WHO'S WHO

BSc – Zoology – University of Edinburgh
MSc – Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare - University of Edinburgh
PhD – Animal Behaviour - University of Edinburgh
PGCE – science education in a secondary context - Sheffield University

Steve spent time as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia before retraining as a teacher. There he was involved in quantifying the use of behaviour and physiological measures to inform on the welfare of dairy cows and another project on the effect of baby milk supplements on brain development using piglets as a model. He has completed research projects with the group that produced Dolly the Sheep (Roslin Institute, Edinburgh) and the Animal Behaviour Group at Oxford University. Since joining the teaching profession in 2003, Steve has introduced environmental initiatives in every school he has worked in, sometimes helping them to become leaders in sustainable education.

Since joining the College, Steve has introduced Biology competitions such as the Brain Bee and the Biology Olympiad and his students, helping his students achieve remarkable success. Steve has over 18 years of teaching experience within the Independent and International School sectors, teaching a variety of curricula (IB, A-level, GCSE, Scottish Highers) both in the UK and internationally.

MA - Medieval History - St Andrew’s University
CELTA Qualification for teaching English as a foreign language

At University, Charlotte studied modules in English Literature alongside Medieval History.

Charlotte worked as Head of EAL for 5 years at an independent grammar school in the UK and is used to working in a rapidly changing international school setting. She has over 10 years teaching experience within both the independent and international school sectors, leading and delivering Cambridge Examinations, academic IELTS and iGCSE English, both as a first and a second language.

Charlotte had been successfully preparing students for the Cambridge suite of examinations for the past 13 years, as well as teaching Business and Academic English.

She is a keen advocate of debating and leads the Model UN programme in the college as well as the literacy programme. Charlotte is also the SENDCo for the College.

MEng – Mechanical Engineering – University of Warwick
PGCE – Secondary Mathematics – University of Warwick

Throughout his degree, Elliot enjoyed the study of many complex applied topics, particularly, differential equations, fluid dynamics and kinematics. After completing his degree, he worked as a project engineer and a project team leader for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) for 7 years. He was responsible for computational modelling of crash simulations and for side impact safety for a number or programmes including the iPace and Discovery.

After his time at JLR, Elliot trained as a secondary maths teacher and has since worked at multiple schools including being A level mathematics and further mathematics co-ordinator at Finham Park School. He has enjoyed mentoring many trainee teachers and supporting many students of all abilities through their A level qualifications.

BSc – Pure mathematics and computation – University of Manchester
PGCE Secondary Mathematics – University of Warwick
MA by research - ‘robotics as a window into how children learn to program’ - University of Warwick
PGCert in e-learning – University of Edinburgh

Martyn has worked at a variety of schools in the Midlands spending 19 years as the Head of Computing at Warwick School. During his time teaching Martyn has developed a passion for looking at how the theory of computer science can also be explored practically at all levels. When looking at trying to take apart the challenge of learning to program Martyn was awarded a ‘best practice scholarship’ award from the Department for Education and linked up with Sony using their AIBO robotic dogs as part of his master's degree.

Martyn has worked closely with exam boards over the last 20 years and over this period managed teams of examiners, written A-level and GCSE computer science papers and is currently the principal moderator for A-level computer science. Martyn is also on the A-level Subject Practitioner Panel for the National Centre for Computing Education, a keen contributor to many computing education discussion groups, a Raspberry Pi certified educator and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE).

Bsc – Computer Science – University of York
QTS – Ninestiles School Consortium Graduate Teacher Program

Adam has always loved computers and technology, but his school only offered very basic IT classes. Unperturbed, he enrolled in night classes in programming and electronics at the local technical college. This lead naturally to a degree in Computer Science at University of York where his particular interests were Artificial Intelligence and User Interface design.

After graduating Adam took a year out to work for a charity in Thailand, helping them to fix their computers and upgrade their systems, as well as taking the opportunity to travel in the region.

On his return to the UK Adam achieved Qualified Teacher Status at Ninestiles School Consortium in Birmingham before getting his first job as a qualified teacher at Blue Coat School in Coventry. After three years there Adam moved to become Key Stage 5 ICT Coordinator at Caludon Castle School, again in Coventry, before spending 11 years as Head of Computer Science at Princethorpe College in rural Warwickshire.

