Hi, I’m Sam
your friendly Spanish and French tutor and founder of SJ Languages.

I help British adults and GCSE students build confidence in Spanish (and French!)—without the stress or classroom pressure.

Whether you're learning for travel, exams, or just because you’ve always wanted to, I’ll help you feel supported, motivated, and excited to learn.


Photo by Kika Mitchell Photography

My story

I’m a Norfolk gal through and through—I spent my early childhood in Norwich before moving to Tenerife with my family when I was 10. 

That move changed everything. I was thrown into Spanish school, surrounded by a new language, and quickly found myself learning not just from the classroom, but through everyday life—chatting with neighbours, making friends, and navigating it all as a kid in a brand new culture.

I ended up living and working in Tenerife for a number of years, and let’s just say no two days were the same! I had some brilliant (and very random!) jobs—like working as a photographer on catamaran trips to see whales and dolphins, where I’d take pictures as tourists boarded, develop them, then race back on a speedboat to hop aboard and sell them before we returned to port. I also managed a busy mini golf and bar complex, where I got to host events including the very popular Northern Soul in the Sun.

My BA Honours Graduation
University of Leicester

Eventually, I moved back to the UK and went into higher education, studying French and Spanish at university and graduating with First Class Honours and a Distinction in Spoken Spanish and Spoken French.

Along the way, I also explored Portuguese for two years, and dipped into short courses in British Sign Language and Mandarin—because I just genuinely love learning how people communicate.

Having learned languages both as a child and an adult—and experienced all the confidence wobbles, grammar headaches, and lightbulb moments that come with it—I know how to make learning feel fun, achievable, and genuinely useful.

When I'm not teaching...

Outside of lessons, you’ll find me at the beach with my partner and our three Labradors (Dora, Didier, and Dobby), enjoying a strong coffee or herbal tea, or cooking up Spanish and Canarian recipes in the kitchen. I love being near the water—swimming, paddleboarding, or just having a walk along the coast.

Why Learn with Me?

I’m a fully qualified teacher (QTS) with over 27 years speaking Spanish.

I love helping people feel confident with languages—whether they’re 5 or 75. I’ve taught in primary schools, high schools, and sixth form, as well as online and in local community venues and cafés.

Wherever and whoever I’m teaching, my focus is always the same: making language learning feel do-able, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable.
  • Sam at the front of the photo with a young French learner in the background. mini whiteboards on the table.
  • sam teaching arm raised about to write on whiteboard. two adult learners taking notes
  • sam smiling in front of her laptop and second screen

Ready to Learn?

Here are a few ways we can work together:

01
Adult Spanish Classes


Join a small, friendly class in Beccles or online and build real-life Spanish you’ll actually use.

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02
GCSE Spanish & French Support

Boost exam confidence with expert support from a qualified teacher and examiner.

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03
Private Tuition

Tailored 1:1, paired or small group lessons—online, in a café, or in your home (local areas covered).

Learn More