Ed Marsh (He/Him) Chief Executive Officer Expand Ed joined the Tutor Trust in 2023 after a decade working as a CEO in the education, charity and youth sectors. Most recently as an award-winning CEO of Middlesex University Students’ Union. Ed was Vice President of the National Union of Students and has also worked in parliament for Jon Cruddas MP. He has a background in community organising and founded the Barnet Refugee Welcome Board which supports refugees resettled in North London by providing support, education and welfare provision. He has led national research into the student experience within Higher Education, working for the Office for Students as well as a number of universities. He is a college governor and has also been a trustee of several social justice charities. Ed is completing a doctorate in education which is focussed on diversity in education and the role of the third sector in the education system. He is a graduate of Hull University, has an MBA from the Open University and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Abigail Shapiro (She/Her) Co-Founder and Executive Director Expand Abigail has been involved with youth work and charities for many years. Her numerous roles in public affairs and media relations include extensive experience of the education sector, through spending time working at both the Association of Teachers and Lecturers and the Pre-School Learning Alliance. Abigail's previous role as a freelance communications consultant has included work for GMPTE and Manchester City Council. An alumna of The University of Leeds, Abigail is a graduate of the prestigious Politics and Parliamentary Studies course and has worked in Westminster and Washington DC. Abigail is also a lay member of the General Assembly of the University of Manchester and a Governor at King David Primary School. Abigail says: “I co-founded this charity in 2011, because I believed then, and still do, that there are a proportion of young people in our schools who, through no fault of their own, are being left behind. It was this injustice that prompted myself and my colleague Nick Bent to create Tutor Trust to transform lives through tutoring. Since then, the team at Tutor Trust have focused on supporting young people at school in underserved communities, who might otherwise not realise their potential. I’m so proud of what we have achieved over the years, and the amazing community we have built amongst our staff and school partners. Long may it continue.”
Mark Wyss (He/Him) Programme Director Expand Mark is an alumnus of Manchester University, where he also completed his Secondary PGCE. After working in the music industry, he began his teaching career as a teacher of Modern Foreign Languages. He has over 20 years of experience in teaching and senior leadership across Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Mark also provides education consultancy services to senior leadership teams across the North West. Mark joined Tutor Trust in 2019, and is now our Programme Director. In his role, Mark is responsible for driving and overseeing school relationships and tutoring delivery across the three regions of Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and West Yorkshire. Mark is a member of Tutor Trust’s Senior Management Team and enjoys his part in helping to set the strategic direction of the charity to support the life chances of young people in the North West. He says: "I worked in schools facing significant challenges for the whole of my teaching career, most significantly striving to provide outcomes and opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. As a result, Tutor Trust fits perfectly with my own values and commitment to securing the best life chances for those young people who might traditionally face barriers of circumstance and background. "I love being part of a team that tirelessly and creatively seeks ways to reach more of these young people who need our and our tutors’ support. That process never ends."
Matt Wallis (He/Him) Director of Training and Quality Assurance Expand Matt joined Tutor Trust in the summer of 2016 after teaching in primary schools in Sheffield, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Moss Side, Manchester. Teaching was all he ever really wanted to do but after 14 years of various roles (including supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, English, KS2 and Inclusion), plus five years of senior leadership experience, Matt wanted a change. After seeing the impact of Tutor Trust tutors on the children in how own Year 6 class in his last school, he was thrilled to join Tutor Trust as the first Quality Manager and first former teacher more than seven years ago. Matt says: "I am now the Director of Training and Quality Assurance, overseeing all tutor training, tutors’ Continued Professional Development, and monitoring the quality of tuition. Alongside this, my passion remains supporting children and their families and ensuring all children have access to high-quality teaching and learning. That’s why I also teach children with dyslexia or dyslexia-type learning difficulties and am now the Chair of a local governing committee at a north Manchester primary school and a Trustee for a growing Multi Academy Trust."
Vicky Sadler (She/Her) Deputy Director of Training Expand Vicky became Deputy Director of Training in July 2022. In this role Vicky helps to oversee the comprehensive first phase of tutor training plus managing a calendar of ongoing learning opportunities for our tutors throughout the year. She helps to manage our online learning platform and ensure it is stocked full of top-notch tutoring materials and resources to ensure that tutors are thoroughly prepared for their tuition sessions. Vicky also participates in the quality assurance procedures within our organisation, in partnership with the Quality Team. Vicky says: "With more than 18 years of education experience, primarily within Greater Manchester, my journey has been inspired by a deep passion for transforming lives through learning. Starting in Key Stage 2, I honed my skills teaching Y6 in an inner-city Primary School, later taking on leadership roles in Diversity and Inclusion as well as SENCO training, where I championed support systems for vulnerable, SEND, and EAL learners. My diverse experience also includes leadership in Literacy, Art and Design, PE, Assessment, and mentoring students and Newly Qualified Teachers. During my own children's early years, I established an 'Outstanding'-rated childcare business with a Forest School ethos, served as a Network Childminder, and organised sensory playgroups at a Stockport Surestart Centre. I further fuelled my passion for Early Years as an Early Years Leader in a Stockport Primary School until 2018 when my family and I embarked upon a two-year international adventure, during which I ventured into online tutoring. "My enthusiasm for community-driven education equity led me to the Tutor Trust team as a Primary Quality Manager in January 2021. What I truly cherish about my role is the opportunity to empower tutors, leveraging my experience and knowledge to elevate their practice. It's a privilege to facilitate high-quality tuition that genuinely transforms lives and tackles educational inequalities head-on."
Helen Clarke (She/Her) Quality Manager - Secondary / Part-Time Tutor Expand Helen joined Tutor Trust in 2023 after a successful career in secondary English where she taught across a variety of schools in Yorkshire, ranging from Y6 up to Further and Higher Education. She has been a whole school Literacy Co-Ordinator, transition manager and KS3 English lead where she explored curriculum design and implementation, developing engaging schemes of learning to be disseminated across the region and beyond and positive progression. Helen has written articles and been interviewed on podcasts for the English Association, exploring abilities in literacy and the importance of literacy as a life-long skill. She has partnered with an international charity, creating and implementing schemes of learning to develop literacy and the English language both in Britain and abroad, paying particular interest to the development of emotional and cultural literacy and the accessibility of education overall. More recently, Helen has undertaken roles in Teacher Training and continues to lecture for Huddersfield University on their PGCE course, coaching, mentoring, and supporting new and prospective teachers across a range of subjects. Helen says: "Motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on young people and their educational journey, I joined Tutor Trust, seeing a charity whose values align securely with my own in their drive to place young people and an equitable education system at the core of their mission. Young people can be empowered to affect change for themselves and society as a whole and I believe that education plays a pivotal role in shaping this future."
