About Us
Smith and Stoker is an established English tutoring practice providing specialist tuition in English Literature and English Language for KS3, GCSE and A-Level students in the Skipton area and online nationally.
Marianne Eyles-Smith
I am an experienced English teacher and tutor with over 10 years experience in secondary schools. During this time, I have held leadership positions including Head of English Literature, Second in Department and Head of Year 9. Alongside this, I have spent 10 years working alongside trainees to support them as they become strong and reliable teachers.
I also work as a Team Leader for a leading national examination board, overseeing the marking of more than 4,500 English Literature and Language examination papers each year while also marking my own allocation. This role provides detailed and up-to-date insight into assessment criteria, examiner expectations and the precise skills required to secure the best possible grades for my students.
My tuition is structured, rigorous and tailored to the individual student. I focus on developing analytical writing, textual understanding and confident examination technique, ensuring students are fully prepared for GCSE success.
For over a decade now, I have supported students of varying abilities to achieve excellent outcomes and build lasting academic confidence.
Alexandra Stoker
I am an experienced English teacher and educational leader with over 20 years in secondary education. I have held senior roles including Head of Drama, Head of A-Level English and Head of English across three schools for more than a decade. I have also dedicated the last 19 years of my career to mentoring and teaching trainees how to be the best teachers possible.
Alongside my subject leadership, I have worked as Director of Learning across two schools, supporting academic development and maintaining high standards of teaching and attainment. This breadth of experience enables me to guide students with clarity, structure and high expectations, ensuring they are fully prepared for GCSE and A-Level study.
My teaching combines academic precision with encouragement, helping students to develop both confidence and independence in their learning.