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Hatcham College

Meet our College Leadership

Please click on the staff photographs below to learn more about our team.

  • Seema Solani
    Principal

    Seema Solani

    Hello, a warm welcome to our College.

    As school leaders; each of us have been on our own unique and memorable educational journey, to now be able to inspire, encourage, teach and support our children and young people at Hatcham College. I hope that you enjoy getting to know our talented and committed team of College Leaders.

    I went to a large comprehensive secondary school of 2000 children in North West London. I decided to study at the University of Manchester (UMIST) with one year spent at the University of Bordeaux, France. After university, I wanted to pursue a career in teaching and completed my teacher training at St. Mary's University in Strawberry Hill, Twickenham.

    I started off my teaching journey at a very large mixed Catholic school which was a Science Specialist College. I then moved to an outstanding girls' school and a successful boys' school in the heart of Westminster before moving to a large mixed school in South East London as part of a very large Multi-Academy Trust.

    I have learned a variety of skills through my teaching journey and all of my experiences have brought me to the incredible Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College. I value a wide range of subjects and feel incredibly lucky to work with so many staff, students, families and friends of the College. I wish to see all of our students flourish and hope that they build fulfilling and happy memories of their time at the College that will remain with them forever.

    My husband and I have two children, Jaicob and Sienna. When I am not working or busy being a mum, I enjoy painting, writing and going to the theatre.

    NPQH National Professional Qualification for Headteachers -

    UCL Institute of Education

    MBA(Distinction) Business Administration International -

    UCL Institute of Education

    BSc(Hons) in Mathematics with Study in Europe -

    The University of Manchester (UMIST)

    PGCE in Secondary Education Mathematics - St. Mary's University

  • James Heafield
    Vice Principal (Achievement & Standards)

    James Heafield

    BA(Hons) in Philosophy & Politics - The University of Manchester

    MA in Philosophy - King's College London

    PGCE in Religious Education - Roehampton University

    NPQH - Harris Federation Trust (In Progress)

    I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy & Politics before undertaking a Masters' degree in Philosophy at King's College London. I started my teaching career as a Newly Qualified Teacher within the Harris Federation, where I was promoted to Head of Religious Studies & Philosophy and later Coordinator of Humanities & Social Sciences.

    I joined Haberdashers' Aske's Federation at Crayford Academy in 2015, where I successfully set up the Sixth Form which now recruits over 100 young adults into Year 12 every year. In June 2020, I joined Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College as Vice Principal and I am responsible for ensuring that students are provided with an education that enables them to achieve the highest standards.

    Outside of school, I am a keen hockey player and captain of the South London Hockey team.

  • Nathan Gardner
    Vice Principal (Curriculum & Assessment)

    Nathan Gardner

    MA(Cantab) English Literature - University of Cambridge

    PGCE Institute of Education - University of Cambridge

    I have worked as a teacher of English in a number of South London schools and have been a Head of English and an Assistant Headteacher during my teaching career.

    I have been part of the Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College team since 2014, where I am now the Vice Principal (Curriculum & Assessment) of the College.

    Part of my role is to design the timetables, look at the curriculum, review internal assessments, administer school reports and lead on the production of our brand-new knowledge organisers.

    I enjoy and continue to teach English and share my passion with our young people.

  • Mark Kemp
    Vice Principal (Learning & Progress)

    Mark Kemp

    BSc(Hons) in Geography with Developmental Studies -

    The University of Central Lancashire

    MA in Geography Education - University College London

    PGCE in Geography - St Martin's College, Lancaster

    I joined Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College in 2017 as Head of Geography. I brought 16 years teaching experience, previously working in schools around Surrey and in London. As Vice Principal for Learning and Progress, I take the lead in the pastoral, inclusion and welfare teams to ensure our students' personal development and behaviour and attitudes are met.

    I am a passionate Geographer and believe that all students should engage with the world around them, both locally and globally.

    Outside of school, I enjoy reading the latest ideas in Teaching and Learning and geographical updates to help support the curriculum. I also enjoy cycling, running and spending time with my family.

  • Mary Williams
    Business Manager

    Mary Williams

    Before joining Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College I had a successful career initially working for Royal Mail in Wales before moving to London and working in Royal Mail Corporate Headquarters in corporate finance and management model planning. I later moved into project and programme management undertaking a variety of consultancies.

    I have been working at the College for 13 years, starting off in Human Resources before undertaking the role of Business Manager at Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College in 2013.

    When I am not working I enjoy travelling around the world.

