Hi, I’m Sam
YOUR LOCAL LANGUAGE COACH, SPANISH CHEERLEADER, AND COFFEE-LOVING TUTOR — AND THE 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

Why Learn with Me?

I’m a fully qualified teacher (QTS) with over 26 years of speaking Spanish and I still get excited about helping others build confidence with it too.

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, with a few laughs and “aha” moments along the way.

Spanish shouldn’t feel scary. With the right support and a relaxed space to learn, it can feel like something to smile about every week.

My story

I’m a Norfolk gal through and through. I spent my early childhood in Norwich before moving to Tenerife with my family at the age of 10.

That move changed everything. Suddenly, I was in a Spanish school, surrounded by a new language and culture. I quickly discovered that some of the best learning doesn’t happen in a classroom. It happens through everyday life. Chatting with neighbours. Making friends. Navigating the world as a kid in a brand new place.

I ended up living and working in Tenerife for several years, and let’s just say no two days were the same. I had all sorts of brilliant (and wonderfully random) jobs. From photographer on catamaran trips to see dolphins, to event host and mini golf bar manager at a buzzing seaside complex. I even got to help run 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. I graduated 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 genuinely love learning languages and how people communicate.

I’ve learned languages both as a child and as an adult, so I know what it’s like to face confidence wobbles, grammar headaches, and those brilliant lightbulb moments. I’ve been there myself, and I know how to make learning feel fun, achievable and genuinely useful.

When I'm not teaching...

You’ll often find me in the kitchen cooking up one of my favourite Canarian, Spanish or Mexican dishes or curled up with a strong coffee, a herbal tea or a cheeky glass of vino tinto.

I love coastal walks with my partner and our three labradors Dora, Didier and Dobby, and I’m always up for a paddleboard session or a good swim at the pool.

Food, movement and a bit of sunshine are my favourite ways to recharge.
  • 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 in cafés, on holiday or chatting with locals.

See class options
02
GCSE Spanish & French Support

Boost exam confidence with expert support from a qualified teacher and examiner who knows exactly what students need to succeed.

Find out how I can help
03
Private Tuition

Tailored one to one, paired or small group lessons. Available online, in a café or in your home if you're local.

Tell me more