Teacher Profiles
Joint Headteachers
Mr B McLaughlin: Joint Headteacher (Pastoral) / Teacher of English
Mr McLaughlin graduated from the University of Manchester Metropolitan with a degree in English Literature. After graduating, he worked in his established family business, overseeing the development of young people in a Montessori environment.
Mr McLaughlin continued his passion for education by successfully completing his PGCE in Secondary Education (English) from Newman University College, Birmingham. Upon completion, he took a teaching post at Whitmore High School, Harrow. He has moved to West London Free School from William Brookes School, Much Wenlock (a Coubertin school).
Mr McLaughlin enjoys staying fit through cycling and tennis. He is also a keen snowboarder and qualified in canoeing and sailing.
Mr R Peal: Joint Headteacher (Academic) / Teacher of History
Mr Peal studied history at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, before gaining a Masters in History from the University of Pennsylvania under a Thouron Scholarship. On returning from America, he taught for two years in Birmingham through the Teach First programme.
As well as teaching, Mr Peal spent a year working as an education research fellow at Civitas, a Westminster-based think tank, and a year working as a policy advisor to the then Schools Minister Nick Gibb. He has written a history of teaching methods in British schools entitled Progressively Worse (2014), a series of textbooks for Collins – which we use at the WLFS – entitled Knowing History (2016), and Meet the Georgians (2021) a biographical history of the eighteenth century. He is currently working on a book about the last twenty years of school reform.
Mr Peal has served on various advisory panels at the Department for Education, and in 2024 was awarded an MBE for ‘services to education’ on the King’s birthday honours list.
Senior Leadership Team
Miss A Hughes: Assistant Headteacher (Teaching and Learning) / Teacher of Divinity
Miss Hughes graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Theology and Religious Studies. She then taught for two years at a school in Birmingham, where she completed the Teach First programme before moving to London.
In her spare time, Miss Hughes enjoys going to the theatre and keeping fit.
Mr J Pereira: Assistant Headteacher (Pupil Enrichment) / Teacher of Physical Education
Mr Pereira graduated from St Mary's University, with a BSc in Sports Science before completing his PGCE in Physical Education at Middlesex University. Before joining West London Free School, he spent nine years at St Thomas More Language College in Sloane Square, five of which as the Head of the PE department.
Mr Pereira grew up locally in Brook Green. He has a real passion for ensuring the students in the area all have access to a rich curriculum and the opportunity to develop their cultural capital.
Mr Pereira is a keen fitness enthusiast who enjoys going to the gym, playing football and distance running.
Mrs K Philomon: Assistant Headteacher (Pupil Welfare) / Teacher of Biology
After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology from University College London, Mrs Philomon went on to complete an MSc in Neuroscience at the same university. Following completion of her PGCE and NQT year, Mrs Philomon was appointed Head of KS4 Science at her previous school, where she remained for a number of years before moving to the West London Free School in June 2014.
Mrs Philomon is keen to inspire her pupils to develop an appreciation of the value of learning in life. She is particularly interested in narrowing the attainment gap for black and minority ethnic (BME) students within the educational system.
Miss G Speller: Assistant Headteacher (Director of Sixth Form) / Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
Miss Speller read French & German at Bristol University, focusing particularly on the politics and history of the two countries. She then completed her teacher training at Oxford University before heading to work in Camden. For the last 5 years she has been Head of Sixth Form, where, amongst other things, she developed partnerships with international businesses in the local area, to the great benefit of the students.
In her spare time Miss Speller is a voracious reader and belongs to several book clubs. She also enjoys her recently-discovered hobby of running, in addition to baking and cooking.
Mr V Tamizian: Assistant Headteacher (Sixth Form Academic) / Teacher of History
Mr Tamizian studied history at Clare College, Cambridge, after which he stayed on at the University to complete his PGCE. He then moved to London to teach at Fortismere School, during which time he also completed his Masters in Education with the Faculty of Education at Cambridge. In addition to history, he taught A Level Classics and has a keen interest in ancient history, especially Ancient Rome. Mr Tamizian enjoys reading and film. He likes to bring these interests into the classroom; in the past he has run an enrichment activity considering how the African-American Civil Rights Movement has been depicted in films.