Jennifer Jones (She/Her) Coaching Quality Manager Expand Jennifer joined the Tutor Trust as Coaching Quality Manager in 2023 after almost 10 years working as a primary school teacher. She has taught in various year groups across KS1 and KS2 and worked with Year 7 teachers for the transition to KS3. Alongside this, she has been a Literacy Coordinator with responsibility for Phonics, Reading and Writing, and has been both a Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 phase leader. Jennifer’s experience at primary has also included leading on the curriculum development and delivery of Art and Design, Design Technology, Geography, History, PE and Modern Foreign Languages (MFL). Over the last decade, she has coached and mentored many qualified teachers, Newly-Qualified Teachers (NQTs) and School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) trainees in various capacities. Having gained a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management, she is excited to work with Tutor Trust to support tutors to deliver the best possible tuition and help them realise their true potential. Jennifer says: "Joining Tutor Trust has re-ignited my passion for education after ten years in the primary classroom. It feels amazing to help our tutors develop and grow as individuals during training, then see them in action transforming the lives of young people across the North West. "I love working as part of a team who are passionate about providing high-quality tuition and constantly reviewing, reflecting, and innovating on their practice. Everyone at Tutor Trust really does live out our mission every day!"
Trixie Whittell (She/Her) Quality Manager - Secondary Expand Trixie joined us in January 2021 and brings with her over 10 years of experience as a Secondary Maths Teacher. Whilst studying Economics at the University of Cambridge, and on placement with WaterAid India, Trixie conducted extended research into the links between education and economic inequality. This experience deepened her passion for tackling educational inequality and led her to pursue a career in teaching. Trixie has worked as an Associate Lecturer and Course Tutor for the Open University and, as a Maths Teacher in Secondary schools in Newcastle and currently in Liverpool, has successfully taken on leadership roles both within the Maths Department and pastoral teams. As Secondary Quality Manager and Lead Maths Trainer with Tutor Trust, Trixie is passionate about helping tutors develop their practice and deliver high-quality tuition that truly benefits those who need it. Trixie says: "My decision to join Tutor Trust was motivated by my desire to make a positive impact on young people and their educational journeys. I cherish the opportunity to empower tutors and to support them in the development of their practice, and it is a privilege to be part of an organisation whose work transforms the lives of young people and tackles educational inequalities head-on."
Cailum Finnegan (He/Him) Quality Manager-Secondary/Part-Time Tutor Expand Cailum joined Tutor Trust in 2018 as a part-time Secondary Tutor for Science and Mathematics following his completion of the PGCE at the University of Manchester. Upon obtaining his Masters degree in Physics from the University of Manchester, Cailum decided to pursue a career in education. He went on to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science with teaching placements in the Greater Manchester area. Having completed over 200 hours of tuition for young people in Alternative Provision whilst working as a part-time tutor, Cailum began in the role of full-time Alternative Provision Tutor in 2019. He also took on the role of a Lead Tutor to support our tutors throughout the academic year. Cailum is now using his tuition and Science expertise in his role as Quality Manager-Secondary/Part-Time Tutor. Cailum says: "My initial decision to join Tutor Trust was motivated by my desire to continue working with and supporting young people, particularly those that need it the most, whilst pursuing external (musical) endeavours after leaving the classroom! This was in 2018 and I am still here all these years later due to finding that my passion truly lies in supporting the most vulnerable young people in education. This led me to take on a role as a full-time Tutoring Plus Tutor in 2019 and ultimately becoming the Lead Tutor for Tutor Trust. Throughout this time I tutored incredible young people who have encountered a variety of challenges to their engagement with education, working with them to navigate their circumstances as best we could. "My current role as a Secondary Quality Manager / Part-time Tutor has enabled me to continue working with the amazing young people that the Tutoring Plus team supports whilst also assuring the quality of our tutors and delivering our science training as part of our amazing Quality Team. Two distinct hats that I'm very proud to be able to wear!"
Ellie Cross (She/Her) Tutor Engagement and Support Manager Expand Ellie became a tutor in 2018 while studying a BA of Arts in Creative Writing and Film at LJMU. She joined the staff team as Liverpool Schools and Systems Coordinator in September 2020 and, two years later, became our first Tutor Engagement & Support Manager. In this role, Ellie;s focus is on streamlining recruitment processes and improving all support for our tutors. Outside of Tutor Trust, Ellie volunteers as a Youth Leader with the Fair Education Alliance in their Youth Steering Group to tackle the issues of socioeconomic inequality. Ellie coordinated their Youth Bulletin group monthly, which had a large readership among school partnerships and education stakeholders in the FEA alliance, from 2021 to 2022. As a Youth Leader, Ellie has spoken at the FEA's Annual Summit on the importance of youth engagement and leadership and joined the Department for Education's National Tutoring Programme team day in 2023 for discussions on the importance of tuition. Ellie says: "What initially drew me to Tutor Trust in 2018, and led to me becoming a tutor, was the prospect of uplifting and supporting young people across the North West who were usually forgotten about in education. As somebody who is passionate about social mobility and equality, I found it fulfilling to help tutees through 1:1 and small group tuition, and create a support network that most of the students hadn't had before. "Because of this, I continue to work at Tutor Trust, with an aim to support and uplift our tutors; who are at the heart of what we do."
Carmel Kellett (She/Her) External Trainer Expand Carmel joined Tutor Trust as an external English trainer and continues to support our English tutors to plan and deliver high-quality English tuition. She taught English for 17 years in a variety of schools in Essex, London and Derbyshire. Carmel currently works at the University of Manchester as a PGCE English Secondary tutor and also works for a leading exam board where she is a senior examiner for GCSE English Literature, working closely with schools in Sheffield and Derby on behalf of the exam board in supporting them. Carmel is a CPD trainer which involves delivering a range of English-based courses nationally and more bespoke training to individual schools. Carmel has written articles that are focused on practical strategies to support trainee teachers in the English classroom. She has also designed some teachers’ resources for Cambridge University Press to support the new GCSE specifications for English Literature.
