better than adults, I have to confess…). My job as a workshop leader is to create a space where they can feel confident to let their stories unfold. Just as everyone is unique, so every child has a different way of seeing the world, and a different story to tell.
 
I have a degree in English from Durham University, and a Masters and PhD in Creative Writing from the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry, Belfast. 
 
The words and ideas that children come up with in the vibrant and encouraging space of the Story Room amaze me. I look forward to seeing you there!
List of subjects Ben tutors in:
  • KS1, KS2 and KS3 English Booster
  • SATS preparation
  • Creative writing for all ages (one-to-one and group sessions)
  • 7-plus and 8-plus Entrance Exams
  • 11-plus and 13-plus Entrance Exams
  • GCSE ENGLISH – all boards
  • A level ENGLISH – all boards
  • King’s Scholarship (Eton)
  • Westminster Challenge’ (13+ Scholarship)

Ben

As a musician and poet, storytelling has always been at...

Kerry

For as long as I can remember I have been devouring books and writing. When I was eight, I won a nationwide writing competition for Ottakers and had several poems published. These heartening experiences gave me the confidence to keep writing and I have since written one full length fantasy novel, various award-winning comedy scripts for TV and several short films and stories. I was lucky to have teachers who encouraged my writing and know just how crucial inspirational role models are to a child’s academic and personal development. My main intention, as a tutor and workshop leader, is to spark a genuine interest within the student for the subject. I bring a vital sense of humour, patience, and tailor my approach to every student. If they struggle with focus, I’ll find new ways to engage with them. If they are lacking confidence, I use my background in performing arts to help them with their storytelling.

I have a degree in English Literature and since graduating have worked with children in the performing arts.  I have had an exciting career, running workshops all over the country including at Shakespeare’s Globe and for BBC Radio. I currently tutor children in creative writing, 11-plus and GCSE English. As a scholarship student at the Godolphin School I understand the pressures of the 11-plus incredibly well. I have a flair for helping children learn how to negotiate the expectations of exams and have a talent for breaking things down in a way that children can understand and enjoy. 

I take great pride and joy in helping every one of my students flourish and I look forward to helping your child find their voice at The Story Room.

 

Kerry can be heard on BBC Radio 4 as:
 
– Nerissa in Merchant of Venice (Hayley Atwell, Andrew Scott)
– Kiyoko in Seven Songs for Simon Dixelius (Arthur Darvill)
 Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest (Mat Baynton, Gemma Jones)
– Isabella in Wuthering Heights (Ben Batt, Chloe Pirrie)
The Guardian (Lyn Gardner)
a good performance from Kerry Gooderson as Little Em’ly, casually destroyed by Steerforth
London Pub Theatres
But it is to Kerry Gooderson as Beth who attracts most praise. She draws us in on so many levels. Hers is not a straightforward performance at all…A sublime piece of acting on Gooderson’s part.
The Stage
Kerry Gooderson provides a succession of scene-stealing cameos.
KERRY TUTORS IN:
  • KS1, KS2 and KS3 English
  • SATS preparation
  • Creative writing for all ages (one-to-one and group sessions)
  • 7-plus and 8-plus Entrance Exams
  • 11-plus Entrance Exams
  • GCSE ENGLISH
  • A LEVEL ENGLISH

Kerry

For as long as I can remember I have been...

Michelle

After several years of working in a variety of creative roles including working in galleries and as a graphic designer, I decided to become a teacher. I felt compelled to share my experiences and insights with children and young people. I completed a PGCE in secondary Art and Design at Goldsmiths University London, where I soon found the most enjoyable part of teaching was around building relationships with the children. Seeing what children could achieve once they felt they were in a trusting situation is still a big part of my motivation to teach today. 

My teaching experience began in London after completing a BA (Hons) PGCE. I have over fifteen years’ experience as a Primary School Teacher, Secondary School Teacher and SENCO. My key focus has always been around creating access to learning through building confidence and expanding on existing strengths. In primary schools I sourced and installed literacy and phonics programmes throughout Key stages 1 and 2. Some of my happiest memories are of the performance assemblies that followed a merging of Literacy with Art. This enabled the children to write their own contemporary versions of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and create paper theatres and puppets of the characters. These experiences provided invaluable skills that I took into my role as a Workshop leader and Private Tutor at the Story Room.

