Our London Staff

Our staff make us who we are. From the student services officers to the teachers, you will have dealings with them every day. We are happy to have the chance to introduce them to you now!

My name is Christina and I am from Germany. I spent a fantastic time at British Study Centres!..

Christina from Germany »

Admin Team

James, School Director

Hi, I'm James and I'm the School Director at British Study Centres London. I've worked in the English language industry since 2001 as a teacher, as an administration manager and now as School Director.

I have taught in numerous schools and colleges in the UK and have taught in English schools in South Africa and Italy.

I have lots of responsibilities in my job but the most important one is to ensure all the students that come to London have the best possible experience.

When I'm not at work, you can usually find me playing and watching sports. I play cricket and football every week and also enjoy a game of rugby when my body can take it! I also like playing the guitar and travelling when I can. I hope to see you soon in London!

Matthew, Head of Student Services

Hi, I'm Matt and I'm the Head of Student Services. I'm originally from New Zealand and have worked as an English Teacher in Japan for 5 years and as an International Student Support Officer at a University in New Zealand for 2 years. I moved to London in 2008 and I love living in this wonderful city.

I'm responsible for making sure you get all the help you need to ensure your studies here at BSC London are a great experience.

I play bass in a couple of bands and also enjoy playing guitar. I like all sports, but especially football. I also like visiting all the amazing museums and cultural places in London.

I look forward to seeing you in London soon. Please make sure you say hello!

Annett, Assist. Head of Student Services

Hi! My name is Annett and together with Matt I am responsible for booking students' courses and answering any inquiries you might have.

Three years ago I worked for British Study Centres as an Intern and I liked it so much that this year I came back to work with them as Assistant Head of Student Services. The best thing about my job is getting to meet new people and learning about new cultures every day.

I am originally from Hamburg in Germany but I rarely feel homesick in London as there are so many exciting things to do around the city. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Lucy, Student Services Officer

My name is Lucy. I relocated from Zambia and have been working at British Study Centres since 2007 and I can honestly say that I have loved every minute of it as I get to travel without moving simply because I meet different people from all over the world every Monday of the year.

I get the pleasure of making your stay at our school fun and memorable. You can come and talk to me if you need help to book tickets to the theatre, a European city destination for the weekend perhaps and if we get really lucky maybe a football match. I organise daily and weekly excursions in and around London so you can get to know your fellow students and the staff a little better while exploring vibrant London.

I am very passionate about History, Music, Film, Food, Cocktails, Culture and making people smile!!

I look forward to seeing you here at our school, British Study Centres!!

Paul, Facilities Manager

Hi, my name is Paul and my role is Facilities Manager. I joined British Study Centres as Assistant Head of student services in March 2009, after previously working in retail for the past 19 years.

I became Facilities Manager in September 2010 and am now responsible for ensuring our students have a fantastic building to study at, Health & Safety, and I am a green team leader.

The great thing about working here is having the opportunity to meet new people of all ages from across the globe every week.

My interests when not at work include watching sports, Formula 1, and of course my beloved football team Crystal Palace FC.

I look forward to meeting you soon here in London!

Gareth, Student Services Officer

Hi, my name is Gareth and I am a student services officer here at British Study Centres. I have been here for a year now and enjoyed every second of it, I have met some really interesting people from all over the world and there is a really positive buzz around the school when all the students are around.

My job at the school is to ensure all the students get their correct documents sent to them at the time of booking and then when they get here to ensure they have everything they need to get the best out of London. Whether that is help with travelling around the city, booking social trips through the school or where their next class is taking place you can ask me anything and I will be happy to help.

I am also in charge of our internship programme so if you have any questions or queries about Internships then please do not hesitate to come and find me. We have sent students to a variety of different industries and they have gained valuable experience in working in a different country.

In my spare time I love watching football and supporting the mighty Cardiff City. But my main passion has always been ice hockey supporting the Cardiff Devils. While I do miss Wales London is a fantastic city with an almost unlimited amount to do. I am sure you will settle into and enjoy the city as much as I have during your stay here.

Faye, Accommodation Officer

Hi, my name is Faye and I work as Accommodation Officer together with Adam and Romy. If you would like to stay with one of our great host families or you have any questions regarding your homestay, I am the person who can help!

I'm from the northeast of England but I moved to London so that I could experience the exciting things the city has to offer. I haven't been working here for very long but already I'm enjoying my time here, everyone's very friendly!

I studied foreign languages at university so I am very passionate about travelling and meeting people from different cultures!

Adam, Accommodation Officer

Hi, my name is Adam and I have recently joined the school as an Accommodation Officer. My role is to find students a lovely family to stay with while they study in London. Our families are welcoming and enjoy hosting students from all over the world providing you with a great experience! If you have any questions about staying with a family or would like help finding some accommodation then come and have a chat with me.

Everyone is very nice and friendly at the school and there is a great mix of students that makes it an energetic place to work. London is a great place to live as there is so much to do all the time but I love to travel and working here allows me to meet new nationalities.

When not at work you can normally find me involved in a game of football or cricket, enjoying a film or gig, generally socialising or absorbing the culture around town.