Mike Fitzpatrick (He/Him) External Trainer Expand Mike Fitzpatrick currently works in Initial Teacher Training at the University of Manchester on the PGCE Secondary Course. Liaising with partner schools and colleges, he oversees recruitment and selection and delivers sessions in classroom skills, behaviour management and voice coaching. He writes and researches in the areas of spiritual, moral, social and cultural judgements (Ofsted) and the Arts in Education. A graduate of the University of Manchester, he gained an M.A. from Loughborough University specialising in curriculum innovation, leadership and management of schools and drama in education. With extensive teaching experience, Mike worked in three high schools in two local authorities in Lancashire and Manchester. He held posts as subject leader, head of faculty, senior teacher and most recently deputy head in a large high school with responsibility for staff development, teaching and learning, NQT induction and middle management coaching. As a member of the Drama Board (A.D.B.) and visiting examiner, he contributed to the development of assessment and testing at GCSE and A level Theatre Studies. Mike is passionate about the Tutor Trust, ‘It fulfils a number of key issues in education; to facilitate intervention, boost progress, alleviate disadvantage and expand aspirations. It helps realise a key objective of The University; to promote social responsibility, delivered by our own undergraduates to the pupils of our partner schools.’ Tutors themselves will discover skills and abilities which may well lead to a future career in education.
Laura Sullivan External Communications and Marketing Manager Expand Laura joined Tutor Trust in July 2024, after having worked in senior marketing roles for Transport for Greater Manchester, the British Red Cross, and the BBC. As External Communications and Marketing Manager, Laura is responsible for promoting the fantastic work we do to schools across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and West Yorkshire. Laura says: “It’s really important for me to work somewhere that aligns with my values and, as someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for young people and social justice, Tutor Trust does that. I love having the freedom to be able to think of new and creative ways that we can tell schools about the huge impact we’re making.” E: [email protected] LinkedIn: (29) Laura Sullivan | LinkedIn
Jude King (She/Her) Internal Communications Manager Expand Jude started her career as a journalist, before moving into Internal Communications. She worked across a range of sectors including housing, health, insurance and local government. Jude joined Tutor Trust as Communications Manager, and, as the staff team has expanded, has focused on developing internal communications within the charity, supporting colleagues to ensure tuition has the greatest impact. Jude is also part of the Poverty and Place Language Group, looking at how we commuicate and connect with our audiences. Jude says: "I joined Tutor Trust in 2021 because it absolutely fits with my personal need to work for an organisation that is making a difference in the world and is focused on beneficiaries, not shareholders. We have a supportive and caring staff team who share the mission to transform lives through tutoring, and who do all they can to make that happen. The job satisfaction is wonderful." Judith (Moss) King | LinkedIn
Robbie Maverick (He/Him) Digital Product Manager Expand Robbie is a comprehensive project manager who has worked across a number of diverse projects and disciplines in his extensive 25-year career, including fundraising and marketing as well as more recently around digital and technology. In his time, amongst other things, he has delivered an innovative gaming website for Marie Curie, and worked in partnership with the NHS and their unique data challenges – not once but twice! He has also built websites for clients such as YoungMinds and Girlguiding. His work has spanned not-for-profit and commercial organisations in a unique way and he is used to traversing the different challenges that each sector brings. Thanks to a grounding in marketing, he is a passionate advocate of data-driven approaches and has facilitated persona workshops and data deep dives with satisfying outcomes. As the Digital Product Manager, Robbie is responsible for the technical delivery of the Tutor Trust’s new digital landscape as well as the cultural shift that it will support for schools, tutors and colleagues, but predominantly for our beneficiaries the pupils. Away from work, Robbie is a keen advocate for neurodiverse people and runs a volunteer support group for people living with or identifying with the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Robbie is also a Trustee of the Fair Credit Charity for whom he chairs the Fundraising and Communications Sub-Committee. Robbie says: “There is so much potential in the use of technology in the world in which we live, and education is no exception. The art of the possible is to ensure that it is delivered appropriately and sympathetically alongside other systems. Keeping the needs of pupils and other consumers of our digital tools and infrastructure is vital as well – so this is a very exciting time to be leading on a project with this much impact!"
Rachel Bray (She/Her) Tutor Recruitment and Training Manager Expand Rachel joined Tutor Trust in February 2018 as the Manchester Primary Schools coordinator. After 18 months on the school’s team, she became Recruitment and Impact Coordinator. In June 2020 she became Tutor Recruitment and Training Coordinator, before moving into her current role. Rachel now oversees the recruitment and safer recruitment processes of our new tutors. Rachel writes: "I joined Tutor Trust as a Primary schools coordinator after studying Education at Manchester Metropolitan University where I saw firsthand the work Tutor Trust was doing at a placement school. "I have always had a passion for supporting young people both through my career and in my home life. In my spare time, I am an active Girl Guide leader of over 15 years and I am currently a Brownie leader, Ranger Leader, and assistant district commissioner. "Tutor Trust has given me the opportunity to work across the organisation. My role now is varied, and I'm enjoying recruiting a more diverse range of individuals as tutors with us. I love being able to ensure our recruitment processes enable us to bring on board those people who will make a real impact on our young learners. And I enjoy being able to tell so many new people about the work we do. It's a great job!"
Mollie Hesketh (she/her) Deputy Tutor Recruitment Manager Expand Mollie joined Tutor Trust in January 2023 as a Tutor Recruitment Coordinator and is now Deputy Tutor Recruitment Manager. Mollie says: “Before joining the Tutor Trust team, I worked as an Anti-Trafficking Advocate at Causeway. This impactful experience shaped my passion for wanting to help tackle inequality head-on, and I take great pride in now being a part of Tutor Trust’s mission to tackle educational inequality specifically. "In the Recruitment Team, we get to speak with candidates from before they have made an application to work with the Tutor Trust until they are successfully onboarded as a tutor. Listening to their reasons as to why they want to tutor and knowing the incredible impact they will have within our communities makes the role especially rewarding."
