Meet the team

We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to build our teaching team from scratch, and recruit the best people for each job. We have hand-picked a team of exceptional, ambitious teaching practitioners with the determination and expertise to lead our school to success.

Senior leadership team

Lucy Harrison

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Headteacher
Previous professional position: Deputy Headteacher
Academic background: MA in Educational Leadership & Innovation at the University of Warwick; PGCIE at the University of Warwick; PGCE in Secondary History at the University of Birmingham, BSoc.Sci (Hons) in Economic & Social History at the University of Birmingham.

Prior to joining the Archer Academy, Lucy was part of a senior leadership team at Hertswood Academy in Borehamwood which took the school from requiring improvement to good with rapidly improving results. Initially recruited to head up Year 7, she was swiftly promoted to assistant headteacher, with responsibility for teaching and learning at Key Stage 3, gifted and talented provision, and whole school literacy. This broad spread of experience and insight into school leadership proved invaluable when she moved to the Archer Academy.

Lucy joined us as our deputy headteacher in April 2013, and played a pivotal role in our successful start. One of her key responsibilities was to develop our Key Stage 3 curriculum, creating a challenging programme with its roots in the national curriculum but extended and deepened to incorporate key aspects of our vision, such as developing creative, analytical thinkers. Another important part of Lucy’s role in the run-up to opening was to develop our extensive transition programme, building strong links with local primary schools and ensuring an exceptional start for all Archer Academy families. The programme was particularly commended by Ofsted, who believe we will reap the benefits in the years ahead.

The creation of a new school offers a unique set of experiences and challenges for its senior leaders, and throughout our first two years Lucy worked in close partnership with our founding headteacher, sharing the responsibility of and recognition for the firm foundations upon which our school is built. She was therefore a highly credible candidate when the position of headteacher became available and, despite stiff competition from some exceptional candidates, was unanimously appointed to the position in September 2015.

Among Lucy’s priorities for this academic year are ensuring that the school continues to benefit from strong strategic leadership with a capacity for future growth, and developing an ambitious Key Stage 4 curriculum which allows every student to reach their potential. She is determined that, as the Archer Academy continues to grow, it will retain the feeling of a small community school in which each child is known as an individual, and relationships between staff, students and parents remain strong and successful.

Joanna Mahoney

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Senior Assistant Head Pastoral and Well Being
Previous professional position: Assistant Headteacher Behaviour and Inclusion
Academic background: PGCE Art and Design Reading University, First Class Degree in Fine Art

Joanna joins the Archer Academy in the role of Senior Assistant Head, following 12 years working for the Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools in Lewisham. She has worked as an Assistant Head for Behaviour and Inclusion for the past 8 years. She has a breadth of experience in supporting students of all abilities in realising their potential.

She is an experienced senior teacher who has similarly set up and opened a new school. She has also been a Head of Art in an outstanding girl’s school for 4 years where she taught Art and Design, Photography and History of Art to A Level.

Joanna is very excited to bring her pedagogical skills and enthusiasm to the young people in her own community and is thrilled to be joining The Archer Academy at such an exciting time.

Oliver Oakley

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Assistant Headteacher (Data & Systems)
Previous professional position: Head of Computer Science/ICT
Academic background: BSC (Hons) in Management
Science from University of Manchester Institute of Science
and Technology; PGCE in ICT from King’s College London.

Oliver joined us from Wren Academy in Barnet, where he led the introduction of ICT and subsequently Computer Science. He steered the school through the turbulence of curriculum change as it grew from two year groups to seven, and this experience will be of great benefit to Archer Academy.
Whilst at Wren he played a key role in developing the use of e-learning for the whole school, and also embedding digital literacy across the curriculum via the use of student digital leaders. He has worked closely with several other departments to help subject teachers realise the benefits of new and exciting technology, and he has generated a strong interest in computing through the use of clubs and external visits.

Oliver has many years of experience as a head of department in Barnet, including his first teaching post at Mill Hill County High School. Over this time he has had an outstanding track record of exam results and lesson grading. He has also led his previous school in the use of Key Stage 4 progress data and how to track performance data throughout the year.
Prior to teaching Oliver had a successful ten year career in IT, working as a software developer and systems analyst and finally as a management consultant for Accenture. This has given him a real world experience which he enjoys bringing into his lessons, and also an understanding of operating at management level. He is keen to maintain his links with the IT world to the benefit of Archer students.

Lindsay Gillham

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Assistant Headteacher (Teaching & Learning), Humanities Subject Leader
Previous professional position: Head of Geography and Head of Humanities Faculty
Academic background: BSc (Hons) in Geography at the University of Wolverhampton; Secondary PGCE in Geography at the University of Nottingham

Lindsay joined us when the school first opened in September 2013, coming from a school in St Marylebone, Westminster where she was an experienced head of Geography, head of Humanities and Advanced Skills teacher. Since joining the school her role has continued to grow. In her role as head of Humanities, she has designed a creative, broad and balanced Humanities curriculum that is taught through a range of engaging and exciting opportunities such as debating, role play, critical thinking skills and the creative use of ICT.

She has supported the development of gifted and talented provision at the school, running workshops for students, staff and parents and leading on initiatives such as the Bright Ideas talks. She has also taken on a pastoral role as a form tutor for a Year 7 tutor group, leading them through to Year 8.

