Our people

Hattie Woodward joined us in February 2023 and is currently on maternity leave. Hattie has a Masters in Primary Education from Liverpool Hope University. Previously, she worked as a Teaching Assistant and Nursery Manager.

Hollie Baines joined us in August 2017. Hollie has a degree in Drama in the Community from Bishop Grosseteste University, as well as a PGCE from North Essex Teacher Training. She previously taught drama.

Huda Ahmed joined us in July 2023. Huda studied Psychology at City University and previously worked as a Teaching Assistant at a Primary school.

Dr Hugh Rayment-Pickard is our Co-founder and Strategic Advisor. He has over 20 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector and is currently Co-Director of the Professional Teaching Institute.

Ikra Ali joined us in July 2022. Ikra studied Government and History at London School of Economics and Political Science and has previously worked as a tutor and a learning mentor with City Year.

Iola Elson joined us in July 2025. Iola has a BA in International Relations from Newcastle University. She previously worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Noel Park Primary School and as a Widening Participation tutor with Explore Learning.

Izzy Mann joined us in January 2020. Izzy has a History and Politics degree from the University of Nottingham and previously was an Outreach and Liason Officer for Out in Education and an IntoUniversity Student Mentor.

Jack joined us in June 2024. He studied Theatre at the University of Chichester. He has previously worked as a Teaching Assistant in a secondary school and as an Engagement Worker at Learning Partnership West, supporting young people to re-engage with education.

Jack Hall joined us in January 2024. Jack has an undergraduate and masters degree in Film Studies from the University of Southampton. Previously they worked as an English teacher in South Korea.

Jacob Brunert joined us in July 2023. Jacob studied International Relations and Politics at the University of Sheffield. He previously worked as a Teaching Assistant and English language tutor.

Jacob Newman joined us in July 2025. Jacob has a BA in History from the University of Oxford, where he worked in widening participation with Opportunity Oxford as well as Exeter College Outreach. He was previously also a teaching assistant, and the president for ExVac, a charity that takes children in the Oxfordshire social care system on holiday to the New Forest.

Jade Hawkins joined us in July 2024. Jade has a degree in Law from Teesside University and previously worked as a Student Ambassador and Mentor.