Online Latin Tutor
Hello! I’m Ellen, an online Latin tutor with over 15 years of experience in learning, teaching and loving Latin! The greatest joy of all though, is seeing you succeed and become a master of this beautiful ancient language.
After completing my training at Cambridge University, I taught Latin in both state and private schools for 6 years. I have taught Latin language at all levels, from complete beginners through to A-Level, and helped students to achieve the highest grades at every level.
I am available for lessons every day of the week and lessons are priced at just £40 an hour. Want to see how Latin tuition could transform your progress? Book a free taster lesson now.
If you want to learn Latin and have fun doing it, I’m your gal!
Latin Tuition - What To Expect
Students that I tutor in Latin will receive a bespoke curriculum designed to help them rapidly improve their ability in the language. Each lesson is tailor-made with custom slides, examples and material. This will be available to you after each lesson.
Hard work and enjoyment should go hand in hand during education. I cannot do the work for you, but I can show you the way to make learning more successful. Education is a gift, and I want you to have the best experience possible.
A typical lesson might look something like this:
Review the prep set at the end of the previous lesson
Consolidate the previous lesson
A quick vocabulary check
Introduce a new topic and, using the Socratic method, get you to figure out the new principal at play
Fully explain the new concept with examples
Take a look at some practise sentences
Focus on a longer passage using the skills learned that week and consolidate the learning
Set prep for the next lesson
Weekly sessions, between 30-60 minutes long, are the most beneficial, with around 30 minutes of preparation by the student in between to consolidate and solidify learning.
For a real sense of what my teaching style is like, take a look at some of my free Latin lessons on YouTube or sign up for my free one hour long Latin Workshop.
Reviews Of My Latin Teaching
Here’s a short selection of reviews I have received from previous students to whom I have taught Latin.
“She’s a very good teacher, I highly recommend her to anyone”
From the mother of an online student.
“Thank you so much for all the support and teaching this year with Latin. I have really enjoyed all the exciting literature and interesting grammar points. I have truly enjoyed the lessons which have allowed me to develop and learn many problem solving skills, which I will definitely be using in the future with language learning”
From a student, after taking the GCSE Latin exam, having learned from scratch in 2 years.
“Excellent, clear summary. Thank you very much.”
From an online student after an adverbs lesson
About Me
Fascinated by the ancient world since a young age, I have studied the languages and civilisation of Rome and Greece for over 15 years. Classics is a joy to study and to teach, and that is what I always endeavour to pass onto my students.
I did not find Latin easy at school. I understand how challenging it can be. But with hard work and the right guidance, I believe success can be found by anyone.
At Newcastle University I studied Classics and was awarded 1st Class Honours along with the Senior Johnson Prize for the best mark in the school of Classics and Archaeology.
I then went on to Cambridge University for my PGCE in Secondary Latin with Classics. This was an incredible year that gave me the opportunity to embrace the culture and work ethic of one of the world’s greatest universities.
Within just one year of graduating I was promoted to the Subject Lead of Classics. I then was fortunate enough to land a job working at St. Peter’s school in York, one of England’s most prestigious private schools and the 4th oldest school in the world.
As of 2024 I embarked upon an even greater journey. I am the founder of bambasbat, a company that is revolutionising the way ancient languages are taught through modern technology. My aim is to empower Latin learners across the world and bring them together in a community of like minded people.
When I’m not working on my business you can find me travelling the ancient sites of the former Western Roman Empire or giving tours of Roman York.
Book A Free Online Latin Lesson
Want to see what one of my lessons is like first hand? Simply fill in the form to book a free lesson with me.
I’ll ask you beforehand for a brief overview of your current knowledge of Latin (if any - complete beginners are more than welcome).
Our first session will be a relaxed one where I will gain an understanding of your current level of progress and areas for improvement.
This will then inform a tailor-made curriculum that I will create for you to help you rapidly improve your Latin.
What Levels Of Latin Tuition Do You Offer?
I offer Latin tuition for all abilities. Here’s an approximate overview of the concepts we will cover at each level. I also offer tuition for specific exams, more details below.
Beginner Latin Tutoring
Starting Latin from scratch provides the advantage of having no preconceived notions. With private tuition you will rapidly grasp the basics of Latin grammar and vocabulary. No matter what your age or previous experience, anyone can learn Latin.
At the end you should be able to:
Translate passages of adapted Latin
Read short inscriptions in Latin
Be able to write in Latin
GCSE Latin Tutoring
At this stage you’ll have a foundational knowledge of Latin. I will work with you to consolidate your understanding and push you forward with new, more complex grammar such as subjunctives. I’ll also help you to improve your Latin vocabulary.
