Teaching Staff

William retrained as a history teacher in 2018. He previously spent many years running local charities supporting disadvantaged groups, such as ex-offenders and pupils with mental health conditions. 

William is passionate about history and happy to explore any topics of interest with pupils, especially if they are new to him. He enjoys all things historical, including films, board games and visiting historical buildings, and finds ways of bringing these into his lessons.

He is keen to nurture young minds and apply his experience to help pupils to overcome whatever holds them back from achieving their potential.

Tiffany has worked in secondary art education for 27 years, across Hertfordshire and Essex, teaching GCSE and A Level, Art and Photography.  She has been a Head of Department and a Lead Practitioner in her field.

She prides herself on having excellent subject knowledge and a wide range of expertise in many different techniques and processes.

In her spare time, Tiffany is learning pottery and throwing pots (the most difficult thing she has ever done, but is determined to master it!) and attends yoga classes. 

Svetlana joined the James Marks Academy Trust in September 2024 as a Science and Maths teacher. She has over 20 years of teaching experience with subject specialism in Biology taught to KS5 level.

Svetlana has extensive teaching experience gained in a number of secondary state and private schools in Hertfordshire and Essex. She feels very passionate about learning and building pupils' confidence in her subjects. She loves gardening, animals and travelling. 

Annika Etches started at James Marks Academy in September 2024 as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Formerly a Hotel and Restaurant General Manager, she is passionate about training and development.

She is excited about transferring her skills to teaching children and has experience with SEN and SEMH children personally.

Annika has keen subject interests in Art, Design and Humanities and is looking forward to working with our children and families.

Georgine joined James Marks Academy Trust in September 2025 as an English teacher. An avid reader, she is passionate about literature and enjoys sharing this with others. In her spare time, she enjoys playing chess, long walks in the countryside and spending time with her daughters. 

Steve joined the Trust as Head of Maths at James Marks Academy in September 2023. He has successfully led multiple maths departments and has worked as an Assistant Head in two schools within a career spanning almost 30 years.

He has taught maths across all age and ability groups, and has worked for many years as an examiner up to A Level Further Maths.

He’s also worked as a professional magician, and has edited, proofed and written a number of books of material for other performers in that area. Unfortunately, he couldn’t magic 30 hours in a day, so his love of adventure sports took a back seat after his children were born, although he’s recently returned to kayaking in a classic attempt to pretend he really isn’t getting that old. 

Sarah has worked in education for over 20 years. She has a keen interest in conservation and studied Environmental Science at university.

She worked in both the Horticulture and Animal Care industries before training to become a teacher. After working in mainstream Secondary Education, she moved to a land-based college teaching Animal Care, Horticulture and Countryside.

In her spare time she enjoys exploring nature, and she loves to share these passions with young people.

Hayley joined the James Marks Academy Trust in November 2025 and brings over 20 years of experience in secondary education. She has taught in both the UK and New Zealand across supported learning (Tautoko) and mainstream settings, developing a broad and inclusive approach to teaching. A Social Scientist, Hayley teaches across the Humanities, from Accounting to Travel and Tourism, with Geography, particularly the human sciences her specialist area.

Hayley has successfully led a large Social Science department for fifteen years and has contributed to school and Geography governance boards, alongside her role as a Specialist Classroom Teacher. Her teaching is grounded in evidence-based practice, with a strong focus on explicit instruction and clear modelling to support student success. She is committed to professional growth and stays engaged with current research and best practice through reading, webinars, podcasts, online communities of practice, and close links with subject associations.

Outside of school, Hayley loves to travel and is a keen runner. 

Chris was previously the computing lead at a St Albans secondary school, teaching computer science up to and including A Level. He came into teaching following an over 20-year career in the IT sector, providing technical services and support to enterprise customers.

He has since returned to the classroom to share his experience and curiosity about all things technical, which all began with many long hours spent on home computers in his youth.

Faye is an experienced English teacher and has been Head of Faculty for six years across two large secondary schools in Surrey and Hertfordshire. She prides herself on her subject and general knowledge and loves to learn more through reading a wide range of material, from literary fiction to biography, mythology to neuroscience.   

A nature enthusiast, Faye enjoys spending time walking in the countryside, cycling and camping, alongside weight lifting, baking, listening to music and podcasts.

Faye is a supportive, kind person who aims to build positive relationships with pupils, which are built on understanding and trust, to support their academic and personal growth.

Liz has taught Food and Nutrition in a variety of educational settings in a career spanning over 20 years. Food is an essential part of her life, enhancing and developing recipes and her own cooking skills, to bring out fun and enjoyment both for school and her friends and family. 

Liz is also passionate about swimming, whether she is in the pool, open water or teaching others to swim, passing on her love for the sport.

Sophie joined the James Marks Academy Trust, working at Roman Fields as an experienced Science Teacher. Prior to joining our Trust she was part of the faculty leadership team at a large secondary school. Sophie has taught science across Key Stage 3 and 4, and BTEC Applied Science and Medical Science at post-16.

She is a biology specialist and loves to enhance young people's understanding of the world around them.

Sophie is a keen equestrian, having studied Equine Science at University and has represented the county at team competitions. 

Sophie is a kind, approachable person who aims to build positive and supportive relationships with pupils which support their academic and personal growth.

Faye Williams joined James Marks Academy in September 2025 as an Higher Level Teacher Assistant. Faye’s work spans integration, classroom support and welfare. Faye is experienced in this space having previously worked for many years in a primary school setting. 

With over 25 years of experience working with children and families, Faye has worked in a wide range of settings. Her career has included managing day nurseries, working as a nanny for twins, and serving as an Outreach Worker in a children’s centre, where she supported young children and their families on a range of matters including children’s health,  education, child behaviour support, budgeting, and housing.

Outside of school, Faye has a passion for dance and has recently taken up ballet. She has performed alongside her daughters in two shows and successfully completed her Grade 1, 2 and 3 ballet examinations.