Our people

Lucy Tolhurst joined us in July 2023. Lucy studied Film, Photography and Media at the University of Leeds and previously worked as a Learning Support Assistant.

Lucy Townsend joined us in July 2024. Lucy has a degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Bath and previously worked as an Outreach Ambassador at the University of Bath.

Luke Crowley joined us in July 2025. Luke has a degree in Politics and International Relations from Loughborough University and previously worked an English language teacher in Hong Kong.

Luke Francis joined us in January 2018. Luke is our Student Opportunities Manager ( Big City Bright Future and Student Associate Network) and Luke has a degree in History from Loughborough University. Previously, he worked as a tutor for Explore Learning and was our Centre Leader in Hackney Downs.

Lydia Simpson joined us in July 2023. Lydia studied English at University of Ulster and previously worked as a SEND Teaching Assistant.

Madeleine Lambert joined us in January 2026. Madeleine studied Health and Wellbeing in Society at De Montfort University. She has previously worked as a student ambassador at De Montfort University, supporting campus tours, school visits, and university events. She also served as Heart Safe Campus Coordinator for the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund, promoting awareness of cardiac arrest and CPR training, and has experience as a Support Worker supporting children and adults with a range of special educational needs.

Mai Muschamp joins us in January 2025 as an Education Worker in London. Mai has an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Manchester. Mai has previously volunteered for the Father Ray Foundation as an English teacher. She has also worked in the hospitality sector and as a freelance digital content creator.

Mairead Pentland joined us in April 2024. Mairead has a degree in Social Sciences (Politics and Sociology) from the University of Manchester. Previously, she worked as a Primary Teaching Assistant and volunteered as an Mentor with ReachOut.

Marcus Sewell joined us in January 2025. Marcus has an undergraduate degree in International relations and Politics from the University of Northumbria (Newcastle). He has previously worked as a sports coach at Magpie Sports and Corbridge Cricket Club.

Marcus Watkins joined us in August 2022. Marcus has a degree in Biology, a Masters in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement and a PGCE from the University of Exeter.

Margaret Spiers joined us in December 2024 as our Head of People and Culture. Margaret has a degree in Theology from the University of Southampton and a postgraduate diploma in Human Resources Management from the University of East London. Margaret has over 25 years experience of working in human resources and development roles across a number of charities, and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Martha Astill joined us in January 2026. Martha studied Sociology at Sheffield Hallam University. She previously worked as an Engagement Assistant at a widening participation organisation in South Yorkshire and as a Customer Support Executive for FareShare, managing food waste and community relations.