Academic Staff
Miss D Abbassy-Robeikheh: Head of Year 9 / Teacher of Art
Miss Abbassy studied for a degree in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, UAL. After graduating she spent an extended amount of time travelling around Croatia on an artist residency, developing her artistic practice alongside other creatives. After her travels, she began to successfully teach art, freelance, at Servite RC Primary School for a year and then moved on to continue her professional practice in Holy Cross Primary School, having established an engaging and forward-looking Art club in both schools. She then completed her PGCE in Secondary Education (Art) from Goldsmiths University of London.
Miss Abbassy enjoys travelling across the world, exploring various cultures and new places. She also loves ice skating which stems from her past of being a national figure skating competitor. She also loves art and its universal language and appreciates the place with which children can take the arts further for the future!
Ms H Ahmad: Teacher of Geography / Outdoor Activity Coordinator
Ms Ahmad graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a BSc in Geology. Upon completion of her degree, she worked at the International School of Brunei as a teaching assistant for a year before completing the PGCE in secondary Geography at St Mary's University, Twickenham. She then taught at Brampton Manor Academy in east London for 3 years before moving to West London Free School.
Outside of school, Ms Ahmad enjoys going to the gym and keeping fit and the outdoors.
Ms A Ameen: Teacher of Classics / Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator
Miss Ameen joined the West London Free School in 2011 as a founding student. She went on to study Classics at Oxford for a short while, where she was also a choral scholar. She has since returned to the school as both a teacher of Music and Classics, and as the Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator.
Outside of school, Miss Ameen enjoys studying Biblical Hebrew and a smattering of stand-up comedy.
Dr M Athinaiou: Teacher of Computer Science and Mathematics
Dr. Athinaiou is a licensed economist with a specialisation in finance and auditing from the University of the Aegean. She further specialised in IT auditing and focused on cybersecurity, earning a master’s from the University of Piraeus and the University of Regensburg through an ERASMUS scholarship. Her EPSRC-funded PhD explored cybersecurity in healthcare infrastructures, contributing to various private and public projects within the Centre for Secure, Intelligent, and Usable Systems.
Now, after completing her PGCE in Computing at UCL, Dr. Athinaiou delivers lessons in computing and mathematics, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Beyond teaching, she enjoys sports, dancing, reading and the creative arts.
Mr J Bacchi-Andreoli: Head of Art and History of Art
Mr Bacchi-Andreoli graduated from Goldsmiths' College with a BA in Fine Art and Contemporary Critical Theory, after completing a Foundation at Camberwell College of Art, followed by an MA in Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art. He worked as an artist based in London and curated various exhibitions, including a collaboration with the Arts Council. His interest in teaching was confirmed after running workshops in the Education Department of the Serpentine Gallery. After completing his PCGE at the Institute of Education, he taught Art at Reed's School, Surrey, where he also set up History of Art at A Level. He has worked at several schools in and around London as Head of Art and History of Art.
Away from teaching, he continues to work at his studio in Waterloo. He also has a strong interest in cooking and all things Italian, due to his heritage.
Mrs A Barrett: Teacher of Art
Having completed an Art Foundation at Kingston, Mrs Barrett went to the University of Manchester and graduated with a BA in History of Art. After working for an interior design company in London, she worked for the artist and film director, Peter Greenaway, for seven years assisting on several of his feature films, setting up and curating his painting exhibitions worldwide.
Mrs Barrett has continued to pursue her own artistic practice, working in stained glass and glass fusing, completing various private commissions. She also runs art classes at a local primary school. In her spare time Mrs Barrett loves yoga and visiting art galleries.
Miss A Blundell: Teacher of Science
Miss Blundell graduated from the University of Exeter with a degree in Biological Sciences. She later completed her teacher training in Kent, before moving to teach in West London. Outside of school, Miss Blundell enjoys running, travelling and spending time with her family.
