Welcome to Our World

We Are Live to Learn Education and Tutoring

An option outside of mainstream

Our Roots and Future

Live to Learn Education and Tutoring has always been praised for its ethos, expertise, quality of teaching and nurturing nature. 

2016: Live to Learn Tutoring was established and functioned as one-to-one sessions only

2020: The Live to Learn Hub was launched, specifically for home educating families and those outside of mainstream education (ages 10 years+)

2021: Live to Learn acquired an orchard and forest to offer outdoor education; Wonder Years, based in Woodbury, Devon

2022: Live to Learn Education and Tutoring opened it’s private, local examination centre, catering for (I)GCSEs and Functional Skills

2023: Wonder Years outdoor education sessions launched for home educating children aged 4 – 11 years old

2024: Purely Primary, our provision for children aged 5-10 launched

Our Team

Kelly Taylor
Director and Founder

QTS, PGCE, B.Sc (Hons.), Dip.HE, MTA

Hey, I’m Kelly and I am the founder and director at Live to Learn! I established this venture and passion of mine in 2016, in order to provide a source of academic and emotional support for children who aren’t reaching their true potential. 

From being a one-to-one/small group tutor, you can really gain a true representation of a child, which enables you to fully personalise their learning journey in more of a holistic way; giving students the time, care and attention that they are often no longer able to access in busy school environments. 

I absolutely love Live to Learn; everything we do, everything we stand for and the amazing 5* reputation that we have built. The team are amazing, the children are amazing, and I enjoy every day that I wake up knowing that myself and my team will be making a real life difference to children’s lives. 

In my (not so) spare time I run around after my gorgeous neurodiverse daughter, Larni, as well as pushing myself to new levels in kite surfing.

Linda Hill
Manager and 1-to-1 Coordinator

B.Ed., QTS

As a Live to Learn supporting manager and tutor, my aspirations are very simple: to continue the process of learning and to do the very best that I can to help young people achieve their full potential and make a difference through a unique and holistic approach. I value the needs of the whole child ‘academically, physically, emotionally and spiritually’. My focus will always be on the student and their family. Together we will celebrate each other’s success and inspire each other to be the best person that we can be. I hold specialist qualifications in: dyslexia and co-occurring difficulties; supporting individuals with memory weaknesses; cumulative multi-sensory tuition and teaching children meditation techniques.

My leisure interests include: spending time with my family, stand up paddle boarding, cycling, walking on Dartmoor and running half marathons.

Lindsey Tucker
English Specialist and PATOSS Assessor

B.Ed.(Hons.), PGCE, DTLLS, ADTLLS(Lit.), Cert.TESOL

Hello, I’m Lindsey and I love Literacy! I have worked with all ages and abilities, from pre-school to pensioner, and taught a wide range of subjects, but English is my specialism and my passion.

The ethos behind Live to Learn Tutoring is one I totally endorse: learning is a life-long process and should be one to savour and enjoy. As a qualified teacher, counsellor and complementary therapist I believe in holistic wellbeing and particularly enjoy working with students who have failed to flourish in a traditional school setting.

I have recently obtained my qualification as a PATOSS Access Arrangements Assessor and use this to support the students at Live to Learn with their examination access arrangements.

Zac Winterbourne
Science Specialist

BEd, QTS
 
Hello, I’m Zac I’m a science tutor with Live to Learn.  I have a degree in Education Studies which led me to getting my qualification as a science teacher, specialising in physics, four years ago.  I strongly believe in an interactive approach to science, from growing crystals to making electromagnets to analysing cells.  Being a tutor allows me to work with students at their own pace and develop their love for science and build their confidence in a nurturing environment. 
 I moved to Devon in 2019 with my wife and enjoy walking on the moors and taking photographs of the landscapes.  When it’s raining, you can find me at home writing stories!

Cheryl Cooper
Secondary English and Humanities

Hi I’m Cheryl and offer tuition in English and Humanities at Live to Learn.

I have a Masters Degree in History and have published works focusing on the material evidence of Life and Religion in Early Modern England. This work prompted me to focus on different ways of learning and teaching in looking at material evidence, which in turn inspired me to look at how I could apply this in a classroom.

