Our story
Bright Heart is a London-based tutoring agency and education consultancy.
We offer a more nurturing approach to tuition.
We work with families, local authorities and schools (we’re an accredited NTP provider) and help students who:
- have special educational needs (SEN)
- lack confidence or motivation or have fallen behind at school
- need homeschooling or Education Other Than at School (EOTAS)
We provide in-person and online tuition and cover most subjects from primary to A-level.
We work with families, local authorities and schools (we’re an accredited NTP provider) and help students who:
- have special educational needs (SEN)
- lack confidence or motivation or have fallen behind at school
- need homeschooling or Education Other Than at School (EOTAS)
We provide in-person and online tuition and cover most subjects from primary to A-level.
Bright Heart provides experienced, vetted and trained tutors that are carefully matched to students.
Tutors exemplify our heart-based ethos in all their tutoring.
Most tutors have teaching experience in addition to tutoring experience. Tutors are provided with training from nasen (National Association of Special Educational Needs).
We introduce self-employed tutors to clients as an agent through our tutoring agency and provide tuition services to clients as a principal through our education consultancy.
Bright Heart provides experienced, vetted and trained tutors that are carefully matched to students.
Tutors exemplify our heart-based ethos in all their tutoring.
Most tutors have teaching experience in addition to tutoring experience. Tutors are provided with training from nasen (National Association of Special Educational Needs).
We introduce self-employed tutors to clients as an agent through our tutoring agency and provide tuition services to clients as a principal through our education consultancy.
Experienced team
Bright Heart has an experienced team, who are passionate about education.
Dr Ryan Stevenson - Co-founder & Director
Dr Ryan Stevenson
Co-founder & Director
Ryan is an experienced tutor who has taught maths and science in London schools
Ryan has taught GCSE Maths and Science and A-Level Chemistry in London schools and Chemistry at university level. He has tutored in London for the last 10 years, including many students with special educational needs (SEN) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, anxiety, ASC, dyscalculia and health and emotional issues. He has delivered curriculums to home-schooled students and enjoys the unique perspectives and perceptions that each young mind may bring.
Ryan holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town where he was also a tutor, with research carried out at Cambridge University and the University of Manchester. Further Post-doctoral studies were conducted at Cambridge University. During a period of investment banking in Amsterdam, Ryan earned a BSc in Politics and International Relations from the London School of Economics.
Ryan draws on this broad tutoring experience to screen tutors and ensure they embody the Bright Heart Approach. He uses his expertise to ensure that clients receive well-matched tutors and that tuition is effective. He continues to pursue his passion for education through providing selective tutoring at Bright Heart. Ryan has attended training courses provided by nasen and is a member of the Tutors’ Association. He has been a volunteer therapist at the London charity, Body and Soul, for the past 10 years and has worked on a large project to connect students with nature.
Simon McQueen CA(SA), CFA - Co-founder & Director
Simon has a background in private equity and tutored finance at university
Simon has a background in private equity with significant experience providing growth capital and strategic advice to small and mid-size companies. He has board-level experience focused on strategy, corporate development and financial oversight. Simon has experience tutoring university under-graduate students finance. He also ran a share investment game for 2 years encouraging secondary school students from a disadvantaged background to take an interest in the financial markets.
Simon is a CFA charterholder and chartered accountant who holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Finance (1st class) and a B Com Honours in Accounting (1st class) from the University of Cape Town. Simon was recently awarded a
Simon draws on his commercial expertise to ensure that Bright Heart operates smoothly and is able to deliver the highest standards of service to its clients, students and tutors. He has attended training courses provided by nasen. Simon has a young daughter and son.
Simon McQueen CA(SA), CFA
Co-founder & Director
Simon has a background in private equity and tutored finance at university
Simon has a background in private equity with significant experience providing growth capital and strategic advice to small and mid-size companies. He has board-level experience focused on strategy, corporate development and financial oversight. Simon has experience tutoring university under-graduate students finance. He also ran a share investment game for 2 years encouraging secondary school students from a disadvantaged background to take an interest in the financial markets.
