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 past experience to help pupils to overcome whatever holds them back from achieving their potential.

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

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 to transfer her skills into 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.

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.

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 for all things technical, which all began with many long hours spent on home computers in his youth.

Melissa joined JMA in September 2024 as a Sports Tutor, primarily working in the gym. She also works as a life coach and wellbeing teacher in a mainstream Alternative Provision School.

Melissa has spent many years working in the fitness industry, either teaching classes, personal training or in leisure management. Melissa has also successfully run her own decorating business.

Melissa loves all things exercise related and is always keen to try something new!

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 education 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 the 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.

Steve began his career teaching PE and History. He became a Head of Year and then an Assistant Head for 15 years, undertaking a variety of roles including running the 6th form and whole school pastoral matters.

Outside of school, Steve maintains his passion for sport and recently ran the London Marathon for the third time. He is also a rugby fanatic and still coaches 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.