Ashbourne was founded in 1981 by its current principal and director Mike Kirby. The college employs a large number of teaching and administrative staff.
One of the great things about Ashbourne is the excellent and enduring relationships between staff and students. Students are encouraged to use first names with their teachers and are not required to wear school uniform, which helps engender mutual respect and approachability.
Senior Management
PrincipalMichael KirbyMSc (London); BApSc (Toronto); MInstD |
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Mike Kirby founded Ashbourne College in 1981 and has since presided over its continuing academic development and growth in reputation. Mike studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Toronto and Statistics in London. He is a key figure in the promotion of independent education in the UK through bodies such as the Council for Independent Education (CIE). He is a former main member for the Admissions Panel for Medicine at UCL. |
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Director of Studies and Head of Sixth FormLee Kirby |
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Lee oversees and ensures the academic and personal success of all Ashbourne students by investing time and effort in each individual student. He works alongside staff, as leader of Ashbourne’s Personal Tutor team, to support and motivate students to reach their full potential. He also supervises all UCAS issues in consultation with Heads of Faculty and Personal Tutors. Lee has been instrumental in building a strong and dynamic team of staff and is responsible for supporting and facilitating staff development and overall operational management of the college. He is also Ashbourne’s SENDCO and Deputy Safeguarding Lead. Lee has a passion for all things Vietnamese and has spent much time in the country performing as a singer songwriter and professional football player. He is a qualified FA coach and has also played semi-professionally in the UK. |
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Assistant Director of Studies and Leader of FacultiesJames WykesMA Modern Literatures in English (Birkbeck, University of London); BA English Literature (University of Wales); PGCE English (King’s College) |
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Since joining Ashbourne in 2007, James has made an outstanding contribution to the academic development of the school. As well as leading an exceptionally successful English Department, he was instrumental in establishing Drama as a vital part of Ashbourne’s curriculum. He has enriched the college’s cultural life with initiatives that have ranged from the college newspaper to critical theory seminars. Above all, as Assistant Director of Studies and Leader of Faculties, he has guided and motivated countless Ashbourne students and has co-presided over the evolution of the college’s programme for critical theory with Wesley Rykalski. |
Academic Management: Heads of Faculty, Deputy Heads of Year 13, Year 12 Personal Tutors
Head of Faculty for Finance and Computing and Year 12 Personal TutorRuchi AgarwalMA Computer Applications (MCA, India); B.Com Hons (India); ICT and Computing PGCE (Institute of Education, London) |
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Ruchi has a Masters in Computer Applications and Bachelors of Commerce with Honours from her native India. She started teaching ICT and Computing in the UK in 2001 and completed her PGCE in ICT from one of the most prestigious institutions, the Institute of Education, University of London. She joined Ashbourne in 2012 and has progressed to become a core member of our staff. She constantly tries to improve her teaching strategies and is passionate about promoting Computer Science at Ashbourne. Apart from her love for Bollywood, she enjoys reading fiction and aspires to play badminton well. |
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Head of Faculty for Multimedia and Social SciencesDennis FulcherMA Government and Political Studies (London Metropolitan University); BSc Hons Sociology (Kingston); NVQ L4 Print Journalism (Richmond Adult Community College); PGCE (Greenwich) |
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Dennis is a senior member of staff and has been working at Ashbourne for many years. He teaches a broad range of subjects including Politics, Film, Media, Law and Psychology. He is also a team leader for Politics A level examiners Dennis takes a multidisciplinary approach to teaching and combines his technical expertise and years of experience to create lively and engaging classes for his students. As a result Dennis’ students consistently achieve excellent grades and rate their overall learning experience highly. Dennis is a lifelong film enthusiast. |
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Head of Faculty for LanguagesAlberto Lado ReyMA Hispanic Studies (UCL); BA English Language Studies (University of Santiago de Compestela, Spain); Teachers Training Certificate (University of Santiago de Compestela, Spain) |
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Alberto is Faculty Head of Languages at Ashbourne and has been teaching at the college since 2000. He has been an Edexcel examiner since 2004. Alberto specialises in Spanish and Latin American culture. Most recently he has started teaching Theatre Studies. Alberto is also responsible for Ashbourne’s IELTS programme and organises the college’s language trips. |
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Head of Faculty for Culture and SocietyWilliam StocklandMA History of Art (University of Edinburgh); BA Art History (University of Edinburgh) |
