Patricia has been teaching science for more than twenty years and joined Apricot Learning in 2015. She leads the STEM department with a passion for making Science and Maths achievable, engaging, and relevant to every learner. Patricia believes online teaching creates space for true personalisation; every student experiences lessons shaped to their needs, curiosity, and pace. She focuses on turning passive learners into active thinkers through interactive tools and collaborative learning. Beyond teaching, Patricia is an avid baker and netball player who enjoys countryside walks with her Springer Spaniel and unwinding at live performances and festivals.

Faye has over 24 years of teaching experience across mainstream, private, and alternative education settings and has been part of Apricot Learning since 2018. She teaches English, RS, and PSHE, leading her department with creativity, compassion, and a focus on helping students rediscover their confidence and curiosity. Faye believes that small-group and one-to-one teaching allows genuine connection and meaningful progress. She finds it deeply rewarding to see students succeed in ways they never thought possible. Outside of teaching, Faye enjoys countryside walks with her dog, visiting new places, meeting people, and relaxing with a good book.

Tim brings over thirty years of experience teaching in secondary schools and recently joined Apricot Learning. He has led successful Maths departments and served as a Deputy Headteacher, combining strong leadership with a deep understanding of classroom practice. Specialising in Mathematics and Computer Studies, he has also taught RE and PE, reflecting his versatility and commitment to whole-school education. Tim is passionate about helping every student achieve their potential and believes in Apricot’s personalised approach. Outside of teaching, he enjoys walking in the Yorkshire Dales and watching live football, cricket, and rugby, and is working towards visiting all 92 league grounds (he’s already visited 72!).

Vicky has over twenty years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for making learning engaging and memorable, sometimes a little too memorable, like the time a volcano simulation set off the fire alarm. She joined Apricot Learning to continue doing what she loves most: helping young people enjoy learning again through calm, tailored online lessons. Vicky values Apricot’s child-centred approach and the chance to teach in ways that truly fit each learner. Outside the classroom, she loves being outdoors, whether kayaking, walking in the dales, or wild swimming, although after swimming in ice once, she’s in no hurry to repeat it!

Simon has been teaching for more than twenty years across Primary, Secondary, and Further Education. His background includes senior management and Head of Year experience, where he taught Drama, English, Maths, and Performing Arts. Since joining Apricot Learning in 2024, Simon has valued the opportunity to create calm, flexible lessons that adapt to how each student learns best. His approach is simple: listen, support, and build confidence. Whether through discussion, chat, or step-by-step practice, he helps every learner believe in their own ability. Outside teaching, Simon is an actor, writer, Scout Leader, and keen explorer of hills and dales.

Ian studied Electronic Engineering and Mathematics before beginning his career with BT, helping to develop early internet systems for business. After moving into education in 1991, he spent over thirty years teaching Maths, Computing, French, Physics, and Technology. He joined Apricot Learning in 2016 and values the informal, collaborative culture at Apricot, where teachers and students work as equals to shape lessons that truly engage. He believes flexibility and mutual respect make learning meaningful. Outside work, Ian relaxes with his sight hounds.

Emma has taught science for more than thirty years, specialising in Physics. After beginning her career in Cardiff and spending time teaching across the UK, she returned to the Cotswolds, the place she calls home. She joined Apricot Learning in 2017 and teaches Maths and Science, designing calm, bespoke lessons that help students rebuild confidence and curiosity. Emma enjoys the flexibility of online learning, where she can adapt every session to each learner’s needs and pace. When she’s not teaching, she fosters rescue dogs, often joined by one (or several) under her desk during lessons, bringing patience and care to both roles.

