Our Teachers

Sarah Lane

I have been teaching English to people of all ages for nearly forty years. Each student comes with their own unique set of requirements and it is my job to meet their needs - in grammar, pronunciation or exam preparation - whatever it may be. I use activities I have chosen over the years, as well as up-to-date materials tailored to your interests. I took a degree in English Literature at Oxford before specialising in TEFL.

I have taught many teachers and other professionals who enjoy a refresher course in Advanced English in a beautiful part of the UK as well as teenagers who need a top-up before an important exam. I teach from my friendly home near the village of Townshend, eight miles east of Penzance. Students choose where to stay nearby. There are many holiday homes in the area.

Very effective one-to-one, individual, tailored - made for my personal needs.
Steve L. Zurich, financial lawyer
The classes didn't feel like classes. Talking to Sarah felt like talking to an old friend. We learned a lot during one week.
Carina and Sandra T. Finnish teacher and her daughter
Sarah designed my course exactly as I wanted. It has helped me enormously to practise and improve conversation outside of the formal lessons, I consider a course as a holiday activity and it made a great holiday in a beautiful county with a stunning coast. Thank you, Sarah. (2023)
Paul L. Netherlands, English teacher
I had a wonderful time..
Oliver, Berlin, automotive software designer

Steve Oliver

I have been teaching English to adults for just over 40 years now. My learners usually have a particular need such as for work, or study, or travel. But sometimes it is purely for the pleasure of learning the language or because of an interest in other cultures and ways of thinking.

My wife, Liz, and I love to welcome my learners into our home. We have a Cornish farm cottage which dates from 1830 and which has been modernised and extended in recent decades. From the house and garden we have a great view over Penzance and Mounts Bay, including St Michael's Mount. I use our dining room as a classroom, a granite-walled room lined with books.

My aim is that learning at my home should always be fun and stimulating – for both learner and teacher! I use methods and activities that I have used and improved over many years and at the same time I try to personalise lessons as much as possible, so that the learner feels that they are learning what is most important for them.
Most frequently my lessons are very practical and involve a lot of discussion about topics which are of interest. From this I can understand the grammar and vocabulary which will be important and can help the learner improve their fluency, accuracy or comprehension. I work with adult learners of all levels and have a good knowledge of all internationally-recognised exams.

My students have said some nice things about their experiences including:

Steve's professionalism, passion and love for the language helped me a lot to improve my English level. Thanks to his empathy and wide knowledge each lesson was a pleasure, bringing me to achieve the desired IELTS mark. I will always be thankful to him and his wonderful wife Liz.
Marta, Post Graduate Student, Italy
The  English course with Steve was wonderful. The hospitality of Steve and Liz, the house and the beautiful coast of South England made our stay unforgettable. Through our many interesting conversations we learned a lot about the country and its people. With a smile we look back to many funny and educational lessons. Thank you Steve for your patience, we wish you all the best. 
Daniela, Senior Civil Servant, Switzerland