At PS English, we are proud to work with a community of more than 60 native and qualified English teachers who specialise in supporting learners from around the world. Our teachers—primarily from the UK—bring strong academic backgrounds, respected teaching qualifications, and valuable real-world industry experience. This blend of expertise allows us to offer lessons that are not only effective, but also engaging, dynamic, and rooted in practical knowledge.
Teaching and career backgrounds
All of our English teachers hold degrees and recognised English-language teaching certifications such as CELTA, DELTA, and other EFL qualifications. Many also have professional experience in business, media, engineering, education, the arts, and public service. Feedback from past students has often focused on the benefits of having a teacher with knowledge of a separate field of work. Their diverse backgrounds enrich every lesson, providing students with meaningful examples, authentic language use, and opportunities for real-world communication practice. Feedback from learners consistently highlights how helpful it is to work with a teacher who can connect language learning with broader professional or cultural insights.
We understand that every student has unique needs and goals. Some want to build confidence in conversation, while others seek support with academic writing, professional communication, or specific areas of grammar and vocabulary. For this reason, we take care to match each learner with a teacher whose strengths align with their objectives. And to ensure satisfaction, we offer our Teacher Guarantee: if a student feels their tutor isn’t the right fit, we are always happy to arrange an alternative.
Below, you’ll find profiles of several members of our teaching team. This is not a complete list, but it offers a clear sense of the calibre, professionalism, and diversity of the educators who work with us. We hope it gives you confidence in the quality of teaching you can expect at PS English.
Teacher Profiles
We would like to introduce some teachers below for your reference:
Nicola Cousins
- A highly experienced English teacher
- Taught many Japanese business persons
- Expertise: General business sector
Kim Hill
- 20 years teaching experience
- Having civil servant work experience and lived in different countries
- Taught many Japanese and foreign students
- Expertise: Public sector and learning through conversation
Jon Pettigrew
- An experienced DELTA teacher with PS English since 2009
- Has work experience to deal with various foreign investors including Japanese companies
- Cambridge Japanese Certificate holder
- Expertise: Business and Economics
Lee Prescott
- Has taught since 2007 including China and Japan
- An experienced DELTA qualified teacher
- A degree in English Literature and Culture
- Interest & Hobbies: History, Politics and Literature
Which TV shows and movies do you recommend for our students?
A: Anything which you would watch in Japanese. If you wouldn’t watch it in your first language it will be a nightmare to watch it in a second language.
What do you love about teaching English?
A: Seeing people gain confidence and watching them see the world through a new filter.
What is your connection with Japan and teaching Japanese people?
A: Lived in Tokyo for a year and married to a Japanese woman.
What do you do when you are not teaching?
A: Playing pool, reading (UK history, economics, business, fiction), watching movies, yoga, gym.
Dan Williams
- An experienced English teacher as well as Film Studies teacher
- Well experienced in different levels including conversations about Japanese and British life
- Working for PS English since 2010
- Expertise: Film industry
Anthony Loach
What teaching qualifications do you have?
University of Cambridge DELTA (Advanced English language teaching qualification)
MA Applied Linguistics: Birkbeck College (University of London)
What is your area of teaching expertise?
I’m comfortable with General, Academic, Business English. However, given my business experience probably Business English is my area of teaching expertise
Which TV shows and movies do you recommend for our students?
Although this of course varies from student to student, I think TV documentaries related to the students’ work or wider interests are particularly useful. Documentaries typically have a slow pace and a clear focus.
What do you love about teaching English?
I love developing a good rapport with students and focusing in detail on what the student really needs and then of course seeing the improvement!
What is your connection with Japan and teaching Japanese people?
I worked for many years in English language schools in London, as a teacher and manager. As a result, I met and got to know many Japanese students who I have always particularly enjoyed teaching and helping.
What do you do when you are not teaching?
I enjoy cycling, swimming, walking my dog and socialising with friends and family
Corrina Ellis
Name: Corrina Ellis
Qualification: TEFL
Teaching expertise: Children
Which TV shows and movies do you recommend for our students?
I don’t watch a lot of films but when I lived in Japan the TV series Fawlty Towers went down well with adults, as did Black Books. Many students found the facial expressions of John Cleese and Bill Bailey helpful in understanding their English.
What do you love about teaching English?
Of course it’s always great to see students use the new vocabulary and grammar they’ve learnt, but the most rewarding thing is seeing students smile during the lesson – there’s nothing better than that!
What is your connection with Japan and teaching Japanese people?