Following promotion in April 2014, Lindsay has lead the development of our inspiring and creative Thematic Learning curriculum, providing an opportunity for students to study their subjects through interesting themes and cross curricular topics and providing opportunities for students to study a range of essential life skills. She has also taken a role in developing teaching and learning across the school, reviewing standards, monitoring progress, training and supporting staff and developing opportunities for the sharing of good practice and bringing creativity to the classroom.

Lindsay is committed to ensuring that teaching and learning practice at the school develops resilient, independent, creative learners who aspire to work to their highest potential and feel engaged, motivated and inspired in their lessons.

Paul Morrison

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Assistant Headteacher, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and Head of Science
Previous professional position: Head of Science
Academic background: BSC(Hons) in Biochemistry from University of Edinburgh, PhD Biomedical Research University of Sheffield, Postdoctoral Research Fellow University College London and the National Heart and Lung Institute (Imperial College); PGCE in Science from the Institute of Education London.

Paul joined us from the Wren Academy in Barnet, where he has spent the previous seven years. An experienced Science teacher and department head, Paul has led the development of science teaching at the Wren, joining when the school only had Year 7 and Year 8 students and subsequently establishing GCSE and A-level teaching. He leaves the Wren Science department with outstanding GCSE and A-level results from its first cohorts. His new role incorporates being Head of Science with a key goal of utilising his experience to support and develop science teaching in the Archer alongside a wider remit to promote the delivery of STEM subjects throughout the school.

In total Paul has taught for 10 years in Barnet schools with his first 3 years in teaching spent at Mill Hill County High School. Prior to teaching Paul worked in academia, first gaining a PhD then working in research at several universities. His work focused on how cells respond to external stimuli including using nematode worms to model the biochemistry of depression (worms on Prozac). Paul hopes to use his real world experience of science alongside his teaching experience to develop outstanding STEM provision for all students at the Archer Academy.

Richard Gillo

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Upper School/Teacher of Science
Previous professional position: Head of PE
Academic background: BSc (Hons) in Sports Science at the University of Wales (Swansea); PGCE at Southampton University

Richard is an enthusiastic, approachable teacher who brings creative ideas from a variety of backgrounds to his subject. He is passionate about ensuring all students fulfil their potential and leave the Archer Academy to pursue their chosen pathway as well rounded young adults.

As our Head of Upper School, Richard focuses on both transition from Lower to Upper School and then helps students on to their chosen course for further education. He provides students with comprehensive guidance on achieving their next steps. Richard also leads on pastoral care at Upper School, providing a safe and happy environment for all students.

Michele Harrison

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Business Manager

Leanne Chase

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Finance Director

Amber Martin

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Senior Teacher – Head of Lower School
Previous professional position: Head of Year 7
Academic background: BA Hons Spanish and English at the University of Leicester; PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages at University College London

Amber began her teaching career at the Oasis Academy Hadley in Enfield, where she held a pastoral role responsible for the attendance, punctuality and pastoral care. There, she completed her training with TeachFirst and was grared as an ‘outstanding’ participant.

Amber has worked as our static Head of Year 7 for 3 years. Her commitment to her professional development has included a secondment to the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for the Key Stage 3 curriculum. She is now delighted to take on the role of Head of Lower School following her promotion as well as Safeguarding Officer.

Amber is passionate about the pastoral care of children and she believes that a child’s wellbeing is a fundamental element of achieving educational success.

Simran Jouhal

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Geography, Lead Teacher Practitioner of Staff Development, Staff Governor
Previous professional position: Teacher of Geography
Academic background: BSc Geography at Loughborough University, PGCE at the Institute of Education at the University of London, currently completing an MA in Geography Education at IOE.

Simran joined the Archer Academy as Head of Geography in September 2016. She joined us from a London Haringey school, where she nurtured and developed Geography students through the school’s first cohort of year 11s. Whilst there, she contributed to the whole-school literacy programme and EAL department greatly. Simran soon learnt she thrived upon a new school environment, which ultimately attracted her to the Archer Academy. She has lived within our local community since birth, and completed her own primary and secondary education in neighbouring schools in the area.

Simran deeply values the importance of education outside the classroom, through enrichment and extra curricular learning. In her final year whilst studying for her undergraduate degree, she immersed herself into leading societies and partaking in enrichment classes. These ultimately led her to becoming head-hunted by entrepreneur James Caan to lead his project, which was launched through an exclusive event at Buckingham Palace!

As of September 2017 Simran has become the Lead Teacher Practitioner of Staff Development at the Archer Academy, with responsibilities based around coordinating the ITT and NQT training programme, and supporting whole school Teaching and Learning.

Heads of year

Adiyam Ogbaselase

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Year 7
Previous professional position: Teacher of History
Academic background: MA European History at Birkbeck College, BA (HONS) History at University of Hertfordshire, Schools Direct History at Institute of Education

Adiyam joined the Archer Academy in 2017 as a history teacher. She began her career almost nine years ago; undertaking various support staff roles before going on to complete her teachers training. Adiyam thoroughly enjoys her role as a history practitioner. She is keen to bring a creative flare to the classroom and give students the opportunity to explore the discipline through a variety of means.

