11+ & Entrance Exam Specialist | School Admissions & Interview Preparation | King’s College Primary School Teacher | 100% Success Rate From Top Schools Internationally 

Find out more about Alana Jane

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  My passion for education began during my time at University College London (UCL), where I studied Education and became deeply interested in how children learn, think and build confidence. My first role at Garden House School in Chelsea truly shaped me as an educator. Working in such a high-achieving environment showed me the transformative impact that expert preparation and tailored support can have on a child’s future.
  
  It was there that I saw how personalised guidance could open doors to top schools and life-changing opportunities. From that point on, I knew I wanted not only to teach, but to specialise in helping children reach ambitious goals.
  
  Teaching has always been incredibly rewarding for me. There is nothing more fulfilling than watching a child grow in confidence and achieve something they once believed was beyond their reach.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I specialise in 7+, 8+, 11+ and 13+ entrance exam preparation, drawing on my strong experience across KS1 and KS2. My expertise includes:
  
  Creative and descriptive writing
  
  Structured argument writing
  
  Advanced reading comprehension and inference
  
  Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
  
  High-level Maths
  
  Interview preparation
  
  Exam technique and time management
  
  Creative writing is a particular passion of mine. I love helping students elevate their vocabulary, refine their structure and develop originality so that their work stands out in competitive settings. Guiding a child from a simple idea to a sophisticated, polished piece of writing is incredibly rewarding.
  
  I also genuinely enjoy the strategic side of exam preparation — analysing mark schemes, breaking down complex paper structures and preparing students to perform calmly and confidently under pressure. Seeing that preparation translate into success is one of the most satisfying parts of my work.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional educators throughout my career, particularly in some of the top schools across London and Europe, including King’s College School. These teachers combined academic excellence with genuine care for their pupils.
  
  What inspired me most was their belief that high standards and warmth can coexist. They expected excellence, yet they nurtured confidence and individuality. I strive to embody that same balance in my own teaching — rigorous and strategic, but always encouraging and supportive.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A great tutor needs:
  
  Patience – every child learns at a different pace.
  
  Adaptability – tailoring lessons to individual strengths and gaps.
  
  Emotional intelligence – knowing when to challenge and when to reassure.
  
  Motivational skills – helping students believe in their own potential.
  
  Creativity – making learning engaging and memorable.
  
  Above all, a tutor must genuinely care. Children quickly sense authenticity. When they feel understood and supported, their confidence grows — and with it, their results

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  One student I worked with was struggling significantly due to attention-related challenges. She had begun to believe she simply “wasn’t academic.” Rather than focusing solely on content, we first focused on understanding how she learned best.
  
  Through careful reflection and structured planning, we identified strategies that suited her learning style. We methodically closed every gap and rebuilt her confidence step by step. Lessons became focused, purposeful and empowering.
  
  Over time, her academic performance improved dramatically — but even more importantly, her mindset transformed. She went on to secure a place at a top London school, something that once felt impossible to her.
  
  Moments like that remind me why I find teaching so deeply rewarding. It is not just about results — it is about helping a child recognise their own capability.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still face in your subject?

  One of the greatest challenges in entrance exam preparation is balancing ambition with wellbeing. These exams are competitive, and families can understandably feel pressure.
  
  I have learned that real success comes from structured preparation, clear strategy and emotional reassurance. My role is not only to prepare students academically, but also to ensure they feel calm, capable and confident throughout the process. Maintaining that balance is both a responsibility and a privilege.

• Do you have a particular passion?

  My greatest passion is preparing students for top schools and competitive exams. I genuinely enjoy the strategic aspect — refining writing to distinction level, perfecting interview technique and guiding families through admissions expectations.
  
  Interview preparation is an area where I feel particularly strong. Helping students articulate their thoughts clearly, think critically under pressure and present themselves with confidence is a skill that benefits them far beyond the exam room.
  
  Ultimately, I am passionate about excellence — not perfection, but helping each child reach the very best version of their ability.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P)?

  What makes me a Superprof is my combination of:
  
  High academic standards
  
  Strategic exam expertise
  
  Genuine care for each child
  
  A deep commitment to excellence
  
  I do not simply teach content — I build confidence, resilience and ambition. I love helping children achieve goals that once felt out of reach. Seeing a student walk into an exam or interview feeling prepared, composed and proud is what drives me.
  
  Teaching is more than a profession to me — it is something I find truly rewarding, every single day.