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Will Stockland has studied both Western and Eastern art history at the universities of Edinburgh, London and Oxford. As well as being a teacher, Will has worked in charitable fundraising, in the wine trade and as a bookseller. He has been the editor of several magazines and writes book reviews for various publications. He has many hobbies, including book collecting and snooker, and he is an active member of his local church. Will leads Ashbourne’s Oxbridge Entry Programme. |
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Head of Faculty for Natural Sciences and Deputy Head of Sixth FormAmy YoungmanBSc Neuroscience (Kings College, London) |
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As Ashbourne’s Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Amy also offers students the high level of individual support and encouragement they need to ensure they find the right career pathway, achieve their academic potential and secure a place at their chosen university. |
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Deputy Head of Year 13 and Designated Safeguarding LeadFrances BurnsBA History and Drama (Liverpool); Master of Fine Arts (Ohio) |
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Fran is Ashbourne’s Deputy Head of Year 13 and Drama Teacher. She has also been, for many years, a practitioner in both Mindfulness and Meditation techniques and a senior facilitator for one of the country’s leading Arts Educational companies, helping to deliver specialist programmes in student health and wellbeing and various PSHE issues – all of which were excellent preparation for the next step in becoming the college’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. Fran believes that students feeling truly supported in all the aspects of their lives can impact on their ability to reach their potential; she is a committed advocate in supporting young people develop the skills and techniques that allow them to be proactive in their own wellbeing, whether academically, emotionally or socially. |
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Deputy Head of Sixth Form and Careers LeaderSean PillaiMEng Civil Engineering with Business Management (Warwick University) |
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Sean plays a very active role at Ashbourne both in terms of helping students reach their academic potential and in enjoying their experience at the college. He heads Ashbourne’s Engineering Programme and runs weekly engineering sessions involving seminars, talks, group projects and activities. Students benefit from his expertise and experience in these sessions as well as his guidance throughout their UCAS application process. Sean began his career as an investment banker but quickly realised that teaching was his preferred profession. He joined Ashbourne in 2015. Sean is keen sportsman and plays lacrosse, football and tennis in his spare time, as well as skiing, surfing, sailing and mountaineering. He is also plays the drums, and does volunteering and fundraising for charities. |
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Personal Tutor Year 12Philip ArnoldMSc Climate Science and Policy (University of Bristol); BSc Biological Sciences (University of Warwick) |
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Personal Tutor Year 12Emily BrowneBSc Psychology; PGCE Biology (King’s College, London) |
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Emily joined Ashbourne in 2017 to teach Psychology and Biology after completing her PGCE and attaining a first class degree in Psychology. She is particularly interested in biopsychology and its influence on psychopathology. Emily plays in a women’s netball league and loves coaching year 7 students. |
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Personal Tutor Year 12Alex GoodwinBSc (Hons) Medical Science (University of Birmingham); PGDipEd (University of Birmingham) |
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Personal Tutor Year 12Katie PettittMA Contemporary Art Theory and Criticism (Essex); BA English Literature and History of Art (Joint Honours) (Birmingham); PGCE (UEL) Katie has played various roles in the arts sector in London, including working for the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), Anne Thorne Architects and most recently the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), for which she collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists on innovative and high-profile art projects in and around London’s Olympic Park. Before teaching at Ashbourne, Katie established History of Art A level at the International School of Creative Arts (ISCA), the only specialist day and boarding school run in association with University of the Arts London (UAL). She joined Ashbourne in 2012 and now teaches History of Art, Media Studies and English. Katie is passionate about engaging students’ interest and encouraging them to develop their enthusiasm for literature and art history both in and outside the classroom. |
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Personal Tutor Year 12Elle RyanBA Theology and History with English Literature, Philosophy and Media (Australian Catholic University) Elle draws on a broad range of fields including history, theology, philosophy and media to enrich and help contextualise English language and literature for her students. She has an excellent rapport with her English students and those in her personal tutor groups who she encourages to develop their own strategies and structures for effective learning making them stakeholders in their own success. Elle has been teaching for nearly ten years first in Australia and the UK. She teaches English Literature and IELTS at the college. |
