Meet The Team

Central team

• Kerensa Carrick
  Director
  Kerensa Carrick

  Kerensa is the Director of East SCITT and a teacher of English at Farlingaye High School, a large good secondary school. Kerensa has been teaching for 20 years and worked in several roles in Initial Teacher Training and with Newly Qualified Teachers including as SCITT Senior Trainer and School Professional Tutor. Before assuming the role of SCITT Director, she was Head of English at Farlingaye High School. Kerensa is a strong advocate of school-centred initial teacher training and believes that beginning teachers are best nurtured by the experience and expertise of practising teachers.

  As Director she is responsible for overseeing the day to day workings of the training programmes that we deliver as well as working with East Anglian Schools Trust to establish the educational vision and values that underpin our work.

• Helen Millson
  Primary Programme Leader and Lead Mentor
  Helen Millson

  Helen is currently Maths Lead at Springfield Junior School, a 3 form entry outstanding Junior School in Ipswich. Having completed her training in 2012, Helen has taught across the primary age range, gaining most experience in Upper Key Stage 2. She has undertaken a number of roles in school, leading different subject areas and then becoming a year group leader. For the last 7 years, she has worked extensively with trainees and early career teachers by providing in school mentoring and support. Helen thrives on working with trainees and watching them grow into classroom practitioners. She was a Specialist Leader in Education for the Springfield Teaching School Alliance. As part of her work for the Teaching School, she delivered a range of CPD for early career teachers and supported colleagues to improve their practice - from trainees and NQTs to leaders establishing their roles. Helen is an expert in mathematics, having completed her Mathematics Specialist Teacher (MaST) training with Northampton University in 2016.

  As Primary Lead, she is responsible for day-to-day responsibility for all primary elements of EAST SCITT. These include selection & recruitment, management of the primary programmes, delivery & training, assessment, and quality assurance. Helen works closely with the SCITT Director to support the overall vision and the future growth of EAST SCITT.

• Lucy Cornell
  Secondary Programme Lead and Lead Mentor
  Lucy Cornell

  Lucy is the Secondary Programme Lead and a teacher of Design and Technology at Farlingaye High School, a large secondary school in Woodbridge. Lucy has been teaching for 15 years and worked in several roles in Initial Teacher Training and with Early Career Teachers including a school mentor, a Visiting Fellow for Unity Teaching School Hub and is currently the Professional Tutor at her school.

• Kim Rogers
  SCITT Co-ordinator
  Kim Rogers

  Kim is the EAST SCITT Co-ordinator. Kim is a qualified marketing professional who has worked in education for many years. She has a passion for education and has previously worked in co-ordinator, advisory and partnership roles.

  As the SCITT Co-ordinator, Kim is part of the central SCITT team, working with trainees and partnership schools to support the day-to-day operation and administrative support of EAST SCITT. Her role is to ensure the co-ordination, recruitment, administration and pastoral support of our teacher training programmes.

 PRIMARY TUTOR TEAM

• Eileen Allpress
  Eileen Allpress

  I have been part of the teaching profession for over twenty four years, with my last position being that of Principal of two schools in Ipswich. My career and experience is within the Primary range with a focus on Early Years. I have had a long engagement with research during my career and wide experience of using research to improve personal practice and in leading research throughout the school.

  I have supported staff to engage with research and support them with a range of qualifications, including MA and NPQH level qualifications. I have also worked with SCITT as an assessor for more than ten years. I am now the Project Manager for the West Ipswich Teaching School and Research Director for Ipswich Associate Research School. I am based at Highfield Nursery School in Ipswich.

  These roles have enabled me to support practitioners engage with evidence based research. I support practitioners to carry out research and deliver CPD to practitioners across the sector. I work closely with Ipswich Opportunity Area to identify opportunities to increase the knowledge and skills of practitioners when engaging with research. At present I am working with a group of Evidence Leads in Education within the Opportunity Area, to train them to further support practitioners in effective engagement in research to improve practice. I was also part of the EYFS DFE funded project to support the EY Sector prepare for the upcoming changes to the EY framework.

