It all began with a belief in doing things differently.
Every child deserves to feel understood, supported and capable of succeeding. That was the belief behind Clara James Tutoring when I started in 2012, and it's still the reason we do what we do today.
Today, that belief connects the children and families we help, the tutors we support and the franchise community we're building.
Clara. Jamie. Angel.
Clara is my eldest daughter, Jamie is my son, and Angel is my youngest daughter. The name and logo reflect the three people who inspired me to build something personal.
I wanted Clara James to feel human. Somewhere families would feel listened to, children would feel valued, and the people delivering the support would genuinely care about the difference they were making.
That matters just as much now as it did when we began.
It's more than a phrase. It's the principle that guides our lessons, resources, conversations and training.
I'm Dawn, and this is why I started.
My journey into education began when my children were young. After volunteering at my daughter's playgroup, I worked as a SENCo and in a range of educational settings, and went on to complete a degree in childcare and education through the Open University.
One experience that shaped me was seeing my eldest daughter struggle to show what she knew in her written work. She was bright and articulate, yet my concerns about possible dyslexia weren't taken seriously at the time.
That encouraged me to learn more about how children learn, why some struggle and what we can do differently. Following a change in my personal circumstances, a friend suggested tutoring. What began as a way to supplement my income became Clara James Tutoring in 2012.
Sometimes it's the lesson that needs to change.
Some children enjoy worksheets. Others find confidence through games, conversation, practical challenges or a different explanation.
We take the time to understand the individual sitting in front of us and adapt our support accordingly. That might mean practising times tables with a board game, building a story around a child's interests or trying a completely different activity when something isn't working.
Multiple resources create multiple memories.
We want children to leave with more than improved maths and English. We want them to feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, trying again and believing in themselves.
One philosophy. More ways to help.
Clara James has grown beyond the one-to-one lessons where it began. We now support children and families, help tutors develop their skills and businesses, and are building a franchise community that shares our SEND-informed, individualised approach.
For families
Personalised maths and English tutoring, online and face-to-face, alongside practical games and ideas for parents to use at home.
Explore support for familiesFor tutors
Resources, mentoring, membership and training to help tutors build confidence and develop tutoring businesses that work for them.
Explore support for tutorsFor franchisees
An opportunity to build a local tutoring business with the Clara James philosophy, resources and support behind you.
Talk to us about the franchiseThe values we carry forward.
We listen, notice strengths and challenges, and adapt to the person rather than expecting everyone to fit one approach.
We make space for questions, mistakes, creativity and those small moments when someone realises they can do it.
We treat children, families and tutors with honesty, respect and an awareness that everyone has their own story.
Kind words and lovely milestones.
Over the years, Clara James Tutoring has been recognised as a finalist for customer service awards. We are proud of these moments, but what matters most to us is how children, families and tutors feel when they work with us.
Helping more children, through more people.
When I started Clara James Tutoring, I wanted the children I worked with to feel more confident and capable. That hasn't changed. What has changed is the scale of what I hope we can achieve.
There are children we haven't met yet who are struggling to believe in themselves, parents who don't know where to turn and people who could become wonderful tutors with the right encouragement and guidance.
I want Clara James to help bring those people together. Different people, different journeys, but the same belief that every child deserves someone who believes in them.
— Dawn, Founder of Clara James Tutoring
We'd love to hear your story, too.
Whether you're looking for support for your child, thinking of becoming a tutor or exploring a Clara James franchise, we'd love to hear from you.
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