Beyond her teaching and learning responsibilities, Adiyam is passionate about the holistic development of pupils and was promoted to the post of Head of Year 7 in 2019. She is highly skilled in creating bespoke care plans that unlock a child’s potential and help them foster a positive attitude. Adiyam is experienced in meeting the needs of all students (including those with complex needs) to ensure that they are enabled to achieve their personal best. She firmly believes that effective pastoral care focuses on the development of well-rounded students who are active members of their wider communities. With this in mind, Adiyam is deeply committed to ensuring that our environment is an inclusive and nurturing space for students of all backgrounds.

Jenny Ainscough

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Year 8 & Teacher of Spanish, French & Italian
Previous professional position: Management Consultant
Academic background: BA in Spanish, Italian and European Studies at the University of Bath; PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages at London Metropolitan University.

Jenny completed a degree in Spanish, Italian and European Studies at the University of Bath, which included a year studying at La Sapienza University in Rome and several months in Mexico City. Jenny then worked in marketing and management consultancy for several years before training as a teacher.

Jenny believes that languages can be an amazing tool to help you understand and explore the rest of the world. She is really to keen to share with students this passion for language learning and connection with other cultures, helping them to develop skills for work, travel and further language study.

As a Head of Year, Jenny is passionate about the pastoral care of every student, and believes that looking after students’ wellbeing and behaviour is fundamental to ensuring every child achieves their potential.

Michael Constantinou

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Year 8 & Teacher of Geography
Previous professional position: Energy Consultant
Academic background: BS in American Studies at the University of Sussex;

Michael completed a degree in American Studies at the University of Sussex, which included a year studying at The University of Texas in USA. Michael then worked in retail and an energy consultancy for several years before training as a teacher.

Michael loves looking at the impact we, as a population, have on our world. The way we interact both with each other and our environment is a fascinating aspect of Geography. His involvement with the teaching of Thematic and SPPEC enables him to develop students curiosity in current affairs and develop skills across the curriculum.

As a Head of Year, Michael is dedicated to ensuring every student has the very best pastoral care. Giving students the opportunity to reach their potential, looking after their wellbeing and ensuring they are consistently being the best version of themselves is his focus.

Sam Mustafa

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Year 10 and Extended Project Coordinator
Previous professional position: Head of Year 7
Academic background: BA (Hons) Portuguese and Spanish at The University of Nottingham; PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages at The University of Nottingham.

Sam joined The Archer Academy as a Head of Year following a number of roles in pastoral leadership in outstanding schools; firstly as a Deputy Head of Year at Drayton Manor High School and then as a static Head of Year 7 at Southgate School in Enfield, where he was responsible for the design and implementation of a transition programme for the 250 students in his year group.

Sam is passionate about bringing a bespoke secondary school experience to every student and sees this as key to developing strong partnerships with students so that they are able to maximise their potential. He is driven by providing opportunities for young people to achieve their personal goals.

As a teacher of modern foreign languages, Sam is keen to engage all students at The Archer Academy in the exploration of other cultures. Drawing on his experience as a journalist in Latin America and his passion for this region, he hopes to inspire all students by using authentic resources in order to develop a lifelong interest in languages. As a result, Sam’s vision is to provide and hone all the skills needed by our students to make them global citizens.

Jamie McSherry

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Year 11
Previous professional position: Head of Boys’ Physical Education and Sport
Academic background: BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University; Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Physical Education at London Metropolitan University.

Jamie joined us from Mill Hill County High School in Barnet where he was graded as an outstanding teacher. He was responsible for both boys’ Physical Education and Sport as well as the school’s outdoor education programme. Jamie is an experienced teacher of GCSE and A-Level, specialising in Sports Psychology. He was instrumental in the resurgence of boys’ sporting success at Mill Hill County, leading sports teams to borough honours, as well as county and national achievements.

Jamie is passionate about pastoral care and believes whole-heartedly in a personalised learning approach in the classroom, an approach which he strives to replicate in the pastoral system. Teaching and supporting young people in discovering the importance of respecting themselves and others, making good decisions and preparing students for adult life is a top priority. Jamie works to promote a growth mindset in all young people, promoting hard work, resilience and the acceptance of all of life’s challenges.

English department

Amber Martin is also a teacher of English.

Mark Powney

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Upper School English.
Previous professional position: English Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator at Christ’s College Finchley, Teacher of English
Academic background: BA (Hons) English Literature at University of Reading, Post Graduate Certificate of Education at Institute of Education, MA English Education at University College London (UCL)

Information on yourself

Mark joined the Archer Academy in September 2018 from Christ’s College Finchley where his responsibilities included being key stage 3 co-ordinator, running lower school interventions, and being a mentor for PGCE teacher trainees. Mark was able to explore his love of English by teaching all year groups at Christ’s College Finchley especially A level where he taught both Literature and Language courses. Through his role as key stage 3 co-ordinator, Mark created a range of new schemes of work which reflected the change in GCSE assessments to better prepare pupils for the coming challenges of key stage 4 from the beginning of year seven.

Reading has always been one of Mark’s passions and his love of books is only hindered by his lack of shelving. For Mark reading goes hand in hand with learning and exemplifies his reason for being a teacher: the opportunity to continuously learn and develop from the experiences and perceptions of others.

Frances Walker

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of English, Lower School
Previous professional position: Second in English
Academic Background: BA (HONS) English with Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University; Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Secondary English at the Institute of Education

Frances joined the Archer Academy in 2016 as Second in English, following a number of years at St Thomas More Catholic School in Wood Green where she was consistently graded as an outstanding teacher of English. At St Thomas More, she held responsibilities for the Key Stage Three English curriculum, A level English Literature, PGCE mentoring and leading professional development sessions for literacy based pedagogy. Since joining the Archer, she has been integral in coordinating schemes of learning for Key Stage 3 and 4, organising extracurricular opportunities, and in creating resources for transition process of new Archer Year 7’s.