Mr C Booth: Head of Year 10 / Teacher of Games
Mr Booth is a Loughborough University graduate where he studied Sport, Health and Exercise Science. He completed his PGCE in Secondary education from Buckingham University.
Mr Booth has enjoyed over 10 years of teaching, heavily involved with sporting and pastoral responsibilities including 8 years at Ampleforth College in Yorkshire and more recently, 3 years in London at Emanuel School.
A keen sportsman, Mr Booth still enjoys playing and coaching Cricket and Hockey and is a keen basketballer and Aston Villa supporter.
Ms C Brennan: Teacher of English
Ms Brennan graduated from the University of Sydney with a BA with Honours in English Literature, before completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Sydney Institute of Education. She also holds a Diploma in Performance Coaching from Newcastle College, and an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. She was awarded the Cinnamon Press first collection prize in 2008, and her work is also published in a range of UK and European anthologies and journals. She has taught in London schools as Head of English and Drama, as well as teaching undergraduate creative writing for the Open University. She is passionate about the power of literature and the arts to transform lives.
In addition to teaching, Ms Brennan enjoys swimming, painting and travel.
Ms J Chen: Teacher of Mathematics
Originally from China, Ms Chen moved to UK in 2014. She then graduated from University of Warwick with a degree in Economics. Her dissertation focussed on the impact of mobile phones on women's empowerment in rural India. This year she is going to do her PGCE in mathematics at West London Free School.
In her spare time, Ms Chen enjoys cooking and volunteering.
Miss J Coleman: Head of Year 11 / Teacher of Classics
Miss Coleman studied Classics at St Andrews University, focussing on Roman Satire for her dissertation. Before completing her PGCE at Cambridge, she spent time in Rome and Florence where she completed a TEFL qualification.
She is particularly interested in the art and architecture of Classical Greece, in particular the development of free-standing sculpture.
Outside of school, Miss Coleman enjoys running, reading, drawing and travelling.
Miss N Crook: SENDCo / Teacher of Classics
Miss Crook graduated with a BA in Classics from the University of Oxford, having focused during her degree on the extensive literature and history of the Greek and Roman civilisations. She particularly loves sharing her enthusiasm for Alexander the Great.
Outside of her classical interests, Miss Crook enjoys Zumba and travelling.
Miss J Cunnane : Teacher of Physics
Miss Cunnane graduated from the University of Exeter with a degree in Biological Sciences. She later completed her teacher training at the same institution. Since graduating she has taught in a number of schools both in the UK and in Australia, gaining experience teaching Biology, Physics and Mathematics.
Aside from teaching Science, Miss Cunnane has a qualification in personal training and enjoys generally keeping active. She also has a passion for travelling, inspired by her keen interest in ecology and the natural world.
Miss L Dillingham: Head of Classics
Miss Dillingham read Classics at Trinity College, Cambridge. West London Free School will be her first Classics teaching role, though she spent a year teaching PE at St Paul’s Girls’ School after graduating from university.
She is particularly interested in the art and archaeology of the ancient world, especially that of the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures.
Outside of Classics, she loves playing sport, especially lacrosse and tennis, and spending time hiking in the mountains.
Miss E Dimond: Head of Year 12 / Teacher of History
Miss Dimond graduated from the University of St Andrews with a MA in Modern History. She later completed a PGCE at the University of Cambridge before joining the history teaching community. She has a particular interest in 18th century society and material culture in Britain.
Miss Dimond loves to travel, play hockey, read, visit art galleries and linocut printmaking.
Ms C Dumbill: Head of Physics
Ms Dumbill studied Human Sciences at Hertford College, Oxford with a focus in her studies on the spread of infectious disease influenced by biological and social factors. After graduating she complete her teacher training with Teach First at a school in North Lincolnshire teaching all sciences but with a focus on Physics.
Having grown up in the Cumbria she still enjoys heading out for walks (especially if fells or lakes are involved) and since moving to London has started playing Rugby Union.
