Andrew is from Esh Winning, in County Durham. Both of his parents are social workers so growing up he spent a lot of his childhood in and around children’s homes.
Andrew attended Deerness Valley Comprehensive School. From year 7 – 11 he represented Great Britain in Gymnastics, competing in international competitions in Russia, Poland, China, and Belgium. From Deerness he went to New College Durham to Study BTEC Sport, then moved away to study Physical Education / Social Sciences at Chester University and completed his PGCE in Physical Education at Liverpool Hope University.
Whilst at university Andrew spent 3 months working for Christian Aid in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. After graduating Andrew became a PE Teacher, and he taught in Sunderland for 15 years. It was in schools he managed to pass on his passion for travelling and his love of the great outdoors, taking his pupils on outdoor adventurous trips to the Lake District and later further afield on school expeditions to Ecuador, Kilimanjaro and Nepal.
Andrew left his dream job of being a PE Teacher to set up World in February 2017. Andrew’s favourite part of his job is greeting all the young people when they come into school on a morning and making them all breakfast.
Andrew also volunteers for the UK Coastguard, which means he is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, responding to over 200 call outs a year where he is trained in rope rescue, water rescue and search techniques.
Martin was born in Nottingham and is originally from Grantham in Lincolnshire. He now lives in Meadowfield with his wife Rachel (who is also a teacher) and his two sons Henry and Isaac.
Martin went to The Kings Grammar School, Grantham before moving to Durham in 2002 to study a BA in Sport at Durham University. He then completed a PE PGCE to complete his training as a PE Teacher. Martin started as a PE Teacher at St. Aidan’s Catholic Academy in 2005 (with Andrew as his teaching mentor!) and during his time there he worked as Head of the PE Department and then latterly as an Assistant Headteacher. Whilst at St. Aidan’s Martin organised and was part of a large number of school trips and adventurous activities; his favourite visit was to Nepal but he also undertook trips to India and Spain as well as numerous educational visits in the UK.
In 2017 Martin re-trained as a Maths teacher and moved to Thomas Hepburn Academy In Gateshead to work as Assistant Head of Maths. During his 18 months there he was part of a brand new staff team that turned around a failing school in special measures before in 2018 Martin he joined World in order to team up once again with Andrew. Martins favourite part of working at World is developing relationships with the young people that see them develop not only their academic skills in the classroom but more importantly develops their character and enhances their life chances.
Outside of work Martin is a National List Referee. He regularly referees in EFL leagues 1 and 2 and acts as 4th official in the Championship and the Premier League. He has officiated at Wembley twice and his claim to fame is that he is on FIFA!
Glen is from Ashington, Northumberland; a small mining town that has produced some of the most successful sportspeople including: Sir Bobby and Jack Charlton, Jackie Milburn, Stephen Harmison and more recently, Mark wood.
Glen attended Ashington High School Sports College where he represented the school in Football, Rugby, Badminton and Table Tennis as well as representing Northumberland in both Football and Table Tennis. A-Levels in PE, Maths and English were then achieved before The University of Sunderland was the next stop to study a BSc in Sports Studies. Glen qualified as a Personal Trainer and worked for Newcastle United for a couple of years before returning to University to complete his PGCE in Physical Education.
Glen trained to be a PE teacher under the supervision of Andrew. After completing his trainee year, Glen secured a PE job and became the Head of Year 8 at the Sunderland school, after 3 years of teaching PE, Glen decided to join the World team. Glens favourite part of World is seeing the young people grasp a certain skill in Maths.
As well as having a passion for teaching, Glen also has a passion for Football. Having started out with Ashington at the age of 17, Glen has gone on to represent, Blyth Spartans AFC, Whitley Bay and most recently Spennymoor Town; where he has achieved 2 promotions. Glen has been named in the National League North Team of the Year for the previous 2 seasons and last season was the league’s top goal scorer and player of the year.
Glen is from Seaham in County Durham which is where he still spends a lot of his time representing sports teams and helping the community.
