My Teaching Experience
I'm a qualified teacher with over 20 years' experience across the state and independent education sectors. I hold a PGCE in Secondary Education (Music) and a BA Hons in Music, both from the University of Bristol, and I spent nine years as Director of Music at Hazlegrove Prep School in Somerset, leading a department of eighteen instrumental and administrative staff and teaching pupils from Year 1 through to Year 8.
In addition to my school-based teaching, I have taught piano, violin and music theory privately since 2004, and I taught classroom music at KS3, GCSE and A Level at several schools earlier in my career.
As a parent of three, I've also experienced the school system from the other side, guiding my own children through state, prep and senior education, through academic, music and sports scholarship applications and beyond to Oxbridge and university in the US.
My tutoring is one-to-one and built specifically around your child, whether that means extra support with foundation skills, strengthening core subjects, or an approach suited to a specific learning need. Whether I'm guiding a young child through Year 3 maths homework or preparing a pupil for GCSE English or an ABRSM Grade 5 Theory exam, my approach is the same: build genuine confidence, put solid foundations in place and set clear, manageable targets that carry each pupil steadily and reliably towards the end goal.
My Tutoring Services
I can offer online or in-person tutoring services - whichever is the more appropriate or convenient for you.
Up to Year 9
For younger pupils, I offer one-to-one tutoring across core subjects, drawing on years of classroom experience with children from Year 1 upwards.
All sessions focus on building strong foundations and real confidence, whether that’s catching up after a difficult lesson, preparing for entrance assessments or simply developing a genuine enjoyment of learning. Ever session is tailored to the individual child’s learning profile, at a pace that suits them, and I keep in close contact with parents on progress along the way.
£65/hour
GCSE
I take on a small number of GCSE pupils by arrangement.
GCSE places are limited and are offered on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject, timing and fit. Specialist subjects include GCSE Music.
Do get in touch to check current availability.
£75/hour
ABRSM Grade 5 Theory
ABRSM Grade 5 Theory is a qualification instrumental pupils need before they can progress to ABRSM Grade 6 and beyond, and is one I’ve taught for many years, both privately and within school music departments.
Sessions work through the full Grade 5 syllabus with regular past-paper practice and clear targets set after every session, so both pupil and parent can see exactly where things stand ahead of exam day.
£50/hour
“Nicola has tutored my daughter online over the holidays. She has been so helpful and flexible, fitting in with summer plans! She is a wonderful teacher, kind and patient, while also being inspiring and making lessons fun! I couldn't recommend her highly enough.”
Year 8 parent“A genuinely positive person. She opened my eyes to new opportunities and made me feel more confident about what I could do.”
Georgia, Year 11“ Mrs Sclater is always smiling and encouraging. She is always happy to be asked questions. She listens. She won’t rush trying to explain something to you, she’ll keep trying different ways until you are sure you understand.”
Imogen, Year 9