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 began his teaching career under the Teach First programme. He taught for two years at a school in Birmingham where he established a school debating club.
Mr Peal took a year out of teaching to work as an education research fellow at Civitas, a Westminster-based think tank. During this year, he published a book on the history of teaching methods and a report about school inspection. He is also the author (along with Mr Selth) of the Knowing History textbook series, published by Collins.
Away from teaching, Mr Peal enjoys reading, cooking, running and cycling.
Senior Leadership Team
Miss A Hughes: Assistant Headteacher (Teaching and Learning) / Head 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 Science
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 7 / 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 K Appadoo: Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Ms Appadoo grew up in Saudi Arabia and Suffolk, and later lived in South America and Spain. After completing her degree in Spanish and International Studies through the Open University she went on to study for her PGCE in Norwich. Ms Appadoo has a passion for languages and learning about other cultures through language. She taught English in Cádiz, Spain and later became a languages teacher in Norwich, before moving on to become Head of Spanish at Bloxham School.
In her spare time, she loves going to the theatre and travelling as much as possible.
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.
Mr R Bell: Teacher of Mathematics
Mr Bell graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in Natural Sciences and Law, and subsequently studied for a degree in Mathematics with the Open University. He has come to teaching after an international career in management consulting, with a background in systems design and implementation.
Mr Bell is keenly involved in theatre as a trustee of several theatre companies and a producer. He is also a keen long-distance cyclist.
Mr C Booth: Teacher of Physical Education and 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 York 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: Head 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 : Head 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: Teacher 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 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.
Mrs R Fonseka-McFarlane: Head of Biology
Mrs Fonseka graduated from the University of Warwick with a Bsc in Bio-Medical Science. Mrs Fonseka has worked with charities in Zimbabwe teaching Mathematics and English to orphaned children.
Mrs Fonseka's passion for science stems from her school days where she enjoyed the variety of her science lessons, and the opportunities to explore new ideas. She aims to teach science classes which encourage self-confidence, inquisitiveness and independence.
Away from teaching, Mrs Fonseka enjoys travelling and aims to visit a new country each year.
Ms E Freeling: Teacher 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 M Gil Valera: Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
Miss Gil Valera was born and raised in Bullas, a small town in Murcia, Spain, and studied English Language and Literature at the University of Murcia. She later moved to London where she worked as a teaching assistant and completed a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages at Roehampton University. She is currently studying a National Professional Qualification in Leading Teaching.
Outside of teaching languages, Miss Gil is passionate about music. She plays the clarinet and she has been part of a music band in her hometown in Spain. Miss Gil also enjoys travelling, experiencing different cultures and spending time with her family.
Mr Y Hamid: Head of Economics / Professional Mentor
Mr Hamid graduated with a BA in Economics from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Prior to joining WLFS, he was head of Economics at a school in West London, having trained in teaching on the Teach First programme. Prior to teaching, he worked as an economic analyst for a corporate insurance company in the city of London.
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.
Miss B Hewlett: Lead Teacher of Literacy Catch Up
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 / Outdoor Education Coordinator
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 L Hughes: Teacher of Science (Chemistry)
Mr Hughes graduated from the University of Bath with a degree in Natural Sciences. He read Chemistry, Pharmacology and Business during his BSc Bachelor’s. He has spent time working for GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals in London before completing a PGCE at Exeter University.
In his free time, Mr Hughes likes to keep active by playing squash, cycling, football and surfing. He also enjoys travelling, dogs, cooking and skiing.
Mr A Hunt: Teacher of History
Mr Hunt studied History at Edinburgh University, gaining a first class degree before studying the PgDL and LPC at BPP Law School in London. He spent 14 years as a lawyer at the same firm in London, specialising in Family Law. Mr Hunt has a lifelong love of History and decided to change careers into teaching so that he can pass that passion on to others.
Away from work, and aside from History, Mr Hunt enjoys reading, the theatre, films, cooking for friends and family and supporting Arsenal.