Becoming Head of Lower School English has allowed Frances to redesign, shape and develop a curriculum that opens doors of opportunity and wonder for each and every student. Frances’ vision is to offer a bespoke and exploratory learning experience for each child and is passionate about creative writing and the power of language.’

Passionate and driven, Frances is an outstanding English teacher who brings a creative and enthusiastic flair to both her teaching and curriculum. She loves to write, and believes there is nothing better than escaping into a good book.

John Harris

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of English

Academic Background: Bachelor of Social Science (HONS), Cultural Studies and Creative Writing at the University of Glamorgan; Post Graduate Certificate of Education in English at UCL

John has joined us from the Hendon School where he completed his Post-Graduate Certificate of Education. He was previously the Learning Resource Centre Manager at both the Hendon School and the London Academy where he helped to successfully embed a culture of independent academic learning as well as extra-curricular engagement.

Aside from teaching, John’s main passion is writing and he has seen his work published in a number of magazines and an anthology of short fiction. When he is not writing he contrives to make musical patterns on his ukulele, call them songs and keeps his fingers crossed for that Glastonbury appearance. John likes to walk and walk and walk and…

Ian Menzies

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of English

Previous professional position: English Teacher at Hornsey School for Girls

Academic background: Bachelor of Social Science (HONS), Politics at the University of Sussex; Post Graduate Certificate of Education in English and Drama at the Institute of Education, UCL.

Ian joined the Archer Academy in September 2019 after working as an English Teacher for two years at Hornsey School for Girls in Haringey. There he ran Poetry Club, drove the minibus for Duke of Edinburgh and assisted closely with the school newspaper. His focus now continues to be on planning and teaching differentiated lessons, which provide both meaningful support and a high level of challenge to his pupils. Prior to completing his PGCE, Ian taught English at Al Risalah – an independent, Islamic secondary school in Tooting. Ian also completed placements at Highgate Wood and Henrietta Barnet, both of which helped him develop his professional skills and expertise.

Ian has experience teaching GCSE and A Level, but is particularly excited about teaching KS3 English at the Archer Academy. He strongly believes that years 7-9 are a time when pupils should be encouraged to take risks, actively participate in the subject and learn in a dynamic, creative space. He hopes his pupils thoroughly enjoy English and go on to achieve their absolute best.

Kathrynne Bickers

Clemmie Bailey

Mathematics department

Clare Williams

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Maths

Michael Goulding

Responsibility: Teacher of Maths, Data Manager
Previous professional position: Teacher of Mathematics, Data Manager
Academic background: Degree in Maths & Economics, London School of Economics; PGCE from The Institute of Education, London

Michael joined us from St Edwards’ Church of England school, where he was graded as an outstanding teacher. He held a similar responsibility as Data Manager there, although previously to that he was Stretch & Challenge Coordinator across the school. Outside of teaching he was the NASUWT representative, safeguarding the interests of some 50 or so staff members, as well as being a teacher governor. He has also worked at Queen Elizabeth’s’ Girls School in Barnet.

Nazmin Ali

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Mathematics.
Previous professional position: Trainee teacher of Mathematics
Academic background: BSc Hons in Mathematical Science at City University London; PGCE in Secondary Mathematics at the Institute of Education, UCL.

Nazmin is delighted to be starting her career at the Archer Academy as a Maths teacher. In the last year she has completed her training through the PGCE programme at the Institute of Education, UCL. Throughout her training she has successfully taken full responsibility over a variety of classes, having the opportunity to work with pupils with a range of abilities.

Nazmin strongly believes in developing a conceptual understanding of mathematics and realises the importance of making links between maths and real life applications, she is looking forward to doing this using the new Maths Mastery programme.

Joshua Eilon

Responsibility at The Archer Academy: Teacher of Mathematics

Previous professional position: Teacher of Mathematics, Form Tutor

Academic background: BSc (Hons) in MORSE (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics & Economics) an integrated course of pure mathematics and its applications to finance, economics, operational research and management science at the University of Warwick; PGCE from the University of Southampton.

After graduation Josh initially worked as a Data Analyst in Forensic Accounting involved in inputting, analysing and manipulating data to uncover fraudulent activity and illegal movement of money. Josh then moved to the travel sector in charge of a small team dealing primarily with the business sector. Previously Josh helped run summer camps for 10-16 year olds and he enjoyed and thrived in this environment which led him into the teaching sector.

As part of his post-graduate PGCE course Josh taught in Southampton and Winchester. Recently he has taught for a couple of years at the Henry Beaufort School in Winchester.

Josh is an energetic, hard-working and enthusiastic Mathematics teacher. He likes to use imaginative resources in class that show the application of Mathematics in the real world and use investigative problems to develop student’s problem-solving skills which are necessary for the new GCSE and their lives after school.

Josh is a sociable person with a good rapport with students, staff and parents. He is also a sports enthusiast, keen get involved in extra-curriculum activities such as football, badminton and tennis clubs and particularly with skiing trips.

