Ariana’s journey to becoming an educational expert began early in her career as a lawyer, inspired by the idea of being able to make a difference in people’s lives. Having started as a human rights consultant for the United Nations she went on to train as a solicitor in the City, spending several years at some of the top law firms, both in the UK and the US. While the work was dynamic and exciting, Ariana felt there was room for more.

Still a solicitor, she began volunteering with an extraordinary educational charity, ‘One Degree’ – first as a mentor and then as a trustee – helping them structure an engaging and tailored educational mentoring programme. And so the first seeds of Figtree were planted. Through her work with One Degree, Ariana learnt that one-to-one tuition could change the course of a child’s future. Always conscious of this impact, she carefully selects skilled, inspiring and dedicated tutors. With the patience and intuition to take a tailored approach, and supported by the Figtree training team, each tutor is determined to cultivate their students’ self-belief to see them maximise their potential and achieve the best they can.

Founding Figtree has given Ariana the opportunity to distill her unwavering passion into a unique approach, blurring the lines between tutoring and mentoring. Providing diligent, one-to-one time and attention is at the core of Figtree’s mission. Keeping charitable activities at the forefront, Ariana and the team hope to enable individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life to have access to tutoring and mentoring. “With Figtree, and its affiliations in the non-profit sector, we hope to continue to provide professional, nurturing support that inspires children to set their own goals – and achieve them”.

Lizzie studied Drama and Spanish at Exeter University. After graduating, she spent ten years working for some of London’s top advertising and design agencies, where she project managed campaigns for multi-national brands.

With a wealth of experience juggling multiple projects and stakeholders at any one time, Lizzie is perfectly placed to meet the needs of our Figtree team, and all of our families. She is also a governor of Harris Academy East Dulwich, which is part of the Harris Federation, the top performing mutli-academy trust.

Eve

Eve graduated in 2012 from the University of Bristol with a first-class honours degree in Theatre, Film and Television. Following her Masters in Text and Performance at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and Birkbeck College, Eve embarked on a successful career as an actress, writer and director.

Turning her knowledge and experience to the world of tutoring, Eve now shares her passion for theatre, film and literature with students of all ages. Her background in performance theory and practice has proven invaluable to some of our A-level and university students, whom she has supported with subjects as diverse as documentary and world cinema, to architecture and globalisation.

With a skill set that covers elocution, accent training, voice coaching, playwriting and audition techniques, she has successfully prepared students for entry to the Central School of Speech and Drama, the film department at the University of Columbia and the International Section of the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle.

Engaging, inspiring and with a genuine passion for her craft, Eve leverages her creative background to bring a joy to all her sessions.

Rudi

Complementing her own excellent academic record, accomplished mathematics graduate Rudi already has several years’ agency and independent tutoring experience under her belt. Working with a wide range of students from their first years at primary school, all the way to university entrance, Rudi has seen her pupils successfully through 11+, 13+, GCSE, AS-level, A-level and SAT exams.

Having studied mathematical education as part of her degree, Rudi is well versed on the different ways in which she can bring her subject to life. Through her tailored, confidence-boosting support, she’s keen to ensure every student gets to grips with this fundamental subject.

Rudi isn’t just our resident maths expert. An avid reader and keen writer, she was initially accepted at several top universities to study English. Having completed a number of creative writing courses after her degree, Rudi now supports students with both their English literature and language studies. She also works with our university applicants on their personal statements, and helps prepare them for their interviews.

Energetic, experienced and eager to put the fun back into her subjects, Rudi plays a passionate part in our core tutoring team.

Khaled

Established English tutor and accomplished writer, Khaled is the founder of Figtree’s first creative writing class. Having studied English at the American University of Beirut, Khaled graduated with distinction and spent the next 10 years working as an English teacher in Paris. He joined the Figtree team two years ago and specialises in tutoring English comprehension, French and creative writing.

Khaled has a wealth of experience in preparing pupils for the 11+ and GCSE exams, and his creative writing classes help students of all ages improve their hold on the English language, across a whole range of academic pursuits.

As a skilled writer himself, Khaled inspires confidence and passion in students and parents alike. His nurturing approach, imagination and sheer dedication will bring the creative spirit out of anyone.