Ed Thompson Tutor Recruitment Coordinator Expand Ed joined the Tutor Trust team in October 2023 as a Tutor Recruitment Coordinator, having recently graduated from the University of Manchester with a Master’s degree in International Relations. Ed says: “It is a real privilege to be a part of the Recruitment Team at Tutor Trust, working together to ensure we hire high-quality tutors who are providing essential support for the young people at the centre of our mission. As a result of my experiences in the charity and education sectors, I have realised the amazing impact that tutoring interventions can have on young people in both an academic and personal development sense. Naturally, I feel drawn to the mission, ethos, and values of Tutor Trust. "I feel incredibly passionate about the work of Tutor Trust and I’m looking forward to working for an organisation that seeks to make a difference in the lives of young people and help in providing tutoring that they may not have had access to otherwise."
Deborah Reid (She/Her) Office Manager Expand Deborah joined Tutor Trust team in January 2017 as Finance Assistant more than 20 years experience in finance administration. In her previous role, as Credit Premium Unit Manager in the Manchester branch of an insurance company for 13 years, Deborah dealt with and developed all aspects of their Direct Debit collection and managed the team. Moving away from the corporate insurance field, Deborah still wanted a role which could utilise her expertise in financial administration and office management. Deborah says: "During my time at Tutor Trust, I have had various roles and seen the growth of the organisation, with the introduction of the Finance and Human Resources teams especially. I feel that my administrative role is very much a part of the wider team providing great, and much needed, tuition for young people throughout Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and Merseyside."
Sarah Kern (She/Her) HR Manager Expand Sarah joined the Tutor Trust in 2023 as HR Manager, after seven years in the coffee industry in various roles, most recently as HR Manager at an independent coffee company in Manchester. Prior to working in the coffee industry, Sarah worked across different sectors from financial institutions to publishing and events management. Sarah is a graduate of Oxford Brookes University with a degree in Law and is currently pursuing a CIPD Level 5 in Human Resource Management. Sarah also volunteers as Chair of The Kore Directive, a community group set up to promote inclusivity and accessibility across the specialty coffee industry in the UK. Sarah has appeared as a keynote speaker on Employee Rights, Employer Responsibilities and participated in panel discussions around inclusion and accessibility. She has also participated as part of the advisory panel for Cup North. Sarah says: “I have always worked in values-driven organisations, and when the chance arose to work on the Tutor Trust team, it was an easy decision to make. Not only do I get to work with a team of motivated individuals who are driven to support young people to achieve their potential, but I get to help shape what we offer to new team members, and to help make this an even more attractive organisation to work in. “Tutor Trust is also informing my volunteer and presentation work outside of the organisation, especially our poverty and place research around social mobility and opportunity, which I have shared at an event for the coffee industry. I’m really enjoying my role at Tutor Trust and am excited at what the future holds.”
Steffani Wardell (She/Her) Merseyside Schools Partnership Manager Expand Steff joined Tutor Trust in 2018 as the first full-time member of staff for Merseyside. She had graduated from the University of Leeds the previous year with an MA in Race and Resistance and a BA in International History and Politics. During her studies, Steff was a part-time Secondary English and Primary tutor in Leeds. Seeing the impact small group intervention had on the pupils is why she joined Tutor Trust full-time. Steff has worked in a variety of roles with us, including as Liverpool Schools Coordinator, Merseyside Schools Manager, and now as Merseyside Schools Partnership Manager, where she is responsible for operations across Merseyside. Steff is a member of Tutor Trust's digital working group as she is keen to be involved in driving the organisation forward into a digital future. Steff also sits on the E,D & I committee and participates in the Wellbeing group which includes being Mental Health First Responder trained and helping with staff wellbeing events. Outside of Tutor Trust, Steff is on the governing board of a large MAT school in Knowsley, the borough where she attended school. Steff says: “I grew up in a community similar to those we work in, and my experience of school when I was growing up in Merseyside is a key reason why I became committed to working in the education sector and improving educational equality in the North-West. Tutor Trust allows me to do that, and I am privileged to work with such a committed team and amazing school partners, who share a common purpose in making education fairer.”
Lauren Usher (She/Her) Deputy Tutor Recruitment - Training, Data & Impact Manager Expand Lauren joined the Tutor Trust team in September 2020 as Recruitment and Training Coordinator, and is now Deputy Tutor Recruitment-Training, Data & Impact Manager. Lauren says: "Tutor Trust’s commitment to tackling educational inequality is evident in all the work that we do, and I am proud to contribute to this. It is incredibly rewarding to support the recruitment of high-quality tutors, knowing that they will make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people within our communities. "It is a pleasure to belong to a friendly team of people who are connected by the same values, and I enjoy being able to work collaboratively towards Tutor Trust’s mission."
Theo Hall (He/Him) University Recruitment Coordinator Expand Theo first joined Tutor Trust as a Secondary Science Tutor in 2020, whilst studying for his MA in Art in Science at Liverpool John Moore’s. His research involved using illustration as an accessibility tool in science education. This in turn influenced his tuition, where he enjoyed making his own resources. In 2021 Theo joined the Tutor Trust Outreach Team, and after graduating in 2022, he joined the Tutor Trust staff team as our University Recruitment Coordinator. Theo says: “Moving from a tutor and outreach team member to the recruitment team after graduating felt like a really natural progression to me. I started doing outreach work whilst tutoring because I wholeheartedly believe in the work Tutor Trust does, and it’s a large part of my current role in University Recruitment. Being able to share my experiences as a tutor with other students who are considering tutoring is really rewarding. To me, our aim of transforming lives applies to our tutors as well as our tutees – Tutor Trust certainly transformed mine!”