  • Theo Shenbanjo
    Deputy Business Manager (& Careers Guidance Service)

    Theo Shenbanjo

    BA(Hons) in Environmental Health - Middlesex University

    PGCert in Careers Education & Management -

    London Southbank University

    PGDIP for School Business Managers - National Schools Training

    I started working in education following a successful time in finance and local government. I have received multiple awards for my work as a Career Guidance Practitioner, and have been recognised nationally by the Career and Enterprise Company, Ofsted, Challenge Partners, and internationally as both outstanding and as an example of leading best practice within the Careers and Student Support Sector.

    As a Deputy Business Manager, I am responsible for ensuring all non-teaching aspects of the school which includes the efficient running of Facilities Management, Health & Safety, Project Management and Finance and Admissions.

  • Emma Fearnley
    Assistant Principal (Quality of Teaching)

    Emma Fearnley

    BA(Hons) in Environmental Studies & the Media -

    The University of Brighton

    PGCE in Geography - Goldsmiths University

    I joined Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College in 2014. I have a wide range of experience working in schools in South and North London in roles ranging from working with students with additional education needs to leading a successful geography department. At Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College, I am responsible for Monitoring the Quality of Education which means I work closely with all teaching staff and students to monitor and maintain the highest quality of teaching for our students.

    I am passionate about geography and have a keen interest in current affairs. I like to keep up to date by regularly reading newspapers, geographic journals and listening to podcasts. I follow many geography blogs to find new ideas for the curriculum. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, running and painting.

  • John Deane
    Assistant Principal (Key Stage 4 Raising Standards)

    John Deane

    BSc(Hons) in Mathematics - The University of Exeter

    PGCE in Mathematics - The University of Gloucestershire

    NPQSL - UCL Institute of Education

    I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science (BSc) in Mathematics before beginning a career in teaching. Prior to joining Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College in January 2019, I had eight years' experience teaching within inner city London schools. During this time, my responsibilities have included raising the quality of outcomes and progress for students through effective use of data and successfully leading mathematics departments within two separate schools.

    As a teacher of mathematics, I enjoy working with young people and sharing with my love for the subject. I believe that mathematics is a subject which is often misunderstood. For me, it is not fundamentally about learning sets of rules; it is about developing a way of thinking which can help to more deeply understand all kinds of situations and problems in the world around you. I love trying to develop an appreciation of the subject in pupils and I also love the fact that I use my subject knowledge, practically, within my leadership role in order to support the school's work to help all our pupils reach their full potential.

    Outside of school, I enjoy running, playing football and golf and watching almost any form of sport. During school holidays, I often attempt to explore new places and countries.

  • Dan Crowley
    Senior Teacher (Head of Sixth Form)

    Dan Crowley

    BA(Hons) in Cultural Studies - University of East London

    PGCE in Social Sciences - UCL Institute of Education

    MA in Sociology of Education - UCL Institute of Education

    NPQSL - UCL Institute of Education

    I joined Hatcham as a Newly Qualified Teacher when I was 29 and have worked here ever since. I love the strong sense of community at Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College and believe that we are a school that is strongly rooted in the local identity. The Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College name is well-known for prestige and status as well as for inclusion and high standards.

    I have worked closely with the Sixth Form team at Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College in a number of roles including Form Tutor, EPQ Coordinator, Oxbridge Coordinator and Head of Year. I am now the Head of Sixth Form. My vision is for young people to access all the amazing opportunities available to them at Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College and use them to carve out a varied and interesting future for themselves.

  • Hattie Nevins
    Senior Teacher (Conduct & Pastoral)

    Hattie Nevins

    BA(Hons) in Social Policy - The University of Bristol

    PGCE in Religious Education - UCL The Institute of Education

    I am the Senior Teacher who is responsible for the Pastoral Support and Behaviour at Haberdasher's Askes' Hatcham College. After completing a Bachelors in Science (BSc) in Social Policy at the University of Bristol, I went on to train to be a teacher, completing my teacher training at the Institute of Education.

    Prior to joining Haberdasher's Aske's Hatcham College, I worked at Kingsdale Foundation School as Head of Learning for Year 11 and teacher of humanities.

  • Beth Davis
    Senior Teacher (Teacher Training & Director of Mathematics)

    Beth Davis

    MEng in Chemical Engineering - The University of Leeds

    PGCE in Mathematics - UCL The Institute of Education

    I studied at a charitable independent co-educational boarding school via a Mathematics Scholarship. After completing my GCSEs and A Levels there, I went on to gain a Masters in Chemical Engineering at the University of Leeds.

    After taking a gap year to find my direction, I discovered through volunteering, tutoring in schools and youth groups that teaching mathematics is something that I wanted to pursue. I thrive on solving problems and setting my students challenges that they, at first glance, may not believe they can answer. Seeing students enjoy mathematics is important to me.

    I successfully completed my PGCE at the Institute of Education (IOE) in Secondary Mathematics Education. I started my career at a boys' secondary school in Central London and then at a mixed school in South East London which has now brought me to this remarkable and delightful College.