Since joining the Story Room I have been amazed by the ideas and work that the children produce during workshops and one to one sessions. The fun atmosphere and unique surroundings fuel a release of imagination and storytelling.  I am a private tutor to children from year 3 all the way through to years 7, 8 and 9. I have a very natural teaching style and I have high expectations of all the children that I teach, whether they are preparing for the 11+ entrance exams or having general English booster lessons. Working with children in years 7 through to 9 has enabled insights and focus on the necessary preparation techniques for GCSE English, including analysis of texts, themes, language, characters, relationships and the historical context of the various GCSE chosen texts.  I really enjoy working at the Story Room and inspiring creativity, passing on my knowledge and developing children’s writing skills in a fun and inclusive environment. 

I have retained a focus on my artistic interests throughout my career, both in my teaching career and through self-generated opportunities to sell my own work. I have supplied a number of specialist stockists, most notably Benjamin Pollocks Toyshop in Covent Garden, famous for its paper theatres and unusual range of toys and games.  I was lucky enough one Christmas to be invited to take part in ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ Christmas themed window display. I was tasked with creating various props including – paper sledges and reindeers, magical Christmas fairies and a set of miniature fairy outfits including tiny crowns and wands for the wardrobe. A really delightful experience and wonderful to be able to observe visitors reactions to the final display!   

I tutor in:  

11 plus Entrance Exams

7 plus and 8 plus Entrance Exams

KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4 English Booster

SATS preparation

Creative writing for all ages (one to one and group sessions)

GCSE ENGLISH

ISEB Common Entrance Exam (with a focus on independent writing) 

SEN (all ages)

GSCE ART 

 

Michelle

After several years of working in a variety of creative...

Catherine

English to my mind is the best subject at school but of course I am biased being both an English teacher and bookworm. It really has something for everyone; whether you like making up stories, talking about books or performing speeches about the state of the world: English is for you.  However sometimes students need a little help in finding their voice in this subject and this is where I come in.

In the last 5 years, I have enjoyed working one to one and in small groups, seeking to motivate and mentor my students.  Working with all abilities – from the underperforming and very unconfident to those who may be in a top set in a grammar school who are not being stretched enough – I can help.  Usually, my students far exceed their predicted grade and become more assured along the way – this often encourages them to work with a greater self-assurance in other subjects. One of my parents recently described her son’s experience of English tutoring as suddenly opening a Pandora’s Box in a positive way, helping him fuel an interest for learning. I am passionate about my students’ success both at school and in the exam hall. Though I consider myself an exam specialist, I am fond of identifying bespoke strategies that work with the individual student and not solely teach to the test.

Previously I worked at Highlands School for 10 years and there ran a fast track group for GCSE and taught solely exam classes across Key stage 4 &5 for GCSE and A Level. Since leaving after having my son, I have been focused on tutoring and have also moderated coursework for AQA.

I have a degree in English Literature from Loughborough University, a PGCE from London Metropolitan and more recently a Graduate Certificate in Linguistics from Birkbeck.  In my twenties, I worked in marketing, gaining experience in writing persuasive copy that has been invaluable to me as both an English teacher and tutor helping my students with both their university personal statements and writing in general.

LIST OF SUBJECTS CATHERINE TUTORS IN:

English KS3 booster/support

GCSE English Language

GCSE English Literature

Catherine can also assist with: 

EPQ writing

Writing a personal statement

Catherine

English to my mind is the best subject at school...

Angels

Once upon a time I decided to be a creative writing coach for children. I was born in the beautiful blue city of Barcelona where I trained to be a Tax Lawyer. One Autumn I attended a series of lessons on Hamlet at the English Studies Faculty in Barcelona and a few months after I moved to London. Maybe I had heard the call of the English language. That was almost twenty years ago and the love story has endured.