• Katie Beckinsale
  Katie Beckinsale

  Curriculum Leader at Springfield Infant School & Nursery

  I have been a mentor for trainee teachers and NQTs for many years. I thrive on seeing the rapid progress that they make as they develop and hone their skills as a teacher.

  I am looking forward to supporting a new cohort of trainees, particularly helping them to link the theory and practice and how this can be applied in the classroom.

• Annette Illingworth
  Annette Illingworth

  I am a Deputy Headteacher in a Special Needs School in Hertfordshire. I have been a mentor for many years whilst being a class teacher.

  I am looking forward to working with EAST SCITT to support trainees, specifically:

  Sharing learning - I am still a learner; supporting the trainees - I love to journey with people and see them 'grow'; being part of something new with all the possibilities ahead; the sense that I can give something back; and I can also hopefully take learning back to my own workplace to support improvements there.

• Jane Trott
  Jane Trott

  I am excited to meet our SCITT students and support them in their journey to becoming outstanding practitioners; teaching and inspiring the children within our schools.

• Kate Taylor
  Kate Taylor

  I am currently the part-time SENDCO at The Oaks Primary School, Ipswich. Prior to joining The Oaks, I was Assistant Headteacher and Inclusion Lead at a two-form entry primary school in Bristol. Having mentored various trainees over the years during their PGCE and Teach First training, I am excited to embark on a new challenge supporting trainees with EAST SCITT as a tutor. Being a tutor alongside my part-time SENDCO position provides a brilliant opportunity to work in partnership with the trainees and mentors in local schools. I am dedicated to providing time and support to share expertise in developing the next generation of teachers, whilst also learning along the way!

• Jacqui Noon
  Jacqui Noon

  Jacqui is Deputy Head Teacher at Broke Hall Primary School.

  I have worked alongside EAST SCITT supporting trainees in a variety of ways including leading training sessions, as a professional tutor for trainees placed at my school and as a tutor. It is such a privilege to be part of the journey for those entering the profession and I learn so much from the partnerships I become part of.

• Melissa Geater
  Melissa Geater

  I feel privileged to be able to support the next generation of teachers coming into our schools.

  As a School Leader and Headteacher in Suffolk schools for the past 10 years I have always relished supporting colleagues and achieved NPQLTD status to support my work. I currently work across the EAST Primary sector, supporting colleagues as Primary Development Lead and also support the wider EAST team with our CPD programme as colleagues move through their careers. Previously I have mentored many trainee teachers and enjoy conversations about educational pedagogy and how this translates in practice.

  This is my second year working with the SCITT team and I look forward to welcoming a new cohort of teachers to the profession.

• Kim Varden
  Kim Varden

  I have been a mentor for many years across a range of teacher training programs and am now looking forward to becoming a tutor for EAST SCITT.

  I enjoy supporting the trainees, learning alongside them as well as sharing my knowledge and experiences. It is a privilege watching them develop into confident and adaptable teachers.

 Secondary  TUTOR TEAM

• Vicki Barron
  Vicki Barron

• Stacey Deverson-Dean
  Stacey Deverson-Dean

  Teacher of English and Reading Champion Coordinator, Farlingaye High School.

  During my career I have enjoyed both mentoring English trainees and observing trainees who have been attached to my classes.

  To me, inspiring curiosity in students is of paramount importance. I am excited to watch our trainees develop skills which allow them to create a classroom of engaged learners.

  I am also a busy mum to two little girls, so their hobbies now take priority! I do, however, get to go to the gym regularly and I enjoy socialising with friends and family.

• Josie Excell
  Josie Excell

• Laura Gilbert
  Laura Gilbert

  I have always enjoyed supporting trainees and teachers that are new to the profession. I am excited to see the growth and development of those who join the SCITT programme. I have worked in a variety of roles including Head of Year and Undergraduate Intern Co-ordinator. I have a passion for exploring educational research and literature and have presented at national teaching conferences.