Sally Hill

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Mathematics teacher

Previous professional position: Corporate Finance Advisor
Previous professional position: Associate Director, Corporate Finance Advisor
Academic background: Bachelor of Science (HONS), Mathematics and Economics at the University of Bristol

After graduation, Sally joined Investment Bank, Bank of America to embark on a career in Mergers and Acquisitions. Following nearly a decade in the City, she has decided to pursue her real passion, teaching Mathematics.

Sally already has substantial experience in working with children and has done so from a young age having worked as a Playworker whilst at Sixth Form College, taught at a Mathematics Sunday school whilst at University, and completed work experience placements at the Archer Academy and Highgate School.

Sally is delighted to be starting her career at the Archer Academy and will be completing her training through the Schools Direct route with E-Qualitas.

Sally has a real passion for Mathematics and hopes to challenge common misconceptions that Maths is “too hard” or “boring”. She looks forward to helping make Maths fun and accessible to all. Alongside Mathematics, Sally enjoys music, dance and drama and looks forward to contributing to the broad range of extra-curricular activities that the Archer Academy offers.

Clement Sun

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Mathematics

Previous professional position: Trainee Teacher of Mathematics, Weapon System Engineer (British Army Reservist)

Academic background: BEng of Music Technology System in Department of Electronics at The University of York, Postgraduate Certificate of Education (School Direct) in Mathematics at The University of York.

Clement is excited to be starting as a Newly Qualified Teacher at the Archer Academy. He completed his training year last year with The University of York’s PGCE School Direct route course. During the training year, he has and successfully worked with a wide range of abilities, classes, and forms. Together with the professional enrichment program which provided experience to work with SEND pupils.

Clement believes that Mathematics is the universal language of STEM, which through the delivery of real life problems and links with other subjects such as Science and Design Technology can enhance the pupil’s understanding of Mathematics. Clement is looking forward to delivering this using the NRICH and STEM programs in conjunction with other Departments within the school.

Leonie McDonagh

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Mathematics

Leon Fuller

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Unq. Teacher of Mathematics

Science department

Paul Morrison, featured above, also leads the Science department

Claire Bowles

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Science Upper School
Academic Background: BSc. (Hons) Biochemistry and Genetics University of Nottingham; PGCE in Science University of Nottingham MA Educational Leadership University of Warwick

Claire is an experienced science teacher who has taught all three sciences at KS3 and KS4, and KS5 Biology. She has developed the science offering at the Archer Academy and secured outstanding results in both combined and triple science. Claire has broadened the opportunities for all students experience a wide range of science beyond the classroom. A highlight of the year for the Science Department is Science Week. Claire has also organised a number of trips, including a visit to No. 10 Downing Street to showcase student science work to the Prime Minister.

Claire is keen to inspire more students to consider a career in science or engineering; she is conscious that success in these areas are built on a solid and broad scientific understanding that begins at school.

Joshua Wick

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Science Lower School
Previous professional position: Trainee Teacher of Science
Academic background: 1st Class BSc (Hons) in Psychology at Nottingham Trent University; PGCE in Science with Biology at the Institute of Education (UCL)

Josh joined the Archer Academy in its third year, and is delighted to enthrall Archer students in the wonders of science. He specialises in the Biological Sciences based on his keen interest in neuroscience and biological psychology.

Josh has years of experience working with young people in many different areas, all of which have developed his commitment to them. He has run summer camps in Wales since 2008, at which he led young people of a range of ages. Josh has also worked with ChildLine as a helpline counsellor, listening and helping young people overcome difficult situations.

Josh has a great enthusiasm for teaching and facilitating the development of young people. He organises many trips and events for Archer Academy students to experience and enjoy the wider-world perspectives in education.

Madelyn Keen

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Science

Previous professional position: Trainee Teacher of Science

Academic background: BSc(Hons) Toxicology with Human Biology; Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Science with Biology at the Institute of Education (UCL)

Madelyn is delighted to be starting her career at the Archer Academy. In the last year she has completed her training through the PGCE programme at the Institute of Education, UCL. Throughout her training she has gained experience teaching across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, to students with a wide variety of abilities, students with specific needs, and those with English as an Additional Language.

Madelyn is fascinated by the natural world and is greatly committed to inspiring students to share this view. Through her dedication and enthusiasm for teaching she hopes to encourage and facilitate curiosity and wonder by linking classroom science with the wider-world.

Rosalind Lee

Dr-Lee Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Senior science technician
Previous professional position: Senior Science Technician in a Barnet secondary school, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Kings College London, St Thomas’ Hospital London
Academic background: PhD Synthetic Organic Chemistry, BSc (Hon) Applied Chemistry

Roz is responsible for the operation of the school’s science laboratory, including playing a key part in keeping everyone safe while the students gain practical experience and see science in action. With a background in scientific research – Dr Lee has had papers published in journals such as The Lancet – she is looking forward to helping students explore an increasingly advanced level of science in the years ahead.

Kaindu Kaenga

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Science technician
Academic background: Bsc (Hons) Forensic Science at University of the West of England

Kaindu’s interest for science was developed and shaped through her educational background. During her years at secondary school, Kaindu believes it was the advice and influences from her teachers and adults in her life that drove and motivated her into pursuing a degree that both excited and captivated her. It is Kaindu’s past experiences that have led her to the Archer Academy, where she hopes she can help, inspire and advance the skills of Archer students.

Robina Ahmed

Humanities department

Lindsay Gillham and Adiyam Ogbaselase are also teachers of humanities.