Teaching Staff
Benvinda AlvesMaîtrise Lettres et Civilisations Étrangères, journalistic translation (University of Nanterre, Paris); PGCE, French, Spanish and Portuguese (University of North London) |
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Benvinda joined Ashbourne in July 2016. She is an experienced teacher who has taught French, Spanish and Portuguese in a variety of establishments including King’s College and the London School of Economics. She is an avid learner of languages, and very keen runner. |
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Cristiana BotigellaMA Cultural Policies (London City Univerisity); BA Italian Literature and Contemporary Art (Milan Catholic University) |
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Cristiana Bottigella holds a Degree in Italian Literature and Contemporary Art from the Catholic University in Milan and obtained an MA in Cultural Policies from the City University, London. She had her first experience as an Italian teacher in a London College, after which she tutored numerous pupils at different levels in Germany, Austria and Italy. Cristiana has a strong interest in contemporary literature and art and currently teaches at Ashbourne as well as in other independent colleges in London |
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Arabella BridgeBA Hons English Literature (Open University); PGCE (Sussex) |
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Arabella Bridge has been an essential part of Ashbourne’s successful English Department for more than ten years. The department started with a handful of students and is now one of the largest in the college. Arabella is a very experienced teacher of more than twenty years. As one might expect she is a keen theatre-goer and an avid reader. Perhaps not so expected is that she is a Brighton and Hove Albion season ticket holder. |
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Joanna BuddenBA History (Leeds); PGCE (Manchester Metropolitan University) |
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Joanna Budden is a valued and long standing member of Ashbourne staff. She taught abroad for a few years before she joined the college in 2010. She is also an Edexcel examiner. Joanna is a keen traveller and loves the great outdoors. |
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Gerardo CarballoMA Film Studies (UCL); MA Foreign Languages applied to Business (University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain); CAP (teacher training) (Instituto de Ciencias de la Educacion, Spain); BA English and Film Studies (University of Wolverhampton); BA English Philology (University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain) |
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Gerardo has been teaching Spanish for more than ten years including at Kings College London, City University and the Cervantes Institute, London. Gerardo has a passion for Spanish and Latin American cinema and enjoys creating bespoke teaching materials in culture, film and politics for his students. |
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George ChaldezosBA Hons (University of Thessaloniki); BA Hons (Cologne); PhD study (Cambridge); PGCE (London) |
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George teaches Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation, and has been head of Ashbourne’s Classics department since 2003. He is a member of the Association for Latin Teaching and is an assistant examiner for the OCR exam board and the Cambridge Pre-U. |
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Nick CheesemanMA Fine Art (Chelsea College of Arts, UAL); BA Hons Fine Art (Staffordshire University); PGCE Art and Design (Bath Spa University) |
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Richard ClarkMMaths integrated masters (Bath University); PGCE Secondary Maths (Oxford University) |
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Richard is a rugby union fan. |
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Becky CooperMA Advanced Theatre Practice (Royal Central School of Speech and Drama), BA English Literature (Oxford University) |
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John CurranMA Economics Education (Institute of Education, University of London); BA (Hons) Economics; EdD Policy, Research and Professional Practice (London Metropolitan University) |
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John taught Economics at London Metropolitan University for 35 years before joining Ashbourne in 2015. He is the author of Taking the Fear Out of Economics, an introductory text for A level and first year degree students. In his free time John likes to run, play the piano and garden. All of which he does slowly. He supports Celtic and West Ham. |
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Rupinder DhillonBSC Industrial and Natural Resource Chemistry (Brunel); PGCE (Brunel) |
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Rupinder earned a degree in Industrial and Natural Resource Chemistry from Brunel University before working as an analytical chemist for several companies including SGS and Oxford Agricultural Services. In 1996 she retrained to become a teacher and completed her PGCE. Rupinder first taught at Ashbourne 19 years ago, before leaving for the States where she lived and travelled for three years. She came back to Ashbourne in 2013. Combined with her love for teaching Maths, her positive personality and sense of humour she is committed to encourage an uncompromising work ethic amongst her students.