He attended what was then Seaham School of Technology. Throughout school Glen loved P.E and represented the school in nearly every sporting way there was available. His talents lay in sprinting and football. He represented Durham County in athletics for the 100m & 200m. From secondary school he then attended Durham 6th form centre. After college Glen attended The University of Sunderland to continue his studies in sports and exercises science and finally his teaching certificate.
Glen’s favourite part of his job is the ‘penny drop’ moment when in whatever situation you are in you can physically see that the young person has just joined your wavelength; whether that be generally within the school day or during a lesson.
Glen is a keen rugby and football player and still plays both sports on a weekend. He loves the camaraderie that team sports build between the players, coaches and the community; as well as making sure he keeps himself fit and well.
Gavin was born in Sunderland and lives there with his wife Stacey and their beautiful daughter Sophia.
Gavin attended St Aidan’s Catholic Academy and Sixth Form from 2002 – 2009. (The same School where all the other members of Staff have taught). He then moved to Leeds in 2009 to study a BA in PE & Sport Development at Leeds Trinity University. He then left the UK and did a lot of travelling, Australia where he worked and experienced a whole new way of living. This experience followed a month interrailing around Europe. Gavin visited 7 Countries during this time, Vienna in Austria being his favourite stop off. This is where he fell in love with travelling and a love for locations around the World which would lead him to becoming a Geography Teacher. On return to the UK, Gavin started working at Farringdon Community Academy, covering lessons and teaching PE. He then went on to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (Geography). Whilst at Farringdon, Gavin organised and was part of a large number of school trips and adventurous activities; his favourite visit was to Gambia (Africa) but he also undertook football trips to Germany as well as numerous educational visits in the UK.
In 2021 Gavin joined World as he wanted a change from mainstream to alternative education. Gavin’s favourite part of working at World is the initial pupil/family visit developing relationships with the young people immediately and seeing them excited to start their new academic adventure.
Outside of work Gavin still plays a little bit of Sport. He has previously represented Chester Le Street FC and Sunderland Cricket Club. Gavin’s highest sporting achievement was when he was part of an FA Youth Cup squad that played against York City in the first round, sadly he warmed the bench for the full 90 minutes.
Andrew was born in Sunderland and lives there with his wife Laura and their two beautiful daughters Ada and Ivy.
Andrew attended Academy 360 (formerly known as Pennywell Comprehensive from 2000 – 2005).
He then attended Hylton College in 2005 to study Uniform Services where he got a great understanding for policing and the UK Law. Alongside this he was able to complete a mechanics course.
Andrew has always had a love for vehicles and he was extremely driven to find a career in this field. He then became Head Service Valater where he worked with young people who were completing their apprenticeship courses.
In January 2024 Andrew wanted a fresh start and began his education career at World. Andrew’s favourite part of working at World is engaging with the pupils and taking part in all the activities to promote positive professional relationships.
Outside of work Andrew loves the outdoors and having breaks away to the countryside with his family. Andrew also enjoys going on trips riding his motorbikes, this interest is also a big hit with our pupils here at World.
James is born and bred in Sunderland and still lives in the area with his wife Charlotte and 2 children Rosie and Max.
During his educational years he attended Southmoor Secondary School then studied his A levels in sports studies, English language and psychology at Bede College. He then went on to study a HND in Leisure and Sport management at Leeds Metropolitan University.
Upon finishing university James worked in a couple of jobs in both the education and procurement departments at South Tyneside council while also playing semi professional football for Gateshead FC. In 2007 James had the fantastic opportunity to turn professional with Gateshead FC. A dream come true as he played 6 years as a professional footballer. One of his many highlights was playing at Wembley in front of 18,000 fans in the Conference play off final. Also having a testimonial year after 13 years loyal service playing for the club. He is the clubs all time record appearance holder playing 596 games.
James then played semi professional at Spennymoor Town FC for 8 years and was the club captain before retiring at the end of the 2023/2024 season at the age of 42. Finishing his career on 972 non league appearances.