Mogana Devi

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of History
Academic background: BA (Hons) in History at School of Oriental and African Studies (UOL); PCGE at the Institute of Education
Previous professional positions: Learning Support Assistant; Learning Mentor

Mogana is very excited about contributing to the rich and vibrant leaning environment of the Archer Academy. She has come to us with varied experience of working with young people at two large comprehensive London secondary schools. She is well experienced in working with students of all abilities, backgrounds and learning needs.

Mogana’s passion for working with young people also led to her volunteering work in schools in Kenya and India where she showed enthusiasm, resilience and adaptability. Mogana is a history specialist whose creative lessons always cater to the varied learning styles of her students. Her enthusiasm for teaching and working with young people is strongly evident in everything she does.

Simran Jouhal

Judith Vandervelde

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of history and thematic learning coordinator
Previous professional position: Senior Educator, The Jewish Museum, London Academic background: BA (Hons) in Ancient and Modern History at Oxford University, Worcester College; PGCE Secondary History from the Open University.

Judith spent nine very successful years at the Jewish Museum, prior to which she taught Humanities in two London secondary schools, specialising in History GCSE and A-Level. She was recognised as an outstanding teacher by Ofsted and within the museum sector, where she was acknowledged as an expert in the delivery of Judaism, History and the Holocaust. She is keen to bring techniques from museum learning into the classroom at The Archer.

Her vision for Thematic Learning and Literacy is to encourage all students to have the power of words – spoken and written – to enrich their knowledge and expose them to new ideas and concepts.

In her previous posts Judith was acknowledged as a creative and reflective practitioner and she is keen that this is something which is imparted to students as the basis for success at school and beyond.

Jay Raghuveer

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Unq. Teacher of History Unq

Aurea Thornley

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Extended Curriculum and Geography Teacher
Previous professional position: Geography/ Maths Teacher and Head of House
Academic background: BA (HONS) Geography at King’s College London, PGCE at the Institute of Education at the University of London

Aurea is delighted that her third teaching post is at The Archer Academy. She started her career at St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School in North Finchley. Her four years teaching students of high academic ability allowed her to creatively utilise a wide range and depth of her extensive subject knowledge. In her final year, she was made Head of Geography, where she led the department to achieve the best A level results to date.

Being a Geographer, Aurea has always had a passion for experiencing new cultures and environments. Her last teaching post was at the British School of Guangzhou, China. This year-long contract gave her the opportunity to further develop teaching strategies and resources suited to the needs of EAL and SEN students. During this time, Aurea also travelled extensively within China and to many countries in the surrounding region, such as Myanmar and Vietnam. She is fascinated by the rapid pace of globalisation on countries and individuals around the world. Seeing some of its impacts in a range of cultural contexts, brought some of the key ideas of Human Geography alive.

Having also taught Key Stage 3 Mathematics for the last five years, Aurea fully believes in the value of cross-curricular links between the range of subjects taught in secondary school. With maths skills being an integral part of geographical field work, she always encourages students to therefore think about the applicability of their learning to their own life. Hence, one of the many things that Aurea loves about The Archer Academy is Thematic Learning and how it allows students to apply all their skills and knowledge in a holistic way.

Jack Barrow

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Geography

Previous professional position: Teacher of Primary Education

Academic background: BA Hons in Sport and Social Sciences at the University of Bath, PGCE in Primary Education at University College London, MA in Educational Leadership at University College London, MSc Geography at Birkbeck University of London (to be completed by 2020).

Jack joined the Archer having previously spent three years working in primary education. Since joining the Archer, Jack has taught across a broad range of departments, including humanities, maths, science and thematic, but his subject specialism is geography. Starting from September 2019, Jack has taken on the role of Thematic Learning Coordinator and will be overseeing the development of the year 8 thematic learning curriculum.

Jack has great dedication to education and continually strives to further develop his practice as is illustrated through him currently completing a part time MSc in Geography at Birkbeck, University of London. Finally, as a keen sportsman, Jack regularly participates in sport related extracurricular activities during enrichment on a Tuesday and Thursday.

Michael Constantinou

Modern Foreign Languages department
Sam Mustafa and Jenny Ainscough are also teachers of MFL

Gemma McMullan

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Previous professional position: Teacher of French and Italian.
Academic background: MA (Hons) in French and Italian at the University of Glasgow; PGCE in Secondary Modern Languages at Strathclyde University.

Gemma joined the Archer Academy with several years’ experience of teaching Modern Foreign Languages in both Scotland and England, where she has a record of outstanding teaching. She introduced Italian to the curriculum in her previous post and developed an innovative and challenging scheme of learning which pushed the subject to the top of the MFL performance table in its first year. She was also involved in curriculum development and is using this experience to drive forward the Thematic Learning curriculum at the Archer Academy.

Gemma has led a range of enquiry based learning projects and successfully embedded ‘Building Learning Power’ into the MFL curriculum in her previous school in order to promote lifelong learning. She is continuing her work in these areas in order to stimulate curiosity, bring learning to life and support the Archer Academy’s vision. Gemma has also carried out research and training in differentiation and is applying this to developing provision and opportunities for the Archer Academy’s many highly able, gifted and talented students.

