Senior Leadership Team

Director of swift teacher training 

Martin Smith

Martin graduated in History before training to be a Secondary Teacher of History and has held roles as an Advanced Skills Teacher, Teaching and Learning Consultant for a Local Authority, Deputy Headteacher and a Headteacher. Ten years ago he set up Dartmoor Teaching School Alliance and in 2020 Martin became the founding Director of South West Institute for Teaching (SWIFT). 

Martin is passionate about the power of partnership and all teachers and leaders having access to high quality professional development.

Off duty, Martin’s passion is Music and attending concerts and festivals where he can. 
Deputy Director (primary) 

Emma Sivyer

Emma has a First Class Honours Degree in Psychology with a focus on Child Development. She has taught across Key Stages 1 and 2 and relished roles as Key Stage 1 Phase Leader, Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and latterly, Acting Headteacher before her current role with SWIFT Teacher Training. 

With her keen interest in phonics and early reading, Emma has experience of working for a model school for Read Write Inc. Phonics. She always strives to ensure that all children learn to read accurately and fluently, which in turn opens up the rest of the curriculum. Making the switch from ‘learning to read,’ to ‘reading to learn’ is the goal.
 
Away from the classroom, Emma enjoys a weekly sea swim with friends, and is passionate about showing her two children all that beautiful Devon has to offer.
deputy director (secondary)

Kelly Armstrong

Kelly has a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts, plus NPQML and NPQLTD qualifications. She has worked as Head of Performing Arts and currently acts as Quality Nominee for Coombeshead Academy (Education South West), contributing to the assurance and development of high standards. Kelly began her career in Initial Teacher Training as a Performing Arts Subject Specialist before her current position with SWIFT Teacher Training and is a Pearson A Level Examiner, supporting assessment standards at a national level.

Kelly is passionate about training teachers to be agents of social mobility and believes that every child, regardless of background, deserves access to a high-quality education that opens doors rather than reinforces barriers. By equipping teachers with the skills, confidence, and high expectations needed to support all learners, Kelly believes classrooms can be transformed into spaces where potential is recognised, nurtured with better life chances for every student.

Theatrics and performance have always played a big part in Kelly's life. She has been part of a professional touring pantomime, an entertainer, and appeared on television in dramas including the award-winning The Getaway Car; as well as educational videos. All of which reflect her enthusiasm for performance and enjoyment of engaging and connecting with audiences across different settings.
senior lead mentor

John Stanier

​John has an MA in Russian and European History and started his teaching career in London, before settling in Devon via Southampton. He has been Head of History, and is currently Assistant Headteacher responsible for Teaching and Learning at Great Torrington School, alongside his role as History Delivery Lead and Senior Lead Mentor for SWIFT Teacher Training.
 
John is passionate about working with teachers to improve their practice, so that every pupil can make rapid progress. By improving teaching a little bit every day, John hopes that one day we can end the inequality in education where the biggest determining factor in a child’s academic success is their parent’s income. 
 
Outside school, John is an expert skier and former ski instructor and is never happier than when he is on the slopes cruising through powder in the backcountry. Off the slopes, a chess geek, John can be found practising his Sicilian and Grunfeld Defences and competing in regional chess competitions. 
senior lead (Primary)

Lauren Hudson

Lauren has a degree in Theatre and Performance and a PGCE in Primary Education and has completed the NPQLTD and NPQML+

With experience as an Assistant Headteacher, Lauren is currently a Deputy Headteacher at Bere Alston Primary Academy (First Federation Trust). English is Lauren's subject specialism with a particular focus on Reading and Oracy. Trained by Voice 21 to be an Oracy School Leader, Lauren spoke on a panel at Voice 21 Oracy Imperative in 2022. Lauren is a Delivery Lead for the SWIFT Early Career Teacher Programme and an NPQLT Facilitator.

Lauren is passionate about training and working with the next generation of Primary Teachers because she believes in the transformative power of education in guiding aspiring educators to develop their skills, knowledge, and empathy to positively impact countless lives.  