During his time as a teacher, Adam has mentored a number of trainee teachers, marked exam papers for AQA at both GCSE and A Level and been a key member of Strategic IT committees.

Adam particularly enjoys teaching computer programming but is passionate about all areas of Computer Science. In addition to teaching the A Level and Pre-A courses, Adam has also enrolled the College as a Cisco Net Academy, allowing students to achieve industry standard certificates in networking, programming and cyber security.

BA English with Linguistics focus – Dalarna University
CELTA and DELTA, Certificate in Teaching IELTS

Zoe holds a degree in English, with a focus on Linguistics. Her professional interests include phonology, syntax and morphology.

She has over 16 years’ experience teaching English as a foreign language throughout Europe and Southeast Asia. She has taught both academic and Business English to students from across the age ranges. She has also been trained as a Speaking Examiner for Cambridge English exams (PET, FCE and CAE).

At NatMatSci Zoe prepares students for international Cambridge Main Suite and IELTS exams and runs Linguistics Society, which includes entering students for the UK Linguistics Olympiad.

She is also Head of Year for Pre A-Level students and enjoys helping them prepare to transition onto the A Level program.

Dr Honeywill moved to the West Midlands in 2001 when he arrived from the University of Durham (having studied the MMath course and spent a year tutoring undergraduates) to start his PhD at the University of Warwick, entitled Combinatorics and Algorithms Associated with the Theory of Kazhdan-Lusztig Cells. It was during his PhD that he discovered an opportunity to support A Level students across Coventry in their study of Further Mathematics. This was known as the Further Mathematics Network and has developed into what is now known as the Additional Mathematics Support Programme. Following his PhD, he worked for three years as the Centre Manager for the Coventry and Warwickshire region, being responsible for the teaching of over 150 students from over 20 schools and having the opportunity to deliver revision days to hundreds of A Level students at the University of Warwick.

Missing the opportunity to be part of a school community, he took up a teaching post in 2008 and taught there for the next 15 years before moving to the National Mathematics and Science College in 2023. He is excited about the opportunity to work with such bright minds, but he also enjoys helping people discover that they can do more than they realise.

Dr Honeywill has given many talks at Conferences, to both students and teachers. He was the co-author for a text book aimed at helping students prepare for STEP, MAT and TMUA (Mathematics entrance examinations set by universities) and has another book in the pipeline: he loves the challenge of coming up with a problem that is presented in a new and fresh way.

Away from Mathematics, he plays badly for the Westwood Rhinos basketball team. He was the backing singer for a band who played at The Cavern Club and has sung in various choirs. He has a passion for music and, as well as loving presenting for RaW FM, he is midway through a multi-year project to write a book entitled something like My 12345 Songs To Hear Before You Die*.

His favourite number is 23.

* working title

BSc – Physics – University of Durham
PGCE - Secondary Science Teaching - University of Chester.
During his studies Kieran focused on experimental astrophysics whilst also exploring aspects of Philosophy, studying applied ethics and philosophy of science.
Kieran taught Physics at a UK grammar school for several years, then took up the post of Head of Physics at a leading UK independent school before joining NatMatSci.

He has a wealth of experience in preparing students for Oxbridge entry, has been an examiner for A level Physics and is a writer for the British Physics Olympiad. In recent years he has become involved in selecting, training and accompanying the UK International Physics Olympiad (iPhO) team.

At NatMatSci Kieran leads the Physics department and has responsibility for science department operations, including student safety in practical work and organising the PreA STEM Comm programme. He also oversees Societies and Sports, organising a range of activities and events that run throughout the year.

BSc - Mathematics – University of Warwick
PGCE- Secondary Mathematics – University of Warwick

Throughout his degree, Dan’s areas of interest were Algebraic Number Theory, Philosophy of Mathematics - Language and Logic, and the History of Mathematics.

