Our team

Alex Gerko

Alex Gerko is the Founder and co-CEO of XTX Markets. Alex has a PhD in mathematics and he very much enjoyed participating in Maths Circles when he was a child. He wants to bring the opportunity he had to young people in the UK.

Charlotte Potter

Charlotte Potter worked as Project Lead when Axiom Maths was being incubated and supported the early development of the organisation. Her experiences are in supporting education charities to scale into organisations that have systemic impact, and previously as a maths teacher at a secondary school in South London.

Dan Abramson

Dan Abramson OBE is a Professor of Practice of Mathematics Education at King's College London and the Interim CEO of the University Maths Schools Network, an umbrella body designed to grow and strengthen the maths school movement. Dan was previously the founding Head Teacher of King's College London Mathematics School.

Ed Southall

Ed Southall has worked in national and international maths education for over 20 years. He has a PhD in maths education and is the author of five mathematics books. He is currently the maths subject lead at Oak National Academy and works closely with the Department for Education, NCETM and MEI. 

Kathryn Greenhalgh

Kathryn Greenhalgh was the Executive Director of Mathematics for Outwood Grange Academies Trust for 17 years, ultimately strategically leading 28 maths departments. Kathryn led the Yorkshire and Humber Maths Hub since its inception in 2014 for 10 years and continues supporting them and the Outwood English Hub as Trust Strategic Lead for System Leadership Support. She is Chair of the national Maths Hub Council and has represented Maths Hubs and maths teachers on DfE consultative committees.

Lord Jonathan Hill

Lord Jonathan Hill was Leader of the House of Lords before becoming European Commissioner for Financial Services. He is currently Lead NED at HM Treasury, Chairman of the Ditchley Foundation and a Director of the Centre for Policy Studies.

Annabel Young

Curriculum Developer

Annabel Young is one of our Curriculum Developers. She designs and creates materials for the maths circles programme and provides mentor guidance. Before joining the team, she taught maths for five years at secondary schools in Gloucestershire and Bristol, and also served as second in department.

Jack Campbell

Head of Professional Development and Quality Assurance

Jack is our Head of Professional Development and Quality Assurance. He leads our thinking on what great mentoring looks like and how to achieve it and develops the training and support that helps mentors run brilliant maths circles. Before joining Axiom Maths, he spent over a decade in mathematics education and leadership roles across schools in Manchester, Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Malaysia.

Josie Ruffles

Curriculum Developer

Josie Ruffles is one of our Curriculum Developers, with responsibility for the creation of resources and mentor guidance for the maths circles. Josie worked as a maths teacher for seven years, where she designed and implemented effective curricula through leadership roles, including as Head of Maths. Josie has recently completed a Masters in STEM Education, in which she explored methods for improving equity in mathematics learning.

Michael Davies

Chief Mathematician

Michael Davies is our Chief Mathematician. He has been involved with Axiom Maths from the start: defining the curriculum principles and sequence, setting out Axiom Maths' pedagogical foundations, and creating and developing the materials that form the basis for each maths circle session. Michael has taught Maths at Westminster School for very many years.

Nicole Cooke

Curriculum Developer

Nicole Cooke is one of our Curriculum Developers. She works with the curriculum team, designing and creating the maths circles programme materials and mentor guidance. She is a Secondary Mastery Specialist and NCETM-accredited PD lead. Before joining Axiom Maths, Nicole taught Maths at a Secondary school in Somerset, where part of her role was leading professional development across a multi-academy trust, sharing her passion and enthusiasm for teaching for mastery.

Alison Latouche

Executive Assistant

Alison Latouche is our Executive Assistant. Alison has several years’ experience of supporting organisations with business management, partnership working and funded training and work programmes. Previously a Business Manager at City of London Corporation — Central London Forward, Alison is passionate about working with organisations that make a difference to people’s lives.

Bessie Stevens

Marketing and Communications Manager

Bessie Stevens is our Marketing and Communications Manager. She is responsible for building the Axiom Maths brand and expanding our reach. Previously, Bessie was a financial services Account Manager at a PR agency. Bessie also completed the Teach First programme and spent two years teaching maths at a London secondary school. She is driven to support equitable education opportunities for all pupils.

Catherine Fenwick

Operations Director

Catherine Fenwick is our Operations Director. Catherine has worked in Widening Participation for 20 years, supporting young people from under-represented groups to progress to higher education. A former Director of Aim Higher, Catherine is passionate about ensuring all young people have equal access to outstanding Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance.

Rachel Montgomery

Head of HR

Rachel Montgomery is our Head of HR. Rachel has over 20 years HR experience gained through in-house and consultancy work with a broad range of organisations. Rachel is committed to supporting projects and organisations working with children and with vulnerable members of society.