I am sure that you will have a fantastic time at British Study Centres and I look forward to meeting you soon!

Claudia, Student Services Officer

Hola! My name is Claudia, the Social Programme Organiser, and the one who is totally responsible for your fun times here at BSC London.

That distinctive knocking on your classroom door on a Tuesday Morning…. Will be me! My vibrant and outgoing presentation will not fail to motivate you to join me in our ever-changing social activities programme.

My camera is always clicking, so YOU could be the face on BSC Facebook, our website blog or on the school's wall album.

I have been sharing my passion and enthusiasm for London with all BSC students since 2007. It does not matter whether we are in winter or summer, every single trip through London's parks, historical buildings, markets, museums and some of the world's most famous landmarks, is a unique and new adventure, as each student's experience is different. Our Pub nights with students from a mixture of backgrounds and cultures are unforgettable. We have a saying here in the UK, "The more the merrier". So, when are you coming?

By the way, you may ask why is she always so cheerful? Simple, I am from Colombia!

Academic Staff

Andy, Academic Director

Hi, I'm Andy, and I'm the Academic Director. It's my job to make sure that you are in the right class, and that you get as much as you can from your course.

I have been teaching for 27 years, and I have taught English in London and in Turkey, where I lived for over twenty years. I have also spent time working in Uzbekistan.

I was born in London and I grew up here. It is a wonderful city to live in, and I love to spend time walking around my favourite areas. In my free time, and when I am not walking, I like reading and playing the guitar.

Sarah, Course Manager

Hi, my name's Sarah and I'm the Course Manager. Together with Andy I work in the academic office. It's my job to organise your timetable and classes. You are always welcome to come and see me if you have any questions about your course.

I've been at BSC London since September 2007 (both as a teacher and a manager) and enjoy working at this school very much. One of the best parts of my job is meeting people from all over the world. Before working here, I was a teacher for 10 years in two cities in the UK, Guildford and Cambridge. I also briefly worked in China, which was a very interesting experience.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, yoga, painting and drawing and eating food from different countries. I'm also interested in learning languages.

I look forward to seeing you in the school!

Laurie, Assistant Course Manager

Hi, my name's Laurie. A teacher for six years, I've lived and worked in India, Oman and the Czech Republic, as well as my hometown Brighton.

My hobbies include anything from electronic music to politics, sport, travel and cookery. I love living in London, as there really is something here for everyone.

Teaching Staff

Adrian, Teacher
Amy, Teacher
Ann-Marie, Teacher

Hello! I'm Ann-Marie and I've been a teacher here for almost two years.

I'm from Wales and I've spent a lot of time abroad in France and then in Spain. I've just finished a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics, which focussed on language learning and teaching, and one day I want to do a PhD and become a real academic.

When I'm not working here I love cooking, eating out and swimming. I live in the centre of London and I really love it here.

See you soon!

David, Senior Teacher

Hi, I'm David, a senior teacher at BSC. I teach a range of classes and I organise all the books, DVDs, CDs we use. I also organise the Self-Access Centre, which is a room full of resources to help you improve your English in your free time at BSC. Make sure you check it out! It's really useful.

I've been teaching English for seven years now, mainly in Spain and the UK. I did a diploma in Teaching two years ago and now I write a blog about teaching for a website called onestopenglish. I also enjoy sports like cycling and rock climbing.

Essien, Teacher

Hi, I'm Essien. I've lived in Russia, Ukraine, Spain, Holland, Mexico and California – but I was born a Londoner and I'll always be one.

I've been teaching since 2005 and here at British Study Centres since 2010. Buddha said "find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life" – get it? For me that's teaching – meeting new people, sharing knowledge, just like you do when you come here. Teachers are forever students.

Outside of school, I DJ, sell art and write blogs. I live in trendy East London with my wife and a cat.

See you soon!

Greg, Teacher

Hi, I'm Greg and I come from Dublin, Ireland. I have been teaching English since 2004. I started teaching in Japan, where I spent more than three years. I really enjoyed my experience there.

I moved to London in 2008 and I really love this city. The pubs, the parks, the galleries, the history, the diversity - all of these factors make it a truly exciting place to live.

In my free time, I enjoy playing music. I'm involved in a rock band, which regularly performs around London. There are many great live music venues here and, sometimes, we even get the chance to play in them! Aside from music, I love film, literature, sport and socialising.

Howard, Teacher

Hello my name is Howard and I've been teaching for about six years.

I grew up in Chiswick, West London and often like to go back there and walk by the river. I also like walking around the grounds of Chiswick House and in Dukes' Meadows. They are peaceful and familiar areas for me.

I lived in Valencia in Spain for three years. As a result, I speak Spanish quite well although many of my Spanish-speaking students say I should speak it better! Of course, I miss the constant humidity and the beach in Valencia. Saying that though, when I was there, I used the miss the long Autumns and the River Thames here. Both cities are beautiful and fun in different ways.

I studied English Literature at university and I'm also interested in art, music, sport and film.

Ian, Teacher
Jack, Teacher

Hello I'm Jack and I've been a teacher here for almost two years.