In her free time Rupinder enjoys studying French and reading historical fiction. She has a passion for travelling and learning about cultures. |
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Philip Ellis-MartinBA (Hons) Mathematics (Warwick University); PGCE Secondary Mathematics (University of East London) |
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![]() Phil has a first class degree in Maths with experience teaching up to A level.Phil is also a session musician on the drums and bass and has performed in a wide variety of shows, events and venues in the UK and overseas. He also has his own band and music agency. |
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Louise ForsterBA (Joint Hons) German and Italian (Reading University) |
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Louise has been teaching German at Ashbourne for many years. She is half-German but also speaks French and Italian. Louise has lived in Berlin, and studied at Munich and Bologna as part of her degree. She enjoys opera, art history and creating textiles. |
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Olivia GillmanBA Education with English and Drama (Cambridge University); Undergraduate Foundation in English Literature (Oxford University; dept for continuing eduction) |
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![]() She will be looking to get as many Ashbourne students as possible involved in comedy.
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Danielle GroverPhD English Literature (Southampton University); MA English Literature (Warwick University); BA English (Southampton University); PGCE Secondary English (Durham University) |
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Jane GregoryMSc Advanced Information Technology with Multimedia (London South Bank University); BA English (Henan Education Institute, China); Certificate in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (SOAS, London) |
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Suhair HindiyehMSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics; MSc Education, Power and Social Change (Birkbeck, University of London); BA English Language and Literature, minor in Translation (Birzeit University) |
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Suhair is also a freelance Arabic assessor with the Charted Institute of Linguistics and for the Ministry of Defence, as well as assessor and interlocutor for the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) examinations. |
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Jak KirbyBA in Applied Arts (Photography) (Silapakorn University, Thailand) |
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Before coming to Ashbourne Jak worked in the advertising industry and as a television director in Thailand. Jak began at Ashbourne teaching photography but has since established a flourishing Graphics department within the Art Faculty over the many years she has been at the college. She has a particular interest in film production. |
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George KontosMRes Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (University of Sussex); PGCE (University of Brighton); BEng Electronic Engineering (University of Surrey) |
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George has extensive experience as a computer scientist in the private sector developing and testing software as well as teaching software and games development, programming and lecturing in Computer Science. He is fluent in a wide range of programming languages, and is bilingual in English and Greek. |
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Caterina LewisMA and BA Fine Art (Central St. Martins); PGCE Art and Design (Institute of Education, University of London) |
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Adam McMasterBsc Economics and Political Science (University of Birmingham) |
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Chella NathanMSc Mathematics (The Open University); PGCE (University of Greenwich); BEng (Hons) Electronics and Communication (University of North London); BSc Physics, Pure Mathematics and Statistics (University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka)
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Chella has been teaching Mathematics and Physics for more than twenty five years. Year after year he remains one of Ashbourne’s most popular Maths teachers. He has also headed up the college’s astro-physics club for many years. Chella’s research interests are number theory and the development of renewable energy sources. |
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Virash PatelBSc (Hons) (CSci), CChem (FRSC) |
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Virash has been teaching at Ashbourne for many years. Before joining the college he held the roles of Director of Studies and Head of Chemistry, as well as teaching Biology and Chemistry. In addition to his teaching roles, Virash has worked as an analytical chemist in industry, and was awarded a fellowship from the Royal Society of Chemistry. Virash helps prepare students for entry onto medicine related courses, as well as Oxbridge and offers instruction and guidance to students in their UCAS applications. |
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Michael PeatBD Hons, DipTheol (London); BSc Hons (Birmingham) Religious Studies, Mathematics and Philosophy |
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Michael Peat has a broad academic background with his first degree in Physics. He did doctoral studies in methodology and hermeneutics in Philadelphia and returned to lecture to under- and postgraduate students in the UK. He has been teaching Philosophy at Ashbourne for many years now and enjoys a philosophical debate with anyone and everyone. Students benefit from his research, enthusiasm and knowledge. Michael is also a keen chess player and runs Ashbourne’s club with Chris Todd who teaches Chemistry. |