Adam Geach

Delivery Director (Programme Delivery)

Adam Geach is our Schools Delivery Director. Adam has almost 10 years of experience developing and delivering programmes within schools. Previously at Action Tutoring and Get Further, Adam has a passion for improving social mobility through academic success.

Charlie Jewell

Head of Programmes

Charlie Jewell is our Head of Programmes. He oversees our online and partner-led maths circles, as well as supporting in the development of our new programmes. Charlie was a primary school teacher in London before completing an MA in Education, Gender and International Development. Before Axiom Maths, he managed education projects in Lebanon and the U.K.

Flossie House

Mentor Manager

Flossie is our Mentor Manager, overseeing our Axiom Maths online and in-person mentors and the pupils they support. Prior to joining Axiom Maths, she worked at The Brilliant Club and IntoUniversity, where she worked with universities, schools and mentors to promote educational equity for underrepresented groups.

Grace Jenkins

Head of Digital Products

Grace is our Head of Digital Products. Grace's role sets the strategic direction for our digital products and ensures Axiom Maths is a user-first, product-centred organisation. Previously, Grace was Head of Data, Technology and Impact at Axiom Maths, and also led our programme delivery team’s management of the online programme. Prior to joining Axiom Maths, Grace worked as a primary school teacher in the UK and abroad. She moved into the charity sector in 2019, and she has managed a wide range of complex education programmes and projects since.

Louiza Lambrianide

Programme Lead

Louiza is one of our Programme Leads. With a background in educational and arts charities, Louiza specialises in supporting, coaching and training young people from underrepresented communities. Holding degrees in Maths and Music, Louiza combines analytical and creative skills with the aim of driving positive change that enhances young people's experiences.

Pooja Patel

Programme Lead

Pooja is one of our Programme Leads for the Online Maths Programme. She is responsible for ensuring smooth delivery of our online sessions and managing relationships with our online partner schools and delivery partners. Pooja has previous experience in the charity sector where she supported individuals experiencing homelessness into stable housing.

Ally Zeitler

Strategic Projects & Partnership Manager

Allyson Zeitler is our Strategic Projects and Partnerships Manager. Allyson supports the schools partnerships team and leads on special projects aimed at enhancing the in-school programme and providing additional support to our partner schools. She works across teams to support Axiom Maths' research and programme evaluation. Before joining Axiom Maths, Allyson managed projects at a non-profit contracted by the US Department of State, delivering cultural education exchange programmes. She completed her MA in International Education and Globalisation in 2022 and has extensively researched the use of non-formal education to promote equitable access to high-quality education.

Becky Shireby

Head of Region — East London & Kent

Becky Shireby, Axiom Maths' East London and Kent Regional Lead, brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a background as a primary school teacher and deputy headteacher, she dedicated eight years to shaping young minds and fostering educational leadership. Specialising in mathematics, Becky has played a pivotal role in curriculum development across multiple primary schools within a MAT. Currently, she passionately supports schools in East London and Kent, guiding them in the establishment and growth of their maths circles.

Charlotte Rodrick

School Relationship Lead

Charlotte Rodrick is our School Relationships Lead who supports schools to run Maths Circles. Before joining Axiom, Charlotte was a primary school teacher in both Bristol and Manchester, and is currently completing an MA in Education and Social Justice.

Chris Gaffiney

School Relationship Lead — North West

Chris is one of our School Relationship Leads, working with schools across the North West to support the delivery of the Maths Circles programme. Before joining Axiom, he served as a Headteacher, Executive Coach, and Consultant, dedicated to empowering schools and education professionals to create exceptional opportunities for every young person.

Elliot Cole

Head of Region — South

Elliot Cole is our Head of Region for West London & Surrey. Elliot supports schools running maths circles in his area. For nearly fifteen years, he was a teacher and senior leader in both primary and secondary schools across Surrey. He led whole school Pupil Premium provision in a number of different settings and taught mathematics to students ranging from EYFS to KS3.

Gemma Exelby Kneller

School Relationship Lead — South

Gemma Exelby Kneller is one of our School Relationship Leads, covering the region of Oxford/Reading. Before joining Axiom Maths, Gemma was a History Teacher and taught KS3-KS5 in schools in Reading and Winchester. She also spent 2 years working for a social mobility charity supporting young people from less advantaged backgrounds into top jobs in Manchester, followed by another 2 years at Cabinet Office, initially re-designing their work experience programme for FSM pupils and then going on to support departments to lead the drive for diversity in public appointments.