Miss L Jones: Head of Year 12 / Teacher of Science (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 S King: Head of Politics / Teacher of History
Mr King graduated from the University of York with a BA (Hons) in Economic & Social History. He also has a Masters in Business Administration from Cranfield University School of Management, where he was awarded the Henry Ford II prize for outstanding achievement.
Prior to teaching, he worked extensively in banking, financial technology and management consultancy. As a consultant, he advised many leading organisations internationally in the private, public and charitable sectors. Mr King believes that a thorough understanding of history is invaluable for understanding our world today, knowing who we are and having empathy for the perspectives of others.
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 maths in all students.
In her free time, Mrs Kjellberg enjoys traveling, gardening, the outdoors and the company of friends and family.
Miss G Leggatt: Head of Girls' Games and PE
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: 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.
Miss L Looker: Teacher of History
Miss Looker graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science with a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations. After university, she taught at a comprehensive school in Eastbourne for three years where she completed the Teach First programme, before returning to London.
In her free time, Miss Looker enjoys playing football and weight-lifting.
Ms E Mann: Teacher of Art
Ms Mann graduated with a with a degree in Architecture from the University of Nottingham.
After a career in the profession, she pursued her interest in arts education while undertaking a Master's degree at King's College London. Alongside her academic studies, Ms Mann has been a freelance artist and has exhibited her pieces in London and had several portraits commissioned around the UK.
On completing her PGCE in Design and Technology Education at the University of Cambridge she continued her interest in education at the university through a MEd in Researching Practice. In the meanwhile, she started teaching at Stephen Perse Foundation in the private sector in Cambridge. She then moved back to London where she worked at Twyford CE High School and BRIT Kids Saturday school as an Art, Graphics and Digital Design teacher before starting at West London Free School.
In her spare time Ms Mann works as a volunteer organising and participating in events for charity, plays the violin and enjoys learning and immersing herself in new cultures and languages.
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: 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.
Mr A Norton: Director of Sport / Head of Houses
Mr Norton attended the University of Exeter where he obtained a degree in Sport and Exercise Science. After three years of coaching tennis and skiing, he returned to Exeter to complete a PGCE in PE. Before joining the West London Free School, he worked at the City of London School and Eton College.
Mr Norton participates in a variety of sports including rugby, squash, and primarily tennis, which he plays to a national level.
Miss O Ogunjobi: Teacher 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.
Ms R Owen: Head of Year 13 / Teacher of Divinity
Ms Owen graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in social anthropology and comparative religion. She taught for two years at a school in Croydon where she completed the Teach First programme before taking up a teaching post in Wembley. Prior to joining West London Free School, Ms Owen spent two years living in Spain and working in Gibraltar.
In her spare time, Ms Owen enjoys studying Spanish 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.
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.
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: Assistant 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.
Miss V Rousvoal: Head of French / Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
Miss Rousvoal graduated from the Université de Bourgogne in France, with a BA degree in English literature, language and civilization. After spending two years as a French Language Assistant in Norwich School, she decided to get a PGCE in French and Spanish at the University of Exeter.
In her spare time, Miss Rousvoal likes going to the cinema, reading and travelling.
Mr R Selth: Teacher of History and Classics
Mr Selth was born and grew up in Canberra, Australia. He studied History and Classics at the Australian National University before proceeding to a Master’s in Classics at the University of Oxford. Prior to joining the West London Free School, he worked as a teacher of History, Classics, and Grammar at Pimlico Academy, teaching both primary and secondary classes.
Mr Selth is passionate about debating, drama, and writes in his spare time. He is the co-author, with Mr Peal, of the Knowing History textbook series.
Ms S Shanfari: Teacher of Mathematics (on maternity leave)
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 will be starting her Masters in Education Psychology at UCL in October this year.
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.
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.’
Ms M Stewart: Head of Personal Development Curriculum / Teacher of Art
Ms Stewart studied Fine Art and History of Art (joint hons) at Goldsmiths, graduating in 2012. Since then, Ms Stewart has continued to practise as an Artist, working in painting and print making and exhibiting work across the UK. She also worked as an freelance Artist Educator running workshops in schools – this led her to join the West London Free School, originally as the art technician. Following a year in the role, Ms Stewart returned to Goldsmiths to undertake a PGCE in Art and Design, teaching across south London, before returning as an Art Teacher at the school in July.
