Our team

The United Teaching programme is led by a team of expert practitioners from across United Learning. 

You will also be supported by a Subject Mentor and a Professional Mentor to provide you with regular, in-school support, with access to university tutors and leaders from our university provider (if you’re undertaking the PGCE).

Vicki Cleaves

Vicki leads the United Teaching programme for secondary trainees in the south of England. She is responsible for developing the unique teacher training curriculum which is delivered through our lead school at Paddington Academy.

Vicki is Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning at Paddington Academy.

Yassamin Sheel

Yassamin leads United Teaching across our schools in northern and central England.

Seamus Gibbons

Seamus leads on curriculum and teaching and learning for United Teaching, and is Headteacher at Langford Primary and Wilberforce Primary in London. He has an MA in Effective Learning (Distinction) from the Institute of Education – UCL. Prior to being a Headteacher, Seamus worked across numerous schools in Westminster and Hillingdon as an advanced skills teacher and Senior Leader. He is also a member of the DfE's Headteacher Reference Group.

Katie Gillam

Katie is the Accounting Officer for United Teaching and Principal at the lead school, Paddington Academy.

Francesca Ruggeri

Francesca has joined United Learning in June 2022 and works as part of the recruitment team. In parallel, she is studying for a Charted Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) certification to further develop her career within the people profession.

Emma Bentley

Emma is a Deputy SCITT Lead and is responsible for developing and delivering the curriculum and co-ordinating the subject specific training. She also works with the schools in the North of England

Riam Muayad

Riam is the deputy SCITT lead for United Teaching. She supports trainees and mentors across schools in the south of England. Riam is also an Assistant Principal for ITT, Induction, and CPD at Paddington Academy.

Lianne Tomaszewska

Programme Lead

Lianne is the Programme Lead for United Teaching National SCITT.  She has held a range of roles in both middle and senior leadership in various schools across London. Lianne holds an MA in Educational Leadership and is a CMI accredited coach and mentor. She has a background in teaching secondary English and Media.