George Morgan

School Relationship Lead — East Midlands

George Morgan is the School Relationship Lead for the East Midlands, supporting schools in their delivery of the Maths Circles programme. He previously led recruitment and programme delivery for NCS, and most recently developed and delivered a healthy relationships curriculum to KS1–KS5 pupils across Lincolnshire as a Domestic Abuse Officer.

Greg Scannell

Head of Region — Wales

Greg Scannell is Axiom Maths' Head of Region for Wales, bringing a wealth of experience to his role. Prior to joining Axiom Maths, he spent eight years as the National Manager for Wales at The Brilliant Club, managing school and university partnerships to implement their programmes, which widen access to higher education for learners across Wales. With a background as a secondary school teacher, Leadership Development Officer with Teach First Cymru and as a widening access professional at the University of Oxford, Greg has always been dedicated to promoting educational excellence and ensuring that young people, especially those from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds, have outstanding educational opportunities and outcomes. Currently, he passionately supports schools across Wales, guiding them in the establishment and growth of their maths circles.

Gwen Tresidder

Head of Region — East Midlands

Gwen Tresidder is Axiom Maths' Head of Region for East Midlands, working with schools running maths circles in this area. Gwen has taught maths in secondary schools and in ITE since 2000, and before joining Axiom Maths was Communications Manager for the NCETM.

Jennifer Geddes

Head of Region — North West, Strategic Lead of Technological Innovation

Jennifer is Axiom Maths' Head of Region for the North West of England, where she supports schools in implementing effective Maths Circles. She brings unique interdisciplinary experience. In addition to 10 years Maths teaching and Head of Maths, she has extensive STEM industry experience. Her background spans environmental analysis, industrial chemistry, and engineering, including leadership of large-scale projects in the North Sea energy sector. This diverse expertise enables her to bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications while supporting schools across her region.

Lois Scott

Head of Region — North East

Lois Scott is Axiom Maths’ Head of Region for the North East, supporting schools to run Maths circles in her area. Prior to joining Axiom Maths she worked as a secondary school Maths teacher for 17 years across a variety of settings, teaching KS3 to KS5. She has been involved in teacher training and mentoring, department leadership and more recently, school Timetabler. 

Lorraine Williams

School Relationship Lead — South/South West

Lorraine is one of our School Relationship Leads for the South and South West, working closely with schools to support the delivery of Maths Circles. Before joining Axiom, she worked in primary education for 14 years, leading maths and introducing maths mastery teaching in a newly established school.
Driven by a strong commitment to inclusion, Lorraine transitioned into specialist education, collaborating with the first Surrey SEND Maths Hub to develop and adapt maths teaching for learners of all abilities. She also brings experience from the charity sector, where she delivered online lessons to children affected by displacement across the world.

Manjit Shellis

Head of Region — West Midlands

Manjit is our Head of Region for the West Midlands, supporting schools to deliver high-quality Maths Circles. She brings over three decades of experience in education, youth work, and school improvement. Previously, Manjit was Director of Education & Development at the University of the First Age (UFA), where she helped grow the Birmingham-based charity into a national organisation, working with 50 local authorities and nearly a million young people. She has also held senior leadership roles in schools and education partnerships, developing national programmes in student leadership, wellbeing, and character education. Passionate about unlocking potential, Manjit specialises in creating transformational learning experiences that empower young people and the adults who support them.

Melissa Wooding

Schools Relationship Lead — West Midlands

Melissa Wooding is the School Relationship Lead for the West Midlands, supporting schools in their delivery of the Maths Circles programme. Prior to joining Axiom Maths, Melissa gained 12 years of experience as a primary school teacher in Coventry. For five of those years, she was a Head of Maths, where she developed a deep passion for making mathematics accessible to all. Melissa is a huge advocate for teaching for mastery, and she recently completed an NPQ in Leading Primary Mathematics, to further her expertise.

Olivia Iqbal-McLeod

Head of Region — West Midlands

Olivia is our Head of Region for the West Midlands, supporting schools in the area to run Maths Circles effectively. Olivia was a mathematics teacher and middle leader in secondary schools in Oxford, Birmingham and France, and before joining Axiom Maths was responsible for the creation of the KS4 Mathematics Mastery pilot programme at Ark Curriculum Plus.

Paul Guille

School Relationship Lead — East Anglia & South East

Paul Guille is our School Relationship Lead for the East of England. He has over a decade of experience in primary classrooms in both the UK and US. Paul also has experience in the charity sector, developing lesson resources and workshops for The Guardian Foundation’s NewsWise programme.

Ryan O’Neill

School Relationship Lead

Ryan O'Neill is one of our School Relationship Leads, supporting schools to deliver the Maths Circles programme. Before joining Axiom, Ryan worked in a range of roles supporting children in education including as a Primary Teacher and Education Lead for various Maths Tuition organisations. 

