Primary and GCSE Tutoring, Training and Support
Specialist dyslexia education and consultancy for parents and schools. We engage, encourage and empower primary and secondary students to evolve, develop and progress.
What makes us different?
The right support can change everything…
Led by an experienced educator and inclusion expert, our work is informed by neuro-affirming, dyslexia-friendly and trauma-informed practice designed to build confidence, develop skills and unlock academic success.
We nurture primary, secondary and GCSE students because we believe that to learn effectively, you need to feel safe, supported and understood. We don’t just teach subjects.
We rebuild confidence, develop capability and open doors to long-term success.
Let us help you unlock your child’s full potential!
Open Doors Education Services
Private specialist English tutoring Primary & GCSE
Primary, Secondary and GCSE dyslexia-friendly, neuro-affirming tutors.
Through responsive, playful and expert teaching, we nurture confidence, strengthen skills and accelerate progress - opening doors to self-belief and lifelong skills.
Training & CPD workshops for schools
Specialist dyslexia training, workshops, webinars and bespoke consultancy for primary and secondary schools.
Our courses and training days combine strong pedagogy, practical strategies and evidence-informed research to support teachers and learning support assistants and improve learning outcomes for their students.
Become an Open Doors Education tutor
We are looking for highly qualified, experienced, excellent tutors to join our specialist team.
English
Maths
Science
REVIEW
“I was predicted a 2 or 3, and I got a 6!”
Macy | GCSE student
The Impact
Securing exam access arrangements and reasonable adjustments to ensure fair assessment conditions.
Students improving from Grade 4 to Grade 7 within 8 weeks through intensive, targeted tuition.
A stronger sense of independence and ownership of their learning.
Improved resilience after previous negative school experiences.
Engage. Encourage. Empower. Unlock
About Open Doors Education
Open Doors Education is led by award-winning children’s rights campaigner Natalie Hay, who successfully influenced government policy to improve inclusion for children with SEND.
This means our work is grounded not just in theory, but in real systemic change and practical understanding of how to navigate education systems and education law.
We understand complex education journeys because we have lived them. Our founder supported her own child through six years out of school due to chronic illness, including EOTAS home-based provision and GCSEs completed from home. This insight shapes a deeply compassionate and realistic approach to supporting families.
We provide expert, bespoke tuition for learners who benefit from a deeper level of understanding, particularly those with dyslexia, but we support the full neurodiversity of learning profiles. We support students through carefully tailored education that combines academic rigour with a creative child-centred approach.
Creativity, ethics, nurture and accountability live at the heart of everything that we do.
Download our free resource
10 Dyslexia Myths That Stop Children Getting the Right Support
Many families are given outdated or incorrect information about dyslexia support options and educational rights.
This guide explains what is true, what is not and what actually helps dyslexic learners succeed.
Written by a dyslexia specialist teacher, BDA-accredited tutor and award-winning children’s rights campaigner, this guide breaks down ten common myths about dyslexia and explains what effective support really looks like.
You will learn:
What dyslexia really is (and isn’t)
Common misconceptions schools still repeat
What good support should included
Where parents often get misled
Practical ways to advocate for your child
Reviews
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Natalie quickly identified some red flags that had never been picked up and we now have a confirmed diagnosis and are able to put the support in place for him to thrive.
Amanda | Parent of secondary child with dyslexia
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Natalie provides feedback and looks at not just the current curriculum, but thinks about how to build confidence in students that can navigate (testing) GCSEs and beyond.
Carrie | Parent of secondary and primary siblings having English tutoring
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Natalie guided families through the process of accessing free school meals with patience and clarity, ensuring they had the resources and confidence to navigate the system effectively.
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I couldn’t have done it without Natalie. I lacked the confidence to challenge on this subject in court because I was emotionally involved it's was overwhelming. Natalie was able to interject when I lacked confidence and the clarity to get across what I needed too.
Angela | Tribunal support for secondary child
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We could not have done this without you Natalie!!! Thank you so much for all you help and guidance.
Anon | EHCP support
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Thank you for the tutoring sessions they were very helpful. I did so much better than I was predicted: I was predicted a 2 or 3, and I got a 6!
Macy | GCSE student
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Everyone deserves a tutor like you: someone who has belief in their students, someone who is kind and caring.
