The person behind English Matters

Sumona Singhal

Sumona Singhal

Sumona Singhal — Founder, English Matters

"True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own."

Sumona Singhal

Sumona Singhal — Founder, English Matters

Qualifications & Background

The experience behind the teaching

Thirty years of teaching English — across Independent Schools, secondary classrooms, and twelve years at the heart of London's 11+ world. English Matters was not built overnight. It was earned, one student at a time.

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M.A. English Literature — First Class A deep, genuine command of the subject that informs everything taught
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M.Ed. Formal training in education — how children learn, not just what they learn
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Independent school teaching — high-expectation academic environments Years spent in demanding classrooms where rigour and high standards were the foundation
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GCSE English teacher — British secondary schools Full classroom teaching experience within the British curriculum
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12 years dedicated to London 11+ tuition Focused entirely on Grammar and Independent School preparation
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Annually updated Enhanced DBS disclosure Current and verified — available to view on request
Where it began

A love of language, rooted in the classroom from the start

My teaching life began in some of the most demanding Independent Schools imaginable — high-expectation environments where real command of language was understood, from day one, to open doors that nothing else can.

The moment a child finds the right word and surprises even themselves — that is when learning becomes lasting.

From there, the path led to the British secondary classroom — full-time GCSE English teaching across the entire ability range. That combination, the rigour of Independent School teaching paired with deep knowledge of the British curriculum, is what makes the preparation at English Matters different.

London — and English Matters

Twelve years ago, English Matters was born

I began working one-to-one and in small groups, focused entirely on 11+ English preparation for London's most competitive Grammar and Independent Schools. Word spread — not through advertising, but through results.

Word spread — not through advertising, but through results. Parents told other parents.

In 2023, that work expanded online: small groups, never more than five, delivered live on Zoom — the same depth of teaching, the same standards, simply a natural extension of something already proven.

Now

The same work — reaching more of the right families

English Matters today is built around online group sessions — small, focused, and calibrated to each group's target schools. The format has changed. The teaching has not. Every session carries the same belief that has driven thirty years of work: that confidence and skill are inseparable, and that one child, given the right preparation, can walk into any room and hold their own.

Teaching Philosophy

What I believe about teaching English

01

Confidence matters as much as skill

A child who knows the technique but freezes under pressure will not perform. Building genuine confidence — the kind that comes from being well-prepared and truly understood — is as important as any lesson plan.

02

Vocabulary is the foundation of everything

A rich, well-applied vocabulary separates good work from exceptional work at every level of the 11+. I do not teach vocabulary through lists. I build it through reading, writing, discussion and use — so it stays.

03

Literature is not a subject — it is a lens

My love of literature is not separate from my teaching. It runs through every session. When children learn to read with curiosity and write with care, they are not just preparing for an exam — they are developing a way of seeing the world.

04

Different systems demand different knowledge

Having taught in India's Independent Schools and the British secondary system before focusing on 11+ preparation, I understand how different academic cultures work — and what each genuinely values in a student.

05

One strong paragraph over two weak ones

I would rather a child write one beautifully constructed, precise paragraph than fill a page with approximations. Quality of thought and expression is everything — and that is what the best schools are looking for.

06

The work does not end when the session does

Every session produces work to take away and reflect on. Feedback is specific, honest and actionable — not just a mark. Progress happens in the space between sessions, when a child returns to their writing with fresh eyes.

In Their Own Words

A Few Kind Words

Charcoal sketch of a hydrangea sprig
“

Sumona is a lovely English teacher. She created a very positive atmosphere and encouraged my child. She is firm but friendly and my daughter looked forward to her weekly class.

— Ambika Chouhan
“

Sumona is more than just a tutor — she is a mentor. She has a genuine interest in my daughter's wellbeing and has created a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm is contagious.

— Ishita Jani
“

Sumona was patient, firm and encouraging at the right time. She is very methodical and structured, and knows exactly what each school is looking for. We are so pleased to have found her.

— Arjit Bose

Ready to find out if there is a place for your child?

If what you have read here feels like the right fit, the best next step is a conversation. Message me on WhatsApp — I am happy to answer any questions before you commit to anything.

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