Ms Stewart enjoys reading and long cycling holidays when not making her own work or teaching!
Miss L Szego: 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.
Mr D Thompson: Head of Year 8 / Teacher of Divinity
Mr Thompson graduated from the University of Birmingham with a BA in Theology. He taught religious studies and history for three years in Birmingham, completing the Teach First Leadership Development Programme. During this time he was responsible for community cohesion within the school and completed a Masters in Educational Leadership through the University of Warwick. Afterwards he taught religion and coached football at a school in the Bahamas for two years.
Mr Thompson enjoys a variety of sports, including football, scuba diving and running. He also enjoys visiting historic buildings, particularly churches.
Mrs I Vazquez Losada: Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
Mrs Vazquez Losada is a Law and Business Administration Graduate from the Pontificia Comillas University (ICADE ) in Madrid, Spain. She has enjoyed working in finance in international companies in Edinburgh, Madrid, Paris and Luxembourg. She believes foreign languages are key to learning about the world and she continues to enjoy learning about languages and communication. She decided to study a PGCE in Modern Languages at the University of St Mary´s in Twickenham in order to transmit her passion for languages and different cultures to young people in 2021.
In her free time she loves going to the cinema, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Ms A Veseli: Teacher of Mathematics
Ms Veseli graduated with a BA in Financial Economics from the University of Kingston . After a career in the financial and retail sector, she moved into teaching by initially working for two years as Maths Booster support in a local primary school and a number of years as a Maths Tutor. Ms Veseli continued her passion for Mathematics and education by successfully completing her PGCE in Secondary Education (Mathematics) from St Marys University with overall outstanding grades.
A fluent Albanian and Italian speaker, Ms Veseli is fascinated by foreign languages and enjoys travelling.
Ms E Walker: Teacher of English
Miss Walker studied Philosophy at the University of Nottingham before going on to train as an English teacher with the Teach First Programme. She taught English for 3 and a half years in Ipswich where she was her school’s Literacy Lead. Miss Walker helped to choregraph Shrek the musical and Grease at her previous school as well as helping with Netball club.
Away from teaching, Miss Walker enjoys a variety of sports, including Netball, Water Polo, Volleyball and Table Tennis as well as reading and dancing.
Mr E Watkins: Director of Music
Mr Watkins studied music as an organ scholar at Keble College, Oxford. On completing his PGCE he started teaching in London comprehensive schools before coming to the West London Free School as one of the founding staff in 2011.
Miss J Wilhelm: Teacher of Music
Miss Wilhelm moved to London from Canada in 2008 to study for a Masters in French Horn at the Royal Academy of Music, where she also obtained a Licentiate in private brass teaching. She has been teaching brass, piano and singing at the West London Free School since 2011.
During school holidays, Miss Wilhelm enjoys touring with her band, The Great Malarkey.
Mr C Wilsdon: Head of Year 9 / Teacher of Geography
Mr Wilsdon graduated from the University of Warwick with a degree in History during which he spent a year studying in Berlin. After a brief spell in IT project management in a publishing group, he trained as a Geography teacher with Teach First.
Outside of school, Mr Wilsdon enjoys playing tennis and cycling.
Mr J Yates : Teacher of Music
Mr Yates graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London with a degree in Music.
Alongside his academic studies he was also a choral scholar. As part of the choir of Royal Holloway he sang regular concerts and services, and undertook numerous recordings, broadcasts and international tours to Europe and North America. After completing his degree, Mr Yates undertook his teacher training at the University of Cambridge where he also sang with the Choir of Sidney Sussex College. Prior to university, he spent two years singing as a Choral Scholar in St David's and Lincoln Cathedrals.
Mr Yates continues to enjoy singing as both a soloist and in choirs, and attending concerts and the opera.