Dan has worked at a variety of schools in the UK and was AS Mathematics Coordinator for a large sixth form college in Birmingham. He has mentored numerous trainee teachers and has delivered professional development courses on engaging learners; making maths enjoyable; and outstanding classroom practice.

At NatMatSci, Dan runs the college’s Cipher Club and helps to prepare students for a range of mathematics competitions throughout the year.

BSc – Mathematics with Business and Management – The University of Manchester
PGCE – Secondary Mathematics - University of Bristol

Hannah's academic focus during her degree included differential equations, probability and statistics, and financial mathematics.

Hannah has over 15 years teaching experience, including 13 years teaching in the sixth form sector. Prior to joining NatMatSci, Hannah spent six years as Subject Leader of Mathematics and Further Mathematics at a large sixth form college in the Midlands. Her leadership role included overseeing curriculum development and maintaining high standards of educational quality in these subjects, whilst also providing support and guidance to students and teaching staff. Additionally, Hannah is an experienced examiner and is a member of the senior team for a major international examination board.

MChem - University of Oxford
Graduate Teacher Programme - University of Warwick

Charlie taught Science in an international school in Jerusalem for two years, where she also completed the Teaching English as a Second Language course. She worked as Head of Chemistry and Head of Year in two schools in Warwickshire and has much experience as an assessment writer and examiner for a UK exam board. At NatMatSci Charlie is responsible for the pastoral care of students in the College, the residence and in homestay and is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Charlie's main research interest is Chemical Crystallography, a topic on which she completed her masters research project as part of her undergraduate degree.

Tom has over 16 years teaching experience including 6 years in the state 6th form sector and 7 years in an independent international college. Throughout his career he has supported aspiring medical, dental and veterinary students with their applications to these highly competitive courses, with several students being placed at top universities.

At NatMatSci, Tom teaches biology and is also the Head of the Medical Pathway. Tom organises the Medical Society at college which supports students throughout their time with us in all aspects of making a successful university application.

BSc – Chemistry – University of Wales
PhD – Inorganic Polymer Chemistry – University of Durham
MSc – Masters in Teaching and Learning

Penny held postdoctoral posts at the University of Durham and Manchester University and has taught in an international school. She was Head of Science for over 12 years at one of the UK’s top grammar schools.

Penny is an Advanced Skills Teacher and a Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach). She is actively involved in educational research and regularly presents at both national and regional teaching conferences. She was also a lead practitioner for the practical in science program.

Penny chairs the Royal Society of Chemistry UK Olympiad Working Party, selecting and training the UK team for the annual International Chemistry Olympiad.

Penny was formerly Head of Science and Director of Specialism at NatMatSci.

Ron has over 30 years of experience teaching in both the state and independent sectors. After reading economics at university, he began his career working for a large multinational hotel chain, before realising that his true passion lay in education.

Since then, Ron has taught Economics, Business Management, and other related disciplines in a wide variety of settings. Throughout his career, he has focused exclusively on post-16 and college education. As well as teaching A-levels and the International Baccalaureate, for many years, Ron also taught adult students on HND and HNC courses with Coventry University, and first year undergraduates enrolled at Warwick University (where Ron himself took his Master’s degree). Prior to joining the National Maths and Science College, Ron was Head of Economics and Business at King Edward’s School in Birmingham, one of the UK’s leading academic 11-18 day schools.

Ron is a self-confessed nerd whose greatest pleasure is reading about economics. His hope is to convey some of that enthusiasm to those who are part of his lessons at NatMatSci.

BA(Hons) Economics from the University of Essex

PGCE from the University of York

PGCert in Career Development from Nottingham Trent University

Jon is a passionate teacher of Economics and worked at one of the UK’s leading independent day and boarding schools for 25 years. During that time he was Deputy Head of the Prep School, Senior Boarding Houseparent, Head of Economics, Director of A Level and most recently Deputy Head of the Senior School with responsibility for the Sixth Form. With a particular interest in international education, Jon has twice worked in international schools in Thailand; once as Head of a Senior School and once as Acting Headmaster.