Miss E Faire: Teacher of Biology
Miss Faire graduated from the University of Exeter with a BSc in Human Biosciences, and enjoyed playing for a successful Women’s Lacrosse team throughout her time there. After graduating she worked at a school in Canterbury coaching hockey, netball, lacrosse and tennis. She then completed her PGCE back at Exeter. Since then she has been teaching biology at a renowned school in Hackney. She was also a Learning Support Teacher at the school, so is aware of the challenges that many pupils face when learning.
Miss Faire aims to increase the confidence and independence of her pupils, but to also challenge them every lesson. She has very high expectations of effort in her lessons.
Outside of teaching, Miss Faire loves the outdoors, and regularly cycles and plays tennis.
Ms A Fernandez Alvarez: Teacher o
Ms E Freeling: Head of Divinity
After graduating with a degree in Religion from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, in the USA, Ms Freeling worked on a gubernatorial campaign in Maine, as a middle-school librarian in South Dakota, and as an editor at an environmental think tank in California. She then spent several years as a magazine editor in San Francisco before relocating to London, where she worked as a librarian before training to teach. She continues to be a strong proponent of the value of reading for pleasure, both for academic attainment and for individual well-being.
Away from teaching, she enjoys reading (of course), art museums, travelling, and walks in the countryside.
Miss J Henao: Second in Department for Mathematics
Miss Henao graduated with a BSc in Mathematics from the University of York, a four year degree which included a year studying Mathematics and History of Art at the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid. After a career in finance, working in a global investment bank and qualifying as a chartered management accountant, she completed her PGCE in Secondary Mathematics at the University of Roehampton .
A fluent Spanish speaker, Miss Henao enjoys travelling and the arts. She is a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver.
Mr D Herrera-Chavez: Teacher of Music
Mr Herrera-Chavez began his time at WLFS eleven years ago as a student in just its third cohort. Having gone through all stages at the school, he went on to gain a BSc in Music, Sound and Technology at City, University of London. As a music teacher at WLFS, he is heavily invested in the success of the music department, which shaped his love of sound and composition in his formative years.
In his personal time, Mr Herrera-Chavez enjoys writing, engineering and producing his own music. As well as this he really enjoys cooking Latin American food for is friends and family to enjoy.
Miss B Hewlett: Lead Teacher of Literacy / Teacher of English
After graduating from the University of Warwick, Miss Hewlett completed the Teach First programme in Ipswich, where she was her school’s Literacy Coordinator before moving to London.
Outside of teaching, she enjoys running, hiking and Irish dancing.
Mr S Hind: Head of Geography / Professional Mentor
Mr Hind graduated from the University of Oxford with a BA in Geography. Prior to joining WLFS he worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in London, specialising in the audit of large insurance companies. He completed his PGCE in Secondary Geography at the Institute of Education (UCL).
Mr Hind loves to travel, first discovering the rewards of teaching while working on a voluntary basis at a school in Tamil Nadu, India. A keen cyclist and runner, Mr Hind also enjoys playing golf, trying desperately to cling on to a single-figure handicap.
Mr H Hudson: Head of History
Mr Hudson read Classics at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where his final year dissertation analysed the oratory of Cicero and Churchill. Before moving to London, he taught at comprehensive schools in his home city of Oxford, where he previously worked as a teaching assistant for children with special educational needs.
In addition to his enthusiasm for history, Mr Hudson enjoys choral singing, playing cricket and writing. He is also a long-suffering witness to the trials and tribulations of Aston Villa.
Mr A Hunt: Teacher of History
Mr Hunt read History at the University of Edinburgh where his final year dissertation analysed the similarities in political philosophy between political rivals Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Before becoming a teacher, Mr Hunt worked as a family lawyer for fifteen years. He came to the West London Free School in 2021, leaving at the end of the academic year 2023/24. After a brief spell away, he returned to West London Free School in January 2025.
In addition to his enthusiasm for history, Mr Hunt enjoys writing, cooking and is a dedicated supporter of Arsenal.