I applied for the JET programme because I didn’t really know what to do with my undergraduate degree and intended to stay in Japan for a year before returning to the UK to do an MA. I ended up falling in love with the country and culture though and stayed 14 years! During that time, I taught in primary and secondary schools, universities, and private English schools before establishing a small English school myself in Hiroshima city. Now back in the UK, I still teach some of those students online.
What do you do when you are not teaching?
I’m doing an MA (16 years after I intended to!) in History of Art and Archaeology in East Asia so a lot of my time is spent studying at the moment. I love reading and going to museums: I’m a volunteer for the British Museum. But my biggest passion is going to music gigs
Philip Manning
Qualification: CELTA
Teaching expertise: exam preparation (Cambridge, IELTS, Aptis), business English (including report writing, interview & meeting preparation), ‘British’ pronunciation etc.
TV shows and movies recommended for students:
Killing Eve (BBC series) – a great variety of accents and language; Love Actually (film) – a typically British comedy with various British accents and native language features.
What do I love about teaching English?
Meeting new people from all over the world and laughing with students in lessons! I love helping students to build confidence and improve their English through discussion of interesting topics and quirks of the UK.
Connection with Japan and teaching Japanese people: Since I was a boy I’ve wanted to visit Japan and climb Mt Fuji! I’m fascinated by the culture, food and history (and Keirin cycle racing!). I have made some good friends teaching Japanese students and I always look forward to my lessons with Japanese students.
What do I do when not teaching?
When I’m not teaching English (either online or in an English secondary school!), I love to explore the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside where I live on foot or by bike. I enjoy cooking, reading, travelling when possible, and keeping fit. I’m also learning Spanish, slowly.
Alice Watts
Qualification: CELTA
What is your teaching expertise?
-General English, including conversation
-English for Exams – IELTS, Eiken, IGCSE, etc
-English for Academic Purposes
-Business English
-Teaching adult beginners
TV shows and movies recommended for students:
There’s so many great options! Find something you really enjoy.
You can begin with English versions of movies you already know well in your mother tongue – perhaps Disney films, or Studio Ghibli dubs.
Or you can try some of the many excellent series on Netflix – The Crown, Breaking Bad, or Stranger Things.
Subtitles are ok, but make sure you listen while you read.
And lastly, don’t forget soap operas, like East Enders or Neighbours.
The over-the-top acting and simple language is great for learning without concentrating too hard. You’ll be addicted in no time!
What do I love about teaching English?
It is the next best thing to actually travelling. I can meet people from all over the world and hear about different experiences and opinions.
I enjoy helping people improve their English so that they can reach their goals, whether for study, business, or living comfortably in Britain.
What is your connection with Japan and teaching Japanese people?
I decided to learn Japanese in high school when I fell in love with the Japanese anime, Sailor Moon!
I have visited Japan several times, adore the food, and love Japanese design and minimalism.
I love learning about Japanese culture, especially concepts like wabi-sabi and ikigai that enrich my life.
What do I do when not teaching?
I love reading, cooking, watching films and television, studying Spanish, and running.
Dana Grant
Qualification: TEFL
Teaching expertise: Exam preparation,
English for Business and Special purposes/interests
What do I love about teaching English?
Meeting people from diverse cultures. Love looking at how language works and at different ways of approaching the learning process.
What is your connection with Japan and teaching Japanese people?
Have taught and keep in touch with many Japanese students.
Really hope to visit one day- interested in the art, style and culture.
What do you do when you are not teaching?
I love walking in beautiful surroundings, swimming in the sea, reading, cooking, origami and playing guitar.
Brendan Fitchew
Qualification: TESOL and TEFL
Teaching expertise: over 25 years’ experience catering to adults at all levels from beginner to proficiency in the public and private sectors internationally. More recently also assisting kids with school interview and exam preparation + general skill development.
Which TV shows and movies do you recommend for our students?
Anything that takes your interest and enables you to read subtitles in both your own language and in English.
What do you love about teaching English?
Learning about different cultures and being constantly inspired by people who are actively pursuing their goals and dreams.
What is your connection with Japan and teaching Japanese people?
While studying Japanese at University I completed a student exchange program at Komazawa University followed by a homestay week with a wonderful Japanese family who have been my ’Nihon no kazoku’ ever since.
I later returned to work in Minami Sanriku, northeastern Japan in 1992/93 – an amazing experience which gave me a further insight into Japan.
I began teaching classes of mainly Japanese students at a private EFL school in Australia and returned to a similar focus through my work with the Japanese community in London.