Before signing for World for an undisclosed fee he worked in the community and primary schools for Gateshead FC, has been a project officer at Newcastle United Foundation and his last job was spending 2 years as a PE and Resilience Coach at Ribbon Academy.
James is an all round sportsman and a real family man. He loves working at World and is now in his 2nd year relishing his role as Senior Outreach Learning Mentor.
Laura is from Spennymoor in County Durham, where she attended what was then Spennymoor Comprehensive School, now known as Whitworth Park Academy. As a mother of two energetic boys, Laura’s life is always on the go, keeping her active and on her toes.
With a passion for working with young people, Laura has spent her working life supporting those who need extra guidance, support and encouragement. She thrives in creating engaging, nurturing environments where young individuals can grow, build confidence, and develop essential life skills. Her ability to connect with her students always striving to make learning meaningful and impactful.
Laura finds great pride in being a part of her students’ progress, whether it’s helping them build social skills, gain independence, or keeping on the right tracks. She believes that being a positive influence on their journey is incredibly rewarding.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys staying active—whether it’s going the gym, fitness classes,spending time outdoors, or traveling.
Damian is from Newton Aycliffe in County Durham and now lives back at home with his Mam after a 4-year stint in Headingley, Leeds for university. Damian went to St John’s RC in Bishop Auckland.
Damian was more interested in active learning and struggled in the classroom throughout school. However, excelled in sport both academically and practically, achieving a GCSE in Physical Education.
During Damian’s school years, he competed at a high level in swimming and national level in water polo. Damian has been playing for Newton Aycliffe Juniors since 7 and is still currently playing for their U23S.
Damian completed Double BTEC Sport and Leisure, Higher Sports Leadership and A-Level PE during college.
During college, Damian captained the football team; received Volunteer of the Year, completed his lifeguard qualification and FA Level 1.
From college, Damian progressed to Leeds Beckett University, doing a Physical Education course. It was during Damian’s time at university that he became obsessed with the outdoors and how this could be implemented into a child’s everyday learning.
Damian is currently completing a master’s in research on outdoor activities and their relationship with children facing adversity.
Whilst Damian was working as a Lifeguard, he progressed as a swimming teacher. Completing qualifications that allow Damian to teach/coach all ages and abilities.
Anna was born in Sunderland and attended St Anthony’s Catholic Girls’ Academy from 2013-2018 and the same Sixth Form until 2020. Anna studied Maths, Chemistry and Physics at A-level prior to moving to London to gain a First Class Honours degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre from the prestigious Urdang Academy (acredited by The University of Birmingham).
Growing up, Anna spent 6 days a week training in Acrobatic Gymnastics where she competed internationally and trained alongside the Great British squad. Following an injury she turned her focus to Dance and Musical Theatre where she became a champion of many genres across the country and represented her school at the British Championships.
Anna has performed in award winning productions with well decorated choreographers throughout her time in the industry but after spending 4 years living in London she decided to move home. She discovered that she is a massive home bird who prefers the lifestyle of the North East over the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Anna has spent many years teaching all genres of dance and singing lessons across the country spanning the age groups of 3-18. She has taught in various dance schools, nurseries and vocational colleges.
Anna has loved building relationships with her pupils on Outreach so far and is thoroughly enjoying her time at World.
Joel was born and raised in Sunderland and still lives there.
Joel attended Southmoor Academy 2005-2010 before getting an apprenticeship to become a watch and clock maker. Joel went on to work in an Omega certified workshop before leaving to work in the care and support industry.
Joel worked in different areas around supporting homeless people and in 2022 became residential worker for Together For Children and continues to work there. While working in residential Joel trained in different therapeutic pathways that he used to support the young people he cared for, including therapeutic crisis intervention and therapeutic informed care.
While not supporting young people Joel volunteers for HM Coastguard, carrying out rescue operations as part of a team. As part of the Coastguard Joel is trained in water and rope rescue as well as critical care/ first aid.
Joel has a passion for supporting and helping people and has dedicated his life to it both in his professional and personal life.
