Meet the Team
Our personable team of are dedicated to shaping the future of teaching. We aim to provide exceptional training in a supportive and dynamic environment, helping aspiring teachers thrive. Join us on this journey to excellence in education!
We love hearing from existing or potential trainees and partners from all over the uk, including Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Click on a team member to see their individual contact email, or feel free to email our general email: [email protected]
Anna Richards
Executive Director
Anna has worked in ITT for over nine years and is proud to be the Executive Leader of the newly formed Norfolk, Essex and Suffolk Teacher Training (NESTT). Prior to this, she worked in a range of primary and special schools, finishing her teaching career with five years as a primary head teacher. Whilst working in schools, Anna saw first-hand the positive impact trainee teachers have on a school community and on school improvement. It is this invaluable experience that informs her dedicated work with NESTT, ensuring the highest standards in teacher training.
Anna Richards
Executive Director
- Email:[email protected]
Clare Smith
Primary Course Director - Essex Hub
Clare holds degrees in Psychology, primary education (PGCE), and an MA in Education. With 29 years of teaching experience, she has served as a class teacher, assistant educational psychologist, SENCo, and deputy headteacher. For the past 22 years, Clare has been involved in system leadership and teacher training. As a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, she is passionate about evidence-informed practice. Currently, she is the Primary Course Director for BEC Teacher Training, leading professional studies sessions and curriculum programmes. Clare looks forward to BEC joining Suffolk and Norfolk SCITT to become NESTT.
Clare Smith
Primary Course Director - Essex Hub
- Email:[email protected]
Sean West
Secondary Course Director - Suffolk and Norfolk Hub
Before leading in ITT, Sean taught in secondary schools in Suffolk as a Design Technology teacher, as well as recently having the whole school responsibility of Professional Tutor for trainee teachers and Induction Tutor for Early Career Teachers. Sean followed a school-based training route himself so has a solid insight into the expectations and format of this route. He really enjoys working with trainee teachers, their passion and enjoyment for teaching and learning is so important to becoming the excellent teachers we need for the young people in our schools.
Sean West
Secondary Course Director - Suffolk and Norfolk Hub
- Email:[email protected]
Josh Wilkes
Primary Senior Trainer - Suffolk and Norfolk Hub
Josh began his teaching career in North East London, earning a Masters in Education from the University of East London. He moved to north Suffolk in 2017 and has taught across all key stages, spending several years in senior leadership. At SCITT, he focuses on curriculum development and inclusive practices, supporting trainees to foster life-long learning behaviors in pupils. Josh enjoys working with trainee teachers and witnessing their positive impact on pupils, families, and the school community.
Josh Wilkes
Primary Senior Trainer - Suffolk and Norfolk Hub
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Sally Wilkinson
Primary Course Director - Suffolk and Norfolk Hub
Sally has worked in primary schools in Suffolk as a teacher, senior leader and headteacher. Before taking up the role of Primary SCITT Leader in December 2017, she worked as a school improvement adviser for Suffolk LA. Sally is passionate about the power of education to transform lives. The next generation of outstanding teachers are the future of education and she feels privileged to be part of the SCITT team training teachers to work in Suffolk and Norfolk schools.
Dr Sally Wilkinson
Primary Course Director - Suffolk and Norfolk Hub
- Email:[email protected]