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Leona PotterBSc Psychology (Leeds University) |
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Leona loves snow and surf and is a ski instructor and competitive wakeboarder. She also rides horses, is a keen travel photographer and textile designer. |
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Dr Barry RhulePhD (London); BSc Hons (CNAA) Mathematics, Physics |
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Barry has been teaching Maths and Physics at Ashbourne for many years and is traditionally one of our most popular tutors, well-liked and respected thanks to his engaging personality. He has a profound knowledge of Physics and has been an inspiration for many of our students who have gone on to study at Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London. Barry is a member of the London Mathematical Society. |
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Wesley RykalskiMA Medieval Studies (UCL); BA History (UCL) |
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As well as teaching History and Media Studies at Ashbourne Wesley runs a very popular Critical Theory seminar with James Wilkes, English teacher and Head of Faculties. Wesley is also responsible for research development for teaching at the college. Wesley produces a teaching blog on Media Studies and contributes to a joint research blog on Walter Benjamin’s Arcades Project and the seaside. Wesley is also working on a PhD in Cultural Power in the Early Medieval World at Birkbeck, University of London. |
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Madeeha SaadMSc Medical Statistics (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London); BSc (Hons) Mathematical Sciences (Open Univeristy); BSc Mathematics (Government Kinnaird College Women, Pakistan) |
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In her spare time Madeena plays badminton, loves cooking and keeps up to date with current affairs and world development issues. |
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Dr Abdul SamiPhD Algebra (Imperial College London); MSc Pure Maths (Queen Mary University of London); BSc (Hons) Pure Maths |
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Abdul taught Pure Maths at Michigan State University for three years before returning to the UK. He transcribed parts of Newton’s Principia at Sussex University before joining Ashbourne College. Some of his research is published in leading journals and he has given seminars and conference speeches in the UK, USA and Germany. Abdul enjoys cooking, long walks and day trips to small towns and villages. |
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Imran ShahBSc (Hons) Physics (Imperial College London) |
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Imran loves sport and plays football, basketball and badminton, as well as practising Tai-Chi and Chi-Kung. He takes a keen interest in scientific documentaries and science in society. |
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Arianwen ShoringMA Graphic Design (Nottingham Trent University, UK); BA Fashion Design (University of Wales, UK); PGCE Art and Textiles (University of Worcester) |
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Arianwen is an experienced Art and Fashion course leader and has been teaching A level Textiles in the private sector and for the University of Arts, London, including Central St Martins and London College of Fashion, since 2006. She has a wealth of experience in preparing student portfolios for prestigious Fashion and Textile university courses. |
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Stefania SpinuMA Economic Policy and Analysis, Economics of Sustainable Development (University of Nantes, France); BA Economics (University of Bucharest ASE); PGCE Economics (Institute of Education, UCL)
Stefania loves painting and clay modelling, music and cinema, aquariums and space. She’s also a runner. |
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Peter StantonBSc Physics (Imperial College London); BSc History and Philosophy of Science (UCL); PGCE Secondary Science with Physics
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Dina TaylorBA English and German Philology (N. Tagil State Pedagogical Instititue, Russia); CEFR Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (Goethe-Institut Bonn, Gemany); Cambridge ESOL (Bromley College), PGCE Modern Foreign Languages (Kent and Medway Training) |
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Sarah ThompsonMA (Oxford) MSc (UCL) |
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Sarah has an MA in Human Sciences from Oxford University, and an MSc in Neuroscience from University College London. Before turning to teaching in 2010, she spent several years working in research, first at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge and at the Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems at Boston University, and has published original research papers in the fields of cognitive neuroscience and psychophysics. In her spare time, she is a folk musician and a marathon runner. |
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Chris ToddBSc Hons Chemical Sciences (East Anglia); PGCE Chemistry (Roehampton); HoD Biology |
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After graduating Chris worked as a research chemist in the field of semi conductors, then in investment banking before taking his PGCE to become a teacher. He has been at Ashbourne for many years. He is a demanding but popular and successful teacher. Chris’ particular passion is chess; he runs a team in the London Chess League and together with Michael Peat runs the Ashbourne chess club.
