Close reading.
Clear writing.
Lasting confidence.
One-to-one English tutoring for Melbourne students of every age, from early readers in primary school through the secondary years, VCE and IB, and on into first-year university. Every session is taught by Lillian Lee McGill, a University of Melbourne scholarship student.
University of Melbourne
A scholar who still remembers what it's like to be the student.
Lillian Lee McGill is in her second year at the University of Melbourne, where she arrived on scholarship after graduating at the top of her class. She is working towards a doctorate. Before that she captained her school's academic team in Edmonson County, preparing for and competing in academic competition against other schools.
She was educated in the United States and now studies and teaches in Australia, so she works comfortably in both systems: the Victorian Curriculum and VCE study designs, as well as Common Core, AP and the SAT/ACT. Families with international moves, IB pathways or overseas university applications don't need to explain how either system works.
Her sessions are calm, structured and honest. Students leave each one knowing exactly what improved, what comes next and why.
- Second-year student at the University of Melbourne
- Scholarship to the University of Melbourne
- Graduated top of her class
- Captain of the academic team, Edmonson County
"Good writing is clear thinking made visible. My job is to make both feel achievable."
Fluent in the curricula your student is actually studying.
Lillian knows the study designs, assessment criteria and exam formats behind each program, so sessions line up with what your student's teachers and examiners are looking for.
Victorian & Australian
- Victorian Curriculum F–10: EnglishReading, writing, speaking and listening from Foundation to Year 10
- VCE English & English LanguageText response, comparative analysis, argument analysis and persuasive writing
- VCE LiteratureClose reading, literary perspectives and creative responses
- VCE English as an Additional Language (EAL)Listening, analysis and extended writing for EAL students
- NAPLAN & Selective EntryReading, writing and conventions of language for Years 3, 5, 7, 9 and Victorian selective-entry exams
American Programs
- Common Core ELA (K–12)Literature, informational text, writing and language standards
- AP English Language & CompositionRhetorical analysis, argument and synthesis essays
- AP English Literature & CompositionPoetry and prose analysis, literary argument
- SAT Reading & WritingDigital SAT strategy, evidence questions and grammar conventions
- ACT English & ReadingTiming, usage and mechanics, passage-based reading
Global & First-Year
- IB Diploma: English ALanguage & Literature and Literature, including the IO, Paper 1, Paper 2 and HL essay
- IB Middle Years ProgrammeLanguage & Literature criteria A–D
- IB Extended EssayResearch questions, structure and academic voice
- First-Year University WritingAcademic essays, research and composition (e.g. ENG 101) in Australia and the U.S.
- Referencing & Academic IntegrityAPA, MLA, Chicago and Harvard styles
Fluent in both systems. Lillian works natively with Australian and American English curricula, and with both spelling and style conventions. That matters for students switching schools between countries, taking IB, or applying to universities in the U.S. and Australia.
Every age, with a focus on secondary school.
Lillian teaches students at every stage, from their first readers to their first university essay. Most of her students are in secondary school, where English carries the most weight, especially in Years 10 to 12.
Primary
Prep – Year 6. Phonics into fluent reading, comprehension, spelling, grammar and confident writing. NAPLAN preparation for Years 3 and 5.
Secondary
Years 7 – 10. Essay structure, text analysis, persuasive and creative writing. Selective-entry and NAPLAN preparation for Years 7 and 9.
Core focusSenior Secondary
Years 11 – 12. VCE English, Literature, English Language and EAL; IB English A; AP Lang and Lit; SAT and ACT.
Core focusFirst-Year University
The step up to university writing: research essays, critical reading, academic argument and referencing.
Structured, personal and measurable.
Consultation
A short conversation with the student and family about goals, school reports, upcoming assessments and how the student likes to learn.
Diagnostic session
The first lesson includes a reading and writing diagnostic, so the plan starts from evidence, not guesswork.
A tailored plan
Each session is mapped to your student's curriculum, school calendar and assessment criteria.
Clear progress updates
Families receive brief notes on what was covered, what improved and what the student will work on next.
Simple, transparent pricing.
All sessions are one-to-one and held after school, in the evenings or on weekends by arrangement. Prices are in Australian dollars.
In-Home Tutoring
Lillian comes to your home, so your student learns where they study best and the family doesn't need to travel.
- Across metropolitan Melbourne
- After school and evening sessions
- Ideal for younger students and busy families
Near the University of Melbourne
Meet near the Parkville campus in a quiet study space close to the University of Melbourne.
- Same one-to-one session at a lower rate
- Close to the CBD and tram routes
- Popular with VCE, IB and university students
Commit to progress, and save.
Monthly Foundations
- Weekly, consistent sessions
- Initial diagnostic included
- Monthly progress note
Term Program
- Plan built around the school term
- Mid-term and end-of-term reports
- Priority booking for the next term
Exam Intensive
- VCE, IB, AP, SAT or ACT focus
- Timed practice under exam conditions
- Written feedback on 3 practice essays
University Transition
- Academic essay and research skills
- Referencing and academic integrity
- Feedback on one assignment draft
Packages are paid in advance and valid for the term or month they are booked for. Sessions can be rescheduled with 24 hours' notice.
Tell us about your student.
Lillian works with a small number of students so every one gets proper attention. Complete the application and she'll reply by email to arrange a short consultation.
Weekends by arrangement
Thank you.
Your application has been received. Lillian will reply by email to arrange a short consultation.
Frequently asked.
When do sessions take place?
Sessions run after school and in the evenings on weekdays. Weekend sessions are available by arrangement.
Where does the near-campus option meet?
In a quiet, public study space close to the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus. The exact spot is confirmed when you book.
How long is a session?
Most sessions are 60 minutes. Senior students, and those on the Exam Intensive package, often prefer 90 minutes.
Can you help with school assignments and SACs?
Yes. Lillian helps students plan, draft and revise their own work and prepare for SACs and exams. All support follows school academic-integrity rules: the work is always the student's own.
Do you work with students who've moved from overseas?
Yes, often. Lillian works in both Australian and U.S. curricula, which makes the move between systems much smoother for students and families.
What is your cancellation policy?
Sessions can be rescheduled free of charge with 24 hours' notice. Late cancellations are charged at the full session rate.