Fenella
SUBJECTS TAUGHT:
Philosophy, Theology, Religious Studies, Critical Thinking, English, History, UK Independent School Entrance Preparation (11+ and 13+), Interview Skills, School and Sixth Form Applications
TUTORING & TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Fenella began her teaching career at Rugby School, one of the UK’s most prestigious independent schools, where she taught Philosophy and Theology to students aged 13–18. Her academic rigour, warmth, and ability to connect with pupils saw her quickly become a highly respected member of the department.
She went on to join the school’s senior leadership team as Head of Global Partnerships, where she played a central role in the launch of Rugby School Online and the development of a growing portfolio of international learning collaborations. Her international work has taken her to Japan, Thailand, China, and the Middle East, where she has built a trusted network of educational partnerships to support students around the world in accessing high-quality British education.
Alongside her leadership roles, Fenella has always continued to teach and run Whetstone Tutors, and it remains one of her greatest passions. She has extensive experience guiding families through the UK independent school admissions process, particularly at 11+ and 13+, and excels at preparing students for the entrance exams, interviews, and transitions into some of the country’s most competitive boarding schools. She also mentors students after entry, helping them to settle, thrive, and reach their full potential.
APPROACH TO TUTORING:
Fenella brings a thoughtful, calm, and highly personalised approach to her work with students. She believes that great teaching is not only about subject expertise, but about helping young people to build confidence, develop intellectual curiosity, and find joy in their learning.
Whether she's helping a student grapple with abstract ethical theories or preparing them for the pressures of a boarding school interview, Fenella creates a supportive yet academically ambitious environment in which her students thrive. She draws on a wide breadth of experience across the education sector to tailor her sessions to the specific goals and needs of each learner and their family.
Her background in Philosophy and Theology, combined with her deep understanding of the independent school system, makes her particularly well-placed to help students succeed in both academic and pastoral aspects of school life.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:
University of Cambridge – MPhil in Philosophy and Theology
University of Cambridge – BA in Philosophy and Theology
University of Buckingham – PGCE in Secondary Education
EXTRA-ACADEMIC INTERESTS:
Outside of her work in education, Fenella is a member of the England Match Rifle Team, regularly competing in long-range shooting competitions across the UK and internationally. She is also a keen violinist, having played since childhood, and enjoys nothing more than going for long runs along the coast with her black Labrador, Jasper.