Simon is a CFA charterholder and chartered accountant who holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Finance (1st class) and a B Com Honours in Accounting (1st class) from the University of Cape Town. Simon was recently awarded a
Simon draws on his commercial expertise to ensure that Bright Heart operates smoothly and is able to deliver the highest standards of service to its clients, students and tutors. He has attended training courses provided by nasen. Simon has a young daughter and son.
Senior Education Consultant, DSL
Carol is a qualified teacher and SEND Co-ordinator
Carol is a highly qualified and experienced education professional. She has 17 years of teaching experience, including 8 years as a SEND Co-ordinator (SENDCO). She possesses a wealth of knowledge in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs. Born and raised in France, Carol has lived in the UK for 33 years. Her linguistic proficiency extends to fluent English, French, Italian, Spanish and spoken Arabic, enhancing her ability to engage with a diverse range of learners and families at Bright Heart. Carol is Bright Heart’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Carol holds a BA in Bilingual Translation from Université de Paris 8, and a PGCE in Primary Education from Southbank University. She obtained Qualified Teacher Status in 2009. Carol holds the prestigious National Award for SEN Co-ordination from the University of Wolverhampton and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) from the Institute of Education with the National College for Teaching and Leadership. Additionally, she has earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Bilingual Translation from the University of Westminster.
Before her career in education, Carol worked as a freelance translator for the Royal Borough of Greenwich, leveraging her bilingual expertise. Her transition into education allowed her to combine her passion for language and teaching with her dedication to inclusive education.
Outside of her professional life, Carol enjoys spending time with her two pets, Blazer and Biscuit, taking long walks, and travelling. She is an avid music and theatre enthusiast who enjoys dancing and attending performances.
Dr Rosie Ingold - Senior Education Consultant
Rosie is a qualified teacher with pastoral and mentoring experience
Rosie has a background in education. She has worked in teaching and pastoral roles in schools across the UK. Rosie is passionate about ensuring all young people are holistically supported to fulfil their potential.
Rosie holds a PhD in Geography, a MA in Landscape and Culture (with Distinction), and a BA (Hons) in Geography (1st class) from the University of Nottingham. She trained as a secondary school Geography teacher at UCL Institute of Education in 2014/15 and obtained Qualified Teacher Status in 2015. She has also worked as a mentor to teachers working towards Qualified Teacher Status at international schools.
Rosie joined Bright Heart in 2022, following a rewarding six-year teaching career in both the state and private sectors. Rosie draws on her wealth of educational experience to ensure that students receive high-quality tuition from well-matched tutors. She is committed to providing friendly, empathetic, professional support to clients and tutors. She is a keen runner and hill-walker.
Dr Rosie Ingold
Senior Education Consultant
Rosie is a qualified teacher with pastoral and mentoring experience
Rosie has a background in education. She has worked in teaching and pastoral roles in schools across the UK. Rosie is passionate about ensuring all young people are holistically supported to fulfil their potential.
Rosie holds a PhD in Geography, a MA in Landscape and Culture (with Distinction), and a BA (Hons) in Geography (1st class) from the University of Nottingham. She trained as a secondary school Geography teacher at UCL Institute of Education in 2014/15 and obtained Qualified Teacher Status in 2015. She has also worked as a mentor to teachers working towards Qualified Teacher Status at international schools.
Rosie joined Bright Heart in 2022, following a rewarding six-year teaching career in both the state and private sectors. Rosie draws on her wealth of educational experience to ensure that students receive high-quality tuition from well-matched tutors. She is committed to providing friendly, empathetic, professional support to clients and tutors. She is a keen runner and hill-walker.
Victoria Hopkins - Education Consultant
Victoria Hopkins
Education Consultant
Victoria is a qualified teacher with teaching and tutoring experience
Victoria graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a BSc honours degree in Psychology and Marketing. She then studied for a PGCE at the University of Hertfordshire, qualifying with distinction and gaining Qualified Teacher Status in 2013. Victoria worked as a primary school teacher for over 11 years. She was previously a head of year, subject lead, and mentored trainee teachers.
Victoria has worked in state and private schools and has a wealth of experience teaching children with special educational needs. Victoria ran her own tuition business for six years, working one to one with children from reception to year 7. Before teaching, Victoria worked in events and client relations for five years.