Gloria Chocarro

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish and French)
Previous professional position: Teacher of Modern Foreign languages (Spanish) for adults at a School for Languages
Academic background: BA (Hons) in European Studies at the University of North London & Universidad Complutense de Madrid & Universidad de la Habana; Cambridge Certificate in the Teaching of Spanish to Adults. PGCE equivalent completed at the Archer Academy.

A native Spanish speaker, Gloria has been working as an adult language teacher for a considerable number of years. She has successfully combined this with tutoring students for GCSEs and A levels in Spanish. This experience and her enthusiasm for languages will contribute to the development of the MFL department at the Archer Academy.

Gloria strongly believes that a language is to be spoken as often as possible and she is passionate about encouraging students of all abilities to speak the language.

Art, Design & Technology department

Darren Pearson

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Art, Design & Technology
Previous professional position: Teacher of Design & Technology
Academic background: BA (Hons) at the University of Greenwich in Design & Technology with QTS
Darren is an outstanding teacher who has experience in redesigning the curriculum and developing his subject area to provide stimulating and challenging lessons. He has excellent subject knowledge and brings a wealth of experience to the subject, from both his previous work as a carpenter on international projects and his training and development as a teacher of Design & Technology.

Darren is particularly adept at differentiating between levels of ability as well as integrating technology and ICT into his lessons. This includes the use of iPad apps to support and enhance learning. Always keen to share successful practice with other teams and individuals, Darren was instrumental in developing the use of technology in his previous school, running insets on how to integrate technology into lessons. This is an area that Darren is enjoying developing at the Archer Academy.

Wing Yi Au

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Design & Technology
Previous professional position: Head of Graphics, Wembley High Technology College
Academic background: BA (Hons) Design and Technology at Goldsmiths College, University of London; PGCE in Design & Technology at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Wing has shown herself to be an outstanding teacher with the effective use of assessment for learning. She is particularly good at using target setting and rigorous assessment to motivate GCSE students in order to achieve outstanding results.

Wing is passionate about Origami and hoping to share this oriental art with students through the enrichment programme. She is an enthusiastic teacher who is determined to instil her love of Design & Technology in her students.

Nimra Ashraf

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Art

Sylvie Clarke

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Art

Previous professional position: Teacher of Art, Francis Combe Academy, Hertfordshire.

Academic background: Bachelor of Arts (Hons): Fine Art Practice and Theory at Chelsea College of Arts, Interior Design Diploma at The Design School, PGCE in Secondary Art and Design Teaching at the Institute of Education.

Sylvie is a practicing artist and she has had four pieces of work in the National Portrait Gallery. Her painting and drawing skills are highly developed. She has a wealth of creative experience and contacts, strong subject knowledge, plus a great enthusiasm for her subject. Sylvie worked for several years as an Interior Designer for various prestigious architectural practices. She also used to paint the figures at Madame Tussauds (after working on wigs for several West End productions). Sylvie has enjoyed passing on the knowledge and skills that she has cultivated.

Alice Mendelowitz

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: ADT technician

Academic background: BA in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Art and Design. MA in Fine Art from the Piet Zwart Institute.

Alice is a practising artist who works part-time at the Archer Academy. Her work is centred on making things that are grand in appearance but light enough in physical weight to carry on the back of her bicycle.

Deborah James

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: ADT technician

Deborah is a self taught artist who specialises in large scale murals. Her work has led her to become the Scenic Designer/Carpenter for Alexandra Palace Ice Rink, were she has designed, painted and made the set for their Christmas Panto on Ice for the last six years.

Creative & Performing Arts department

Kayleigh Randall

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Creative and Performing Arts
Previous professional position: Director of Learning (Dance)
Academic background: BA (Hons) in Dance and Culture at the University of Surrey; PGCE at the University of Bedfordshire; AQA GCSE Dance Practical Examiner

Kayleigh is an outstanding teacher and faculty leader who has extensive experience in redesigning the curriculum. Her strategic planning and department leadership at Sandringham School led to a direct increase in participation as well as record breaking results. She also worked closely with primary schools to deliver schemes of learning and community production projects that have been shown to raise both attainment and potential.

Always keen to share successful practice with other teams and individuals, Kayleigh has also trained and mentored newly qualified teachers in a cross-county role as an NQT training consultant. She is an experienced provider of enrichment activities and is thoroughly enjoying engaging our students in the Creative Arts both within and outside the curriculum.

Alice Humphrey

Anja Rodford

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Drama

Anja has come to us from a theatre background, having worked as an actress for many years. It was whilst working with Theatre in Education companies, travelling to schools all over the country and working with all key stages across the curriculum, that she decided she wanted to work in education full time.

Anja is very excited about joining the Archer Academy and working closely with the Creative and Performing Arts department to nurture the student’s creative potential.

Sally Hacking

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Dance and Drama

Mark Carter

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Senior Associate Teacher

Mark has come to us from a film/theatre background, having worked as an actor for a few years. Mark has worked successfully in both a primary and secondary school and felt it was a vocational calling to join the Archer Academy.

Mark is ecstatic about teaching at the Archer Academy and working closely with the Creative and Performing Arts department to nurture the students’ creative potential.

Samantha Gunn

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Music

Felix Denton

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Dance and Drama

PE department

Jamie McSherry is also a teacher of PE

Katie Alcock

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Physical Education
Previous professional position: Teacher of Physical Education
Academic background: BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Exeter.