James Brewer (He/Him) Social Media & Brand Manager Expand James joined Tutor Trust in January 2022, after having studied BA French & Spanish and MA Film Studies at The University of Manchester, whilst also tutoring part-time in Secondary Maths and for Tutoring Plus. He also brings varied experience in corporate communications, relationship management, business process improvement, and social media marketing. In his current role, James supports our digital growth by managing our social media channels, supporting colleagues with brand, and working on behind-the-scenes digital development. When he’s not posting Insta vids or writing LinkedIn content, James enjoys travelling, cooking, cinema trips, and speaking French and Spanish. He says: “Being part of the full-time team after having tutored means I have a 360° perspective of the charity. Now, I can use digital to showcase the benefits of tutoring that I felt working in the classroom. Coming from a similar background to some of the young people we work with, I’m passionate about educational equity as a tool for social mobility. I love working in the third sector as I can use tech for good.” Connect with James on LinkedIn
Will Simms (He/Him) University Partnerships Manager Expand Will started at Tutor Trust in February 2021 as our first University Partnerships Manager. Will says: "I started at Tutor Trust in February 2021 because of my commitment to empowering young people through education. "I grew up on a council estate in Bristol and have experienced first-hand some of the challenges and barriers faced by the young people we serve. I have also seen the unfulfilled potential in those areas and am working, alongside my colleagues at Tutor Trust, to redress educational inequality in areas similar to where I was born. "I also know the transformative and emancipatory power of education having graduated from the University of Manchester in 2019 with a PhD in English Literature. I believe there are thousands of potential Masters and PhD students among those we support, who, with the right support, can go on to achieve amazing things within and beyond their communities.
Lewis Howell (He/Him) Risk Manager and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Expand Lewis joined Tutor Trust in March 2014 as a Schools Coordinator and worked across both the Manchester and Leeds schools teams, including leading the original Leeds tuition pilot. In Spring 2022 Lewis moved across to the newly created role of Risk Manager covering various operational areas including Safeguarding, Health & Safety, and Data Protection. Lewis is also one of Tutor Trust's Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads. Before to joining the charity, Lewis had spent the previous two-and-a-half years working in South Africa’s Kalahari Desert. Lewis was the Field Project Manager at the Kalahari Meerkat Project for 18 months, a behavioural research project run by the University of Cambridge looking at the evolution of cooperative breeding in meerkats. He was responsible for managing both the day-to-day research of the project and the team of international volunteers who collected the data. Prior to this, Lewis was one of the research volunteers for 12 months. Lewis graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2010, having studied Wildlife Conservation. Lewis says: “I have always enjoyed working at Tutor Trust. The mission is vital and necessary; we’re making a difference and we’re very good at what we do to boot! Just as importantly, I’m surrounded by people who care and help to create a wonderful working environment.”
Sasha Snowden-Leak (She/Her) Merseyside Full-Time Tutor Expand Sasha began working as a Part-Time Tutor for Tutor Trust in November 2021 and joined the team as a Full-Time Tutor in February 2022. Sasha has nearly 10 years of previous work experience as a tutor and decided that she wanted to work in a position where she could better help the students who need our support the most. She has seen the effect educational inequality has on students and hopes to diminish this in her work with Tutor Trust. Sasha says: "Working with The Tutor Trust, it has become clear to me how there are thousands of children across the UK that need our support now more than ever. With the attainment gap only growing, and funding in schools becoming more and more limited, it is important for charities like us to continue to expand and target as many of these children as we can. "Working for a charity that focuses on these challenges, as well as being a welcoming, close-knit team, really drives me to fulfill the mission as I enter a school to work with young people. The determination and perseverance our whole team shows in bettering the lives of young people through tutoring is the main reason I am proud to work here and strive to have a lasting impact on everyone I come into contact with."
Hannah Cunningham (She/Her) Quality and Impact Manager Expand Hannah joined us as a part-time Secondary English tutor in 2016 whilst studying Psychology at The University of Manchester. She is passionate about helping children to thrive and was awarded an ESRC-funded grant to assist with research in child language development at the LuCiD Child Study Centre at the university. After graduating in 2018, Hannah joined the Teach First programme due to her passion for tackling educational inequality. She worked as a Secondary Geography Teacher in the North West where she gained QTS and a PGDE. In 2020, Hannah joined the Tutor Trust team as a Quality Manager and has since moved over to the Impact Team as Quality and Impact Manager. Her key responsibilities are measuring impact at key intervals throughout the academic year, improving our internal processes, developing and delivering the quality strategy, leading on our Advanced Tutor Pathway and carrying out tutor quality checks. She is also a member of the Poverty & Place research group in partnership with the University of Manchester. She is currently working towards her PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner qualification in Project Management. Hannah says: “I have always loved working for Tutor Trust, as its mission strongly resonates with my core values. The opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, even outside the classroom, is something I find truly rewarding. Tutor Trust's unwavering ambition is genuinely inspirational. The constant pursuit of excellence and growth is a testament to our commitment to the cause. We are a data-driven organisation, placing the well-being and development of the young people we serve at the forefront of all our decisions. "Since my association with Tutor Trust began in 2016, I've witnessed the organisation's remarkable journey of progress and success. Being able to contribute to this incredible journey through my work is a source of great pride for me. I am eagerly looking forward to the exciting path of success that lies ahead for our organisation as we support more young people and transform their lives through tutoring.”
Charlie Whelan (He/Him) Impact Coordinator Expand Charlie initially worked with us as a part-time tutor while studying English Literature at the University of Manchester. He joined our staff team in January 2022 as a full-time tutor working on the East Salford Transition Project. In January 2023, he joined the Impact team as an impact coordinator. In this role, Charlie works on pupil assessment, tutor monitoring, data analysis, and pupil focus groups. Charlie says:"I had an interest in teaching from a young age, so when I first discovered Tutor Trust, I wanted to get involved as a tutor. Through my experience as a tutor, and especially while working on the Transition Project tutoring pupils when they were in Year 6 at Primary school and then in Year 7 at Secondary, I saw the unique and invaluable influence that tutoring can have on a pupil's school experience. This is what motivated me, when the project had concluded, to become more greatly involved in the organisation and apply to work in the Impact Team. My role allows me to help ensure that all the tuition we provide has the best possible impact on the young people we serve." Charlie Whelan | LinkedIn
Keira MacAlister (She/Her) Pupil Progress and Data Manager Expand Keira joined Tutor Trust at the start of 2022 after studying and working in the cultural sector. She graduated with a BA (Hons) in Theatre from the University of York in 2019, and from then began work creating free and fair arts opportunities with JustOut Theatre in the North of England. Aware of the inequity within the cultural sector and wanting to continue work to improve access, she studied for an MA in Audiences, Engagement, and Participation at the University of Leeds. This research further heightened her passion for tackling inequality and led her to look for career opportunities where she could make a difference. Alongside being a member of the Impact team, Keira is a member of the Poverty & Place research group in partnership with the University of Manchester and a member of the Digital Working Group. She is very excited by the new digital project and keen to contribute to the working group. She is passionate about increasing productivity and reducing unnecessary admin where feasible, allowing us to create additional time for reflection and innovation. She says: "It's such a privilege to work at Tutor Trust alongside colleagues who are passionate and ambitious about our mission to transform lives through tutoring. It’s such a supportive environment that really values development and making progress to provide the best possible tuition for all our tutees. Being able to see the impact we’re having on the lives of the young people we support is phenomenal! "My role allows me to explore our data and see evidence of our successes, whilst also finding areas for further development. I think it’s incredible that we’re always developing our work based on our findings, meaning everything feels grounded in research. Everyone is so driven to make sure we support our young people to the best of our ability in everything we do, it’s a real honour to contribute to this mission each day."
