Meet Elizabeth, A Different Kind of Educator
Considering how unconventional my own schooling was, I often find myself chuckling that I'm in my second decade of a career in education. My path through school wasn't linear; I think that's one of the reasons families trust me. I'm motivated by helping children when it feels like there are no straight lines, only a confusing jumble of squiggles. That's when my team and I can make a real impact.I moved through six different schools growing up, across private, state, faith, co-educational and single-sex (including a boys' school run by monks — yes, really).
I moved through six different schools growing up, across private, state, faith, co-educational and single-sex systems (including a boys' school run by monks — yes, really). My learning could have easily suffered, especially since I have Dyspraxia, but one constant made a huge difference: my tutor.
She not only gave me academic consistency but something far more valuable — a quiet confidence and the belief that excellence was achievable, even in turbulent times.
Going Against the Grain
By Sixth Form, I was achieving top grades. I hadn't planned to apply to Oxbridge, but when my headmistress pulled me aside to ask if I'd considered it, something inside me switched on. I loved a challenge, and applying to Cambridge to read English and Theatre with Education Studies was certainly that.
But my offer letter was as much cause for agitation as celebration. You see, I had already fallen in love with another course and city: Bristol. My elder sister was studying languages there and although I had doggedly courted a Cambridge offer, I hadn't considered a world in which I would actually receive one. What to do? Who turns down Cambridge? 17-year-old me.Who turns down Cambridge? 17-year-old me.It was an agonising decision, but even then I knew it was the right one.
Looking back, I realise that dilemma helped define my ethos towards education: work as hard as you can to give yourself the luxury of choice, then have the confidence to pick what's right for you — even if it's not what's expected.
First Lesson to Seventh Continent
I started tutoring at Bristol and immediately felt something click. I've always had a natural affinity with children and combining that with academics just made sense. I went on to complete my Masters, all the while refining my tutoring practice, both in person and online. I quickly found myself being recommended from family to family. What followed was a series of international placements and the opportunities to work with VIPs and private families around the world. By 2017, I had visited all seven continents.What followed was a series of international placements and opportunities to work with royalty, VIPs and private families. By 2017, I had visited all seven continents.Along the way, I met and worked alongside some truly exceptional educators — many of whom are still firm favourites in the tutoring team now.
A Global View of What Education Can Do
Keen to put my English degree to good use, during this time I also worked at Forbes Middle East as Online Editor. I covered a range of subjects, including education. Conducting interviews with business moguls and CEOs reinforced what I already knew: the right educational support doesn't just help people ace exams — it shapes their choices, their confidence and their future.Working for Forbes Middle East reinforced what I knew: the right educational support doesn't just help people ace exams — it shapes their choices, their confidence and their future.These leaders had turned their fortunes around through education. What could be more exciting and important?
Results That Matter
Since founding My Private Tutor Online more than 15 years ago, my team and I have helped hundreds of families through key academic transitions — from entrance exams to Oxbridge interviews, international moves to last-minute GCSE turnarounds. We're rightly proud of our stellar track record.
95% pass rate at 11+
Students achieving offers from at least one of their first choice schools, including Eton, St Paul's, Westminster, Highgate, Queen Elizabeth's, NLCS, Henrietta Barnett, Wilson's and more.
• Recent application cycles
Top 2% of test takers
From 7+ entrance all the way through to A Levels, our tutees frequently score in the top 2% of candidates. For example, one of our current students obtained the highest GCSE Science score in all of Asia.
• Recent examination cycles
94% 2+ grade growth
Our GCSE students consistently improve by two or more full levels during their time with us.
• Long-term tracking across multiple academic years
Tutoring isn’t just about good grades. It’s about having someone in your corner who sees what you’re capable of, even before you do. That’s the kind of guidance I had growing up, and it’s what I aim to offer every family who works with us. If you're looking for more than a tutor — if you’re seeking a trusted partner to help navigate the terrain, whether calm or chaotic — I’d love to hear from you.
Elizabeth Burrows, Founder & CEO
“A truly bespoke experience — Elizabeth personally pairs each student with a carefully selected tutor from her boutique team.”
Academic Insight
Our Educational Philosophy
We believe every child deserves an education tailored to who they are, helping them build confidence, curiosity, and clarity. We combine academic rigour with personal mentorship, knowing that success depends as much on resilience and self-belief as it does on subject mastery.
Whether preparing for British schools, moving abroad, or facing competitive exams, we provide structure, insight and flexibility. Above all, we aim to cultivate independence — giving students the tools and courage to walk their path with confidence and thrive long after tutoring ends.
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Mr. DeCourtenay, Holland Park
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Mr & Mrs Hawthorne, Kensington
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Ms Adebayo, New York
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Mr & Mrs Meritt-Jones, Hampstead
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Mr Richardson, Highgate
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Mr Gupta, Bath
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Aryan
Oxford undergraduate
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Mr. Telson, Dubai, UAE
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Mr and Mrs Rosenthal, Washington DC
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