
Our Teachers
Emily Spurgeon
BA (Hons), PGCE
Founder of Love To Learn & English Teacher
Reading and writing have been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. Pursuing a passion for Literature and Creative Writing, I completed an English degree and undertook numerous work experience placements in literary agencies, libraries, book shops and newspapers before landing a job as a television drama script editor at Pinewood Studios. I transitioned into a role as a content writer for a luxury lifestyle website, and eventually found my calling within education as a Secondary English, Drama and Media Studies teacher. During the past 20 years, I have supported countless numbers of young people (from as young as age 7 to those beyond school age) with their literacy within both the state and private sector. I am passionate about helping children to read and write, and to cultivate a lifelong love of learning. I set up Love To Learn in 2017 in order to provide personalised learning for the children within my community. I’ve never looked back!
3 FACTS ABOUT EMILY: she loves vibrant colours, collecting sea glass, and making crochet blankets!
Paul Chapman
BA (Hons), GTP
KS3 & GCSE Maths Teacher
Whichever hat I wear,(Teacher, Parent, Assistant Principal or Designated Safeguarding Lead), I believe that quality education delivered in an easy-to-understand manner, with an added pinch of humour, is essential for all children. I have been teaching within secondary education for over twenty years, and have gained enormous satisfaction from nurturing and influencing the lives of many young people. Experienced in delivering art, design technology, PE, maths and RE, to classes within Dorset schools, I now embark upon my tuition adventure. Decades after we first met, when both training to become teachers at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne, I am delighted to be working with Emily again as part of her Love To Learn team.
3 FACTS ABOUT PAUL: he loves playing music, riding bikes with his kids and surfing with his friends!
Sue Hankins
BTec OND, BTec HND and HLTA
KS3 & GCSE Maths Tutor
After a career in the financial services, I moved into education and began running numeracy groups in a local secondary school. Throughout these 15 years, I have seen first-hand how much a small, nurturing teaching environment can help young people with both their self-confidence and also their understanding and application of maths. Supporting learners with their numeracy skills and preparing them for their GCSE maths exam gives me a huge sense of reward. Whilst it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, I love maths!
3 FACTS ABOUT SUE: she loves dogs, reading and skiing!
Emily King
BA (Hons), PGCE
KS1 and KS2 Teacher
Yes, I am another Emily! Must be something in our genes that makes us teach! I am joining the Love To Learn tutoring team as an experienced primary teacher and a content writer/editor for the well-known educational online resource provider Twinkl. I believe every child has the potential to succeed and it is our job to ensure we provide the right teaching environment, support and resources to enable this to happen. I am passionate about making a positive impact on young people’s education, and I look forward to helping your child.
3 FACTS ABOUT EMILY: she loves baking, watercolour painting and football!
Andrew Watson
BA (oxon)
GCSE Maths, Science and English Tutor
I believe learning should be clear, encouraging, and never intimidating. Tutoring isn’t just an extension of the classroom; it’s an opportunity for students to revisit topics they find difficult without pressure or prior expectations. With over twenty years of tutoring experience—including ten years supporting GCSE students at an independent school—and a Biology degree from Oxford, I take a laid-back, relaxed, and friendly approach to teaching. I encourage every question and tailor lessons to suit each child’s learning style with patience and understanding.
3 FACTS ABOUT ANDREW: he does weight training, hosts a weekly pub quiz, and enjoys illustration!
John Dover
BEd, SLE
Mental Health Practitioner and Maths Teacher
My entire career has been within education! I have been a teacher for over 20 years and have worked in schools as a Head of Department, a trainee teacher mentoring lead, a Deputy Headteacher and as a Director of College. For many years, I ran a PE department and I have taught KS2, KS3 and GCSE maths throughout my teaching career. As a trained and qualified Mental Health Practitioner, I am passionate about working with young people – to promote and nurture their self-esteem and emotional well-being.
3 FACTS ABOUT JOHN: he loves Star Wars, coastal walking and reading about positive mindsets!
James Young
BA (Hons), Straight to Teaching - QTS
GCSE Maths Teacher
I believe that every student can succeed in Maths with the right support, and I’m committed to building confidence as well as skills. My approach is calm, encouraging, and tailored to each learner’s needs. I love making Maths engaging and helping young minds see the subject’s logic, beauty and real-world relevance. Whether your child is aiming to boost grades, prepare for exams or simply feel more confident, I’m here every step of the way. Let’s make Maths something truly enjoyable!
3 FACTS ABOUT JAMES: he loves running, watching Disney films with his family and cooking!
Cameron Rogers
BA (hons), MA, QTS
KS3 and GCSE English Teacher (online only)
I have always loved the written and spoken word, and find it is one of the best ways to express inner creativity. In my current secondary school, I teach the AQA GCSE syllabus. Therefore, I have specialised knowledge in this field, but I can help students with any aspect of the KS3 and GCSE English curriculum.
Before I entered the world of education, I worked in financial services and public relations. My degrees are in political science. I feel that this breadth of experience has helped me in my teaching career, as it has enabled me to have a very broad and very real perspective of the world in which we live.
3 FACTS ABOUT CAMERON: he likes running, playing music and meditating!