Victoria’s philosophy and understanding of how children learn best is based on valuing every child as an individual and creating a learning environment where all can flourish and reach their true potential. Victoria draws on her wealth of educational experience to ensure students receive high-quality tuition from well-matched tutors. She is dedicated to offering friendly, empathetic, professional support to clients and tutors. Victoria has a dog called Biscuit, with whom she enjoys long walks.
Geraldine Arnott - Tutor Manager
Geraldine is a former teaching assistant with tutoring sector experience
Geraldine graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the Open University, studying English Literature and Child Psychology.
Before having her children, she worked as a teaching assistant at an all-boys secondary school in South West London. Working closely with children with special educational needs and providing nurturing support was a role that she immensely enjoyed.
In addition to her in-school experience, Geraldine has worked in the tutoring sector. Before joining Bright Heart, she supported the Director at another tutoring agency based in London.
Geraldine strives to provide an efficient and warm service to Bright Heart’s tutors and prospective tutors. She aims to deliver all tasks with a friendly, professional, positive approach. Geraldine has three school-aged children.
Geraldine Arnott
Tutor Manager
Geraldine is a former teaching assistant with tutoring sector experience
Geraldine graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the Open University, studying English Literature and Child Psychology.
Before having her children, she worked as a teaching assistant at an all-boys secondary school in South West London. Working closely with children with special educational needs and providing nurturing support was a role that she immensely enjoyed.
In addition to her in-school experience, Geraldine has worked in the tutoring sector. Before joining Bright Heart, she supported the Director at another tutoring agency based in London.
Geraldine strives to provide an efficient and warm service to Bright Heart’s tutors and prospective tutors. She aims to deliver all tasks with a friendly, professional, positive approach. Geraldine has three school-aged children.
Jenny Donovan - Client Manager
Jenny Donovan
Client Manager
Jenny has significant SEND experience, both as a parent advocate and personally
Jenny studied International Hotel and Business Management and holds a BA(Hons) from South Bank University. She spent many years in hospitality management and has managed large-scale events, high-end restaurants, hotels and venues, and some of London’s notable historic buildings. Jenny’s excellent management skills led her to move into project management and later business coaching at Shell UK.
More recently, Jenny took time from her successful career to focus on her child, who developed a range of complex special educational needs. Jenny’s lived experiences navigating the challenges of the UK SEND educational system motivated her to teach herself every detail of SEND legislation relentlessly. Armed with a thorough working knowledge of SEND and her project management and coaching skills, Jenny elected to help other parents facing similar challenges to her own. Jenny worked as a SEND family and parent advocate for the last five years before joining Bright Heart.
Jenny is passionate about helping parents navigate the complex UK SEND system. She encourages families to work in partnership with local authorities, where appropriate, to facilitate and achieve their goals for their children. Jenny will draw on her wealth of experience in management and as a SEND parent advocate to deliver a high-quality professional and empathetic service to Bright Heart’s clients.
Caoimhe Garvey – Client Support
Caoimhe is a former teaching assistant with tuition sector experience
Caoimhe (pronounced “Kweeva”) holds a BA Honours degree in Spanish and French from University College Cork and a Master of Arts degree in Musical Theatre Performance from Mountview Academy of Performing Arts in London.
Caoimhe has previously performed in various professional theatre productions in Ireland and the UK. She has also previously worked as a teaching assistant in various schools and nurseries in London, providing SEN support for students. She loves teaching and still teaches performing arts to students of all ages.
In addition to her teaching experience, Caoimhe has previously worked in an operations role within a large online tutoring company, ensuring that students and parents felt listened to and supported. She also has more recent office administrator experience. Caoimhe understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to tutoring and strives to provide a warm, positive, and supportive experience for Bright Heart’s clients.
Caoimhe is originally from Ireland and enjoys the outdoors, especially walking, exploring and finding new adventure activities with her husband.
Client Support
Caoimhe is a former teaching assistant with tuition sector experience
Caoimhe (pronounced “Kweeva”) holds a BA Honours degree in Spanish and French from University College Cork and a Master of Arts degree in Musical Theatre Performance from Mountview Academy of Performing Arts in London.
