About Us

At Kip McGrath Wickford and Billericay, we’re passionate about helping children feel more confident in their learning and achieve their very best at school.

Both centres are led by Lauren Shipley, an experienced and dedicated teacher who has supported children in English and Maths for many years. Lauren is known for her caring approach and her ability to bring out the best in every child, whether they need to catch up, keep up, or stretch further.

Lauren’s work is also shaped by her own personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs. She understands first-hand the challenges this can bring for both children and families, and she is passionate about creating a supportive, understanding environment where every child feels valued and able to succeed.

The Wickford centre opened in 2018, and in 2021 Lauren took over the Billericay centre, continuing Kip McGrath’s trusted reputation for providing high-quality tuition in the local community.

We understand that every child is different. That’s why our lessons are personalised, supportive and designed to help children grow in confidence step by step. Sessions take place in small groups, so each child gets plenty of individual attention in a calm and encouraging environment.

Lauren also believes that the right support comes from the right people. She looks for the same qualities in her staff as she brings herself — kindness, patience, professionalism and a genuine commitment to helping every child succeed. Her team is carefully chosen not only for their teaching experience, but for the warmth and encouragement they bring to every session.

We offer support in Maths, English, Reading and Spelling, as well as help with important milestones such as SATs, GCSEs and entrance exams. Families are always invited to start with a free assessment, giving us the chance to understand your child’s needs and show you how we can help.

At Kip McGrath Wickford and Billericay, we believe that with the right support, every child can enjoy learning again — and feel proud of what they can achieve.