I took an MA on Bilingual Literary Translation at Westminster University and later on a second MA on Comparative Literature at King’s College. I am now a freelance literary translator from English into Spanish, my last published translations in Spain are TimeRiders I and II, the first two books of a time travelling series by Scarrow for 11+ that have been a bestseller in England.

I have my dream jobs working with children at  The Story Room and with families and children at The Tate as a Tate Early Years and Families workshop innovator. I also volunteer as a Writing Mentor at The Ministry of Stories and I have attended multiple Creative Writing courses and workshops at City Lit, Birkbeck College and Arvon which have helped me immensely both in my own writing but also in enabling children to free their own creativity. I am also a qualified Neuro Linguistic Programming coach, which is helpful when children are stuck in a negative self-limiting belief and are really convinced they are ‘not creative’.

As an aspiring author I am working towards the publication of two Tales for children and a collection of Short Stories for grown ups.

My favourite part of working as a writing coach is when a child comes to a workshop and  looks down thinking he cannot ‘write’ anything because he does not ‘know what to write’ and then leaves proud and smiling, eager to show something he has ‘written’ and was ‘so easy to write’! The next time he attends, the only question is ‘what are we going to be writing about today?’. It’s amazing to see the transformation when children see that writing is not such a daunting task anymore.

I look forward to meeting your children at The Story Room workshops.

Àngels G.Vila

LIST OF SUBJECTS ANGELS TUTORS IN: 

  •  Creative writing (small groups and one-to-one)
  •  GCSE Spanish (all boards)
  • A Level Spanish (all boards)

Angels

Once upon a time I decided to be a creative...

Lizzy

For me, working with children began with a volunteering role. As a mentor and visitor to a child in foster care, I felt the reward and privilege of being part of a young person’s life over many years. This led me on a path away from a career in University Administration to a role supporting pupils with SEN in a secondary boys’ school. After 9 years, I moved on to a primary school and a Graduate TA role, supporting pupils’ learning and teaching groups as well as whole classes. I am now a primary English and maths tutor.

Sharing stories with my own three children has been one of life’s gifts – although interesting boys in books has been, at times, a battle with digital temptations. Thank goodness for authors that took us into battles, on journeys to discover magical lands and introduced us to characters that we were thirsty to learn more about.  Writing with children has unlocked hidden treasures too. Appreciating the beauty of nature from vivid descriptions: like the intricate beauty of a cobweb or a morning cloaked in snow.

I am very excited to share these joys with children at The Story Room and look forward to helping them find their hidden gems.

I have a degree in Politics from Loughborough University, and a Masters in Nationalism, Society and Culture from Middlesex University.

Lizzy Richards

Lizzy

For me, working with children began with a volunteering role....

Allan

Allan Boroughs is a traveller and writer with a passion for classic adventure stories “in which a lot of stuff happens”. His debut novel, Ironheart, published by Macmillan in 2014, was inspired by his travels in Siberia, whilst the sequel, Bloodstone (Jan 2015) took him to the Antarctic. He is currently planning a trip to the jungles of Venezuela for the third book in the series.

Allan is also a founding member of Future Perfect Writers, who perform regularly at spoken-word events. He divides his time between his business in London and his home in Cornwall; he lives with his wife and two children

Allan

Allan Boroughs is a traveller and writer with a passion...

Finn

Teaching maths allows me to share a subject I have loved my whole life. I enjoy the challenges and satisfaction it presents at every level. In my lessons I strive to inspire my students to develop strong problem-solving skills and confidence.

My passion for all things maths led me to Dame Alice Owen’s School and later to the University of Manchester, where I am currently in my second year studying Mechanical Engineering.

Through my work with The Story Room, I have the opportunity to spark and nurture a love for maths in young people, helping them gain knowledge and take pride in mastering a subject that should be accessible and enjoyable for all.

Finn tutors in:

11plus maths (Year 4 and 5)

GCSE maths

Finn

Teaching maths allows me to share a subject I have...