About Our School
English for Success started by giving private one-to-one English classes to middle school, high school and university students in China. Since then, we have developed into a school providing both face-to-face and online classes to secondary school students studying Irish, English, French and History. We teach English for Academic Purposes to third-level students, and we also provide General English lessons to adults who want to improve their English language skills.
Over 40 Years of Teaching
Teaching People of All Ages New Languages for Academia, Business, Travel & Fun!
Joan and George are not your run-of-the-mill couple. Before meeting, they both travelled extensively. George worked as CEO of a major advertising company and over the years was stationed in New York, London, Moscow, Jamaica and Fiji before deciding to turn to teaching.
Joan spent ten years as a professional singer with a capella group The Fallen Angels touring Ireland, the UK and Europe. They performed at major rock festivals and shared the bill with the likes of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Madness and Blondie.
STAFF
Our Areas of Expertise
Junior & Leaving Cert Grinds
- English
- Irish
- History
- Chinese
- Intensive poetry course
- Intensive Shakespeare course
Adult Courses
- General English
- Business English
- Doing business with China
- Presentation skills
- English for Academic Purposes
Exam Preparation
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – there are two strands to this test, General and Academic. If you are a non-English-speaker coming to work in Ireland, this is the test you need. Equally, if you are a non-English-speaker, even if you have gone to school here in Ireland, you must do the IELTS Academic test to enter university.
- Occupational English Test – this test is for non-English-speakers in the medical profession who are applying for work here in Ireland.
Our Teachers
Our Teachers
Teacher
George Benson
- English
- Chinese
- French
- Irish
Teacher
Joan Mc Dermott
- English
- Chinese
- French
- Irish
About Our Teachers
Joan comes from New Ross. After leaving school, she trained as a primary school teacher but decided that was the wrong path for her. Instead, she took up a career as a librarian, a professional singer, then an archivist before returning to the teaching profession. George is a native of Dún Laoghaire. Having worked all over the world with various major international advertising and marketing agencies he turned his talents to teaching. He wanted to become the teacher he wished he had in school. He believes that every student should be listened to, and he adapts his lessons to the needs and abilities of each one. During their time in China, they both received multiple awards and accolades for their teaching and voluntary work from both the Zibo Municipal Government and the Shandong Provincial Government.
About US
Our Story
In 2011, George decided to go to China for a year. Joan joined him for Spring Festival and fell in love with Zibo city in Shandong province, and she decided to leave her job in Ireland. It was the best experience of their lives. Both won major awards from both the Municipal Government in Zibo and the Shandong Provincial Government for their teaching and volunteer work in poor rural areas. They now both teach English from Joan’s home town in New Ross in County Wexford, Ireland.
CHOOSE US
Why Learn With Us?
Over 40 Years Teaching Experience
Over 10,000 Graduates
Classes can be provided online or in person if you live in the New Ross area.
World-Class Educators
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Students Say
Joan McDermott is a tutor that understands immediately your language needs.
Joan’s been tutoring me for my OET exam and I couldn’t have a better tutor. A highly experienced and brilliant professional that promptly understands our language needs and provides us with the best tools to achieve success. 100% recommend!
Bella