Catherine, what's your job?

What do you do?

Like many people, I have one of those jobs that is not easily explained when asked this question. Sometimes I say I'm a teacher, sometimes I say I have my own business, and sometimes I try to explain it properly, and then, I watch the expression on my listener's face quickly change to 'I wish I'd never asked'.

Familiar Dialogue?

Because my job is quite unique and doesn't fit into any conventional categories, it’s tricky to sum up in just one sentence, and whatever I say usually sends people off in the wrong direction

I thought I’d use this space to clear things up a bit and share some honest answers to questions that usually follow.

You work with kids, then?

No. Most of my clients are adult professionals looking to improve their English for work or personal goals. However, I do also teach young adults (particularly in exam preparation courses).

I'm a teacher of English as a Foreign Language.

So, you're a TEFL teacher.

Yes, technically I’m a TEFL teacher (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), but this is a very broad term that covers a lot, from short-term travel jobs to more specialised, professional roles. My own work is much closer to language consultancy and targeted training, built on years of experience and study.

A colleague of mine, highly experienced and qualified, once said that being called a TEFL teacher can feel a bit like being called a first aider when you’re actually trained as a doctor. I think that captures it well.

Do you only teach foreign clients?

Yes. Although during the pandemic, I also offered tuition to English students who are looking for support in their Key Stage English. I'm back to teaching non-native speakers now.

So, you get summer off?

Sadly not. In fact, summer is a pretty busy time because many students have time off work and are keen to make use of their time investing in their English. Early on in my teaching career, I worked as a summer school teacher which was pretty full on, but now, I am responsible for coordinating and overseeing all aspects of courses. I usually take my 'summer' holiday in January.

It must be nice being your own boss.

Yes, it's nice. However, it's a myth that being self-employed means you have more time off. If anything, the opposite is true. As business owners will tell you, we work more hours than any standard employment contract because we are vested in what we do, and for me at least, because I love what I do. As for time off, I have to plan this very carefully around my clients' needs, and make sure I meet my commitments to them.

One of my favourite quotes

Do you get to finish at 3pm?

No, unfortunately not. Since my clients are all over the world, I aim to offer lesson options to suit all timetables. Some clients prefer to study before their general working day commences, some during work, and some after work. My 'open' hours are 8.30am - 6pm (UK time), but I often have lessons outside of these hours.

When you're not teaching, are you flexible?

Yes, absolutely. Providing I can work around the courses I am committed to, my timetable is flexible. However, apart from teaching, I am also responsible for all aspects of course design and administration, so I still have to fit this in.

During the average week, about half my time is spent working as a teacher, that means lesson prep, marking, planning, and of course the lessons themselves. The other half of my week is everything else.

Do you teach mostly online?

Yes, mostly. Things have changed a lot since 2020. I used to teach online occasionally, but now it’s regularly. This autumn, all of my courses are running online.

Is Get Set Go English a new company?

Yes and No. I've been teaching English for 11 years and been self-employed for 10 years (albeit with a couple of other side lines in the beginning). I've worked with many different teachers, schools, and businesses during my teaching career and have learnt a lot along the way.

The brand and social media presence you see today was developed during the Covid pandemic to allow students to find me online when face-to-face teaching was not possible.

For 2 years, I pooled resources with another English teacher and we called ourselves Get English. I then became Get Set Go English when I went solo again in 2022.

You used to work at another school, didn't you?

Yes. As well as my own courses, I've taught at and delivered courses on behalf of other schools too, including Brasshouse Language Centre, Birmingham; Severnvale Academy, Shrewsbury; and Youth Exchange Service, Shropshire.

I've taught at schools in the UK and abroad. I’ve taught students from toddlers to retirees — ages 3 to 83 — and people from over 50 different countries. My husband and I have also been hosting students in our home for over 10 years.

Sometimes I forget where I've met students, but I rarely forget names and never forget faces.

You changed your job completely, didn't you?

Yes. After I graduated, I worked in the manufacturing industry as a business analyst and later in HR. This experience gave me the expertise I use today in my corporate training courses and business English lessons. It also gave me many of the transferable administrative skills I use every day to run my business, and I learnt a lot about managing a team too.

Plus, I had my first taste of teaching whilst working in this industry through the training courses that I delivered there.

How do students find you?

Mostly through referrals. A lot of my current students come from friends or colleagues of former students, which is something I'm very proud of. Bigger courses with businesses or schools usually come from building strong relationships over time. People who choose to work with me know they’re getting professional, student-centred teaching with real expertise.

I also keep in touch with current and former students, plus anyone interested, through a carefully managed mailing list. It’s a way to share news, materials, and updates, and, when the time’s right, a simple way to book courses.

So, do you speak a lot of languages?

No, I don't. I speak French and I know a few bits and pieces in other languages, but my job means that I don't often get to practise. My students work entirely in English during lessons because that's the best way to learn. That's how we learnt our first language, right?

What level of English do your students have?

Most of my students are advanced and proficient students who have studied English before and who use their English extensively already, but I also teach intermediate and even elementary levels.

From students...

How many lessons can I book?

As many as you want. Some clients have a particular question or topic they want to focus on, so they book a single course. Others enjoy regular and ongoing lessons, so they book one lesson per week on an ongoing basis.

I'm busy at work but want lessons

Generally speaking, courses are completely flexible. Many of my ongoing students book lessons in blocks, so once they have paid, their favourite slot is reserved for the duration of their course, but that doesn't mean that we can't change it. The finer details of my timetable are confirmed one week in advance. There is sometimes room for further flexibility too, but this cannot be guaranteed.

I don't think you offer the course I am looking for.

If English is your second language, I’m confident I can help, so it’s unlikely you won’t find a course here that suits you.

Ok. What type of courses do you do?

There are three main ways I work with students. Each one is flexible, so you can study in a way that fits your goals, your schedule, and your pace.

1. Cambridge B2 First exam preparation

• For B1–B2 learners preparing for the Cambridge B2 First exam.

• Clear, structured lessons designed to help you approach every part of the exam with confidence — whether one-to-one, in groups, or with guided self-study.

• Available online.

2. English for English teachers

• For non-native teachers of English who want to develop their own skills and teaching practice.

• Practical, advanced English lessons, CPD webinars, and teaching resources.

• Focus on improving accuracy, expanding vocabulary, and teaching complex language points clearly.

• Available online.

3. English for life and culture

• For B1+ self-motivated learners who want to improve fluency and confidence for work, travel, or personal growth.

• Conversation-based lessons with cultural insights and practical English you can use immediately.

• Available online or, in summer, as immersive in-person courses in Shropshire.

To learn more, you can browse the website, request a brochure, or get in touch to talk about your goals.