• Mat Heath
  Mat Heath

  Mat is Head of Languages at Thomas Mills and also Professional Tutor. He has been a SCITT Tutor and worked in ITT for over 14 years, after completing his Masters in Education. Mat also works closely with AQA as an Examiner for Reading and Writing, as well as a Trainer for these papers. Mat always wanted to be a Teacher from an early age and really enjoys working with Trainees.

• Tim Harrison
  Tim Harrison

• Zoe Hartill
  Zoe Hartill

  Teacher of Science and Research Lead at Kesgrave High School.

  I have observed trainees attached to my classes for a number of years and last year had the opportunity to be a mentor for the first time. I enjoy seeing trainees take on advice and improve their teaching over their training year.

  Outside of school I am studying for a masters degree in environmental science (something different to my specialism of chemistry) and I enjoy sewing and craft when I have time. I am also owned by two cats Molly and Cookie.

• Charlotte James
  Charlotte James

  I am a teacher of Chemistry at Farlingaye High School.

  Having enjoyed my time working as a Science mentor I am now looking forward to supporting trainees as a tutor. I have taught in a variety of schools, ranging from special measures to those graded as Ofsted outstanding, with every point in between! This has benefitted me with a wealth of experiences and strategies to draw upon when advising and supporting my trainees, from tackling tricky behaviour to writing curriculum content. I hope that my patience and candid nature will help me to support my trainees in whatever way they need in order for them to excel with confidence and thrive in the teaching profession.

• Alex Pope
  Alex Pope

  I have been teaching since 2010 during which time I have been a Head of Year and Head of History (my current position). Throughout that time, I have always been involved in teacher development as a mentor to SCITT trainees or with Early Career Teachers. I enjoy being able to offer support and guidance but also value the new ideas and energy that new teachers bring to the profession.

• Hugh White
  Hugh White

  Hugh worked at Farlingaye High School until July 2021, as Head of Design Technology.

  I have mentored trainees at Farlingaye for a number of years, and supported colleagues on schools across Suffolk. I am delighted to be supporting and inspiring Design Technology trainee teachers with EAST SCITT to become outstanding practitioners in the classroom and beyond.

• Stuart Widd
  Stuart Widd

  I am delighted to be working with EAST SCITT in the role of Professional Tutor and as a member of the Strategic Board. I have a wealth of experience within initial teacher training supporting SCITTs and the University of East Anglia. I have sat on a variety of strategic and governance boards both locally and at national level. My subject and passion is English. My most recent role in school was Assistant Headteacher at Kesgrave High School, responsible for the oversight of all teacher training, from recruitment through to their early career years.

  I am proud to be working with EAST SCITT, the journey in the training year can be demanding, however my goal is to support and shape the trainees to become outstanding teachers of the future.

• Colin Shaw
  Colin Shaw

  Teacher of ICT and Computer Science at Farlingaye High School.

  I have been a teacher for 14 years and enjoy working with trainees and those new to the profession.

  I have held a number of additional posts over the years, including Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager, Post 16 ICT Coordinator and am currently involved in developing our KS4 BTEC Digital Information Technology curriculum.

  I look forward to experiencing the enthusiasm and fresh ideas shown by trainees in the classroom and am excited to offer guidance and support to help them develop the skills and knowledge to be successful and effective teachers.

• Heather Dodgson
  Heather Dodgson

• Sarah Phillips
  Sarah Phillips

  Sarah is the Community Music Coordinator at Farlingaye High School.

  Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of mentoring music trainees across various training programmes. I am now excited to continue this work with the music trainees at EAST SCITT, supporting them as they embark on their journeys to become the next generation of inspiring music educators!

 PRIMARY CORE TRAINER TEAM

  Our trainers include:

• Katie Beckinsale
  Katie Beckinsale

  Curriculum Leader at Springfield Infant School & Nursery

  I have been a mentor for trainee teachers and NQTs for many years. I thrive on seeing the rapid progress that they make as they develop and hone their skills as a teacher.