What do you do when you are not teaching?
I love outdoor sports such as skiing, hiking, kayaking, rollerblading and surfing and enjoy exploring new countries and cultures through travel and language learning. I also like reading, film, art, music and educating myself about the many and varied aspects of the intriguing world we live in.
Emma Lauson
CELTA, DELTA, 11-16 PGCE
Business English, IELTS, 121 teaching, British English pronunciation
Which TV shows and movies do you recommend for our students?
Love Actually, About a Boy, Mamma Mia
What do you love about teaching English?
I see language like a jigsaw puzzle, and I love working together with my students to help them put the pieces together to make a picture. It is very rewarding seeing students become more confident and flexible with their use of language.
What is your connection with Japan and teaching Japanese people?
I did a 1-year international exchange programme in Europe (Spain and Portugal) when I was studying foreign languages at university, and during this time I made friends with a Japanese international student who was studying ceramics. We are still friends now, 20 years later! She originally introduced me to Japanese culture and traditions, and I nowadays I am learning more and more from my students at PS English. It is fascinating!
What do you do when you are not teaching?
I enjoy writing, playing and recording my own music. In fact I have made an album with 11 of my original songs. I sing and play guitar. I write lyrics and create my own melodies. I love to entertain the audience and put a smile on people’s faces. If you want to learn more, go to www.skyeembermusic.com. I have music on Spotify, YouTube, itunes etc. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment on my social media and I will reply to you!
Lucy Shakespeare
Qualification: DELTA and advanced TEFL certificate (equivalent to CELTA)
Teaching expertise: General English, Business English, Legal English and teaching for exams including Cambridge and IELTS exams. Also a qualified teacher trainer (DELTA tutor)
Which TV shows and movies do you recommend for our students?
I recommend the Crown for British English as you can learn about British history during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at the same time as learning English. I also think it is a good idea to watch as many different shows as possible to be exposed to a range of different accents. Watching Ted talks and listening to podcasts, the news etc are useful ways to improve your listening skills as well.
What do you love about teaching English?
I enjoy watching a student gradually improve and gain confidence in using English. I love teaching and working with students from all over the world. I can not only teach them but also learn from their cultures and experiences at the same time.
What is your connection with Japan and teaching Japanese people?
I have taught many Japanese students along with students from lots of other countries around the world. I have also lived and worked in Vietnam, Malaysia and Italy. I would love to go and teach in Japan in the future. It’s next on my list of places to teach English!
What do you do when you are not teaching?
I’m a keen sports fan and like to play tennis as much as I can. I enjoy travelling and am interested in photography.
Anne MacKay
Qualification: M.A. in Linguistics and English Language Teaching and a PGCSE postgraduate teaching qualification
Teaching expertise: Academic English, Business English, English for Exams and English Conversation
Which TV shows and movies do you recommend for our students?
I would recommend BBC news online/tv for advanced students, Youtube English teaching videos and any movies you enjoy! I think it’s helpful to watch movies or tv programmes in English with ENGLISH subtitles so you can listen and read at the same time. I find this very helpful for improving my German!
What do you love about teaching English?
I love teaching English because I meet very interesting people and enjoy helping them to improve their English and be more successful and confident in their jobs, at school or at English-medium universities.
What is your connection with Japan and teaching Japanese people?
I lived and worked in Japan for 5 ½ years. I taught English at Waseda, Tokyo Joshidai and Tokai Universities and still have Japanese friends in Tokyo. I am really enjoying teaching different types of Japanese students at PS English – I am currently teaching Business people, University students and students wanting to improve their general English and conversation skills.
What do you do when you are not teaching?
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy walking my dogs on the beach in the sunshine, watching movies, travelling, reading about current affairs and eating international food including Japanese food of course!
Our Teacher Guarantee to You
- We aim to offer high quality, experienced, native speaker teachers.
- Occasionally however, we don’t get the matching quite right. We therefore provide a guarantee to you that you can change your teacher at any time if you are not satisfied.
- For any issues – large or small – you can always contact us to discuss further.
Teach for us
- Are you an experienced and qualified teacher?
- Are you looking for short-term or long-term flexible teaching hours?
- Can you teach at home or travel in London?
- Do you, preferably, have experience teaching English to Japanese students, either in Japan or in the UK?
If so, please give Peter a call or send your CV to [email protected]. We can provide motivated and reliable Japanese students who require an excellent teacher to help improve their experience in London. If you can provide excellent lessons and receive good feedback from our students, we will be able to provide you with plenty of lesson hours.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Peter