Mr T Hunt: Head of Boys' Games
Mr T Hunt worked in sports sponsorship for seven years before he decided to pursue a career in PE teaching. He came to the West London Free School in 2021 to do his PGCE. After a brief spell away, Mr T Hunt returned to West London Free School as Head of Boys’ Games in 2024.
Mr T Hunt has a particular passion for rugby union, playing for London Welsh 1XV while introducing the sport to the school with competitive fixtures across the year groups. Outside of sport, he has a surprising interest in musical theatre and is particularly proud of seeing Les Misérables five times.
Miss L Jones: Head of Biology
Miss Jones graduated from The University of Sheffield with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Biochemistry. During her time at university she spent a summer holiday in China teaching in an English language school, which inspired her to pursue a career in teaching. Upon graduating she completed a PGDE (Biology) and Masters in Educational Practice at Liverpool John Moore’s University, with a research focus of equality within education.
Aside from teaching science, Miss Jones has a passion for travelling, trialling new recipes and generally keeping active.
Mr A Kelly: Teacher of Geography
Mr Kelly graduated from Newcastle University with a Ba in Geography before completing his PGCE training back in London at UCL. This is his first professional role as a teacher but he has been working with children since the age of 15 through sports coaching and teaching assistant work.
Mr Kelly was born and raised locally in Fulham and as such suffers the highs and lows of his beloved Fulham FC. In his spare time he enjoys collecting records and playing football.’
Mrs K Kjellberg: Teacher of Mathematics
Mrs Kjellberg graduated from the Stockholm School of Economics with a M.Sc. in Economics and Business. She has spent the majority of her career working in finance, mainly as an equity fund manager, and is a qualified Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Mrs Kjellberg also worked for the Money Advice Service with the remit to develop tools and resources to help people better manage their money. She has turned to teaching with a hope to instil a love for mathematics in all students.
In her free time, Mrs Kjellberg enjoys traveling, gardening, the outdoors and the company of friends and family.
Ms B Lee: Head of Economics
Ms Lee graduated from the University Of Technology, Sydney with a Bachelor Of Business (Marketing and Finance). Upon completion of her degree, she worked in brand management for over a decade in multinational companies such as Pfizer, Twinings and Lindt & Sprungli. Parenthood changed her perspective on life, resulting in a career change to teaching. Ms Lee’s personal interest is in Economics and loves teaching it because it gives a person valuable insight into how the world works.
Always seeking an adventure, Ms Lee loves travelling, reading, water sports and discovering new foods.
Miss G Leggatt: Director of Sport
Miss Leggatt attended Loughborough University, where she graduated with a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science and then later completed her PGCE in PE. She developed her passion for sharing her love of sport when working as a Sports Coach at a children’s activity camp in her summers between university. Miss Leggatt is an enthusiastic teacher who is dedicated to ensuring the PE experience for all young females is both empowering and enjoyable. Before joining the West London Free School, she worked at Coloma Convent Girls’ School in Croydon for four years.
Miss Leggatt is a keen Netball and Trampolining coach. She currently plays Netball in her local league weekly and previously participated in Trampolining for 14 years, before turning to coaching.
Miss C Lonsdale: Head of Year 7 / EPQ Coordinator / Teacher of English
Miss Lonsdale graduated from Durham University with a degree in English Literature. Her favourite areas of study include Romantic poetry, Shakespeare's tragedies, and 20th century American fiction. After university she worked in recruitment consulting for four years before completing her teacher training at WLFS and PGCE with UCL. Alongside teaching English, she is the school’s EPQ Coordinator, helping sixth form students develop skills of independent research, academic presentation, and wider reading in preparation for university.
In her spare time she is an avid reader, a keen runner, and a theatre and dance enthusiast as part of an amateur musical theatre company.
Mr B Marinho Teacher of Maths
Mr Marinho graduated from Bristol University with a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant after which he worked for a number of years in Investment Banking. His volunteering as a tutor in Maths during this period sparked his change of career to teaching. He completed his PGCE at St Marys University.
He is a keen sportsman and gardener and always on the lookout for exotic treats to attempt to cultivate in his garden.