Sharon Sadler (She/Her) West Yorkshire Schools Partnership Manager Expand Sharon has more than two decades of experience in the education sector. A graduate of the Institute of Education at the University of London, she began her career by successfully coordinating the "Effective Provision of Pre-school Education" (EPPE) project in Inner London. This endeavour marked a significant milestone as the first major European longitudinal study of young children's development. Early in her teaching journey, Sharon achieved the status of an Advanced Skills Teacher, opening doors to a role as a pedagogical mentor across schools in Bradford, Birmingham, and Manchester. Sharon's leadership skillset led her to senior positions within Multi-Academy Trusts across the North of England. Here, she developed the effective use of the peer coaching model, with senior management teams across various educational settings. During her tenure as a Link Tutor at Bradford College, Sharon nurtured and developed vital Initial Teacher Training school partnerships. Beyond this, she delivered presentations and training sessions on leadership to local education authorities. She joined us in July 2020 as the West Yorkshire Schools Partnership Manager. Sharon says: "I am proud to be part of an organisation that cares deeply about improving life chances for children and young people in our communities. Having the opportunity to build and nurture partnerships with local schools and educational institutions aimed at identifying and supporting students who might otherwise be left behind due to various barriers is incredibly rewarding. "My journey as a Schools Partnership Manager has solidified my belief in the power of education to transform lives and has given me a platform to contribute to a more equitable educational landscape."
Jo Neumegen Full-Time Tutor Expand Jo started tutoring with Tutor Trust in 2021, during her first year at the University of Manchester where she studied Linguistics and Social Anthropology. While tutoring in both Primary and Secondary schools across Greater Manchester, Jo’s love for tutoring and passion for educational equity continued to grow. In October 2023, Jo joined the West Yorkshire team as a Full-Time Tutor and is excited to be a part of the enrichment of young people’s lives through education. Jo says: "I first started working for Tutor Trust as its mission is so close to my heart. Being able to give back to families and young people now is a huge full-circle moment for me. It’s rare that you get to work with so many like-minded people towards a mission that you truly believe in. I feel lucky and grateful to be a part of this journey with Tutor Trust."
Aaron Durn (He/Him) Full-Time Tutor Expand Aaron worked as a part-time tutor for Tutor Trust whilst studying Geology at the University of Leeds. He fell in love with the style of work and, following completion of his degree in 2022, gave up his pursuit of all things crystallographic to dedicate himself to tutoring maths and science. In March 2023, Aaron joined our West Yorkshire Team as a Full-Time Tutor. Aaron has a keen eye for producing maths lessons focused on engaging and out-of-the-box teaching styles. He brings to the table an enthusiastic persona and deep subject knowledge, which he combines with a love of puzzles. Aaron says: "I find that working for Tutor Trust allows me to access the fun side of the education industry: that is, working with all sorts of brilliant young people on a level where they have as much an impact on me, as I do (hopefully positively) on them. The work sits in this lovely vacuum sheltered from the drain of actual teaching and I can’t think of a job where I would have more fun."
Becky McNutt West Yorkshire Schools Coordinator Expand Becky first discovered Tutor Trust while at university and spent two years during her BA (Hons) Linguistics degree as a part-time Secondary English tutor with us, working in many of our partner schools across Greater Manchester. Becky re-joined our team as West Yorkshire Schools Coordinator in February 2023. She is thrilled to once again be working with Tutor Trust to help make a difference in the lives of young people in her hometown of Leeds. Becky says:"Having the opportunity to support pupils with additional barriers to learning fuelled my passion for a more equitable, accessible, and holistic approach to education. I saw first-hand the impact that pupil-centred tuition can have on the confidence and attainment of pupils through tailored, individual support. As someone who is neurodivergent, this is incredibly important to me – every pupil learns differently, and it’s important for us to celebrate these differences and find new ways of doing things to make learning work for every child. "It’s been wonderful to work full-time for a charity whose values so strongly align with my own. In September 2023, I became Chair of Tutor Trust’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Staff Group. As part of the group, I hope to develop my continuous learning about ED&I, and help make changes which place equity at the heart of everything we do." LinkedIn profile E: [email protected] M: 07384 226941
Janet Masters (She/Her) West Yorkshire Schools Administrator Expand Janet joined us in August 2023. Her background is in the education sector, where she worked for over 20 years as a teacher and teaching assistant. She has also worked in the charitable sector in various voluntary roles including wellbeing and admin. Janet says: “I am excited to be able to support and enable the West Yorkshire team in delivering programmes which transcend socio-economic barriers and realise young people’s true potential. TutorTrust is a warm and welcoming place to be, where we hold in common a desire to transform the futures of young people.” Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07407 279736 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07407 279736
Phil Mellen (He/Him) Manchester Schools Partnership Manager Expand Phil has worked in the education and local authority sector since completing his teacher training at Leeds Trinity University in 1994. He has been a Headteacher, an Executive Headteacher, Head of the Virtual School for Looked After Children, and, most recently, Deputy Director of Children's Service for Leeds City Council. Phil has successfully led both primary and secondary schools and has worked for Multi Academy Trusts, Church, and Local Authority schools. He has served on several national boards and panels, most recently an advisory board for the Children's Commissioner for England concerned with exclusions and attendance. Phil has been Greater Manchester School Partnership Manager since March 2021. Phil says: "I enjoy the challenge that working at Tutor Trust brings, working with multiple schools, local authorities, and dioceses to ensure that as many children and young people as possible get the benefit of working with our excellent tutors. "Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family and our four cats! I also play a range of musical instruments and write, record, and perform songs and enjoy giving concerts around the Northwest."
