Two of my students (from Denmark Road and Churchdown schools) achieved a two grade improvement at GCSE after retaking their exams in March 2013. The results were A (up from C) and E (up from G). It’s easy to applaud the ‘A’ and gloss over the ‘E’. However, an improvement from G to E is, in the context of this particular student, a huge achievement. When the student started having lessons with me at the age of 14, his Maths skills were very limited. For example, he wasn’t able to tell the time on an analogue clock, he couldn’t tell the difference between odd and even numbers, and his knowledge of times tables was virtually non-existent. He worked hard for 2 years and has achieved this result. I am extremely proud of both students for their progress and hard work.