Clem brings more than forty years of experience in learning development, teaching, and coaching to Apricot Learning, where he has taught since 2020. A graduate of Aberystwyth, Imperial College, King’s College, and Birmingham Universities, Clem combines deep academic knowledge with a practical understanding of how people learn. He has a particular interest in the psychology of learning and supports students who have struggled in mainstream settings to rebuild focus and confidence. A skilled NLP practitioner, Clem uses adaptable approaches to re-engage learners. Outside of teaching, he enjoys life with his dogs and is always tempted to welcome a few more.

Claire has been teaching for over twenty years and joined Apricot Learning in 2021. She loves helping students rediscover confidence in Maths, particularly those who have found learning difficult in mainstream settings. Claire values the flexibility of Apricot’s approach, creating one-to-one and small-group lessons that adapt to each learner’s needs. She believes personalised teaching not only re-engages students but helps them uncover strengths they never knew they had. Outside teaching, Claire enjoys baking, sewing, and painting, as well as giving new life to old items through creative upcycling. She also loves exploring the outdoors with her family.

Amy has been teaching secondary mathematics since 2005 and joined Apricot Learning in 2023. She loves the moment when understanding clicks for a student and believes that building relationships is at the heart of good teaching. Amy sees Maths as a universal language that helps students make sense of the world and takes pride in helping them see its beauty and logic. She feels privileged to work with such inspiring young people and colleagues. Outside teaching, Amy enjoys logic puzzles, Derren Brown shows, and exploring the Lake District with her spaniel, Oscar, usually with a paddleboard in tow!

Steph has over ten years of experience teaching English, Film, and Media, joining Apricot Learning in 2023 after more than a decade in sixth form education. She’s passionate about helping each student learn in a way that suits them, using patience, creativity, and flexibility to build confidence and independence. Living with ADHD gives Steph a personal understanding of how to support neurodiverse learners and remove barriers to education. She values Apricot’s calm, focused approach that helps students thrive. Outside of teaching, Steph enjoys reading, writing, swimming, and crafting, and is currently learning Hungarian.

Nathalie has taught English in mainstream secondary schools for fifteen years and joined Apricot Learning to focus on what she values most, working closely with students and creating lessons shaped around their individual needs. She believes in making learning personal, friendly, and positive, whether teaching one-to-one or in small groups. Helping students reach their potential is what drives her every day. Nathalie was drawn to Apricot’s commitment to student-centred teaching and loves seeing how this approach transforms confidence and outcomes. Outside work, she enjoys reading, countryside walks, and family trips to Spain, where tapas and flamenco are always on the agenda.

Kara has been teaching since 1993 and joined Apricot Learning in 2020. She loves the freedom online teaching brings, shaping every lesson to each learner’s needs; sometimes quiet, sometimes lively, always personal. Kara believes listening to students and adapting to their style builds confidence and trust, especially for those with additional needs. She enjoys seeing learners who once struggled begin to be happy, contribute, and believe in themselves again. Away from teaching, Kara writes poetry, performs with local theatre and arts groups, and helps run a creative recycling business. Life at home is shared with her partner, family, and four mischievous cats.

Emily has been teaching for thirteen years and joined Apricot Learning in 2015. She loves the flexibility of online education and the way it allows students to learn at their own pace, often finding success where traditional approaches have failed. Emily believes that progress looks different for every learner and values the small steps that lead to big changes in confidence and self-belief. She uses interactive tools and creative resources to make lessons engaging and accessible for all students. Outside teaching, Emily enjoys swimming, Clubbercise, baking, and spending time with her family.

David has been teaching for nearly fifteen years and joined Apricot Learning’s English and Humanities department in 2017 after several years teaching English and Drama in secondary schools. He values the time and space Apricot provides to focus on each student’s individual needs, helping them rediscover confidence through patience and perseverance. David believes many young people simply need someone to believe in them again, and he makes that a cornerstone of his teaching. With a strong background in drama, he brings creativity and empathy into every lesson, using performance techniques to inspire confidence and communication in his students. Outside the classroom, David enjoys running, writing, and watching movies: interests that reflect his love of storytelling, reflection, and staying active.