BSc – Chemistry – University of York
PGCE – Secondary Chemistry Education – University of Leeds
PhD – Chemistry – University of York
AFHEA – Associate Fellow of Higher Education Academy

Rob started his teaching career by training in secondary schools in Yorkshire. After completing a PhD in chemistry, he had several teaching roles at independent schools (MPW, Concord College and Oundle.) Following several years employment as a teaching fellow at both the University of York and the University of Warwick, he has joined NatMatSci to teach Chemistry.

MSc – Mathematics – The University of Birmingham
PhD – Pure Mathematics – The University of Bath
PGCE – Secondary Mathematics – Warwick School

During my PhD I focused mainly on harmonic analysis based on spaces with non-commutative properties.

After my PhD I decided to become a secondary school teacher to share my passion for maths with the young minds of secondary school students. I got my first teaching job at Warwick School as a part-time unqualified teacher of A Level maths and the following year I completed my PGCE at the same school. For the next two years I taught Years 7-11 at Queen Mary’s Grammar School. In 2024, I am joining NMSC, excited about the opportunity to work with the bright minds of the college and support and guide them in their journey to discover this beautiful subject.

MPhys BSc – Physics – University of Warwick

Postgraduate Certificate in Education Studies – University of Warwick

Daniel studied a broad spectrum of physics whilst at university, ranging from general relativity to particle physics. His masters research involved investigating heating mechanisms in the solar chromosphere.

Before joining the college, Daniel worked in an outstanding secondary school in Coventry for a number of years, where he specialised in teaching science to small groups and one-to-one mentoring.

At NatMatSci, in addition to teaching physics across all year groups, Daniel has been responsible for preparing students for various Olympiad competitions as well as running a number of societies including AstroSoc and FilmSoc.

MA– Russian and Pure Mathematics – University of Szeged, Hungary
PGCE - Greenwich University, London

Studying Pure Mathematics at one of Hungary’s elite universities, Tunde’s fields of study included Algebra, Analysis, Geometry, Calculus, Logic, and Statistics.

Tunde is an Advanced Skills Teacher, focussing on teaching provision for gifted and talented students. Tunde has been an Expert Examiner for the Edexcel exam board since 2012 and has a wealth of experience in preparing students for Mathematics Challenges and Olympiads.

At NatMatSci, Tunde oversees and develops our wide-ranging enrichment programme which includes undergraduate lecture opportunities at a range of leading Russell Group Universities as well as a wide range of cultural and social opportunities. Tunde is also our Deputy Safeguarding Lead.

MSc Education (Learning and Teaching) - University of Oxford
PGCE Physics - University of Oxford
BSc Theoretical Physics and Physics education - South China Normal University

Before joining NatMatSci, Miss Yan Huang taught at an outstanding school in central London. She is devoted to inspiring pupils to engage with physics and is keen to pass on her enthusiasm for the subject. In lessons she blends hands-on experimental work with clear, mathematical reasoning. Her particular interests lie in particle physics and field theory. During her degree she conducted research on multiple-scattering optical imaging in deep tissue, and she enjoys bringing that real-world research perspective into the classroom.

BSc – Chemistry – University of Bristol

PhD – Organometallic chemistry – University of Bristol

PGCE – University of Cambridge

Dr Michael Yates started his teaching career at The Manchester Grammar School during which he participated in a one-year teaching exchange to Knox Grammar School, Sydney. He moved to Head of Chemistry at Bradford Grammar School and then onto Bolton School as Head of Chemistry and Head of Science. Most recently he had a part-time on-line teaching role teaching A-level to several schools at the same time for a multi-academy trust.

He has a great deal of examining experience and has held several senior roles. As chair of Oxford AQA international A-level chemistry he has supported teachers through webinars and face-to-face workshops in China, Egypt, Jordan and UAE. He has written A-level papers for AQA and is currently a team leader and reviewer on paper 2. The AQA GCSE combined science paper is sat by 400,000+ students and marked by 550+ examiners; Michael has written these papers, led the marking and been involved with awarding of grade boundaries.

He was a former senior international water polo player who competed in the world student games in Yugoslavia(!) and more recently a masters’ tournament in Finland. As coach and team manager to many national junior water polo teams he has attended 200+ training camps and competitions in more than 20 countries.