    When I am not teaching, I enjoy trialling different styles of crayon art and exploring interior design. In the summer, I love to travel and always try to fit in scuba diving and sailing whenever I can.

  • Radhika Vilas
    Curriculum Director of Science

    Radhika Vilas

    BSc(Hons) in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Engineering -

    The University of Westminster

    PGCE in Science - Goldsmiths, University of London

    MA in Education - Goldsmiths, University of London

    Specialist Leader in Education (SLE) -

    National College for Teaching and Leadership

    NPQSL (in progress) - UCL Institute of Education

    I studied at Hatcham College as a student from Year 7 through to the Sixth Form. After successfully completing my GCSEs and A Levels at the College, I went on to read Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Engineering at university.

    I continued to pursue my passions for the Sciences and embarked on my teaching career, becoming a Science teacher, having completed my PGCE at Goldsmiths, University of London. I found myself back at Hatcham College in 2008.

    I grew up in New Cross and strongly believe that all pupils at Hatcham College should make the progress that they are capable of. Since returning to Hatcham College, post-student life, I have worked as an Assistant Head of Year, Head of Year, Head of Science and I am currently the Curriculum Director of Science with the responsibility of Science provision from Year 7 through to Year 13.

    All my experiences and skills have allowed me to achieve the Specialist Leaders of Education (SLE) status which I gained in 2015. I have worked in schools across Lewisham as well as within the Federation to evaluate and improve at the provision of Science teaching and learning. I have a strong passion for education, completing a Master's in Education at Goldsmiths, University of London and have been an elected governor in a local primary school.

    Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling, reading crime novels and watching true crime documentaries.

  • Robert Stott
    Curriculum Director of English

    Robert Stott

    MA(Hons) in English Literature - The University of Edinburgh

    PGCE in English Teaching - UCL Institute of Education

    I recently joined Hatcham College in 2020 as Curriculum Director of English. I have taught English and Drama in several schools around London. Most recently, I was regularly observed as an outstanding teacher in St Thomas the Apostle College in Southwark, where I created the school's A Level English Literature programme, which specialised in expanding the study of English Literature to include lesser-known voices within the British Commonwealth and American history. The course started with five students, but in four years had grown to 50.

    When not in the classroom, I regularly work with the Curriculum Directors of English across the Federation in sharing best practice and to coordinate all aspects of the English curriculum.

    I have a strong interest in poetry, and walking past the Robert Browning plaque at the front of the Jerningham Road site lifts my heart every day. By encouraging all students to explore their creativity and love of reading, I hope to continue and strengthen this unique link to our nation's literary heritage.

  • Alex Dottridge
    Director of Music

    Alex Dottridge

    BA(Hons) in Music Technology - York University

    PGCE Secondary - UCL Institute of Education

    I am a highly experienced leader of music and have been a Head of Department across different schools in Lewisham for the past fifteen years. Within these roles I have worked with a large number of young people in helping to achieve their musical potential and ambitions, as well as having responsibility for curriculum development, academic outcomes and diverse extra-curricular programmes. I have worked for Lewisham Music as a Project Manager as part of the Lewisham Live festivals in 2018 and 2019, liaising with composers, conductors, performance venues and a range of schools across different ages.

    I joined Hatcham College in September 2020 and I am proud of our music specialism and the support and focus for music across the whole school. I have always been a keen musician, regularly performing in orchestras and bands. I also enjoy reading a wide range of literature and the cultural opportunities that living in Lewisham and London has given me and my family.

  • Aruma Naeem
    Director of Vocational Pathways

    Aruma Naeem

    BA(Hons) in International Business -

    The University of Central Lancashire

    PGCE in Business Education -The University of Leeds

    I began my teaching profession in 2009 and joined an inner city boys school in the heart of London where I worked for ten years as Head of Department for Business & Economics Quality Nominee and Enterprise Coordinator.

    During this time, I also worked for Pearson as a Centre Quality Reviewer and supported the delivery of vocational curriculums across a number of schools.

    In January 2020, I joined Hatcham College as the Director of Vocational Pathways and continue to support my colleagues with the delivery of vocational subjects and teaching Business & Economics at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. My work in different roles and schools has provided me with the experience and skills to help our young people prepare for life after their school career.

  • Emily Brickell
    Director of SEND and Inclusion

    Emily Brickell

    MSc(Distinction) Conservation Biology -

    The Manchester Metropolitan University

    BSc(Hons) in Biological Sciences - The University of Sheffield

    PGCE in Secondary Education - UCL The Institute of Education

  • Alex Sampson
    Head of Year 7

    Alex Sampson

    BSc(Hons) in Sport Science - Brunel University

    PGCE in Physical Education - The University of Exeter

    I am currently in my fifth year in teaching and my first at Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College. Before taking up a pastoral leadership role here at the College, I previously oversaw extra-curricular and BTEC qualifications at my previous school. I am a true believer of active and healthy lifestyles and my aim is to instil this in the pupils that we teach.