Francesca Riley (She/Her) Data and Systems Coordinator Expand Fran joined Tutor Trust as a Full-Time Tutor in March 2022, following five years working in Secondary Education across the Northwest. Since September 2023, she has been working within the Impact Team as a Data and Systems Coordinator, helping with all things Salesforce. Fran is a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion staff group for 23/24, as well as working within the Poverty and Place research group: a social justice project in collaboration with the University of Manchester. Fran says: "Providing equitable opportunities in education is something that has driven me since choosing my teacher training provider back in 2017; I feel very strongly about ensuring that all pupils are supported to thrive academically and socially through dismantling barriers to learning. I love working for Tutor Trust because of the positive work environment, the variety of different expertise areas across the staff body, and the fact that as an organisation it constantly seeks to evaluate and improve its impact on pupils, school staff, and tutors through research-led initiatives."
Jason Rose (He/Him) Manchester Secondary Schools Coordinator Expand Jason first started working with us as a tutor in 2018 before working as a Tutoring Plus Full-Time Tutor, and most recently as a Manchester Secondary Coordinator. He is also the editor of our very own podcast, Tutorcast. Jaso says: "Growing up in Greater Manchester, I was aware of the inequalities around me at school and was able to help counteract this when I took on a tuition assignment at my old primary school. Although I decided I didn’t want to teach in a classroom environment, I still enjoy working with young people and am glad to be able to help people from working-class backgrounds achieve their full potential. "Outside of work I am a volunteer editor for a mediation charity. I also spend a lot of time in the studio practising guitar and am a bit of a photography enthusiast!"
Lola Kirwan Albarn (She/Her) Manchester Full-Time Tutor Expand After completing her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Manchester, Lola made the decision to move to South Korea to teach English. After two years working in local primary schools as the EAL teacher, Lola knew she wanted to further her career in education. She returned to the University of Manchester once again, to earn a PGCE in Primary Education. Her PGCE coincided with the height of the pandemic, an experience that made Lola realise that she wanted to focus her teaching on the pupils who needed it most, which led her to Tutor Trust. After working for a year as a part-time Primary tutor, Lola successfully applied for the position of Full-Time Tutor. Since then, she has been working in a range of Primary and Secondary schools across Greater Manchester. Lola says: "Working for Tutor Trust has been a wonderful and rewarding experience! I was very nervous when I earnt my PGCE, as I knew, having worked in different classroom environments, that I wasn’t looking to become a teacher as such, but did want to continue to help young people to learn. "Tutor Trust offered the perfect environment for me to work in my desired profession. It has been incredible working with so many different pupils to increase their knowledge and confidence!"
Cliona O'Hanlan (She/Her) Manchester Secondary Schools Manager Expand Cliona joined the Tutor Trust in 2017 as a Primary tutor in Leeds, whilst completing a degree in Childhood Studies at the University of Leeds. Working as a tutor Cliona realised that she was highly interested in mitigating inequalities children face, and this interest resulted in her completing the Graduate Diploma in Law. She hopes this will allow her to effectively advocate for children’s needs one day. Cliona decided to continue her role as a tutor and joined the staff teams as a full-time secondary tutor in Manchester in September 2020. In January 2021 Cliona moved up once more, this time to the role of Secondary Schools Coordinator where she was able to enhance her expertise in partnership development and organisation set-up, actively advancing the Tutor Trust's objectives. In June 2022 she progressed to the role of Secondary Schools Manager. Clion says: "I am enthusiastic about the prospect of continuing my journey with the charity. I am committed to using my expertise and passion to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and contribute to the important mission set out by Tutor Trust."
Kerys Henry (She/Her) MESME and Manchester Secondary Schools Coordinator Expand Kerys joined Tutor Trust in 2021 as a full-time secondary school tutor straight after graduating with a degree in English Language and English Literature from the University of Manchester. As a tutor, she was dedicated to helping and inspiring young people who had lost out on vital in-person teaching throughout the pandemic. She joined the Manchester Secondary Schools Team after tutoring across KS3 and KS4, and in her role works on both secondary tuition programmes and MESME Maths Circles. Kerys says: "I began working as a Secondary English Tutor in 2021 and Tutor Trust has played a large part in my career. I enjoy working with tutors and schools and I find great satisfaction in knowing that my efforts directly contribute to closing the education inequality gap for people in my community. Working at Tutor Trust allows me to continually grow both professionally and personally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. "Part of my job is supporting the MESME Maths Circles. This is an excellent programme that challenges young mathematicians, and hearing feedback from the tutors and pupils is often a highlight for me. Alongside Coordinating, I organise the Tutor Trust Staff Book Club which has been going for over a year, I also embroider in my spare time, and I have studied abroad in Copenhagen."
Alex Wood (He/Him) Manchester Primary Schools Manager Expand Alex joined Tutor Trust as a tutor in 2017. After graduating from The University of Manchester in 2019, he joined the team full-time as School Coordinator, and became Manchester Primary Schools Manager in February 2021. Alex also serves as a governor at a local primary school which provides resourced provision for children with ASD. Alex supports staff with wellbeing, literacy, and outreach within the community they serve. Alex says: "During my time as a tutor, I worked with vulnerable learners who needed extra support to catch up on some lost learning. Being able to mentor them 1:1 was incredibly fulfilling and sparked my belief that Tutor Trust is an amazing agent for change within the city where I grew up. It’s this commitment to tackling educational inequality head-on that led me to join the team full-time. I enjoy belonging to a vibrant, inclusive, and passionate team of people, all connected by Tutor Trust’s mission. "Over the past four years, I’ve been able to play a part in Tutor Trust’s rapid growth and I’m excited to see how we continue to innovate and grow our presence within the communities we serve."
