Meet the Team
We are qualified, experienced teachers with a current, working knowledge of classroom requirements, putting us in a perfect position to form a bridge between schools, curriculums, and the rail industry.

Ellie Swain
Senior Learning Development Officer
Ellie graduated from university with a degree in Drama & Theatre Studies and went on to receive a Post-Graduate Diploma in Acting from The Oxford School of Drama and a CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from International House, London. In 2006, she trained to be a teacher, gaining a PGCE in Primary Education with a specialism in French.
Ellie began her teaching career in London before returning to the West Country. Over the course of her 16 years in state education, she worked as a classroom teacher, English Leader and member of the Senior Leadership Team, alongside which she facilitated a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and whole school events, often in the context of the arts for which she is a strong advocate.
Ellie’s passion is to develop lifelong learners with a strong sense of self who understand and value the skills and virtues of being a valued member of society. In order to achieve this, she prides herself on making learning opportunities fun, accessible and empowering.
She also loves travelling by train, especially on heritage lines.

Florence Pennant
Learning Development Officer
Florence graduated from Leeds University with a first-class honours’ degree in History. She spent time working in administration, and volunteering with families and young people, before pursuing a teaching career.
Florence taught in a range of schools throughout East and South- East London for seven years, and completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Humanistic and Psychodynamic counselling; she has always had a keen interest in the social and emotional wellbeing of her students.
Florence’s passion is teaching young people how to travel. She thinks it is essential in building the confidence of young people and expanding their horizons as many life opportunities will face travel at the first step.
Florence is on maternity leave from September and will be back with us in 2025!

Tom Blow
Learning Development Officer
Tom graduated from Worcester University as a Primary School Teacher, spending 10 years in state schools as both a teacher and as a National Lead Practitioner in Music, designing curriculum content and empowering teachers to develop in their skills and love of educating others.
Tom enjoys the opportunity to give the children memorable learning experiences that create curiosity and further develop their understanding of the world. With a firm belief that all children should have equal access and opportunities to an exciting future, Tom’s desire is to focus on developing a person’s character and skills, as well as their knowledge.
Funnily enough – he quite likes trains too!

Sophie Lounds
Learning Development Officer
Sophie graduated from the University of the West of England with a degree in French, Spanish and European Studies before working in sales and marketing for an international fashion company.
Sophie completed her PGCE with modern foreign languages specialism and taught French and Spanish to secondary students in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire for 10 years.
Sophie is passionate about the transformative power of education to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and create opportunities for the future. She is also dedicated to fostering inclusive, engaging experiences that empower young people to see themselves as global citizens ready to make a positive impact.

Imogen Sackett
Imogen graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in International Development, before dipping her toes into ecological conservation and gaining a PGCE in Secondary Geography.
Imogen has over 8 years experience in teaching, working in mainstream secondary schools in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, always enjoying the challenge of planning engaging and innovative lessons to bring the learning to life.
Imogen is passionate about making learning outside the classroom easy and fun; taking the stress out of planning trips, so teachers can focus on giving their students a great educational and memorable experience.