    As Head of Year my goal is to make a real difference to pupils' academic, social and emotional development. I strive for pupils to grow in all aspects of their life which will enable them to become well-rounded, respectful young people who like to laugh and smile.

    Outside of the classroom, I have a strong passion for sport and travelling.

  • Elle George
    Head of Year 8

    Elle George

    BA(Hons) in History - University of York

    PGCE in History - Manchester Metropolitan University

    MA in Humanities Education - UCL Institution of Education

    I have been teaching for eight years and this is my second year at Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College. I started my career as a teacher of history, progressing to second-in-charge of Citizenship and PSHCE before becoming a Head of Year five years ago.

    My decision to become a teacher stemmed from my love of history: I wanted a job where I would be employing both the knowledge and the skills developed from my GCSE, A Level and degree in the subject.

    During my early years of teaching, I found that I had a passion for supporting students pastorally, and it was this that led me to become a Head of Year. All students have the ability of achieve their potential, but some have more barriers in their path. My focus as a Head of Year is helping students to manage and surpass these barriers to become responsible and aspirational young people, engaged in their own learning and success. I believe that excellent pastoral care is the lynchpin of any successful school, and the day-to-day part of my role is to support this by having consistent and high expectations of both my year group and my classes.

  • Elia Johns-Whiddett
    Head of Year 9

    Elia Johns-Whiddett

    BA in History - Bard College, Annandale- On- Hudson, NY USA

    PGCE in History-  UCL Institute of Education

    I have been teaching for 11 years and am now in my sixth year at Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College. Before entering the teaching profession, I was employed as an 82nd Airborne paratrooper and a petroleum laboratory specialist in the United States Army. I also served 13 months in Iraq.

    My passion to move into teaching stems for my love of history and desire to share my experiences and knowledge with others. I am a passionate believer that history is everybody's story.

    As a successful Head of Year over the past four years, I believe it's vital to see each child as an individual and to build positive relationships with all of my students in my year group and tutors.

    Outside of school, I enjoy travelling around the world to explore new cultures, reading historical magazines and non-fiction. I am also a keen sportswoman who loves running, tennis and gymnastics.

  • Jordan Rowling
    Head of Year 10

    Jordan Rowling

    BA(Hons) in Physical Education & Sport - The University of Greenwich

    PGCE in Physical Education - The University of Greenwich

    I joined Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College in 2019 and have grown up in the South London area.

    I achieved a First-Class Honours Degree in Physical Education and Sport at Greenwich University. I completed my PGCE at the same university.

    I have competed in a variety of sports from a young age and becoming a Physical Education teacher is a career which I have always been passionate about pursuing.

  • Sami Zeglam
    Head of Year 11

    Sami Zeglam

    BSc(Hons) in Geography, Politics & International Relations -

    Royal Holloway University

    MSc in Geopolitics & Security - Royal Holloway

    PGCE in Geography - The University of Sussex

    I have been a part of the Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College team since 2016. I started working as a teacher of geography. During my time at the College, I have served as Head of House, Deputy Head of Year and Jack Petchey Coordinator. I was appointed Head of Year 11 at the start of 2020, leading the year group that I joined the school with.

    I studied at Royal Holloway University of London and the University of Sussex. My subject passions rest within the interdisciplinary links between geography and politics, specialising in cross-continent migration policy.

    Outside of work, I am an avid Brighton and Hove Albion fan and season ticket holder, following the club up and down the country attending every game. I also represent the people of St Mary's, Shoreham, as a district councillor on Adur District Council in Sussex.

  • Shafia Choudhury
    Head of Year 12

    Shafia Choudhury

    BA(Hons) in Literary & Cultural Studies

    MA in Inclusive Education - University College London

    PGCE Secondary English - UCL Institute of Education

    I have been teaching for 15 years and love it more and more each year. I believe in access for all types of learning and learners, and understand that young people can be pushed to their best when they are looked after academically and pastorally.

    Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, cooking and reading. I am currently fascinated with everything regarding the Ottoman Empire.

  • Chris Allum
    Head of Year 13

    Chris Allum

    BA(Hons) in History - London Metropolitan University

    PGCE Secondary History - UCL Institute of Education

    I have been working at Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College for nearly five years and as a Head of Year in Sixth Form for a year and a half.

    I am currently in my tenth year of teaching and have always had a passion for history. As Head of Year 13, I want to encourage young people to exceed their capabilities, to guide them on the next stage of their journey and help them prepare for life after Hatcham College.