Mr D Maturo : Teacher of History
Mr Maturo read history at King's College, London, before completing an M.Phil in International Relations at Peterhouse, Cambridge. In his previous career he worked in financial markets in the City and in Amsterdam. He subsequently changed path and gained his History PGCE at the Institute of Education.
Other than reading history books, Mr Maturo tries to keep fit, looks after four Bengal cats and is an Arsenal season ticket holder.
Dr A McNally: Head of Science and Teacher of Chemistry
Dr McNally graduated from University College Cork with a BSc in Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds. She then moved to Amsterdam for a year where she worked as a research assistant in the Netherlands Cancer Institute. She completed her PhD in Molecular Oncology at the University of Cambridge, where she focused on primary brain tumours. Prior to joining West London Free School, Dr McNally taught science at Pimlico Academy, where she also completed her teacher training.
Mr D Millar: Head of Year 13 / Teacher of Mathematics
Mr Millar studied at Trinity College, Dublin and the Open University, graduating with a BA in Music and Spanish. After University, he taught English as a Foreign Language in the north of Spain for two years, during which time he studied for an MA in Musicology. Later, he changed track, moving back to the UK to join the Teach First programme, working in a secondary school in Wales and gaining a PGDE in Secondary Mathematics from Bath Spa University.
Mr Millar is a keen clarinettist and singer; he was a choral scholar at Trinity College, Dublin, and has sung at the opening night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
Mr M Newton: Head of Computing / Teacher of Mathematics
Mr Newton graduated with a Masters in mathematics from Loughborough University, with a focus on pure mathematics and numerical methods. He then completed his PGCE in secondary mathematics with University College London.
Whilst at Loughborough, Mr Newton competed in University level eSport tournaments where he placed second in the country.
Miss O Ogunjobi: Head of Music Technology and Acting Assistant Director of Music
Miss Ogunjobi graduated from Birmingham City University with a BSc in Music Technology, having focused on variable architectural acoustics for her final year project and dissertation. During her time at university, she developed a particular interest in game audio.
In her free time, Miss Ogunjobi enjoys playing football and crochet.
Mr S O'Hanlon: Teacher of English and Drama
Mr O’Hanlon grew up in Chichester in West Sussex, before training as an actor at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. He went on to enjoy a successful career as an actor and musician, touring and performing in places as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Israel, all across Europe and at home in London’s West End. When time allowed, he would often lead workshops and drama sessions, through which discovering a love for teaching.
Alongside teaching, Mr O’Hanlon is also an avid writer, and has spent the last few years writing a series of fantasy novels. He is also keen to inspire the next generation of writers at West London Free School. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing guitar and playing strategy boardgames.
Ms A Oulmane: Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
Ms Oulmane graduated from the University of Lyon with a first class honours degree in Languages and Literature and a degree in History of Art. She has a passion for languages and has studied several languages at school and in adult life, including Mandarin and Arabic. She believes learning languages opens up so many opportunities, including the ability to communicate with others and a deeper understanding of one’s identity.
Ms Oulmane grew up in the French countryside and came to London as an Erasmus student, where she eventually settled. She has experience of a wide range of schools after completing her PGCE in Languages. In her spare time, she goes outdoors to enjoy nature and she reads about world history from a variety of perspectives.
Miss B Ouyang: Teacher of Science
Miss Ouyang obtained her bachelor’s in Food Science and studied chemistry and biology as part of the course. She specialised in improving food safety and quality. She moved afterwards to Northern Ireland to study for her MSc at Queen’s University, Belfast and later completed a PGCE at Kingston University.
Outside of school, she enjoys the outdoors, kayaking and hiking.
Ms R Oxtoby: Teacher of English
Ms Oxtoby graduated from University of Oxford with a degree in English Language and Literature, having specialised in Old and Middle English and philology. She remained at the university to complete her PGCE and then went on to work at Holland Park School, teaching English to students aged 11-18. She became a Leading Practitioner with a focus on improving the quality of students’ writing across the school and modelling outstanding teaching at all levels. Her favourite areas of study are Shakespearean tragedy, dystopian fiction and linguistics.