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Sakae UenoTeacher Training Certificate in Japanese (Japan) |
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Sakae Osakabe has been teaching Japanese for many years in a wide range of schools and colleges within London. Sakae’s hobbies include travel, drawing and flower arranging. |
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Lauren Vanderhurst MoorleyMA English: Issues in Modern Culture (University College London); BA (Hons) English Literature (University of California); PGCE (Institute of Education, UCL) |
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Lauren’s love and enthusiasm for English inspires her students to find their own passion and embrace all that the subject has to offer. She is one of Ashbourne’s most encouraging and effective teachers who has played a full and active role in the college’s academic and cultural life since joining in 2014. |
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Sebastian WeissBA Environments, Environmental Geography, Politics and Culture (University of Melbourne, Australia); PGCE Geography, (Cambridge University) |
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Sebastian has been teaching Geography and German (his native language) since 2011 in Australia, Southeast Asia and the UK. He also has experience as an AQA examiner in Geography.
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Michael WilkinsonMSc Politics Sociology (Birkbeck College, University of London); BA Politics (SOAS) |
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Yat-Soon YeoMA Music, Historical Musicology (King’s College, London); BA Music (King’s College, London); PGCE Harpiscord and Conducting (Guildhall School of Music and Drama); PCGE Secondary Music (Institute of Education, University of London) |
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![]() Yat-Soon has been sharing his love of music and wealth of professional and educational experience for many years as teacher and director of music at schools, including St Paul’s Girls and Lady Eleanor Holles, and Birmingham University.
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Mark YoungmanBSc (Hons) Biochemistry (Southampton University) |
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Mark teaches Science and Biology at Ashbourne. He has been teaching since 2011 and was head of Biology at his previous college. Mark is a qualified tennis coach, keen cricketer and loves a visit to the zoo. |
Admissions Staff
Suzanna LiuBA (Hons) French and German (King’s College London) |
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Suzanna is responsible for all applications and admissions to the college as well as managing overseas visa requirements and working with educational agents worldwide. She also produces marketing materials for the college. Suzanna joined Ashbourne soon after gaining her degree in 2014. |
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Marcus LoudonBA in English and American Literature and Spanish (University of Kent) |
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As Ashbourne’s admissions officer Marcus handles all new enquiries and meets potential students. Marcus joined Ashbourne after graduating from university. He spent a year abroad in Alicante, Spain where he studied translation along with developing his language. Marcus loves literature and languages, and speaks Spanish and English, and some German and Italian. |
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Chris MutterMA English Literary Studies (University of Exeter); BA English Literature (University of Lincoln) Chris rejoined Ashbourne after completing his Masters, having worked in the administration team previously. He works within the Admissions department and provides academic and pastoral guidance to students as one of our Y12 Personal Tutors. He also provides support to students with applications to overseas universities and helps to run the Ashbourne Allstars football team. |
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Anh NguyenBA (Hons) Graphics Design New Media (University for the Creative Arts) |
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Anh plays a main role in recruiting and welcoming new students to Ashbourne. She works closely with overseas agents to promote and facilitate student enrolment and often represents the college at recruitment events. She is also involved in producing marketing materials. Anh loves world cuisine, performing arts and languages. She is fluent in English, Vietnamese and French. |
Administration and Operation Staff
Head of AdministrationHien NguyenMsc International Finance (University of Westminster); BA Account, Finance and Management (University of Nottingham) |
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Hien manages Ashbourne’s administration team as well as offering support to students, teachers, parents and everyone else involved with the college. Hien is also responsible for many aspects of the college’s compliance with current education legislation; she has played an absolutely essential role in fulfilling the college’s obligations. She also manages Ashbourne’s Easter Revision Programme. |
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Deputy Head of AdministrationGeorgina PrichardBA Hons Management and Marketing (Newcastle University, UK) |
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Georgina has extensive experience in independent education both in terms of providing academic and pastoral support and in all aspects of college administration, examinations, health and safety and finance. As well as playing a key role in managing Ashbourne’s admin team Georgina provides compliance support and oversees health and safety issues. Georgina loves travelling, playing netball and doing triathlons. |