Katie embarked on her teaching career in 2013, where she trained and qualified at the Archer Academy. After Katie passed her teachers training at the Archer Academy she developed a specialism for children with a plethora of disabilities. Over the years Katie has lead a range of sports with the athletics disciplines excelling across all year groups.

Katie has been the Head of Physical Education for 2 years and is now looking forward to building on the successes of the department both academically and practically. This year Katie intends to introduce inter schools sports competitions in netball, football and basketball. Katie has a passion for rugby and fitness and will be looking to introduce some opportunities to the students to experience these areas over this academic year.

Kevin Clark

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of PE

Previous professional position: Teacher of PE

Academic background: BSc (Hons) in Sports Science at University of Portsmouth; Teacher Training (SCITT) at The Compton School.

Kevin joined us from Christ’s College Finchley, where he completed 2 terms of his NQT year. He taught from KS3 to KS5 which included teaching BTEC Level 3 in Sport.

Kevin has excellent subject knowledge and is always looking for innovative ways to teach PE to make it fun and engaging for every student. This includes the use of technology such as iPads to support and enhance learning. His experience as a SEN teaching assistant bodes well within PE, as he can differentiate his classes to allow students across all abilities to access the curriculum.

In his previous school, he established and ran rugby and handball clubs which allowed students to try a new sport and broaden the extra-curricular activity choices. It also gave the rugby team opportunities to play at Allianz Park, home of the Saracens, which he hopes he can bring to the Archer Academy.

Melanie Evans

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Physical Education

Previous professional position: Teacher of Physical Education

Melanie worked in a school in Islington for six years, where she was second in PE, she gained her GTP qualification through Equalitas. Melanie studied Bsc (Hons) Sport and Physical Education at Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC) and has also completed a PGCE in Post 16 Education, specializing in Physical Education.

Melanie has been a competitive swimmer since the age of 8, when she was part of the Welsh Talent ID squad. She has also competed at both National and International level.

Melanie is an enthusiastic member of the PE department at Archer Academy and is assisting the team in their quest to develop PE within the school.

Stephanie Le

SEND and Inclusion

Kathrynne Bickers

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Lead practitioner for communication & interaction

Sonila Brami

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Deputy SENDCO

Previous professional position: Head of Childcare/Teacher of Geography /SEN Teacher

Academic background: Bachelor of Education (HONS), Post Graduate Certificate of Education (Post Compulsory) in Childhood Psychology and Geography

Sonila joined us from Mill Hill County High School in Barnet where she was graded as an excellent teacher . Sonila started her teaching career at MHCHS, during that time, Sonila was responsible for the Childcare department as well as setting up an alternative curriculum for pupil premium and disadvantaged students. Due to her passion for humanities in 2016 Sonila taught Geography to both GCSE and Key Stage 3. Throughout her time in MHCHS Sonila worked with the SEND department , providing her with a clear understanding of how to cater for all students of all needs.

Despite her busy work schedule Sonila lectures at the Conel College in the evening , where she delivers ,Teacher Assistants , Early Years and Health and Social Care qualifications. Sonila’s teaching style places a strong emphasis on valuing the contribution of the individual and instilling a sense of confidence and enthusiasm within every student. Sonila is passionate about promoting growth mind-set in all her students by encouraging them to work hard, become resilient , develop their emotional intelligence.

Nikki Townley

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: SEND administrator

Rahma Lamhandaz

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teaching assistant/Medical support

Samina Khan

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Lead practitioner for cognition & learning

Stephanie Le

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: – Teacher of PE and Lead Practitioner SEND
Academic background: BA (Hons) Teaching Physical Education and Sport at the University of Greenwich

Lara Quilley

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Lead learning mentor

Diane Wallace

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Learning mentor

Begona Arribas-Aguado

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teaching assistant.

Berenika Dabrowska

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teaching Assistant

Mike Melillo

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teaching assistant

Lucille Lowrie

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teaching assistant

Ludmila Felic

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teaching Assistant

Ivy Ng

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teaching Assistant

Evy Mouskides

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Learning Mentor

Susan Cronin

Social Science department

Chris Ruffles

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Head of Social Science
Previous professional position: Subject Leader for Sociology and Psychology
Academic background: BSc Anthropology from University College London (UCL); PGCE Social Science from the Institute of Education, London

Chris came to us after three years at Wembley High Technology College, where he started as an NQT and was promoted to head of department after his first year. He has since led a successful sociology and psychology department, achieving grades well above the national average in both GCSE and A level. Chris has been rated outstanding in his own practice and, as a mentor, he has also trained new teachers in his department to an outstanding level. He hopes to use his wealth of experience with KS5 teaching to not only prepare his students for GCSE, but also for the demands of their A level and higher education courses.

Before training at IoE, Chris worked as a Pastoral Support Coordinator for year 9 at Quintin Kynaston and as a teaching assistant at an SEN school in Peckham. For four summers, Chris also worked for the National Citizen Service, eventually being promoted to be a Programme Leader, responsible for running the summer programme for 65 young people. This diversity of experience means Chris is confident working with students of all abilities, backgrounds and dispositions and he is looking forward to getting involved with the enrichment activities.

Martin Bimrose

Responsibility at the Archer Academy: Teacher of Business and Economics

Previous professional position: Group operations manager

Academic background: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Martin believes that Business and Economics are useful tools that enable you to understand and shape the modern world. He is keen to share his passion for the subjects and the connections with entrepreneurship, helping empower students to make their ideas become realities.

Teaching support