“Kathryn is always a sparkling presence. She has a rare capacity to connect with children as unique spirits; she understands their aspirations but also their anxieties. This, coupled with her understanding of ‘how examinations work’ and her ability to impart that information in an engaging and sometimes quirky way, makes her one of the great teachers.”

— Guy Holloway, Headmaster of Hampton Court House

“Kathryn was incredibly patient and inspirational in the way she set about keeping my son’s attention, driving him and making it a fun and pleasurable time, rather than extra work and more hassle. I can honestly say that without her help, he would never have achieved the grades he did, not only at Common Entrance but also GCSEs and A Levels.”

“Kathryn not only exemplified an outstanding lesson, but it is clear, from her relationship with her students, their dedication to her lessons and the progression in the standard of their work, that she is a truly outstanding teacher.”

- OFSTED Inspector

“Thank you, thank you. [My son]’s interest in creative writing is boundless, each day new words, new constructs and new stories. I don't know what magic you used to fire up his imagination and passion but thank you.”

“Kathryn was the best tutor I could have ever asked for! She helped me improve my English tremendously, particularly my comprehension, an area I was completely unsure about. Not only were the lessons very beneficial, they were also fun and every week I greatly looked forward to the class. I would highly recommend Kathryn."

“Kathryn made all the difference and her success was as much driven by her personality and ability to engage our son as it was by her knowledge of the subjects. I would have no hesitation in recommending her for creative writing or anything else she chose to teach, she's amazing.”

“Kathryn is a phenomenal and inspirational teacher. She started teaching me when I was roughly 10 years old. She evoked so much passion within me, I was on the edge on my seat after every lesson, dying to learn more. Kathryn is strict and thorough in her teaching; however, she always finds the fun in something boring, the humour in something serious, and, most importantly, Kathryn helps her students find the fun in learning. Kathryn has a strong drive within her. She is focused, hard-working, and is a role model to me and many others.”

“Kathryn has a supreme ability to motivate my children to learn. She has a rare gift for engaging at their level without ever seemingly talking down to them. In fact, they feel they are being treated as equals and they rise to that expectation. They disappear to their rooms in preparation for their online sessions, and reappear energised and enthused.”

— Professor Petroc Sumner

“Kathryn Sumner has a great gift for developing creative writing skills in children. She makes every task seem an imaginative challenge, enabling her students to flourish and enjoy their learning.”

- William Sieghart CBE, founder of Forward Prizes for Poetry

“Kathryn is a fantastic teacher who fills her students with inspiration and guides them to achieve their goals.”

“You have transformed a little boy by inspiring him! There are nothing but words of praise coming out of our son’s mouth when he speaks of Kathryn. You have inspired a small boy to a depth and passion that is a delight to witness.”

“Quite simply you will be hard pressed to find a more empathetic but also a more skilled tutor than Kathryn. She excels with the intellectually-able students but - equally - she is infinitely patient, and skilled at building trust, with those who lack confidence. She is one of the most remarkable teachers I have ever known.”

- Guy Holloway, Headmaster HCH

“Kathryn is brilliant fun to learn with. We play imaginary games and have fun. I love her.”

“Thank you, Kathryn! You did an amazing job with our boys. Incredible. We’ve never seen them so excited about learning — about school! It’s simply amazing to see their curiosity and passion for learning as well as their willingness to do the work. We’re so grateful for the passion you’ve instilled in them.”

“Kathryn is a deeply kind, dynamic and gifted teacher, who creatively adapts to the needs and skills of her students. We were lucky to have her prepare our daughters for their 11+ and cannot recommend her highly enough.”

“Kathryn delivers fantastic lessons to both our children online. She has an obvious passion for helping children flourish and is also very organised, providing feedback for us parents after each session.”

“At the end of every session I feel motivated and academically confident.”

“The best that I can do is brought to life by Kathryn’s fun and engaging lessons.”

“I wanted to express my gratitude and tell you how big of an impact you’ve had on my songwriting. Your creative writing classes really shaped the way I write and I only have you to thank for fuelling my love for it.” (Musician & songwriter)

“I really want to thank you for teaching me drama all those years ago. In university, it’s so easy to confidently project myself and know where to stand on the stage to appear more confident and comfortable… You just made communication so much easier for me.”

“It’s just such a delight: seeing my daughter run to the computer to get online with you. Imagine that! A child desperate to get onto a tutoring session!”

“You inspire me everyday to do my best and achieve in all my lessons. Your way of teaching is incredible.”

“After too many years of my son trying to apply his school’s teaching, Kathryn found his deeply-buried abilities, then watered and nurtured them into those of a thriving writer.”

“Every day I see evidence of the learning confidence you have given them.”

“Kathryn helps me get through tricky times and is very kind.’

‘It’s really hard to put into writing how someone has held your child’s hand and walked them out of a storm into the sunlight. But that is what you did for my son. I will always be grateful to you for how you supported him to find his own way.’

‘Kathryn, you rock! Thank you for supporting me every which way with my exams. You’re the best teacher anyone could wish for.”

“Before Kathryn started teaching our class, I hated reading; I thought books were a waste of time when I could be watching TV. When Kathryn started teaching us, she gave me amazing books which really inspired me and I can’t imagine myself without reading now! Kathryn is also really energetic and makes learning so fun for us. Kathryn is an awesome teacher!”