Meet the team - SST
Meet the members of the School Success Team
Hannah - Senior School Success Coach
Hannah joined Sparx in 2016 after completing a degree in English Literature. She’s got a passion for education and has spent lots of time in the classroom, working closely with schools and teachers to ensure student success. When it comes to Sparx, she’s got a wealth of advice to share. Outside of work Hannah is an avid wild swimmer, nature lover, and foraging enthusiast, who develops recipes in her spare time. Hannah’s diverse interests include history, gardening, literature and rap music. So whether you want to discuss education or just want to chat about your favorite books, Hannah is always ready for a good conversation.
Lee - Sparx Learning Ambassador
Lee is a dedicated educator with 30 years of experience. After a number of years of teaching and advising on maths in Birmingham, he spent 13 years as a headteacher in Cornwall before beginning his role at Sparx in 2019 as a School Success Coach. Outside of work you can find Lee cheering on his son in international dog agility competitions or taking his four cocker spaniels out for a run. A sports enthusiast, he’s a die-hard Aston Villa fan but also follows rugby union’s Birmingham Moseley and Warwickshire cricket. If he’s feeling a bit less active you might find him unwinding by watching his all-time favorite show, Taskmaster, perhaps whilst making his famous chilli con carne!
Lauren - Sparx Support Specialist
Lauren joined the team in 2018 and quickly became an expert in all things Sparx. With her extensive knowledge, she’s always on hand to support and advise, and she loves to get her teeth into a problem. When she’s not busy at work, you can find her exploring the beautiful landscapes of Devon, wild swimming or blogging about food. A self-described extrovert, Lauren loves networking and socialising (preferably over some food and wine!) and she is always planning her next adventure or event. As well as tips on Sparx usage, she can always be relied on for great recommendations on where to eat, swim or walk in the South West.
Lindsey - Senior School Success Coach
Lindsey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. As a former history teacher with a degree in education, Lindsey is an expert at applying pedagogical theory to practice. She is the coaching lead in the team and is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching with the University of Warwick. Outside of work, she enjoys playing netball, running, yoga and pilates. Lindsey is a proud mum of three daughters and loves spending her weekends taking leisurely walks with her family and golden retriever, followed by finding a nice homemade treat!
Carl - School Success Coach
Carl joined Sparx in January 2025 after 10 years in the classroom as a Head of History and Associate Assistant Headteacher. He is passionate about education and enjoys chatting about all things pedagogical. He had a varied career prior to becoming a teacher. Jobs included working at a small museum in King’s Lynn as well as being a touring musician. Outside of work, he can often be found up a hill taking on a new scrambling route or exploring the nearest Medieval ruins. He is currently planning to complete the Three Peaks Challenge for a second time. Most weekends, though, he can be found relaxing with his wife, young son and two dogs at their home in beautiful Exeter.
Frances - Senior School Success Coach
Frances is an ed tech enthusiast who spent 8 years as a teacher and over 10 years as a training expert. Having joined Sparx in 2018, Frances has been working ever since to help schools get the most out of their systems and technology. When she’s not working, Frances is busy being creative. She loves painting, illustration, and all things crafty, preferably with a feline friend by her side. Frances is also a fan of swimming fast and walking slow, and spends a lot of her free time exploring the beautiful coastline in Cornwall – her happy place.
Hetta - School Success Coach
Hetta has over a decade of experience teaching mathematics in secondary schools across East London, including leadership and training roles. A passionate advocate for educational technology, she has been a dedicated user of Sparx and Hegarty Maths throughout her teaching career. Having lived in north-east London for 15 years, Hetta still loves discovering hidden corners of the city - mostly its cafes! - by bicycle. Originally from south Devon, Hetta is delighted that her role at Sparx allows her to make regular trips to the stunning south-west. Her happy places are the scenic coastlines of Devon and Cornwall, where she loves walking and swimming with her family.
Tasha - School Success Coach
Meet Tasha! A former Primary School Teacher and Literacy Coordinator, she’s always been passionate about helping young people thrive. She joined Sparx in 2022 and now enjoys spending her days talking to teachers and supporting their work in schools. Outside of work, she enjoys walking her Shetland Sheepdog on Dartmoor, baking, and winding down with a good book or film adaptation - especially anything by Jane Austen. She is also learning film photography, where she’s learning the magic of capturing a moment is sometimes matched by the mystery of what actually ends up on the roll.
Jess - Head of School Success
A former maths Teacher, Jess joined the content team at Sparx in 2016 before moving to her current role as Head of School Success. Jess’s dedication to supporting the team and improving outcomes for teachers and students is unwavering. When she’s not busy at work, you can often find Jess at her local climbing centre or out for a walk in nature. At home, she loves playing board games, relaxing with her ginger cat, Carrot, or whipping up delicious meals in the kitchen.