Sammy Meynell (She/Her) Manchester Primary Schools Coordinator Expand Sammy joined Tutor Trust in summer 2021 as a Secondary English tutor whilst studying for her Master’s degree in Philosophy at the University of Manchester. A couple of weeks after she completed her degree, Sammy began working on a full-time tuition assignment at St Damian’s RC Science College, which was an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. She now works as a Primary Schools Coordinator in the Greater Manchester team, meeting with school partners to set up tuition and supporting tutors to help them feel confident in delivering the best tuition they can. Sammy says: "I have always been passionate about playing a role in minimising educational inequalities. One of my favourite things about my role as a Coordinator is the fact I am making a difference to the lives of many young people in my local community who otherwise wouldn’t have access to the extra support Tutor Trust provides. This makes the job extremely fulfilling, and I am proud to be a part of this amazing organisation. I also enjoy working alongside our tutors to help them settle into their roles and boost their engagement, through organising social events and facilitating drop-ins. "When I’m not coordinating tuition, I enjoy watching football and I co-host my own FC Halifax Town podcast! I also love to read, and I’m currently on the Tutor Trust Book Club committee, where we organise monthly meetings with our fellow office bookworms."
Hannah Tomlinson (She/Her) Manchester Primary Schools Coordinator Expand Hannah joined Tutor Trust in May 2023 as a Manchester Primary Schools Coordinator. With a degree in Applied Performance (Community and Education) from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Hannah is passionate about equity and accessibility. Hannah has experience coordinating a team for a large charity and prior to working for Tutor Trust, worked in theatres and cchools exploring creative arts with vulnerable adults and young people. Hannah says: "I enjoy bringing my knowledge, experience, and friendly Yorkshire accent into my role as Manchester Primary Schools Coordinator. Outside of work, I love having little adventures every day, that usually involve good food and nature!"
Sam Hutchings (She/Her) HR Administration Assistant Expand Sam joined the Tutor Trust Team as HR Administration Assistant in May 2023. She studied Psychology at the University of Manchester and has tutored previously. Sam says:"Outside of Tutor Trust, I volunteer as a mentor with Brightside, a scheme supporting young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds in making decisions about further education and their careers. It is this experience that drew me to Tutor Trust; our mission is closely aligned with my own values. "As a first-generation university student, I strongly believe that everyone has a right to equal access to education and resources which allows them to reach their full potential, regardless of their background. Tutor Trust allows us to be one step closer to this." Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Samantha Hutchings | LinkedIn
Sarah Horne (She/Her) Finance Director and Company Secretary Expand Sarah joined Tutor Trust as Finance Director in November 2020, having spent most of her career with the Co-op working in senior finance, tax and governance roles, initially in her hometown of Stoke-on-Trent then later in Rochdale and Manchester. She is both a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser, and trained with Price Waterhouse in Manchester. Sarah is also now the Company Secretary, working closely with the trustees. Sarah says: "I’ve been involved in the charity sector for many years, initially undertaking audits for charities and helping them prepare their accounts. I later became a charity trustee and I’m currently a trustee of AidCamps International, a small charity that delivers international volunteering projects. "Before joining Tutor Trust, my experience of tutoring was that it was something that would only be available to children whose parents could afford to pay for it, so I was excited to find an organisation that was making tutoring available to those children who needed it the most. Tutor Trust is full of people who really care about the young people we work with, and it’s great to be able to use my skills and expertise to help the charity grow and develop."
Rachel Douglas (She/Her) Finance Assistant Expand Rachel started at Tutor Trust in December 2019. Rachel knew she wanted a career in Finance after spending a couple of years working in a Foreign Exchange Bureau. This led to her getting a job as a trainee Finance Assistant in the private care sector whilst studying and completing her AAT; after years of hard work, she progressed to the role of Senior Finance Assistant in the company. Rachel says: "I am very proud to work for Tutor Trust. After seeing the job advert back in 2019 and going on to read about the charity, I knew this was an organisation I wanted to work for. "As well as the amazingly positive impact Tutor Trust has, the whole team has a fantastic work ethic and culture, I feel well supported by all and can honestly say I have never had a bad day in the office."
Jo Meredith (She/Her) Director of Tutoring Plus and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Expand After graduating from Bangor University Jo began her career as a teacher of Chemistry. Jo has over 20 years’ experience in senior leadership across Greater Manchester and Lancashire including Headship, with wide-ranging involvement in both mainstream and Alternative Provision settings. Having worked in senior positions in both mainstream and Alternative Provision settings across Greater Manchester, Jo is well placed to lead and drive the quality of our tutoring programmes within our Tutoring Plus offer. Jo is the Director of Tutoring Plus, which provides a bespoke service of one-to-one tutoring and other supportive interventions for the children and young people with even greater barriers to overcome than their peers. This may include cared-for children, those at risk of exclusion, those excluded and children and young people not attending school regularly. Jo is also Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Jo says: "The Mission and Values of Tutor Trust align perfectly with my own and this is what drew me to working with Tutor Trust initially. However, this has strengthened and developed as we have grown. It is so rewarding to know that you are part of a team of like-minded colleagues all working together to make a difference to the lives of children and young people who need it most."
Penny Mitchell (She/Her) Tutoring Plus Manager Expand Penny joined the Tutor Trust in September 2019 as a Schools Coordinator. Shortly afterwards she joined the Tutoring Plus team as a coordinator and became Tutoring Plus Manager in 2020. Penny oversees all of the programmes aimed towards supporting pupils holistically, such as The Right Angle and Time for ME. Penny says: "I joined The Tutor Trust as a Primary and Secondary English tutor in 2016 during my second year at the University of Manchester. Whilst tutoring I enjoyed conducting tuition across a range of ages, as well as advocating for Tutor Trust at University. "I have always been interested in roles and projects that aim to support young people to develop their confidence and overcome barriers, with the core values of compassion and equality being what initially drew me to the charity. "When the opportunity to work specifically with pupils who are looked after or in alternative provision arose within Tutor Trust, I jumped at the chance. With the need for support for these young people only growing, our team and the work we do is more important than ever. Together we hope to continue to diversify the ways in which we can support each young person as an individual."
Alice Morris (She/Her) Full-Time Tutor Expand Alice joined The Tutor Trust as a part-time tutor in late 2020 alongside working in the heritage sector. She took on the role of Full-time Tutor in September 2022, working in primary and secondary schools across Greater Manchester. Alice says: "I love working for a team which focuses on making a difference to young people who need it most. I am really enjoying the challenge of tailoring tuition sessions to learners of different ages and needs, from Primary to post-16 students. The chance to incorporate students' ambitions and interests means that every day is different and challenging. "The focus on personal development and reflective practice have allowed me to develop my skills and encourage students to do the same. I am currently looking forward to incorporating a focus on mentoring into my tuition sessions, as well as supporting academic progress."