English GCSE student
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Natalie tutors both of my daughters who have dyslexia - aged 9 and 15. In a really short space of time, the 9-year-old has gone up 4 (yes, 4) reading levels, and my 15-year-old has jumped 2 grades in her GCSE mocks. My only regret is that we did not find Natalie sooner - she is a magician. Also to add - the girls love the sessions and look forward to tutoring, which is incredible after the eldest has had years of tutoring…Both girls sing Natalie’s praises. Literally couldn’t ask for more.
Tania | Parent of primary and secondary siblings
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She doesn’t just teach; she builds confidence. Her empathy and passion for supporting children with SEND show skill and knowledge… I would recommend her as the perfect tutor for parents seeking support for English with their secondary school children, particularly neurodiverse or dyslexic students.
Victoria | Parent of neurodivergent secondary child
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Natalie started tutoring our daughter this year, and it has been a game-changer for our family. Our daughter is dyslexic, and Natalie is an amazing, wonderful tutor to her. Entering secondary school and having Natalie alongside our daughter is a crucial support system… Our daughter looks forward to her tutoring sessions and Natalie acts as a life coach too, equiping our daughter with tricks on how she can learn better in class; work hard and smart to navigate dyslexia not only through her studies but through her life. We highly recommend Natalie and are blessed to have found her… Spelling is improving fast and the love of work too.
Charlotte | Parent of secondary child with dyslexia
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My 12-year-old son is looking forward to the lessons. He enjoys it so much. he plays and learns at the same time. I think that since the lessons, he has become more interested in writing and using his creativity. I strongly recommend those lessons because they made my son love English class.
Esin | Parent of secondary child
Our Core Principles
Our approach is built around four core principles:
1 - Engage
We spark curiosity in learners. Combining specialist knowledge and playful, personalised teaching we engage our students so they feel more motivated and meaningful learning can happen.
2 - Encourage
Through expert teaching and carefully tailored support, we help students to build confidence. We nurture our students so that they feel capable of achievement and success.
3 - Empower
Our goal is to help students feel better prepared for schools, exams and life. and. We give feedback and reflect on learning together, so that they see themselves making progress, their skills are strengthened and they feel ready to take on the challenges ahead and are empowered to utilise their newly learnt skills.
4 - Unlock
We unlock potential, build confidence and open doors to success. Trusted by families seeking expertise, understanding and exceptional outcomes, we provide education that is thoughtful, responsive and transformational.
“Natalie was a caring and knowledgeable professional who provided invaluable support to our SEN parents. Her compassionate approach and deep understanding of their needs made a significant difference”
Charlie, charity SOS!SEN
The Parent Carer
This is for every parent carer stretching themselves beyond capacity to meet the needs of those they love. For those living with the constant weight of responsibility, where the days are full, the demands are relentless, and the effort often goes unrecognised.
Natalie Hay has walked your walk and fought battles no one should have to. Now, she has written this book in the hope of making life easier for others in her situation, whether your particular fight for your child is about ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or chronic illness. Inclusion and provision for all is at the heart of all she stands for.
Along with providing practical links, advice and resources, this book serves as a reminder that you are not alone and there is always hope anfhfhfhd support.
“Highly recommend for anyone experiencing life as a parent carer. Or indeed, for anyone who may wish to understand a little more about the implications, challenges and complexities of the parent carer role. Clear, easy to read and extremely validating. Natalie gives some much needed recognition to the parent carer journey.” - KT
“This book is wonderful, it made me feel seen and heard. I found myself crying in some parts and then laughing in others. I found the style of writing brilliant and honestly couldn’t put it down.” - Carrie
FAQs
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If your child is losing confidence, struggling to make expected progress, or finding learning stressful, targeted support can help identify barriers and rebuild progress.
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Sessions are usually 30-60 min long. Some families book short blocks of sessions while others choose ongoing support. We will always advise honestly based on your child’s needs.
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Yes. We have specialist experience supporting neurodiverse learners and adapting teaching approaches accordingly. All our tutors are neuro-affirming and trauma-informed. They take part in regular training with Open Doors Education to ensure they have the most up-to-date evidence-informed practice.
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Yes. We provide regular updates so you understand progress and next steps.
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Yes. We offer both in-person and online support.
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Usually within a few weeks depending on tutor availability.