  I am looking forward to supporting a new cohort of trainees, particularly helping them to link the theory and practice and how this can be applied in the classroom. Â

• Sarah Gooch
  Sarah Gooch

  I work at Whitehouse Community Primary School in Ipswich.

  Â I am looking forward to meeting the trainees and developing their teaching and learning skills. Team teaching and supporting them with planning high quality sequential lessons. We have developed our curriculum and link our half termly enquiry questions to teach our children the wider world with our broad and balanced curriculum.

• Lee Jordan
  Lee Jordan

  I work at Whitehouse Primary School.

   I am very much looking forward to working as part of a team to help guide and support trainees to develop their subject knowledge, confidence  and enthusiasm  within Physical Education. Â

• Jane Trott
  Jane Trott

  Jane works at  Chilton Community Primary School

  I am excited to meet our SCITT students and support them in their journey to becoming outstanding practitioners; teaching and inspiring the children within our schools.

Secondary subject leads team

• Becky Kerridge
  English Lead
  Becky Kerridge

  Becky works at Farlingaye High School.

  "I'm really excited about crafting a series of subject knowledge days which link so neatly with the rest of the programme. I'm excited to be supporting new trainees!"

• Sophie Kardi
  Maths Lead
  Sophie Kardi

  Sophie Kardi works at Farlingaye High School Â

  "I'm excited to help new trainees develop their passion for maths and support them in seeing how beautiful maths is!"

• Tom Moore
  Science Lead
  Tom Moore

  Tom works at Farlingaye High School.

  "I am looking forward to working with and supporting new teachers to develop their professional skills!"

• Abbi Wynne
  Science Lead
  Abbi Wynne

  Abbi works at Kesgrave High School.

  "I am looking forward to helping the next generation of teachers to develop into creative and reflective practitioners."

• Erick Geronimo
  Computing Lead
  Erick Geronimo

  Erick Geronimo is the Head of Computing at Debenham High School and is now in his third-year training teachers for SCITT. His post-university career was as a lecturer with the largest group of specialist Computing colleges in the Philippines, where he became Academic Head and Area Faculty Supervisor. He was Head of ICT at St. Benedict's Catholic School before moving to Debenham. He is involved with OCR as an examiner for GCSE Computer Science. He is also a moderator for Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia.

  Erick is excited to work with East SCITT and keen to help train Computing teachers. He hopes to pass on some of his 25 years of experience in this field to provide them with a fulfilling and worthwhile career.

• Hugh White
  Design Technology Lead
  Hugh White

  Hugh works at Farlingaye High School.

  "I am delighted to be supporting and inspiring Design Technology trainee teachers with EAST SCITT to become outstanding practitioners in the classroom and beyond."

• Stefanie Green
  MFL Lead
  Stefanie Green

  Stefanie works at Farlingaye High School.

  " I am looking forward to working with the language teachers of the future, who will inspire and motivate their students to become enthusiastic modern foreign language learners."

• Clare Pestell - Love
  Geography Lead
  Clare Pestell - Love

  I am looking forward to working alongside the next generation of Geography teachers, offering support during their training year and beyond and sharing my enthusiasm and passion for teaching Geography

• Zoe Quinton
  History Lead
  Zoe Quinton

• Ella Rose
  RE Lead
  Ella Rose

• Maddy Anders
  Maths Lead
  Maddy Anders

• Tracy Hetherington
  Art and Design Lead
  Tracy Hetherington

  Currently I am head of art and head of faculty for creative arts. Having taught Art in secondary schools for over twenty years, I am delighted to have the opportunity of working with aspiring art teachers. Art is a thriving subject in schools where practitioners inspire students to take ownership of their creativity.

• Jemima Coles
  Music Lead
  Jemima Coles

  Music should be enjoyed by all, at every level. I am excited to share my passion for creative and stimulating music teaching with the next generation of teachers.