Central Team

Lucy joined the team in November 2022.  Lucy provides support across all areas of the SCITT, with a specific responsibility for finance. She monitors and records absences for our Associate Teachers as well as creating and maintaining google drives and accounts for all those involved in our partnership.

Louise joined the team in October 2016 and since September 2017 has been a Programme Leader. Louise gained QTS in 2004 and has a background in primary teaching. She has also been a Deputy Head and Inclusion Leader, and her knowledge and experience from these roles is a great asset for our team.

Louise’s Programme Leader role involves leading the development, resourcing and delivery of the OTT SCITT curriculum and to ensure that all Associate Teachers receive a coherent and structured learning experience.

Defne has been working as part of the SCITT team for ten years, initially as a Programme Leader and Course Trainer and has worked at The Cherwell School in teaching and leadership roles for many years. She holds an MSc in Learning and Teaching from Oxford University and has extensive experience supporting trainee teachers. In 2023 Defne was appointed to the role of Deputy Director,  a role which supports our Director with strategy, development and oversight of all aspects of our curriculum and delivery.

Matthew has been a member of the SCITT central team since September 2016, and is one of our SCITT Governors. He leads on the quality assurance of our programmes and has helped to develop systems and processes that support Associate Teachers, School-based Mentors, Senior Links and Visiting Tutors.

Before joining the SCITT team, Matthew spent twenty years working in a range of primary schools in the maintained and independent sectors, including as Headteacher. He now teaches at The Cherwell School, and is particularly interested in the transition from primary to secondary education.  Matthew also presents our regular podcast, listen here

Patrick has been Director of OTT SCITT since it was designated as an ITT provider in 2013.  In more than twenty five years of working in schools he has held a wide range of roles as teacher, Head of Faculty, Headteacher and teacher trainer.  He has taught and led across primary and secondary schools and in every role he has worked with trainee teachers.  He is a trustee and active member of NASBTT (the National Association of School Based Teacher Trainers).

As Director he is responsible for overseeing the day to day workings of the training programmes that we deliver as well as working with the SCITT Accounting Officer and Governing Board to establish the educational vision and values that underpin our work.  He works closely with schools across Oxfordshire and beyond to develop and strengthen the partnerships that are vital to our approach, as well as regularly leading training sessions.

Michelle joined the team in the autumn of 2019.  Having been aware of the success and reputation of the SCITT through her work at The Cherwell School, she was keen to get involved.  Michelle provides administrative support across all areas of the SCITT, with a particular focus on marketing, events and communication.

Paul is Chief Executive Officer of The River Learning Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust responsible for a number of Oxfordshire Schools and The OTT SCITT.  As Accounting Officer, Paul has an overall responsibility for quality and financial regularity and works closely with the Director and Manager to ensure the best provision.

Richard joined the team as Hub Co-ordinator in 2021 and is responsible for delivering the training at our Northern Hub. When not delivering training for The SCITT, Richard teaches geography and has the role of Professional Tutor at The Warriner School in Bloxham, Banbury.

Helen joined the growing SCITT team in early 2017. Her responsibilities include dealing with applications on the APPLY application system, preparing recruitment and selection documentation and communicating regularly with enquirers, applicants and schools. Helen is also Clerk to the SCITT Governing Body and manages our SCITT library.

Marion is our SCITT Manager, she joined the staff at The Cherwell School in 2012 and has been a vital member of the SCITT office team since 2013. Her present role involves the operational management of the SCITT, specifically leading the administrative team. Marion oversees the logistics and administration of all SCITT activity including communication with placement schools and applicants, organisation of recruitment and selection days, marketing strategy and finance.

Hazel joined the team as Hub Co-ordinator in 2021 and is responsible for delivering the training at our Southern Hub. Hazel also leads the English department at Gillotts School in Henley.