MEET THE TUTORS
PORTSMOUTH CENTRE
David Byrne
David is the Centre Manager at I Love to Learn Portsmouth and has been part of the team since 2017. A qualified primary teacher and CELTA-certified English language teacher, David brings a strong mix of classroom experience, subject knowledge, and adaptability. He tutors students of all ages and abilities — from primary, to 11+ candidates, to those tackling secondary school maths — and has a particular strength in higher level GCSE maths. David leads the centre with energy, organisation, and a clear focus on helping every child make real progress. He’s a valued and longstanding member of the team. Outside of tutoring, David supports Liverpool Football Club and enjoys walking, cooking, and running escape rooms.
Adam Ashworth
Adam is a very friendly and dedicated secondary school teacher. He has helped many students with their GCSEs in a number of subjects. He has worked in Portsmouth and Stubbington schools for 12 years. Adam is a sport lover who mainly plays hockey (although not so much now), tennis and cricket.
“I like the calm focused atmosphere at I Love to Learn. I really enjoy getting to know students and helping them make progress.”
Maxine Burch
Maxine is a kind, experienced teacher who brings a calm and thoughtful approach to every tutoring session. With a wealth of experience both in UK classrooms and abroad—including teaching in Australia—she has supported children across the full primary age range. Maxine is known for her careful planning and close attention to each child’s progress, helping students build both skills and confidence. She now enjoys tutoring at I Love to Learn, where her dedication and care make a real difference. Outside of teaching, Maxine enjoys gardening, salsa, the theatre and looking after her pet rabbits.
FAREHAM CENTRE
Grazia Naylor
Grazia is the Centre Director at I Love to Learn Fareham, where she leads with calm professionalism, deep care for families, and a passion for high-quality education. With a background in mathematics teaching and decades of experience in both education and pastoral roles, she combines clear-headed leadership with a warm, personal approach. Grazia ensures every child is supported to thrive—academically and emotionally—and is highly respected by staff, students, and parents alike for her integrity, dedication, and consistent excellence.
Lizzie Rijckmans
Lizzie is a dynamic and experienced teacher who has worked with students aged 6 to 18 across the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. A qualified secondary school teacher, she brings energy, warmth, and creativity to her tutoring sessions in English and maths. Lizzie has a talent for building strong rapport and adapting her teaching to suit each learner. Her broad background and lively teaching style help students feel motivated, supported, and eager to make progress.
Kim Butler
Kim is a dedicated and experienced primary teacher, recently retired after nearly 40 years in the classroom. She spent her career at Clanfield Junior School, where she served as Maths Manager for 12 years and held a wide range of leadership roles. At I Love to Learn, she brings a deep knowledge of the curriculum—especially in maths and English—combined with a calm, thorough, and encouraging approach. Kim is known for helping children build confidence, clarity, and steady progress in their learning.
Paula Holt
Paula is a highly experienced primary teacher with over 35 years in the classroom. At I Love to Learn, she supports children in maths and English, drawing on her knowledge across the curriculum, including science coordination. She’s known for her organised and friendly approach, and takes care to ensure every child feels heard and supported. Paula helps learners grow in confidence and make real progress through clear teaching and consistent encouragement.
HAVANT CENTRE
Izzy Scales
Izzy is a talented and engaging tutor who has been part of I Love to Learn since our early years. After a break to raise her family, we were delighted to welcome her back—her calm, intelligent approach and deep understanding of how children learn make her a highly valued member of our team. Izzy teaches maths and English with clarity, warmth, and a great sense of balance—she knows just when to step in with support or challenge. Her sessions leave children feeling confident, capable, and eager to keep learning.
Suzanne Matthams
Suzanne has over 30 years’ experience in education and more recently has used her skills in the social care sector. This has including roles as SENCo, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and two years working in children’s services. She has supported children with a wide range of needs, always with warmth, insight, and clarity. Now part of the I Love to Learn team, Suzanne offers calm, skilled tuition in maths and English, helping every learner feel understood, supported, and able to succeed. Her wide perspective and nurturing approach make her especially effective with children who benefit from patience, structure, and encouragement.
Ruth Priestly
Ruth is a highly experienced and thoughtful educator with over 20 years of teaching in the UK and internationally. She has taught across the primary range and up to GCSE level in English, Literature, History, and French. As a former school principal and head of primary, Ruth brings a fun, steady and insightful approach to tutoring, balancing structure with care. Her wide-ranging experience, calm presence, and creative energy help students feel secure, inspired, and ready to make real progress in maths and English.
Mike Atkinson
Mike is an experienced educator and youth leader with a unique blend of skills from both teaching and IT. With over 13 years working in primary education and 30 years of Scout leadership, he brings patience, clarity, and a reassuring presence to every session. Mike supports children in maths and English with practical, encouraging teaching that helps them feel confident and capable. His calm, reliable approach and depth of experience make him a steady, positive influence for learners of all abilities.