When she is not in the classroom, Lauren loves spending time outdoors: often going for long walks across Dartmoor, and has climbed Pen-y-Fan in Wales and has ambitions to tackle Snowdon. 
senior lead (SECONDARY)

Martin Lewis

Martin is an experienced Teacher of Drama, Subject Lead and Senior Teacher in urban and rural schools across the North and South West of England. He has completed the NPQH and served as a Lead Practitioner for Drama with the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.

Originally training as an actor at Bretton Hall College, Martin worked in theatre and television before completing his PGCE. Martin's belief in the transformative power of the Arts has been a constant thread throughout his teaching career, driving him to inspire and energise young people. He has co‑authored a number of internationally published drama teaching texts, which continue to shape classroom practice.

Teacher training and professional development have been another long-standing focus. Martin has collaborated with several teacher training universities and providers, and has coordinated in‑school induction and development for Early Career Teachers and is a Senior Delivery Lead for with the SWIFT Early Career Teacher Programme, complementing his ITT Campus Lead and Senior Leadership responsibilities.

Outside work, Martin can be found in the water at his local surf break, the legendary Batham in South Devon.
senior lead (CAMPUS)

Laura Wakeling

Laura graduated in History and after a very brief stint in PR, trained to be a teacher. For many years Laura worked in boarding schools as a Head of Department and overseeing Higher Education applications, before she moved into the State Sector. She is currently Head of Department and on the Senior Leadership Team at Colyton Grammar School, alongside her work with SWIFT Teacher Training.

Laura loves teaching History, and more recently Politics, and enjoys enthusing with students about the past. Laura finds it very rewarding to work with trainees in the early stages of their teaching careers, and to develop their understanding of education, and teaching and learning.

​Outside work, Laura enjoys reading, music and tennis and when gets the chance to go, she is a keen skier. 
programme manager

Nicky Sheppard

Nicky graduated in Geology and worked for the Environment Agency as a Programme Manager and Team Leader in their Research and Development Department, before she was a Business Manager for an IT/Strategy company.

Nicky is excited to be involved in helping the next generation of teachers start their journey into teaching.

Away from her desk, sailing is Nicky's passion, and nothing is better than escaping onto the water at the weekend.

Central Administration Team

PROGRAMME MANAGER
Nicky Sheppard
Nicky graduated in Geology and worked for the Environment Agency as a Programme Manager and Team Leader in their Research and Development Department, before she was a Business Manager for an IT/Strategy company.

Nicky is excited to be involved in helping the next generation of teachers start their journey into teaching.

Away from her desk, sailing is Nicky's passion, and nothing is better than escaping onto the water at the weekend.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR

Sophie Neale

Sophie has a degree in British and American History and English Literature, which she gained in France. She has worked for Education South West in various roles, and has gained extensive experience in administration and support roles.
 
Sophie is passionate about delivering excellent support to the next generation of teachers so that they can focus on what matters the most: teaching and learning.
 
When she is off duty, gardening and walking her dog helps Sophie to relax and recharge.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR

Abby Spearing

Abby graduated in Experimental Psychology and has a background working in events and publishing, before she moved into education administration, and working in a local primary school.

Abby is passionate about helping to support people on their journey into teaching so that they are as prepared as possible to take on a challenging and rewarding role as their future career.
​
Away from her desk, Abby enjoys the outdoors, and in particular muddy running adventures and wild swimming.
administrator 

Alison King

Alison graduated in French and has worked in administration, including organising training for junior doctors and GPs, before moving into education administration.

Alison is passionate about working with amazing teachers who are very positive about doing the best for the children of tomorrow.

In her leisure time, Alison enjoys baking and traveling and running the South Hams lanes.

