Meet the Team

Steve has worked with the MSC for a number of years delivering the RE and History subject specialism. Graduating university with a history degree and a strong passion, Steve has progressed in his career to become a history lecturer, Head of History at a local secondary school and then an Assistant Head. He now focuses on his MSC role and the wealth of knowledge and passion he brings to each session. Steve enjoys passing on his love for his subjects while helping trainees develop, enjoying the impact his mentorship has on the future of teachers.

Rob completed a BA in English Literature at Cardiff University and then had a first career in overseas development. After 5 years, he shifted to teaching English as a Second Language, initially in Thailand then in South Korea, including completing his CELTA. Rob then returned to the UK to become secondary-qualified through the GTP route – very similar to School Direct – and spent 3 years in an East Sussex school, also completing a Master’s in Education at the University of Sussex. A return to Asia followed, with 2 years at the British International School, Hanoi, during which time he was also Head of Year. He moved to the Southwest a decade ago to become second in English at the Gryphon, Sherborne, where he is currently Acting Head of Dept. Rob has delivered frequent CPD – including during his Lead Practitioner accreditation – and has a strong interest in developing new teachers. He regularly mentors trainees and ECTs, and also very much enjoys his MSC Subject Specialist input in producing the teachers of the future.

Rebecca has been teaching Business and Computing at Westfield Academy in Yeovil for the last six years, following a brilliant few years over at The Blue School in Wells. Having spent plenty of time in local classrooms, she loves finding creative ways to make digital skills and business concepts click for her students. Rebecca worked with the MSC last year supporting Business trainees, and she is really looking forward to helping out with the Computing cohort this coming year.

Nerys completed a joint BSC (Hons) degree in Education and Biology at St Luke’s School of Education, Exeter University which also included gaining PGCE and QTS. Prior to joining the MSC, Nerys taught across a wide range of schools in Birmingham, Bristol and Somerset in a variety of roles including Head of Year, Head of Faculty and Assistant Headteacher for teaching and learning. During this time, she also completed the NPQH and had extensive experience as Professional Tutor for trainee and early career teachers. As well as working with the MSC, Nerys also holds various roles across Wessex Learning Trust including Science and Food teacher, Trust Science Curriculum Director and Trust ECT Lead. Since working with the MSC, Nerys has been responsible for developing the Intensive Training and Practice programme which has enhanced her passion for developing teacher competence and confidence using evidence-informed research.

Vicki read European Studies with French and Italian at Royal Holloway, University of London and then completed a PGCE in Secondary MFL at De Montfort University. She went on to complete a PGCert in Advanced Educational Practice at the Westminster Institute of Education, specialising in the teaching of Gifted & Talented students. Vicki is currently Subject Lead for Languages at Kings Academy in Cheddar alongside her MSC role and has worked in various schools across Somerset over the past 25 years across key stages 2 to 5.

Having built up these years of teaching experience, Vicki has shifted naturally to teacher training where she is enthusiastic about using her classroom experience to coach, support, and inspire new teachers, ensuring they have the skills, resilience and confidence to lead successful, thriving classrooms from day one.

Emily studied Mathematics at the University of Exeter before completing her PGCE in Secondary Mathematics at the University of Gloucestershire in 2001. Over the past 25 years, she has taught mathematics in secondary schools across Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Dorset, holding a range of roles including Head of Mathematics and Lead Teacher.

Since becoming Mathematics Subject Specialist for MSCITT in 2019, Emily has led the development and delivery of the mathematics training curriculum, supporting trainees through subject-specific training and mentoring. Alongside her work with MSCITT, she is training as a Professional Development Lead with the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM).

Emily is passionate about supporting trainee teachers to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become excellent mathematics practitioners.

Heather Essadiq studied for a BA (Hons) in Art and Design before beginning her career working in a gallery in Birmingham, where she supported and facilitated art workshops. This experience led her to complete a PGCE in Art and Design and move into secondary education.

Heather began her teaching career as a Secondary Art and Design Teacher and is currently Head of Art, as well as Curriculum Curator for Art and Design within the Cabot Learning Federation.

Alongside her school-based role, she is also an AQA Art and Design Moderator, supporting standards and assessment in Art and Design nationally.

Matt studied Sports Rehabilitation and Sport Science at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, before completing a Master’s degree in Physiology and Biomechanics at Brunel University London. During this time, he represented Great Britain in rowing, competing across four Olympic Games between 2000 and 2012.

Following his retirement from elite sport, Matt moved into education and leadership, completing a PGCE through the MSC and a Master’s degree in Education and Leadership at the University of Bath. He has held a range of teaching and leadership roles, including Director of Rowing, Head of Faculty for PE, and now Director of Curriculum for PE across the Wessex Learning Trust.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys endurance sport and continues to take on new challenges through events such as marathons, Ironman, HYROX, and CrossFit.

Her interest in initial teacher training began in 2002 when she was part of the steering group set up by Plymouth University to create a new PGCE Drama specialist course within the Southwest and she took over the leadership of the course in 2006 on a three-year secondment. In 2009 she became a full-time lecturer in Secondary Drama Education at Plymouth University and took over the PGCE English leadership in 2016. She completed her MA Education degree with Plymouth University in 2017 focusing on aspects of mentoring and coaching in initial teacher training, approaches to behaviour management, paradigm shifts in education and Drama specific assessment pedagogies.