Ben - Senior School Success Coach
Meet Ben! With a Master of Education degree from the University of Cambridge and a background as an Assistant Principal and Head of maths, he’s a true advocate for quality education. Ben’s passion for equal opportunities in Mathematics education led him to design and share exam resources on his own website. Outside of work, Ben proudly supports Notts County, which he finds pretty character-building! He’s also a dedicated runner, exploring the beautiful countryside and soaking up the fresh air. A father of two daughters, Ben serves as a school governor at their primary school. After implementing Sparx in his own school, he joined the team in April 2022, embracing the charm of Devon, where Sparx is based, while still calling Suffolk home.
Mike - Sparx Learning Ambassador
Mike initially joined as part of HegartyMaths in 2019. With five years of experience teaching maths at an Apple distinguished school, Mike knows a thing or two about technology in education. When he’s not immersed in his work, he’s busy embracing the joys and challenges of raising his two energetic daughters, who keep him on his toes. Golf and Snooker are his favorite pastimes for unwinding and enjoying some friendly competition. As a devoted fan, Mike supports the Chicago Bulls, but when he’s not engaged in math or sports, he loves diving into video games and immersing himself in the captivating world of Marvel movies.
Amy - Sparx Learning Ambassador
Meet Amy! With over 10 years’ experience as a Classics teacher and tutor across a range of age groups—alongside pastoral roles like Assistant Head of Year 8 and 9—she’s passionate about education and supporting students. She also draws on her TEFL qualification to tutor EAL learners. Now based in Devizes, she regularly heads to Sidmouth and Exeter—where she grew up—to see family and friends. Outside of work, she sings in a local community choir, enjoys the occasional Zumba class, and loves getting outdoors, whether she’s Geocaching or exploring ancient and classical sites near and far.
Alice - Senior School Success Coach
Introducing Alice, a Senior School Success Coach with a maths degree from the University of Warwick. Alice also has a flair for adventure and has had the pleasure of living in both Spain and France. She loves cycling and uses this to explore and work up an appetite for another great love of hers, good food! Having accumulated a wealth of teaching experience, she has developed a keen interest in harnessing the power of technology within the classroom. In 2020, she seamlessly transitioned from HegartyMaths to Sparx, where she helps empower educators with innovative solutions.
Florence - School Success Coach
Florence has been a key member of the Sparx team since January 2023. With her passion for languages and love for exploration, travel is high on Flo’s to-do list in her free time. Having worked as a Languages teacher in a bustling secondary school in London, Florence knows the ins and outs of the classroom. Her studies in French and Russian took her on exciting journeys to Paris and St. Petersburg, immersing her in their vibrant cultures. A true foodie at heart, she delights in discovering hidden gems and trying new restaurants. When she’s not jetting off or indulging in culinary delights, you might find Florence enjoying a night at the theatre or finding her balance and strength through Pilates.
Pierre - School Success Coach
Having joined Sparx in January 2023, Pierre has an impressive background working in schools across China, South Africa, the US, and the UK. Before settling in the UK, he trained primary school teachers in maths education, and prior to that, he worked in the world of computer science. Pierre’s passion for education and technology is evident in his deep interest in how teachers incorporate tech into their classrooms. When he’s not immersed in the educational realm, Pierre loves spending quality time with his friends and family, whether it’s hosting a lively barbecue or embarking on exciting adventures at a waterpark.
Martin - Sparx Support Specialist
Meet Martin, Sparx Support Specialist with several years of experience teaching at A-Level and a Master’s degree in maths from the University of Exeter. Martin’s adventurous spirit leads him to explore new activities and dine at exciting restaurants, always seeking new experiences. However, he also finds solace in the comfort of movies, books, and indulging in the occasional junk food feast. A puzzle enthusiast at heart, Martin loves engaging his brain to unravel and conquer various challenges. With his passion for education and his innate curiosity, Martin is a valuable asset to Sparx, bringing innovative problem-solving skills to the table.
Andy - School Success Coach
After seven years as a Science teacher - and time before that as an Apple Expert - Andy brings a real love of learning and problem-solving to everything he does. Based in Exmouth, he makes the most of coastal life, spending as much time as he can kitesurfing or out on the golf course. His dog, Stanley, keeps him busy with walks and adventures around the South West, and he’s always keen to discover new places to explore across the country.
Becy - Sparx Support Specialist
Becy brings rich experience from her time in the pastoral team at one of the largest secondary schools in the country, where she spent four years supporting students and families. Before that, she and her husband were Foster Carers, and she helped run a busy out-of-hours GP and 111 call centre. Born in India and raised in Hertfordshire, she and her family now reside in Exmouth. Outside of work, she enjoys chaotic cooking sessions with her kids, cheering on football matches, and making the most of Devon’s coastline with sea swims and coastal walks.
Jack - School Success Coach
Jack joined Sparx after completing a Master’s in Education. He spent two years teaching Maths in Bournemouth through Teach First, before working freelance for an AI company and later on Sparx’s Team Teaching project - while completing a dissertation on Media Literacy. With a military upbringing, he moved around a lot as a child before settling in Dorset. In his free time, Jack loves getting outdoors, whether it’s playing sport, hiking or bodyboarding - but only if there’s no Formula 1 on!
