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Ormiston Teacher Training

[ CASE STUDIES ]

Trainee stories.

The people who trained with OTT, in their own words - why they changed direction, what the year actually looked like, and where it took them.

  • Case study: Joshua Drakard

    Joshua Drakard Joshua Drakard’s path into teaching has been shaped by a lifelong passion for engineering and a deep-rooted commitment to service and community. A Repair Industrialisation Engineer by background, Joshua previously worked for a global aerospace company, specialising in the maintenance of aircraft components. Alongside his professional career, Joshua has spent over a decade… Read More »Case study: Joshua Drakard

  • Case Study: Alfie Benson

    Alfie Benson Alfie, 21, is currently training with Ormiston Teacher Training and will be joining the staff team at an outstanding school locally, following the completion of his programme. He studied mathematics at the University of Essex, where his passion for education grew during a final-year research project. Outside the classroom, Alfie has been involved… Read More »Case Study: Alfie Benson

  • Case Study: Fraser Dodds

    Fraser Dodds Fraser Dodds, 24, grew up in south Suffolk and initially pursued a career in electronic engineering, specialising in designing and testing printed circuit boards. However, he soon realised that he craved a more social and interactive role, one where he could make a tangible difference in people’s lives. With a passion for problem-solving… Read More »Case Study: Fraser Dodds

  • Case Study: Hazel-Rose Cubbage

    Hazel-Rose Cubbage Hazel-Rose Cubbage, 25, is a trainee science teacher specialising in Biology as part of the 2025 cohort. Before embarking on her teaching journey, she pursued two forensic science degrees at Liverpool John Moores University, where she contributed to a published paper. She also gained valuable experience through an internship with the police and… Read More »Case Study: Hazel-Rose Cubbage

  • Case Study: Megan Rowley

    Megan Rowley Megan Rowley, 34, began her journey into teaching with a passion for helping students reach their “lightbulb moments.” Raised on Mersea Island and now a mother of two, Megan’s career has always centered around education. She has worked as an SEN LSA, Teaching Assistant, HLTA, and Learning Support Assistant, gaining invaluable experience across… Read More »Case Study: Megan Rowley

  • Case Study: Harpinder Walia 

    Harpinder Walia  Harpinder Walia, aged 50+, embarked on a career change with the goal of making a meaningful impact on the next generation. Having spent years in the private sector, securing international contracts in the power and petrochemical industries, Harpinder gained valuable insights into different cultures through extensive travel. After a long career in the… Read More »Case Study: Harpinder Walia 

  • Case Study: Armani Wilson

    Armani Wilson Armani Wilson, 23, began her journey into teaching with a deep love for creativity and a desire to support young people. Having earned a degree in Illustration, she knew she wanted a career that would allow her to inspire creativity in others. While studying at university, she worked as a lifeguard, where she… Read More »Case Study: Armani Wilson

  • Case Study: Jayne Startin-Bailey 

    Jayne Startin-Bailey Jayne Startin-Bailey, aged 22, began her journey into education with a passion for creativity and a desire to make a positive difference in young people’s lives. Growing up in Staffordshire, Jayne’s love for crafts and baking shaped her path, leading her to pursue a degree in Bakery and Patisserie at university. It was… Read More »Case Study: Jayne Startin-Bailey 

  • Case Study: Alexandria Yeardly

    Alexandria Yeardly Alexandria Yeardley, 24, is driven by an unwavering commitment to support young people during pivotal stages of their lives. Graduating from Cardiff University with degrees in German and Japanese, followed by an MA in translation studies, Alexandria brings a wealth of linguistic expertise to her teaching journey. Her passion for education is rooted… Read More »Case Study: Alexandria Yeardly

  • Case Study: Ben Spindler

    Ben Spindler Ben Spindler is a 23-year-old aspiring educator with a passion for mathematics and a profound desire to inspire the next generation. Hailing from Cannock, Ben enjoys cheering on his beloved team at Villa Park and indulging in his passions for music and cricket. Before embarking on his journey with The OAKS, Ben pursued… Read More »Case Study: Ben Spindler

  • Case Study: Hannah Simpson

    Hannah Simpson Hannah Simpson, 26, is a native of Stafford and an alumna of Sir Graham Balfour School where, in Year 10, a pivotal moment arrived when a teacher identified her latent passion for chemistry, setting Hannah on the path to becoming an educator. She embarked on her journey into the world of science at… Read More »Case Study: Hannah Simpson

  • Case Study: Eleanor Rouse

    Eleanor Rouse Eleanor Rouse, aged 23, embodies a profound commitment to supporting young people during crucial stages of their lives. From Birmingham and a graduate in business studies from the University of Sheffield, Eleanor’s passion for education stems from her desire to enable students to realise their full potential and foster a genuine passion for… Read More »Case Study: Eleanor Rouse

Applications for 2027 open 6 October.

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