Sarah Walker

School Relationship Lead

Sarah is a School Relationship Lead for the North West and North Wales supporting schools in these areas to successfully implement and run Maths Circles. Before joining Axiom Maths, Sarah taught Maths to secondary aged students and worked as a School Relationship Lead for a social impact company who connected businesses with schools to develop real-world skills and experiences. 

Sophie Lord

School Relationship Lead — North East

Sophie Lord is our School Relationship Lead for the North East. She began her career as a primary school teacher and curriculum leader before joining White Rose Maths, where she led its expansion into Australia. Sophie is passionate about equity in STEM education and enjoys working closely with partner schools to achieve the best outcomes for pupils.

Tim Brown

Head of Region — Bristol & SW

Tim is Axiom Maths’ Head of Region for the Southwest. Prior to joining Axiom Maths, he taught in and managed Science faculties in Bristol secondary schools for 17 years and was involved in curriculum development, MAT science regional network leadership, and ITT tutoring & mentoring. He worked closely with local universities and STEM organisations, sitting on the SLCSW Education advisory Board, supporting Bristol University with PGCE recruitment, and working with UWE as an MA mentor and on research-led projects improving primary science education in Bristol. After teaching, Tim spent 7 years at Teach First as a Development Lead delivering the PGDE ITT Programme, recommending trainees to the DfE for QTS accreditation, and completing his MA in Professional Practice. He is Vice Chair of Governors at his local primary school and is a registered Guide Dog fosterer.

Will Ainsworth

Head of Region — London

Will Ainsworth is our Head of Region for London. In his role, Will supports schools to deliver high-quality circles and oversees our growth in the region. Prior to joining Axiom Maths, Will spent five years working for a social mobility charity, most recently leading their work in the North of England.

Adam Geach

Delivery Director (Programme Delivery)

Adam Geach is our Schools Delivery Director. Adam has almost 10 years of experience developing and delivering programmes within schools. Previously at Action Tutoring and Get Further, Adam has a passion for improving social mobility through academic success.

Catherine Fenwick

Operations Director

Catherine Fenwick is our Operations Director. Catherine has worked in Widening Participation for 20 years, supporting young people from under-represented groups to progress to higher education. A former Director of Aim Higher, Catherine is passionate about ensuring all young people have equal access to outstanding Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance.

David Thomas OBE

CEO

David Thomas is our CEO. He has been a maths teacher, a secondary school headteacher, and a government advisor. He co-founded Oak National Academy to support schools during the Covid-19 pandemic, and received an OBE for services to education in 2020.

Syreeta Allen

Strategy and Impact Director

Syreeta Allen is our Strategy Director. At King’s College London she designed and implemented a sector-leading education strategy focused on tackling educational inequality. She has more than a decade of experience of designing and leading social mobility programmes in higher education and the arts, including the award-winning Civic Leadership Academy.

Daisy Doughty

Solutions Architect

Daisy is our Solutions Architect. Daisy's role is focused on creating and maintaining automations across our systems, as well as data management and reporting. Previously, Daisy coordinated our online maths circles, supporting hundreds of pupils to join sessions from their homes every week. Before joining Axiom Maths, she facilitated maths circles with one of our delivery partners and has over a decade of experience tutoring GCSE and A level students in maths and science.

Eimear North

Data and Impact Manager

Eimear North is our Data and Impact Manager. Eimear has years of experience supporting organisations to improve how they understand and evidence their impact. She has worked with organisations across the UK including the Reach Foundation and most recently, the Youth Endowment Fund. Eimear takes a pragmatic, equitable, and mixed-methods approach to evaluation, with a particular interest in participation and participatory methods that address the power imbalances often embedded in evaluation practice. She's passionate about ensuring insights are used to support better decisions to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Robert Voimerestean

Full Stack Engineer

Robert is our dedicated full-stack software developer and is instrumental in maintaining the seamless operation of our essential platforms, including the hub, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Robert is a fervent enthusiast of mathematics and social justice and thrives on intellectual challenges, whether meticulously coding complex features or doing a puzzle.

Sean McNamara

Head of Engineering

Sean is our Head of Engineering. He has over a decade of experience building scalable software systems across startups and large technology companies. He focuses on creating simple, reliable technology that helps teams move quickly and supports our mission to improve opportunities for young mathematicians nationwide.

Syreeta Allen

Strategy and Impact Director

Syreeta Allen is our Strategy Director. At King’s College London she designed and implemented a sector-leading education strategy focused on tackling educational inequality. She has more than a decade of experience of designing and leading social mobility programmes in higher education and the arts, including the award-winning Civic Leadership Academy.