Our people

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 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.

Jade Hinchliffe joined us in August 2022. Jade has a degree and masters in English Literature from the University of Huddersfield and has submitted her thesis for her PhD in Sociology at the University of Hull. Jade has previously worked as a tutor and lecturer.

Jake Howarth joined us in July 2024. Jake has a degree in French and History from the University of Birmingham. He has a TEFL qualification and has worked as an English teacher in Thailand and France. Jake has also worked as a SEN teaching assistant and a football coach.

Jamie Dolling joined us in October 2024. Jamie has a BSc (Hons) SW Zoo Biology at Nottingham Trent University, and an MSc Global Wildlife Health and Conservation at University of Bristol. Previously, Jamie was a lecturer and demonstrator in Higher Education Schools, a cycling officer for a sustainable travel charity, an education officer at a zoo, and a science academic mentor at a secondary school.

Jamie Lee Courtney joined us in September 2024. Jamie Lee has a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Stirling, and a CELTA qualification from International House London. Previously, she worked as a Learning Communities Coordinator at education charity Volunteer Tutors Organisation.