Our Story
Our journey began where all great partnerships do—in the classroom. We met working at a school holiday club, quickly realising that our shared values, work ethic, and deep love for education made us the perfect team. Now, as close friends and dedicated educators, we've combined our expertise to create an educational service that truly supports families and inspires young learners.
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What sets Fully-Prepped Tutoring apart is not just our experience but the way we apply it. With over 20 years in education between us— our varied career paths have shaped a unique skill set that covers Early Years through Year 6, spanning both independent and state school environments and curriculums which bring a truly comprehensive understanding of teaching & learning. As teachers and private tutors, we understand the challenges students face and are committed to providing tailored support that builds confidence and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
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At Fully-Prepped Tutoring, we don’t just prepare students academically—we help them progress with confidence, curiosity, and the skills they need to succeed. Our goal is simple: to provide families with high-quality, personalised educational support that empowers children to flourish.
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Let us help you get… Fully-Prepped!
Meet the team
Fern Smith
Co-founder
I suppose I am one of those lucky few who always knew what they wanted to be when they grew up - a teacher. It is that life-long passion that has allowed me to have a wonderfully fulfilling career in education for over 10 years. I have worked predominantly in the independent sector starting as a learning support assistant, then class teacher alongside Literacy Coordinator (KS1) and EAL coordinator (Whole school). As a private tutor, I specialise in Maths, English (Early Years, KS1 & LKS2), and school entrance exam preparation.
I hold a First-Class BA Hons degree in Education & Learning from Roehampton University, achieved Qualified Teacher Status through the Cambridge Partnership, and have completed the National Award in Special Educational Needs Coordination (NaSENCO) at UCL. My greatest passion lies in teaching and learning with a particular interest in Special Educational Needs and behaviour - understanding how children learn, how to adapt learning environments to support individuals and how to design engaging, accessible content that helps all pupils make personal progress and achieve success. My favourite place is still in the classroom, on the ground, inspiring and helping children find a reason to love learning!
Fully-Prepped Tutoring brings together all of my professional passions - bespoke curriculum design, high-quality teaching, and provides families with meaningful support and a trusted educational service. Our vision is to create a nurturing, dynamic space where children feel confident, curious, and fully prepared—not just academically, but for a lifetime of learning.
Polly Allen
Co-founder
From an early age, I’ve always been passionate about helping children grow—both in confidence and in their learning. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than seeing a child’s “lightbulb moment” when they grasp something new, and that passion has been the driving force behind my career in education.
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As one of the directors of Fully-Prepped Tutoring, I bring over a decade of hands-on experience in education, rooted in both academic achievement and practical classroom expertise. My journey began during my gap year when I worked as a teaching assistant at Herne Hill Primary School — an experience that confirmed my commitment to teaching and inspired me to pursue a career in education.
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I went on to graduate with a First-Class BA (Hons) Degree in Education Studies from The University of Winchester, before completing my PGCE with Distinction at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.
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For the past six years, I have been teaching in the state sector, working across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Most recently, I have spent the last three years teaching in Year 6, where I’ve developed specialist expertise in preparing students for SATs and the 11+ exams. This has given me deep insight into the pressures and challenges children face — as well as the strategies that help them succeed.
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Alongside my classroom teaching, I have also built extensive experience as a private tutor, specialising in Maths, English, and preparation for the 7+ and 11+ entrance exams. My approach combines rigour with encouragement, helping children to build strong foundations, improve exam technique, and grow in confidence. I tailor every session to suit the individual child, ensuring progress is meaningful and aligned with their unique learning style.
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At Fully-Prepped Tutoring, I am passionate about cultivating a love for learning in every child. I believe that every student deserves tailored support that meets their individual needs, and I strive to make learning engaging, meaningful, and confidence-building. Whether it’s academic excellence or boosting motivation, my aim is to ensure that each child feels fully prepared — not just for exams, but for lifelong learning.