Teaching has always been something I’ve enjoyed – I started my career as an educator teaching people how to Scuba Dive all over the world. I am a trained History teacher and have been teaching English and Religious Studies for a number or years.

I love to be around people and take pleasure in helping people achieve their goals – especially the tough ones.

As a tutor at Live to Learn I fully support holistic, child centred learning. I believe in meeting students where they are and helping them develop at their own pace. I believe in supporting students to gain confidence and resilience to carry through into life as well as supporting them academically.

In my spare time you will find me walking on the beach with my dog, Rona (who makes a regular appearance at Live to Learn) or I’ll be sea swimming somewhere in Devon. You’ll basically find me near the water!

Graham Mullin
Secondary Maths

I have always enjoyed maths, I studied maths up to A level and then I went to Bristol University to study more of it! I really enjoy helping students progress in maths, I am a patient and supportive person, and I work with the students to ensure they get their best results. I have three teenage children of my own and I help each of them whenever I can.

When I am not working, I like to keep fit by cycling (road and mountain bike) and running, I also spend lots of time gardening.


Jessica Shellard
Secondary Art & Design

I am a committed and experienced teacher of secondary art with a proven track record of delivering best practice to all year groups; having been head of art at two well-respected independent schools in Devon, where I taught up to and including A’ level.

I am passionate about my subject and inspiring students, aiming to create a nurturing and creative environment. I see ‘art activity’ as essential to the well-being and self-esteem of

both the individual and society. Viewing the subject as inclusive, rather than exclusive and I believe that all have the ability to learn through Art.

I remain a practicing artist exhibiting across the UK where I work with drawing, film and sound to create artworks that explore the idea of the female.

 

Rachel Austen-Rigby
Forest School & Outdoor Education Lead

Hi, I’m Rachel! I live near Sidmouth with my husband, 4 of our 6 children and a menagerie of animals.

I have worked with children for many years and in various roles including preschools, children’s centres and forest school. I also enjoy voluntary youth work as a Scout Leader and have been involved in Sea Cadets, Brownies and Cubs over the years.

I am passionate about nature and the great outdoors and enjoy walking, spending time in the woods, beach combing & gardening. I believe that time in nature is so important and gives us space to rest and rebalance, especially now that the world seems to be active 24/7.

 

Alice Hobbs
Primary and SEND Specialist

Hi! I’m Alice, I am a qualified primary teacher with over 12 years of experience, having worked across both key stages and served as a phase leader.

Throughout my teaching years, I have taught learners with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) across various age ranges. My experience isn’t limited to the traditional classroom setting; I have also served as a specialist advisor for children with additional needs within the local borough. 

In addition to my role as a teacher, I work as a SEND Segment Assistant for Twinkl Educational Publishing house. In this capacity, I dedicate my time to creating and editing content filled with learning ideas that are accessible to all students. 

My passion lies in sensory play, generating ideas for engaging activities, and incorporating kinaesthetic learning techniques to develop core skills in subjects such as Mathematics and English. I take joy in applying my creative ideas in the classroom and witnessing firsthand the positive effects they can have on students development. 

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my son and fluffy doodle, Maggie-May. 

Jane Shields
Outdoor Education Assistant

Hello! I’m Jane Shields, mum of 2 wildlings and a former Primary School teacher specialising in Physical Education and Forest School.

My passion for the outdoors and fostering experiential learning led me to the role of outdoor education assistant.

With a focus on holistic development, I immerse students in nature, guiding them through physical activities and the exploration of the natural world.

My journey into outdoor education has been fueled by a love for movement and the environment. Whether teaching teamwork through outdoor games or nurturing an appreciation for nature’s marvels, I’m dedicated to creating engaging and enriching experiences for every student.

In my own time you’ll find me supporting people in their health and fitness journeys as a fitness and mindset coach, as well as training for my next Hyrox event.

I’m excited to bring the joy of outdoor learning to students, fostering a deep connection with nature while promoting physical well-being and a sense of wonder.