VWORKS MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

MEET ANNIE

Annie Holmes is a tutor, examiner, freelance journalist and presenter of a new show on Wellbeing Radio called Schoolosophy. As a tutor, Annie focusses on helping young people who struggle at school. After qualifying as an educator 24 years ago, and having taught in private, special, and state schools, she now runs Annie Holmes Tutoring; teaching Maths and English to children between the ages of 7-16. Armed with the experience and skills of helping children, and their parents battle all the challenges that school brings, she has just launched Schoolosophy, a brand-new podcast that is spreading Annie’s encouragement far and wide, and helping as many people as she can! Annie is also one of our first members of our brand-new VWorks Coworking space at Village Hotel Southampton Eastleigh. Welcome to the Club, Annie!

What has brought Annie to this point?

From age 9 Annie always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She absolutely loved school, taking part in every after-school and extracurricular activity she could - from drama, to sports - and burying her head into the books of Enid Blyton and the like in her spare time. When her parents asked if she’d like to go to boarding school, she jumped at the chance, so it’s safe to say that Annie loved education! 

Fast-forward to her early 20’s, Annie graduated from Goldsmith’s, University of London, with a BA honours degree in Education, and entered back into the classroom now as a teacher.  

Having been in education settings her whole life, and knowing that she would return to education again, Annie decided to spend a few years out in the ‘real world’, doing corporate marketing for BT and Guinness, and ending up running her own PR agency in the music industry, with clients such as Radio 1 DJ’s and Boy George. After a lot of fun exploring her long-running enthusiasm for media, and the arts, Annie decided it was time to go back to teaching.

A few years ago, when her son was 2, Annie was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. At the same time, after many years of experience teaching she was left wanting to do more, and felt with her particular expertise, she could do more for the students and their families, as well as more for the health and for her own family. Annie craved more balance. At this point, Annie Holmes Tutoring was born.

Annie Holmes Tutoring - What Makes Annie Different?

Annie has always been passionate about helping those children who struggle the most and wanted to dedicate the rest of her career to helping them; tutoring would allow her to do that. Annie is much more than a tutor of Maths & English, she is a champion of children. She has a deep appreciation for the difficulties, and challenges that children, and parents face through school. The ability to learn effectively starts with self-esteem and confidence, and if children don’t have this, they will not believe they can do it. Annie empowers her students and their parents, giving them the tools, support, and encouragement they need to do their best.

And it shows! The majority of Annie’s students stay with her through most of their schooling, from early years right through to leaving school at 16. By adopting a 360 approach with her students, building their confidence, resilience, and happiness, she has watched children grow from having no self-belief, unable to focus or concentrate on the work, and hating their school experience, to thriving, enjoying school again, and believing in themselves! Annie truly believes that you can teach a happy child anything!

Schoolosophy - Episode 1 out now!

Annie's radio show and podcast, Schoolosophy, is her way of helping as many people as possible, bringing together her media and education backgrounds. Episode 1 is out now, and explores how we can help young people build their confidence and self-esteem which will lead to a happier and more successful time at school. You can listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, and on Wellbeing Radio. 

In future episodes Annie will be covering a wide range of topics, and sitting down with some very exciting guests, exploring common issues that children face at school, and empowering young people and parents in the process. Tune in!

What's coming up for Annie?

As well as more exciting episodes of Schoolosphy, Annie will soon be launching an online magazine for parents, after having recently trained as a freelance journalist. Yet another avenue where Annie can help disadvantaged children. She is also interested in hosting workshops and seminars to help parents. Watch this space!

Final thoughts...

“I now feel like I am doing the best I can for those around me as well as looking after my own health. VWorks is a fantastic opportunity to combine my health and my work, and I hope that amongst all the tragedy that Covid has brought, it has given many people a chance to reconsider the balance in their lives whilst pursuing their talents and interests.” 

How Annie can help other VWorks Members

Whilst Annie does have a waiting list - parents sign up for a full school year, and she will only take on a certain number of children at one time - Annie is happy to provide free advice to parents if they are worried about their child and need some guidance. You can get in touch with Annie on the details below!

T: + 44 7921 295346

W: www.annieholmestutoring.com

E: annie@annieholmestutoring.com

f: www.facebook.com/annieholmestutoring   

IG: @annieholmestutoring