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Safeguarding and Middle School Support OfficerBlaize CampbellBA Psychology (ongoing) (Richmond American International University, London) |
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Blaize has been working in administration for four years as well as providing health and social care support. |
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College Administrator – receptionKevin ChikBA (Hons) Tourism and Hospitality Management (London South Bank University) |
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Kevin is one of the first people to welcome you when you arrive at Ashbourne’s Old Court Place premises. He works as a college administrator at reception. His previous experience is in hospitality including at Imperial College London and the Ritz Hotel. Kevin speaks fluent English and Cantonese, with conversational Mandarin. |
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Compliance and Registration OfficerMani GiriBA (Hons) Business Management (Glyndwyr University) |
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Mani is part of Ashbourne’s admin team as a Compliance and Registration Officer. He has previously worked in Human Resource in the care industry. Mani is interested in culture and language. He has been a volunteer and has been involved in raising funds for earthquake victims in Nepal. |
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Events and Careers OfficerOlivia ManningBA (Hons) Modern Languages and Cultures (Durham University) |
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College AdministratorDavid MullenMFA Fine Art (Goldsmith University); BA (Hons) Painting (Camberwell College of Arts, UAL) |
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David is a part of Ashbourne’s administration team. He has experience as a Fine Art teacher and has exhibited his own work in a variety of galleries in London. He is a painter who produces large-scale abstract oil paintings. |
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College AdministratorTracy Nwokoma |
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Tracy works with the Director of Studies, she provides academic support to students and runs personal mentoring programmes. She also helps recruits students from Nigeria and Ghana, and assists in college events such as the annual Revue. |
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College AdministratorLinh PhamDBA Business (University of West of Scotland); MBA Business (Coventry University) |
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College AdministratorJuliana Rozensztajn de MattosAccess to HE Humanities |
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Juliana is responsible for keeping everyone up to date with what’s going on at Ashbourne through our social media platforms. She also works as part of the overall administration team. Before joining Ashbourne Juliana worked in social media in Brazil and in a variety of administration jobs in London. |
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SEND Advisor and AssessorSimone ShawDiploma French (Institut Francais du Royaume Universite); SPLD Diploma (Hornsby International Dyslexia Institute) |
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Simone is a dyslexia tutor and specialist assessor qualified to carry out the Access Arrangements tests for examination concessions. Simone is responsible for ensuring all Form 8s, required for Access Arrangements, are processed for SEND applications. |
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College AdministratorSean YipBSc Exercise and Sport Science (University of Exeter) |
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Sean loves football, plays violin and took part in London Youth Games 2010. |
IT and Facilities, Finance and Examinations
IT and Premises ManagerFabio Carpene |
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Fabio has been at Ashbourne since September 2005. He manages the day-to-day running of the college’s premises and communications systems. He is responsible for health and safety at the college as well as data protection and security of the college IT system. He has played a major role in the development of the college’s databases. Fabio is passionate about football and has played professionally and semi-professionally in the UK. He recently led Ashbourne’s five-a-side team to the Independent Inter-college Championships in London. |
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Finance OfficerRuggero RomanelliBSc Financial Markets and Institutions (Tor Vegata, Italy) |
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Ruggero joined Ashbourne’s finance and exams team in 2016. He manages suppliers’ invoices, student payments and student certificates and transcripts. He also assists with organising and running the exams at Ashbourne. |
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Examinations OfficerMaricarmen PerezMSc Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (UNED, Spain); BSc Psychology (Pontifical University of Salamanca); PGCE (equivalent) (Pontifical University of Salamanca) |
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Maricarmen is responsible for all aspects of the examination process at Ashbourne from policy and compliance to the final submitting of entries, exam arrangements and post-exam results. She has extensive experience not only in managing examinations but also as an examination assessor and as a fully qualified GCSE and A level teacher for more than 14 years. |