Campus Teams

NORTH DEVON CAMPUS LEAD

Caroline Sherwood

Lead Partner | 
Harbour Schools Partnership

Campus Lead School | 
Roundswell Community Primary Academy
Caroline has a degree in English Literature and began her career as a Teacher of English in Kent driven by a lifelong love of books and the power of language to shape how people think and feel. Relishing roles as Advanced Skills Teacher /Specialist Leader of Education and Senior Leadership roles, Caroline is increasingly fascinated by what makes organisations healthy and how human behaviour influences culture and improvement. Alongside her SWIFT Teacher Training work, she is Education Partner with the Harbour Schools Partnership. 

Driven by a strong sense of purpose, Caroline is committed to creating environments where people thrive and to making a meaningful difference for children, staff and the wider community. She is passionate about how the differences between novices and experts shape learning and performance, with Cognitive Science and research strongly influencing her understanding of knowledge, memory and effective teaching.

A continual learner herself, Caroline is energised by developing others to help colleagues grow in confidence and expertise and to achieve more than they thought possible, to become the best version of themselves.

Co-author of "Codified Leadership" about the habits and behaviours which make a difference in schools, Caroline is currently writing her second book, about Adaptive Expertise in School Leaders. 

Away from her desk, Caroline has two horses and has competed in the past and enjoyed the regular coaching (and being a student again!). 
NORTH DEVON CAMPUS ADMIN

Jo Turnbull

Lead Partner | 
Harbour Schools Partnership

Campus Lead School | 
Roundswell Community Primary Academy​
​Jo graduated in English and French and taught English as a Foreign Language in France, Japan and the UK before spending over 20 years working for Oxford University Press in educational publishing, specialising in dictionaries for international students learning English.

After moving to Devon Jo volunteered at the North Devon Hospice and worked for North Devon Voluntary Services, before moving to the Tarka Learning Partnership (now the Harbour Schools Partnership), where she supports the Continuing Professional Development of staff.  

Jo is passionate about building positive relationships and supporting others to develop in their roles.

Away from her desk, Jo loves singing and belongs to a music group in her village and a cappella choir in Great Torrington. A claim to fame - Jo auditioned (unsuccessfully) to be in Dictionary Corner on Channel 4's Countdown. She hopes to retire to France (eventually!). 
MID DEVON AND SOMERSET CAMPUS LEAD 

Tania Cox

Lead Partner | 
Blackdown Education Partnership

Campus Lead School | 
Uffculme School
Tania has a degree in Environmental Science and a PGCE, and is an experienced primary teacher, working across all primary Key Stages in a range of teaching and leadership roles, including a recent headship of a primary school with First Federation Trust in Devon. Recently she successfully completed a Masters Degree in Education Leadership and Management.

Tania is the Trust Director of Training and Learning for Blackdown Education Partnership, working with schools across the Trust, as well as schools across the South West, linked with her SWIFT Teaching Hub Partnership roles: the Appropriate Body Service for Early Career Teachers (ECTs), an Early Career Teacher Programme Facilitator, Membership Services Lead for SWIFT CPD, alongside her SWIFT Teacher Training roles. 

Tania has always been passionate about supporting staff at all phases of their careers from trainees to Mentors, so that they progress in a way that supports their interests, with bespoke pathways. Tania is motivated in knowing that the support and investment in people at all stages, but particularly in the early stages of their careers, enables staff to thrive and grow as expert practitioners, and enabling young people to reach their full potential.

Away from her desk, Tania enjoys long walks with her family and dog, making the most of her Dartmoor locality and the beaches of the South Hams, further enhanced with a lunchtime break in a pub with a view!
MID DEVON AND SOMERSET CAMPUS ADMIN

Alison King

Alison graduated in French and has worked in administration, including organising training for junior doctors and GPs, before moving into education administration.

Alison is passionate about working with amazing teachers who are very positive about doing the best for the children of tomorrow.

In her leisure time, Alison enjoys baking and traveling and running the South Hams lanes.
Lead Partner | 
Blackdown Education Partnership

Campus Lead School | 
Uffculme School
EAST DEVON AND DORSET CAMPUS LEAD

​Laura Wakeling

Lead Partner & Campus Lead School | Colyton Grammar School 
Laura graduated in History and after a very brief stint in PR, trained to be a teacher. For many years Laura worked in boarding schools as a Head of Department and overseeing Higher Education applications, before she moved into the State Sector. She is currently Head of Department and on the Senior Leadership Team at Colyton Grammar School, alongside her work with SWIFT Teacher Training.

