Tuition with calm. Learning with purpose.
Katy Durkin brings 15 years of teaching, mentoring, and tutoring experience. Give your child the tools to reach their full potential with our tailored tutoring.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation
Tutoring Services
We offer a range of tutoring services, from 1:1 sessions to group classes and mock tests. We foster a calm, supportive environment tailored to each child’s needs.
1:1 Tuition (Online or In-Person in Cirencester)
Personalised, focused support designed to help students build confidence, close knowledge gaps, and achieve academic goals. Whether preparing for 11+, GCSEs, or simply needing steady, structured guidance, we tailor each session to the student's learning style and pace.
11+ Group Preparation
Our 11+ group preparation sessions are designed to help children excel in their entrance exams through a structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment. We focus on core subjects :English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, while also developing exam techniques and time management skills.
11+ Mock Tests
Our 11+ mock tests simulate real exam conditions to help students build familiarity, reduce anxiety, and improve performance. Each test is carefully designed to reflect the style and difficulty of the actual 11+ exams, covering key areas such as English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Mindfulness for Learning Focus
We integrate Octagon Mindfulness Moments-short, practical techniques like Octagon Breathing-to improve focus and calm. Especially helpful for 11+ and GCSE preparation.
About Me
Katy Durkin, founder and lead educator at Octagon Education, brings over 15 years of experience in teaching, mentoring, and tutoring. With a strong background in both mainstream and private schools across London and beyond, she has worked extensively within the UK education system as well as internationally, including in Japan and Russia.
Her diverse experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of various educational approaches and student needs. Along with expertise at primary level, Katy is qualified to teach GCSE English Literature and English Language, and has supported students in achieving strong academic outcomes across a range of subjects.
In addition to academic teaching, Katy is certified in children’s mindfulness, which she thoughtfully integrates into her educational philosophy to support student well-being, resilience, and focus. She has run mindfulness clubs in schools and, during the pandemic, offered free mindfulness sessions to help children and families manage stress and stay connected during a challenging time.
Katy has a proven track record of academic success. All of Octagon’s 11+ students have received offers, including Eton College in Windsor, St Paul’s School in London, and Pate’s Grammar School in Gloucestershire. This success reflects her tailored approach and dedication to helping each student reach their full potential.
As co-author of the Walter Wiggle storybook series and author of the upcoming 11+ Mindfulness books, Katy combines creativity with educational insight to help children develop both intellectually and emotionally. Through Octagon Education, she is committed to delivering engaging, holistic, and impactful learning experiences for every student.
Book a Free 15-Minute ConsultationMindfulness in learning
Our mindfulness sessions are designed to help students improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being, which are key factors for successful learning. Through guided exercises and mindful awareness techniques, students learn to manage distractions and build emotional resilience.
Book a Free 15-Minute ConsultationMindfulness Through Storytelling
Katy Durkin has authored several educational childrens books, designed to support children and their adcademic success, emotional control and mindful learning.
Walter Wiggle Series
The Walter Wiggle series gently guides children through the ups and downs of growing up, offering emotional support through imaginative storytelling. Each book follows Walter, a lovable and relatable character, as he navigates everyday challenges - like fear, worry, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
- Age-appropriate for 4-8 year-olds
- Focuses on emotional regulation through relatable narrativ
- Promotes mindfulness, self-awareness, and resilience
- Perfect for both homes and classrooms
- Created by siblings - with a passion for child well-being
- Includes expressive illustrations that bring Walter’s world to life
Let Walter’s journey become part of your child’s emotional toolkit - helping them build the confidence to face life’s bumps with empathy and strength.
Mindful 11+ (Coming Autumn 2025)
This isn’t just test prep. It’s a whole-child approach to success. Your child will learn the skills to pass the 11+ and the mindset to thrive beyond it.
The Mindful 11+ Series is a unique set of four carefully crafted books designed to help children prepare for the 11+ with clarity, strategy, and emotional balance. Unlike traditional test prep, this series blends rigorous academic practice with mindfulness-based learning techniques to reduce anxiety, boost focus, and build true confidence.
Mindfulness for Young Minds (Coming Winter 2025)
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What Parents Say
Hear from families who have experienced the positive impact of our personalised tutoring and mindful learning approach.
“Katy tutored my daughter for her English Language GCSE. My daughter was incredibly anxious at that time but Katy was patient, calm and encouraging. Gradually my daughter relaxed and passed her exam with flying colours. Couldn't recommend Katy highly enough.”
“Our son struggled with maths until he started working with Katy. Her patient and personalised approach made all the difference. He's now excited about learning and his grades have improved significantly.”
“The 11+ group preparation sessions were fantastic. Katy created a supportive environment where children could learn together while receiving individual attention. Highly recommend!”
“Katy's integration of mindfulness into learning sessions has been transformative for our daughter. She's learned valuable techniques for focus and stress management that benefit her beyond academics.”
Trusted and Safe Learning Environment
At Octagon Education, your child’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. That’s why Katy and every tutor on our team hold an up-to-date enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
An enhanced DBS check ensures that tutors have been thoroughly vetted and cleared to work with children. This added layer of safeguarding gives parents peace of mind and helps create a secure, supportive space for every learner to thrive.
- All tutors undergo regular DBS updates
- Compliant with UK safeguarding standards
- Transparent and accountable hiring process
Get In Touch
If you're interested in our tutoring services or just have a general enquiry, please contact us using this form and we will get back to in due course.
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” - W.B. Yeats