We will have a comprehensive review of the Latin GCSE set texts (both verse and prose) with detailed notes and practise essays to give you confidence in the exam.
At the end you should be able to:
Read and answer questions about passages of adapted Latin
Comment of pieces of literature and the techniques used within them
With dedicated study there is no reason you should not achieve a high result in your Latin GCSE.
A-Level Latin Tutoring
A-Level Latin is a step up from GCSE. It involves unseen translation of both verse and prose as well as new grammar. There is no defined vocabulary list and therefore acquisition of vocabulary is something I will focus on with you.
We will have a detailed discussion of A-Level Latin set texts, including style and linguistic choices with a thorough understanding of the context of the pieces, ensuring that you have a fluent translation.
At the end you should be able to:
Translate unseen and unadapted passages of Latin fluently in both verse and prose
Comment on set texts and the stylistic features within them
Again, with dedicated study there is no reason you should not achieve a high result in your Latin A-Level.
Advanced Latin Tutoring
This is a step beyond A-Level Latin and focuses on completely unadapted Latin. We will look at more niche uses of complex grammar and further broaden your vocabulary.
At the end you should be able to:
Comment on the stylistic and linguistic features used in unseen unadapted passages
OCR Latin Tutoring
OCR in my opinion offers the most challenging and interesting syllabus for Latin. The exam questions are also straightforward and well written.
I have taken dozens of students through OCR Latin GCSE with several of them achieving top grades. I have also taught OCR Latin A-Level and had students achieve As and A*s.
EDUQAS Latin Tutoring
I’ve taught EDUQAS Latin GCSE to around a hundred students, again with many students achieving top grades.
Other Latin Exams
I can also offer tuition for other Latin exams upon request. Please book a free lesson to get started.
Why learn Latin?
Learning Latin will improve your knowledge of language and linguistics, which will enhance both your English and other modern foreign languages. It also will benefit your problem solving skills.
Learning an ancient language greatly improves your empathy. You are discussing a culture that is 2000 years separate from ours. You will learn how to understand those who lead completely different lives to yourself.
Latin also is great for your CV (curriculum vitae - another Latin phrase). It is becoming less common to study Latin, which makes it all the more interesting and valuable.
Why get Latin Tutoring?
Latin can feel overwhelming when you’re doing it alone. Tuition provides accountability along with a friendly face to ask questions to. There is plenty of great free material (I make it myself) but you can’t beat a bespoke course of independent tuition.
What is bambasbat?
bambasbat is dedicated to spreading the learning of Latin and Classics throughout the world. I have a burning passion for the Classics and this is how I share it with others.
I create videos and articles about grammar and interesting historical events and people from the ancient world. I embrace modern technology to bring the ancient world to life through videos, blogs and apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are Latin lessons?
Most people have between 30 minutes and 60 minutes each week. I can also offer fortnightly lessons or more ad hoc arrangements if required.
How much do Latin lessons cost?
Latin lessons with me are priced at £40 an hour. Shorter sessions are simply prorated, so a 45 minute lesson would be £30.
How do I sign up for Latin Tuition?
Simply fill in this form to book a free lesson. This is an opportunity for me to see where you are at and craft a custom curriculum to help you progress further.
Do you offer group Latin lessons?
Yes group lessons are available. Please get in touch via the form to discuss.
What days do you offer Latin tuition?
I am available to teach lessons every day of the week including weekends. I can also teach during the day time if that is more convenient for you.
What Are My Obligations As A Student?
As well as attending the lessons, it is highly beneficial to complete any prep work in advance. I also advocate for practising your Latin vocabulary every day. Try out my free vocab tester if you haven’t already.
Are You DBS Checked?
Yes, I have worked in schools for the past 6 years and have been fully approved to work with children. I also have a specific DBS for tutoring. Please get in touch if you need further information. I can also provide references if required.
What are your qualifications?
Here is a list of my formal qualifications:
PGCE in Secondary Latin with Classics: Cambridge University
BA (Hons) 1st Class in Classics: Newcastle University
Can you help with specific Latin exams?
Absolutely! I have previously taught EDUQAS GCSE, OCR GCSE and OCR A-Level. I can happily teach another syllabus if needed.
What Latin Textbooks Do You Follow?
Typically my students use either Cambridge Latin Course Books 1–3, or Taylor Latin to GCSE. But I am happy to work with any textbook, or none, as I have all my own material.
What Do You Enjoy Teaching The Most?
I especially love teaching the set texts, getting close to the Roman authors by reading the unadapted Latin and discussing the choices that they made.