Ms A Paddon: Teacher of Spanish
Ms Paddon graduated from Christ’s College, Cambridge, with a degree in Modern and Medieval Languages and Literature: Spanish and French. During her Year Abroad, she taught English in a Spanish Secondary School with the British Council scheme and she enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to complete a PGCE in Secondary Education: Modern Foreign Languages at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, after completing her BA.
After working in a variety of schools, Ms Paddon completed an MA in Translation Studies at University College London and worked in the translation industry for four years, but continued to teach online, helping students from around the world prepare for their Oxbridge interviews and admissions examinations.
Ms Paddon is an avid reader and enjoys reading in her spare time as well as travelling and trying new dishes from different countries.
Mr A Parker: Teacher of Games
Mr Parker graduated from Southampton Solent University in 2017, where he obtained a degree in Applied Sport Science. Whilst at university he continued to work as a sports coach in local schools, when he found a real love for the teaching industry.
Mr Parker is a keen footballer who had a very exciting career before starting his journey at university to pursue his dream of teaching.
Mr J Plastow: Key Stage 3 Science Co-Ordinator and Teacher of Chemistry
Mr Plastow read Chemistry at the University of Manchester. Always with a keen interest in education, he volunteered at schools and charities alongside studying. He then trained to teach in London and has many years of experience in a variety of challenging roles, academic and pastoral. He is currently exploring the prospect of studying for a Master’s in Education.
Outside of teaching, Mr Plastow enjoys sports, music and travel.
Mrs A Qureshi: Head of Psychology
Mrs Qureshi graduated from Roehampton University with a BSc in Psychology, before obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Child Psychology at Oxford Brookes University. After working two years in a special needs school and as a part-time youth worker, Mrs Qureshi realised her passion was in teaching and helping pupils grow and realise their potential. Psychology is a subject that can help pupils understand themselves better and therefore make more informed choices. Mrs Qureshi then gained a PGCE in Psychology from the University of Wolverhampton. After two years of teaching, Mrs Qureshi has been an AQA examiner for the past four years.
Aside from teaching Mrs Qureshi loves travelling and spending time with her family.
Miss K Rasalingam: Teacher of Mathematics
Miss Rasalingam graduated with a BSc Honours degree in Mathematics from the University of Leicester and brings a passion for problem-solving and analytical thinking to her role. With a background in education and support, Miss Rasalingam is dedicated to fostering a positive and productive learning environment for students. Her approach emphasises clear communication, collaboration, and a commitment to helping students reach their full potential. Outside of work, she enjoys delving into philosophy, reading, cooking, and staying active.
Mr N Revie: Head of Mathematics
Mr Revie graduated from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, with a degree in Mathematics. After spending two years doing voluntary work in Hungary, he returned to obtain his PGCE from the University of Strathclyde. He taught in Glasgow for two years, before moving to London where he has been teaching since 2000 in a variety of middle and senior leadership posts.
Prior to joining the WLFS he was Deputy Headteacher at St Andrew's, Croydon, with particular responsibility for behaviour and pastoral care. A keen carpenter, he likes to have a project or two on the go around the house or in the workshop.
Dr D Robinson: Head of English
Dr Robinson studied English and Art at the University of Birmingham before completing Masters degrees in English and Art and a PhD in English. He has taught English and Art for 12 years in a variety of contexts including a slum in Kenya and the University of Birmingham as a lecturer and mentor.
In his spare time, Dr Robinson enjoys spending time with his family, reading, visiting galleries and making art.
Mrs R Rose: Acting Director of Music
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts in the USA, Mrs Rose graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Magna cum laude, from Gordon College, MA. Following her graduation, she taught primary academic and choral music in the Boston at Park Street School and The Devereux School. In 2017, Mrs Rose obtained a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Connecticut, at which university she served as a Graduate Assistant and main conductor for the Women’s Choir, as well as the chorusmaster for UCONN Opera. In 2018, she completed a Master of Music in Choral Studies from the University of Cambridge as a member of Murray Edwards College, during which time she sang with Robinson College Chapel Choir.
