Meet the Team

James

Head of Embrace SCITT

I am responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and improvement for Embrace SCITT as a whole. I've worked in ITT, in one way or another, for over 8 years, as a Mentor, Facilitator and Programme Leader. I have a range of teaching and leadership experience, having worked in Primary, Secondary, Alternative Provision and Special Schools.

I support Leaders in Schools, Trusts and Local Authorities across England as a Specialist Leader of Education and led the Sea View Trust’s role as a DfE Behaviour Hub Lead Trust and School. I am committed to teacher development, also having experience of supporting Early Career Teachers and those embarking on their leadership journeys through National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) in a range of leadership areas. I have completed the NPQ for Headteachers (NPQH) and I’m currently in the process of completing the NPQ for Executive Leaders (NPQEL).

I am excited to lead our SCITT team to ensure we achieve our aim of training excellent teachers who champion children's right to an exceptional education across the North West and beyond.

Helen

SCITT Co-ordinator

I am the SCITT Coordinator. After joining the SCITT Team at Easter 2024, I very quickly navigated the complex administrative and financial compliance for Initial Teacher Training providers. I lead on vital elements of SCITT operation and development, including recruitment, finance, student finance, communications and wellbeing. I can be found in the SCITT officer at the back of the Conference Room at Tor View.

One of my most important roles is supporting effective partnerships with our school partners. I meet with Headteachers and Mentors to discuss our programme, secure placements and build relationships which last to continue to be able to train generations of teachers.

Rob

Primary Programme Leader

BA (Hons) | QTS

Since beginning my teaching career in 2016, I have gained extensive experience across both Key Stages, with a particular focus on Year 6 over the past five years. My roles have included leading subjects such as Geography, Music, and English. In 2021, I took on the role of ITT Programme Lead for the Yarrow Schools Alliance, based at St. George’s CE Primary School. In this capacity, I guide trainee teachers through their initial training year, ensuring their success and readiness for the teaching profession. Additionally, as the Assistant Headteacher at St. George's, I am deeply involved in the day-to-day management and leadership of the school, where I strive to create an environment that balances professional rigour with compassion and innovation. My commitment to education is driven by a belief in fostering lifelong learning and equitable opportunities for all.

Gillian

SEND Programme Leader

BSc (Hons) | PGCE | QTS | PGCert (SpLD) | NPQLTD

I have been an ITT programme lead since September 2018, however, I have been involved in developing and training teachers from very early on in my career. I trained as a Secondary Science Teacher and was the Science subject lead at Park Community Academy. Alongside teaching I supported ITT trainees, ECTs and other staff as a lead teacher. I became a specialist SpLD teacher and assessor in 2015 after completing a PGCert in SpLD Dyslexia. Blackpool has been a wonderful place to develop my career as a SEND teacher. It’s a unique place where children have many challenges to overcome, being a part of this is extremely rewarding. Some of my achievements during my career include being awarded ‘outstanding teacher of the year’ in the Blackpool Achievement awards and also being nominated for a National Teaching Award. I am now very proud to be supporting and developing the next generation of Blackpool teachers.

Not only are the team extremely knowledgeable about current practice in teaching; they are warm and friendly, making it an absolute pleasure to be part of the team. The range of schools and expertise is vast meaning we can foster the individual interests of any trainee teacher. Above all the whole team is passionate and dedicated to creating and delivering a teaching programme of the highest quality.

Laura

Secondary Programme Leader

BA (Hons) | QTS | MA

Having dedicated 20 years to secondary education, my last eight as Assistant Head Teacher, I've overseen critical areas such as Catholic Life, Ofsted's Personal Development strand, Initial Teacher Training (ITT), Early Career Teachers (ECTs), and induction. I've also engaged in school-to-school support within the Liverpool Archdiocese. In addition to my work in school, I have actively participated as a Governor at a local Primary school, where I continue lead the Standards and Curriculum Committee. Believing fervently in the transformative power of education, I seized an opportunity to join the team at Embrace Teaching School Hub. I passionately advocate for providing our young people with the best opportunities and I’m committed to enhancing education for all, nurturing educators who will, in turn, shape a brighter future for our youth.

I absolutely adore being part of the Embrace team; they're simply fantastic to work with. They're not only professional, knowledgeable, and driven, but they're also incredibly positive, supportive, and kind. We're all on the same page, practicing what we preach, and I love that we come together to help, encourage, challenge, and advance educators.

Clare

Mentoring Lead

BA (Hons) | PGCE | QTS | PGCert | NPQLTD

I am the Mentoring Lead for Embrace SCITT. I am an experienced teacher and Mentor for both Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Teachers. My previous experience is largely in Primary schools but I have tutored learners up to and including GCSE. My role is to support Mentor development across the Partnership. I coordinate the work of Lead Mentor teams and coordinate Mentor training for our SCITT, working in partnership with other ITT providers regionally. In addition to my role with Embrace SCITT, I am the ECF and AB Lead for Embrace Teaching School Hub, working across Chorley, South Ribble, West Lancashire and Fylde to deliver Early Career Teacher development and ensure new teachers are well supported throughout their induction period.

Matt

Rowan & Wigan Partnership Lead

BA (Hons) | PGCE | QTS | NPQEL | SLE

I have broad experience of senior leadership in secondary schools. I have been a headteacher at Hawkley Hall High School since 2019 and previously I have fulfilled the role of Senior Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for the quality of education. I also have experience of leading the pastoral care and attendance as an Assistant Headteacher. In addition, I have fulfilled the role of SLE, supporting colleagues in schools across the North West. I have also delivered NPQs as well as designed a variety of courses to support new teachers, aspirant leaders and those seeking senior positions. I am also an experienced performance coach.