Polly

My Summary

My Experience

Dear Family,

INTRODUCTION
My name is Polly. I have close to 20 years of experience guiding young learners through their educational journey. My teaching philosophy is rooted in one principle: education should be both scientifically effective and genuinely inspiring, building strong foundations that prepare children for lifelong success. During my academic training, I devoted myself to research in neuroscience-based learning methods, and in my professional career, I have taught over 500 students, tailoring study strategies to each child's unique needs.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS & RESEARCH
I am proud of an academic background that is exceptionally rare. I graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Education in Language Education, and from the University of Oxford with an MSc in Applied Linguistics. Both programmes admit fewer than 25 students globally per year. What distinguishes my background is not simply the prestige of these institutions, but the rigorous research I conducted into how children's brains learn most effectively.

During my studies, I devoted myself to investigating neuroscience-based learning methods through real classroom research. At the University of Hong Kong, I introduced the "Guided Memory" technique with over 70 secondary school students, demonstrating how long-term memory traces could help students enrich their writing with concrete content and genuine sentiment. At Oxford, I turned to cognitive science, researching the "4-Colour Memory" method with over 100 participants. My study suggested that colour-coding vocabulary by familiarity levels accelerates word retention and directly improves reading and writing performance. Both studies were scientifically based and data-driven, which have since become the foundation of my teaching practice.

PRACTICAL NEUROSCIENCE-BASED TEACHING METHODS
My priority has always been to convert advanced research into practical, enjoyable teaching methods. The 4-Colour Memory system transforms vocabulary learning into a visual, interactive game that children genuinely enjoy. The Guided Memory technique helps even young students write with vivid detail and authentic emotion. I also designed a '10-Day Challenge' programme that teaches children self-directed learning through collaborative tasks, building independence, responsibility, and academic stamina from an early age.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
Over the past two decades, I have taught over 500 students from ages 5 through 18. I have extensive experience preparing students for competitive entrance examinations, including 5+, 7+, 11+, and 13+ assessments. I help children build structured study plans that balance academic rigour with their emotional wellbeing, teaching them effective revision techniques whilst managing exam pressure and anxiety. Beyond academics, I understand that children need emotional support, patience, and someone who genuinely celebrates their progress and guides them through challenges with warmth and encouragement.

For older students preparing for competitive school admissions and university applications, I have guided many to placements at Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and other world-leading institutions. This track record demonstrates the long-term effectiveness of building strong foundations early—children who develop excellent learning habits, curiosity, and confidence in their younger years are remarkably well-prepared for academic success as they grow.

PERSONAL APPROACH & MENTORSHIP
Families often tell me that I am more than a tutor—I am a friendly coach. I recognise each student's unique strengths, personality, and learning style. I walk with them through every challenge, whether supervising homework, preparing for school assessments, teaching etiquette and manners, or listening when they need support. I believe that in the AI era, the human elements of empathy, encouragement, and companionship are more essential than ever. I aim to be not just a tutor but a trusted guide and mentor.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE & CULTURAL RICHNESS
Beyond academics, I bring cultural richness and a global perspective to my work. My personal motto is to visit more countries than my age. I have travelled to nearly 50 countries, experiences that have shaped my cultural sensitivity and ability to connect with families from diverse backgrounds. I enjoy exploring the UK's heritage sites, hiking in nature, and cooking wholesome Asian meals from fresh ingredients. I am also a linguist at heart: fluent in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin, with intermediate Korean (TOPIK II), and a natural passion for languages.

HOUSEHOLD EXPERIENCE & SUITABILITY FOR LIVE-IN ROLES
I maintain long-term relationships with my clients, with the majority working with me for two years or more as I guide their children through different educational stages. Additionally, I have over two years of experience as a homesharer and elderly companion in a private London household, which has strengthened my understanding of discretion, organisation, respect for privacy, and maintaining appropriate boundaries. I am reliable, naturally align with family values, and seamlessly integrate into household dynamics—qualities that make me equally well-suited to live-in or live-out governess roles. I am also comfortable accompanying families on travel throughout different parts of the world, maintaining educational routines and providing continuity wherever we go.

CLOSING
Above all, I see education as the greatest investment in life. A tutor is not only a subject expert but also a role model: someone who nurtures resilience, perspective and values. I care deeply about my students, I inspire them to see possibilities, and I aim to transform both their learning and their character.

We care. We inspire. We transform.

Warm regards,
Polly Leung

My Qualifications

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS & RESEARCH
I am proud of an academic background that is exceptionally rare. I graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Education in Language Education, and from the University of Oxford with an MSc in Applied Linguistics. Both programmes admit fewer than 25 students globally per year. What distinguishes my background is not simply the prestige of these institutions, but the rigorous research I conducted into how children's brains learn most effectively.

During my studies, I devoted myself to investigating neuroscience-based learning methods through real classroom research. At the University of Hong Kong, I introduced the "Guided Memory" technique with over 70 secondary school students, demonstrating how long-term memory traces could help students enrich their writing with concrete content and genuine sentiment. At Oxford, I turned to cognitive science, researching the "4-Colour Memory" method with over 100 participants. My study suggested that colour-coding vocabulary by familiarity levels accelerates word retention and directly improves reading and writing performance. Both studies were scientifically based and data-driven, which have since become the foundation of my teaching practice.

PRACTICAL NEUROSCIENCE-BASED TEACHING METHODS
My priority has always been to convert advanced research into practical, enjoyable teaching methods. The 4-Colour Memory system transforms vocabulary learning into a visual, interactive game that children genuinely enjoy. The Guided Memory technique helps even young students write with vivid detail and authentic emotion. I also designed a '10-Day Challenge' programme that teaches children self-directed learning through collaborative tasks, building independence, responsibility, and academic stamina from an early age.

My Availability

Immediately available

My Fees

• Tutoring from £100.00 per hour