Caoimhe has previously performed in various professional theatre productions in Ireland and the UK. She has also previously worked as a teaching assistant in various schools and nurseries in London, providing SEN support for students. She loves teaching and still teaches performing arts to students of all ages.
In addition to her teaching experience, Caoimhe has previously worked in an operations role within a large online tutoring company, ensuring that students and parents felt listened to and supported. She also has more recent office administrator experience. Caoimhe understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to tutoring and strives to provide a warm, positive, and supportive experience for Bright Heart’s clients.
Caoimhe is originally from Ireland and enjoys the outdoors, especially walking, exploring and finding new adventure activities with her husband.
Shannon Allen - Tutor Support
Shannon Allen
Tutor Support
Shannon has in-school experience working with pupils with SEN
Shannon graduated in 2021 with a BSc Honors degree in Sociology (1st class) from the University of Portsmouth. Before this, she volunteered at multiple primary and secondary schools during her A-Level studies, working one-to-one with many children with varying needs to help complete work.
Following her degree, she worked in a secondary school where she focused on reintegrating children with SEN needs back into Physical Education, diversifying and adapting mainstream lessons to be inclusive of everyone.
Shannon joined Bright Heart with the vision to continue providing high quality tailored education to students of varying needs, focusing on the importance of tutor rapport and consistency. She is focused on helping recruit tutors who exude positivity and patience and supporting Bright Heart’s existing pool of tutors. Shannon is based in Manchester.
Shannon is a keen netball player and baking enthusiast in her spare time.
John is an experienced teacher and former head teacher
John is an experienced teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience. He has taught English and Spanish from primary to university level and tutored students in numerous subjects and was an SAT and Cambridge FCE tutor for several years. John has also been a head teacher, a position he used to implement many new extra-curricular activities to empower pupils. John worked for Bright Heart as a full-time employee and director from April 2020 to June 2024. John moved abroad in June 2024 for personal reasons, but continues to support Bright Heart as a part-time consultant.
John holds a Master of Arts degree in Education, Concentration in Educational Leadership, from Framingham State University, Massachusetts (1st class) and a BA in Literature and Linguistics (1st class) from Universidad Nacional, Heredia. He is also a certified translator and interpreter and has worked with the U.S. State Department, UN, OECD, Pope Francis (via video conference), Nobel laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz and the President of Costa Rica.
John has vast experience tutoring students with special educational needs (SEN). As an administrator, he has successfully managed and evaluated several programmes for the inclusion of students with special learning needs into mainstream classrooms. John is the father of a young boy.
Senior Education Specialist
(Part-time consultant)
John is an experienced teacher and former head teacher
John is an experienced teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience. He has taught English and Spanish from primary to university level and tutored students in numerous subjects and was an SAT and Cambridge FCE tutor for several years. John has also been a head teacher, a position he used to implement many new extra-curricular activities to empower pupils. John worked for Bright Heart as a full-time employee and director from April 2020 to June 2024. John moved abroad in June 2024 for personal reasons, but continues to support Bright Heart as a part-time consultant.
John holds a Master of Arts degree in Education, Concentration in Educational Leadership, from Framingham State University, Massachusetts (1st class) and a BA in Literature and Linguistics (1st class) from Universidad Nacional, Heredia. He is also a certified translator and interpreter and has worked with the U.S. State Department, UN, OECD, Pope Francis (via video conference), Nobel laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz and the President of Costa Rica.
John has vast experience tutoring students with special educational needs (SEN). As an administrator, he has successfully managed and evaluated several programmes for the inclusion of students with special learning needs into mainstream classrooms. John is the father of a young boy.
Harris Iqbal
Tutor Support
Harris is an experienced tutor who has taught maths in London schools
Harris has a passion for teaching, having tutored since the age of 16 when he mentored fellow GCSE students at his school. This experience led Harris to volunteer to teach disadvantaged students in South Africa, which built a good foundation for his tutoring and further developed his love of teaching. Harris became a Bright Heart maths tutor in 2018 and has had a very positive impact on his students. Harris won the award for Best Special Needs Tutor at the 2023 National Tutoring Awards, organised by The Tutors Association.
In addition to his tutoring, Harris works with Bright Heart on a part-time basis to help support its tutors. He draws on his wealth of tutoring experience to provide an excellent service to his fellow tutors and also helps with tutor recruitment. Harris holds a BSc in Mathematics (2:1) from Brunel University London.
