Personalised academic communication coaching

Communicate with confidence.

Personalised one-to-one online coaching for students, researchers and professionals working in English-medium environments.

Develop your

Writing

Clearer academic writing, structure, argument and style

Speaking

Confidence in seminars, presentations, discussion and Q&A

Critical reading

Understanding, evaluating and using academic sources

Research

Dissertations, research communication and viva preparation

Professional communication

Meetings, presentations and workplace English

Intercultural communication

Communicating effectively across cultures and English-medium environments

Who it is for

Support for your academic and professional goals.

BA, MA and PhD students

Researchers

Educators and lecturers

Professionals in English-medium environments

Ethical academic support

Skills first. Integrity always.

I provide teaching, coaching, formative feedback and language-development support. I help clients understand academic expectations, practise transferable strategies and make their own informed revisions.

I can help with

  • Understanding assignment requirements
  • Planning, argument and structure
  • Critical reading and source use
  • Proofreading skills and self-editing checklists
  • Presentation, seminar, debate and viva practice
  • Intercultural communication and collaboration

I do not provide

  • Completed assessed work
  • Writing or substantial rewriting for submission
  • Translation for assessment submission
  • Take-home examination answers
  • Proofreading or copy-editing assessed work to submission standard
  • Work intended to evade academic integrity systems

Clients remain responsible for ensuring that all submitted work follows their institution’s assessment, academic integrity and AI-use policies.

Testimonials

What people say

Feedback from former students and university colleagues.

Dr Michelle Williams — Assistant Professor, Coventry University

“I worked alongside Simon on a university project in Hainan, China, where he helped develop students’ academic skills in a very engaging, encouraging and participatory manner. His support and feedback was constructive and helpful throughout. Simon is extremely professional and up-to-date in his approach to teaching.”

Dr Michelle Williams
Assistant Professor
Coventry University

Alice — PhD student, Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)

“I had the pleasure of being one of Simon Parchot’s students in the International Governance and Public Policy undergraduate programme, jointly run by both Beijing Foreign Studies University and Keele University. Simon taught us academic English writing and presentation skills, but for me, he was much more than just a teacher.

Simon is a true British gentleman — patient, kind, supportive and always willing to listen. We affectionately called him ‘Uncle Simon’ because he had a wonderful way of making his students feel heard, understood and encouraged. Whenever I had something on my mind, he was always willing to listen with genuine patience and warmth.

One of my fondest memories was from his reading club, where I once wrote a short poem in English. Simon praised it so enthusiastically that he printed it out, framed it and put it on the wall of our programme office. It was a small gesture, but it meant a great deal to me. It made me feel that my thoughts and creativity were genuinely valued.

Simon is not only an excellent teacher, but also someone who truly cares about his students as individuals. His encouragement gave me confidence, and his kindness made my university experience warmer and more memorable. I feel very fortunate to have been his student, and I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, patient and genuinely supportive teacher.”

Alice
PhD student, Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)

Neta Simpkins Cahill, MA TESL — EAP Department Chair, Skagit Valley College, USA

“Simon Parchot has been a respected colleague and a friend since we first met at Beijing Foreign Studies University, China, in 2019. In addition to his breadth of experience, I have been very impressed by the care, creativity and passion Simon imparts in his tailored approach to teaching. His students consistently express appreciation for Simon’s dedicated guidance and rapidly achieve measurable gains in their English fluency.

If your goal is to take your English skills to the next level, Simon and Songbird will most certainly help you get there!”

Neta Simpkins Cahill, MA TESL
EAP Department Chair
Skagit Valley College, USA

Gareth Smith — EAP Tutor, University of Nottingham Ningbo China

“I worked with Simon Parchot in Hainan, China, for almost a year, and I found him to be an excellent colleague, teacher and source of intellectual energy. We designed tailored materials that met students’ needs and were very well received, and we also ran extra-curricular programmes such as English corners, book clubs and AI literacy training, all with a lot of success.

Simon is a caring, hardworking teacher who always puts his students first. He built strong rapport with learners, offered close one-to-one support to those who needed it most, which was very endearing to watch. Anyone looking for a freelance English teacher would be lucky to study with him.”

Gareth Smith
EAP Tutor, University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Sarocha Pinnasak, Undergraduate Student , Silpakorn University Thailand

"I studied academic writing with Simon when I was a second-year student. Simon has a remarkable talent for teaching. His classes are always engaging and enjoyable, encouraged active participation and helping me develop better learning habits. His course laid a strong foundation for my long-term academic writing and reading, as the skills I gained remain applicable throughout my academic journey.  He is approachable, open-minded, caring and he always provides constructive feedback that broadens my perspective on learning. I truly appreciate the opportunity to have studied with him" .

Sarocha Pinnasak
Undergraduate Student , Silpakorn University Thailand

A specialist field

What is Academic English?

Academic English is the language and communication skill set used to study, teach, research and participate effectively in academic settings. It goes beyond general English by focusing on how ideas are developed, evaluated and communicated within universities, colleges and professional learning environments.

Academic English includes critical reading, academic writing, seminar discussion, presentation, argumentation, research communication, responsible source use, academic integrity and the communication conventions of different disciplines.

Academic English teacher
Learn from an experienced Academic English teacher

With over 25 years’ experience teaching Academic English in universities across the UK, Asia and Europe.

I support students, researchers, educators and professionals to communicate clearly and confidently in academic and international settings.

MA TESOL qualified Academic Communication Coach
Foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate Academic English experience
Experience in the UK, China, Thailand and Switzerland
Supporting international students and academic professionals
Personalised coaching

How I work.

Support that is personalised, practical and ethical. Every session is designed to help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence and independence in academic and professional English.

Personalised

Every session is tailored to your goals, level, academic context and the communication challenges you want to address.

Practical

We work on communication you actually use, from academic writing and presentations to seminars and professional settings.

Ethical

Song Bird develops your skills so you can communicate with confidence. I never complete assessed work for you.

Individual coaching and professional development

How I can help

Academic writing and research

Develop clearer arguments, structure your work, use sources critically and strengthen your academic voice.

Speaking, presentation and viva coaching

Build confidence for seminars, presentations, Q&A and oral examinations.

Critical reading and academic communication

Develop strategies for reading critically, discussing ideas and communicating effectively.

Professional and intercultural communication

Develop confident communication for English-medium academic and professional environments.

Services and prices

Practical support, tailored to your goals.

All sessions are delivered online and are tailored to your goals, communication context and development priorities. I provide teaching, coaching and formative feedback designed to build your confidence, clarity and independence.

Free Initial Consultation

Free

Online

A free initial consultation to discuss your goals, current challenges, strengths and practical next steps.

Individual Coaching

£40

Per hour online

Personalised one-to-one coaching for academic writing, presentations, seminars, critical reading, research communication, viva preparation and professional English.

Four-Session Coaching Package

£160

Four 60-minute online sessions

A structured coaching package planned around your goals, with continuity and time to practise, reflect and develop.

Small Groups and Institutions

Price on request

Online or tailored format

Small-group coaching, workshops, mentoring and professional development designed around your students, team or programme.

Please note: Song Bird provides teaching, coaching, formative feedback and language-development support. I do not complete, write or substantially rewrite assessed work for submission.

Book a consultation

Start with a conversation

Ready to communicate with more confidence?

Book a free initial consultation to identify your strengths, priorities and practical next steps.

For small-group programmes, mentoring or a tailored coaching plan, use the form to outline your needs and I will discuss an appropriate format with you.

Form submissions are sent securely through Netlify Forms.

Make an enquiry