An active performer and conductor, Mrs Rose enjoys singing choral and operatic repertoire just as much as she does conducting. In addition to her many musical interests, she enjoys traveling, staying active, and adventuring.
Ms S Shanfari: Teacher of Mathematics
Ms Shanfari graduated from Guildhall University London with a BA (Hons) in Economics and Mathematics, after which she completed a PGCE in mathematics at the University of Roehampton, as well as attending the Royal Academy of Music. She is currently completing her Masters in Education Psychology at UCL.
Teaching as a career appeals to Ms Shanfari because it gives her the opportunity to help shape the future of young lives. She has been teaching mathematics in both international and UK based schools since 2007 and has thoroughly enjoyed her experience so far. She is looking forward to continuing in her role as a teacher of mathematics at the West London Free School.
Miss A Shanvere : Teacher of History
Miss Shanvere graduated from University of Reading with a degree in Politics and History. While studying A-levels, she worked as a teaching assistant and all other work experiences involved some form of teaching. Therefore, going into teaching was a natural career path.
Other than teaching, Miss Shanvere loves getting lost in a thick fantasy novel or a horror film.
Ms A-L Springham: Head of Politics
Ms Springham has taken on the role of Head of Politics at West London Free School, following teaching roles at London Academy of Excellence and Hampstead Fine Arts College. She holds a PGCE in Religious Studies at UCL, an MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Leiden and BA hons in Liberal Arts and Sciences: World Politics from the prestigious Leiden University College.
Ms Springham has a fervent belief in her students' ability to excel, deep care for their wellbeing and a desire to instil a passion for her subject. Outside of term-time, she also teaches adult classes at CityLit, focussing on Environmental Politics and Ecology. She is a singer and yoga teacher, and loves running the WLFS yoga club.
Mr P Stallard: Second in Department for English
Mr Stallard grew up in London, and attended the University of Manchester, where he read English Literature, learning about the titans of the English language. One summer during University, he worked as a counsellor at a camp for individuals with disabilities, which taught him the virtues of patience and compassion. He also wrote for the University newspaper, reviewing a range of films and theatre productions.
After graduating, Mr Stallard trained as a teacher in an inner city school in Birmingham, where his love for teaching was fostered. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, playing rugby and, of course, reading.
Miss L Szego: Head of Year 8 / Head of Personal Development Curriculum / Teacher of Geography
Miss Szego graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Geography and completed her PGCE at the same institution. Her interest in Geography is further inspired by a love of travel - most recently with a month-long trip around Japan.
Miss Szego is also a keen sportswoman, participating in football and athletics, and particularly javelin and discus, as well as competing in the more unusual Dodgeball Premier League.
Miss S Trukhina: Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
Miss Trukhina read Spanish and Management at King’s College London. During her studies she lived in Madrid and studied at Universidad Complutense Madrid. After graduating, Miss Trukhina went on to complete her PGCE with Future Academies. During her teaching career Miss Trukhina has taught multiple languages: Russian, English as a Second Language and Spanish.
Outside of work, Miss Trukhina is passionate about sports, especially yoga, lacrosse and tennis and art.
Miss E Wilson: Teacher of Physical Education and Games
Originally from New Zealand, Miss Wilson graduated from Otago University with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a Graduate Diploma of Secondary Teaching. Prior to moving to the UK in summer 2023 she spent five years teaching Physical Education, Health and Outdoor Education in a small rural beach town in New Zealand.
Outside of teaching, Miss Wilson enjoys playing netball, hiking, skiing and travelling around Europe.
Ms R Zafar: Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Ms Zafar is a polyglot who speaks five languages. She studied Modern and Medieval Languages at Trinity College, Cambridge, after which she stayed on at the university to complete her PGCE. She then moved back to London to teach at Marylebone Boys' School for four years. Ms Zafar also completed her Masters in Education with the Faculty of Education at Cambridge whilst teaching at the aforementioned school.
In addition to being a keen linguist, Ms Zafar is passionate about history, literature, music, theatre, and world cinema.