I was born near Oxford but I've lived in many different places, such as Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona. I like teaching because I get to meet lots of new, interesting people every week and I love London because there's always loads of things to do – whether you love food, music, theatre or beer, London's got everything.

See you soon!

Jilly, Teacher

Hi! My name is Jilly and I've been teaching English for 6 years in Spain and London. I've been working at British Studies Centre since May 2011 and have really enjoyed it. What I like most about working here is its pleasant and friendly atmosphere. The staff and students are lovely and I love living in London. I'm originally from a little town near Brighton and I often make trips home be near the sea.

When I'm not working I enjoy visiting the amazing museums that London has to offer. I also love cycling around the city, cooking and spending time with friends.

I look forward to meeting you soon!

Mat, Teacher

Hi, I'm Mat and I'm a teacher here at BSC. I've had some interesting jobs in my life, in the law and in advertising, but I like this one the best. I have taught in London and in Paris where I lived for three years.

I love music and motorbikes, drinking Guinness and reading books.

See you soon!

Nicola, Senior Teacher

I'm Nicky and I'm from Wales. I love living in London and hope you will too.

When I'm not teaching you'll find me cooking (attempting to), running, reading or socializing with my students. I'm sure you'll get the most out of your studies and perhaps I'll see you in my classroom.

Nick, Teacher

Hi! I'm Nick. I've been teaching for three and a half years, two of which were in Italy. I originally come from Oxford and some people say I have a posh accent you will have to decide when you meet me! I studied Art History at university and I am interested in economics, art, literature and making people laugh! You'll recognise me cycling to work in my bright red jacket.

Pierre, Teacher

I'm Pierre. I've been working at BSC for five years on and off (more off than on actually).

I've taught in Dublin, Tai'pei (Taiwan/China), Daejeon (Korea) and London of course. I had a ball in all of those places but I keep returning to London. I just love it here. Pubs, galleries, restaurants with cuisine from all over the world and theatres all on your doorstep (or someone's doorstep depending on where you live). What more could you want?

I'm from Ireland so prepare yourself for some Irishisms.

Ray, Teacher

My name's Ray and I have worked at BSC since 2008.

I taught in Russia for two years, but now I am based in London. My family have been Londoners since at least 1732, so this really is my home city!

I used to have a different career, managing housing for poorer people in London, but I decided to change and became a teacher. I love meeting students from all over the world, learning about their differernt cultures and helping them to achieve what they want.

I am passionate about history, especially the very oldest history. I like staying fit and I enjoy running long distances. I ran in the London Marathon in 2003.

I hope you will all enjoy learning English, finding out about life in England and making friends from many different countries.

Richard, Teacher

I have been teaching English for thirteen years and have been here at BSC for two and a half. I enjoy teaching because I love learning things, particularly about languages and all about different aspects of society, culture and politics. Before living in London I lived in Ireland, Portugal, China and Spain.

Robert, Teacher

Hello, my name's Robert. I've been teaching here in London for four years and I am in fact a real Londoner. Before that, I had a great experience working in Italy where I acquired a taste for the great food and wine (that's not to say that England doesn't offer great food as well, and don't forget the beer!).

London has so much to offer; I like to take advantage of its great live music and theatre as well as just having a stroll around town (there are always new things to discover). I also follow Tottenham Hotspur FC, one of London's many football teams.

Rupert, Teacher

I have been a Teacher for eight years and have taught abroad in Spain for three of those.

I work at the college part time and also teach ESOL at a further education college in Kings Cross. I have also taught Business Studies and Study Skills to Access to Higher Education students. I did my CELTA in 2003 and then went abroad for a few years before returning to the UK. I completed a DTLLS (ESOL) in 2010.

My interests outside teaching are music, cycling and inline skating.

Sandra, Senior Teacher

I'm Sandra and I started working at BSC a year ago. I've been a teacher for about 6 years and I've lived in different countries in Africa and the Middle East as well as in London. I love travelling and finding out about different cultures. I've studied Arabic and I'm planning to do an MA this year to learn and study more about languages in the future.

Steve, Teacher

Greetings! I'm Steve, I have been teaching English for over 12 years. My first teaching job abroad was in Warsaw, Poland, and then I went to Moscow, Russia for a few years. Both of these places were fascinating and certainly opened my eyes to the bigger world around us. It has been nearly three years since I started working at BSC and I have loved every moment!

When I'm not teaching, I can be found reading Science Fiction, listening to music from all over the world, or playing a mandolin (not all at the same time!). I also enjoy playing football, hiking in the mountains, and trying to find planets. I hope you have a great time here at the school and in London!

Sanjana, Teacher

Hi I'm Sanjana. I returned to teach at BSC last year, drawn back by the wonderful staff and students! I'm a Londoner born and bred, but I enjoy travelling and learning more about different cultures. I spent time teaching in Bangladesh whilst I was working with a charity and I've also worked as a journalist. Just as in my other work, I love teaching as I get to meet people from all parts of the world and learn new and interesting things. I love history, reading, attending talks and socialising and London is the perfect place for all of that!

See you in class!