Harris understands the competitiveness of a classroom can be daunting to an individual and has always encompassed Bright Heart’s person-centred approach. Harris has worked with many students with special educational needs, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, anxiety, ASC, dyscalculia and health and emotional challenges.
Harris Iqbal - Tutor Support
Harris is an experienced tutor who has taught maths in London schools
Harris has a passion for teaching, having tutored since the age of 16 when he mentored fellow GCSE students at his school. This experience led Harris to volunteer to teach disadvantaged students in South Africa, which built a good foundation for his tutoring and further developed his love of teaching. Harris became a Bright Heart maths tutor in 2018 and has had a very positive impact on his students. Harris won the award for Best Special Needs Tutor at the 2023 National Tutoring Awards, organised by The Tutors Association.
In addition to his tutoring, Harris works with Bright Heart on a part-time basis to help support its tutors. He draws on his wealth of tutoring experience to provide an excellent service to his fellow tutors and also helps with tutor recruitment. Harris holds a BSc in Mathematics (2:1) from Brunel University London.
Harris understands the competitiveness of a classroom can be daunting to an individual and has always encompassed Bright Heart’s person-centred approach. Harris has worked with many students with special educational needs, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, anxiety, ASC, dyscalculia and health and emotional challenges.
Jacqui Mackway-Wilson - Social Media Manager
Harris Iqbal
Tutor Support
Harris is an experienced tutor who has taught maths in London schools
Harris has a passion for teaching, having tutored since the age of 16 when he mentored fellow GCSE students at his school. This experience led Harris to volunteer to teach disadvantaged students in South Africa, which built a good foundation for his tutoring and further developed his love of teaching. Harris became a Bright Heart maths tutor in 2018 and has had a very positive impact on his students. Harris won the award for Best Special Needs Tutor at the 2023 National Tutoring Awards, organised by The Tutors Association.
In addition to his tutoring, Harris works with Bright Heart on a part-time basis to help support its tutors. He draws on his wealth of tutoring experience to provide an excellent service to his fellow tutors and also helps with tutor recruitment. Harris holds a BSc in Mathematics (2:1) from Brunel University London.
Harris understands the competitiveness of a classroom can be daunting to an individual and has always encompassed Bright Heart’s person-centred approach. Harris has worked with many students with special educational needs, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, anxiety, ASC, dyscalculia and health and emotional challenges.
How it started
Ryan witnessed first-hand – both teaching and tutoring for some of London’s top agencies – the lack of individual care and attention provided to students.
Simply put, there was too much focus on the mind and short-term academic goals. This failed to acknowledge the needs of the heart to realise long-term potential. The former, imbalanced approach was especially problematic for students with special needs and those lacking in confidence or motivation.”
Ryan found that by acknowledging the whole person first and any challenges they may have, the mind would naturally follow. The benefits of this approach were demonstrated by the exam results his students achieved and their improved motivation for learning. Read more about Ryan’s tutoring ethos in this article published in the nasen Connect magazine.
Bright Heart was established to replicate Ryan’s successful approach to private tuition.
Our Philosophy
We call our tutoring methodology the Bright Heart Approach. It is a more nurturing approach, which puts into practice what we have observed across many students. It is based on our experience that effective tutoring connects on a deeper level than focusing purely on intellectual abilities. This leads to longer term stability and success.
We ensure our tutors are suitably prepared to meet student’s unique learning needs. Our training relationship with nasen helps to achieve this.
We believe that establishing good rapport with students is essential for successful tuition. Students therefore receive a trial lesson to ensure their tutor is a great match.
Our Mission
- To be the UK’s leading provider of tuition for students who would benefit from a more nurturing approach to learning.
- To ensure the unique needs of students are met by providing quality, trained tutors.
- To serve parents and organisations that struggle to find the appropriate supplementary education for their children or students.
Our Ethos
- We believe each person has a unique perception of the world. This affects how they learn and interact with others.
- We believe intellectual capabilities are only one part of the whole person.
- We believe the best academic results are achieved in a learning environment based on mutual respect and warmth, good rapport, and well-prepared and trained tutors.