Laura loves teaching History, and more recently Politics, and enjoys enthusing with students about the past. Laura finds it very rewarding to work with trainees in the early stages of their teaching careers, and to develop their understanding of education, and teaching and learning.

​Outside work, Laura enjoys reading, music and tennis and when gets the chance to go, she is a keen skier. ​
EAST DEVON AND DORSET CAMPUS ADMIN

Sophie Neale

Lead Partner & Campus Lead School | Colyton Grammar School ​
Sophie has a degree in British and American History and English Literature that she gained in France. Having worked for Education South West in various roles, Sophie has gained extensive experience in administrative and support roles.
 
Sophie is passionate about delivering excellent support to the next generation of teachers so that they can focus on what matters the most, teaching and learning.
 
When she is off duty, gardening and walking her dog helps Sophie to relax and recharge.
PLYMOUTH CAMPUS LEAD

Martin Lewis

Lead Partner & Campus Lead School | CURRENTLY VACANT
Martin is an experienced Teacher of Drama, Subject Lead and Senior Teacher in urban and rural schools across the North and South West of England. He has completed the NPQH and served as a Lead Practitioner for Drama with the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.

Originally training as an actor at Bretton Hall College, Martin worked in theatre and television before completing his PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan University. Martin's belief in the transformative power of the Arts has been a constant thread throughout his teaching career, driving him to inspire and energise young people. He has co‑authored a number of internationally published drama teaching texts, which continue to shape classroom practice.

Teacher training and professional development have been another long-standing focus. Martin has collaborated with multiple teacher training universities and providers, and has coordinated in‑school induction and development for Early Career Teachers.

Martin is a Senior Delivery Lead for with the SWIFT Early Career Teacher Programme, complementing his ITT Campus Lead and Senior Leadership responsibilities.

Outside work, Martin can be found in the water at his local surf break, the legendary Batham in South Devon.
PLYMOUTH CAMPUS admin

Abby Spearing 

Lead Partner & Campus Lead School | CURRENTLY VACANT
Abby graduated in BSc in Experimental Psychology and has a background working in events and publishing, before she moved into education administration, and working in a local primary school.

Abby is passionate about helping to support people on their journey into teaching so that they are as prepared as possible to take on a challenging and rewarding role as their future career.
​
Away from her desk, Abby enjoys the outdoors, and in particular muddy running adventures and wild swimming.
SOUTH DEVON AND TORBAY CAMPUS LEAD

Laura Wakeling

Lead Partner & Campus Lead School | Colyton Grammar School 
Laura graduated in History and after a very brief stint in PR, trained to be a teacher. For many years Laura worked in boarding schools as a Head of Department and overseeing Higher Education applications, before she moved into the State Sector. She is currently Head of Department and on the Senior Leadership Team at Colyton Grammar School, working alongside her work with SWIFT Teacher Training.

Laura loves teaching History, and more recently Politics to students, and enthusing them about the past. It is very rewarding for Laura to work with trainees in the early stages of their teaching careers, and to develop their understanding of education, and teaching and learning.

​Outside work, Laura enjoys reading, music and tennis and when gets the chance to go, she is a keen skiier. ​
SOUTH DEVON AND TORBAY CAMPUS ADMIN

Sophie Neale

Lead Partner | Education South West
Campus Lead School | Colyton Grammar School ​
Sophie has a degree in British and American History and English Literature that she gained in France. Having worked for Education South West in various roles, Sophie has gained extensive experience in administrative and support roles.
 
Sophie is passionate about delivering excellent support to the next generation of teachers so that they can focus on what matters the most, teaching and learning.
 
When she is off duty, gardening and walking her dog helps Sophie to relax and recharge.