Ethos

Our Ethos

The Value of Individualised Learning

My desire to teach began when I was just seven years old, and despite the advice of careers advisors, it was the only option for me. Over the past decade, I've had the privilege of working in various state schools, serving as a Year 6 teacher, Head of English, and later as an educational consultant in the private sector. Through all these experiences, a single, powerful lesson has become clear: a 'one size fits all' approach to learning simply doesn't work.

Children are individuals, each with their own unique way of learning. While small-group collaboration can be beneficial, putting thirty or more children in a single classroom is not an optimal learning environment for many. This isn't a criticism of anyone; having taught in this system for over a decade, I understand the constraints. However, the data tells a different story.

The Reality of Classroom Time 

In a typical classroom with thirty students, a child receives less than a minute of individual attention from their teacher per lesson. In a normal teaching week, this can amount to just nine minutes of combined academic attention for core subjects like English and Maths. This is not the fault of dedicated teachers, but rather a systemic limitation of the education system.

This reality is reflected in academic literature which consistently highlights the benefits of individualised learning. A study by the Education Endowment Foundation found that one-to-one tuition is one of the most effective ways to boost academic progress, with pupils making an average of five months of additional progress. Similarly, the Sutton Trust has published a number of reports that show that small-group and one-to-one tuition is particularly effective for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

This is why I founded Ignite Education. All too often, children are labelled as 'lazy' or 'not trying hard enough' when, in reality, they simply need a different approach or a little more time. Children want to learn, but it's hard when their confidence has been shattered by being told they are asking 'too many questions' or 'weren't listening well enough.'

At Ignite Education, the child’s needs genuinely come first, and their tuition is truly bespoke. There are no generic worksheets or inflexible schemes of work. We meet the child where they are, and our sessions are carefully planned but can be adapted on the fly. We do this because the key to successful education is confidence—the confidence to ask for help, to feel a sense of agency over your own learning, and to say 'I still don't get it' without fear.

About Us

Carl owns and runs Ignite Education, a space he created to teach in a way he knows works—where children feel safe, engaged, and genuinely want to learn. His journey into education began when he was just seven years old, and since then he has earned a BA in English Studies with Creative Writing, a PGCE in Primary Education, and an MA in Education (Assessment) from UCL.

A true education expert, Carl writes and publishes exam assessment books alongside his tutoring business. He has also worked as an educational consultant for EdTech start-ups, where he designed curricula and ensured all learning objectives were met. Every session he designs is dynamically adapted to the child's specific needs, striving to improve their learning experience and make it fun.

Carl's dedication to teaching began at the age of 16, volunteering in various schemes, including one that taught underprivileged children how to swim. He was so in-demand that he was head-hunted to help a school that had been placed "in Special Measures" by Ofsted. Just 19 months later, it was rated "Outstanding."

However, the limitations of the traditional education system—with its large class sizes and "teach-to-the-middle" mentality—led him to create Ignite Education. It's a progressive space where he can focus on each child's individual success.

When he's not teaching, Carl writes an education blog and enjoys reading the latest children's literature.

Lauren, co-founder of the Rebel Writing Society, is the force behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly. She's a true lifelong learner, having left school at 16 to explore careers as a scuba diving instructor and personal trainer before returning to academia. She went on to earn a series of degrees, culminating in a PhD in Clinical Medical Research.

This unconventional path has given her a unique perspective on education. It's why her work at Ignite is focused on putting the student experience first, from designing the website to ensuring Carl can connect with every single student. Lauren believes that learning should be engaging and accessible, and she's always looking for ways to make that a reality.

At home, the ethos is all about persistence, understanding the emotions that come with challenges, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Lauren also supports Carl with the planning of the summer school. While the website is now live and she's proud of the work, she knows that nothing is perfect. She sees any mistakes as an opportunity to learn and is always happy to fix any errors you might spot. After all, the website is a bit like us—always changing and improving!