Deepak Nair
Deepak S Nair is a 2025–26 trainee who is training to teach with a specialism in numeracy through Ormiston Teacher Training (OTT). His story embodies resilience, passion and the unique chance to make a difference in students’ lives.
Deepak’s early life spanned continents. Born in Kuwait and brought up in India, he completed all his schooling and higher education where he went on to earn postgraduate degrees in computer science and tourism. Following this, he began his professional career within the IT & tourism sector before discovering his true calling within education.
He spent almost nine years as a faculty member at a private education institution in India before relocating to the UK. On arriving, he worked as a Learning & Teaching Assistant (LTA) for two years with Ormiston — experience which he says clarified his commitment to becoming a qualified teacher through the OTT scheme.
Discovering the power of teaching
“During my post‑graduate days, I realised teaching suited me,” says Deepak. He was often praised by friends and teachers for giving clear, intuitive explanations – which was early recognition that teaching could be a way to channel his strengths.
Inspired by his own teachers who used storytelling, questioning, and creative methods, Deepak developed an ambition to become a teacher who could engage and challenge learners — particularly in a subject as important as numeracy.
Whilstnumeracy was not always Deepak’s first love, his background in computer science meant he was immersed in numerical thinking. As he began teaching, he saw first-hand how maths underpins so many disciplines and how powerful it is for students’ future opportunities once they have grasped the fundamental basics.
“Without maths, students can’t pursue their careers — the respect and value of this subject in society is real.”
Deepak’s goal as part of his commitment to teaching is to make numeracy approachable, relevant and even exciting — to show students that it is not as boring or complicated as it sounds, but important and essential for their future.
Finding the right pathway: OTT
Deepak initially enrolled on a PGCE at the University of East Anglia when he first arrived in the UK, however, found the transition into standardised UK educational culture challenging due to differences in teaching styles within the UK itself. He made the decision to pause his formal training to gain more experience in the classroom as a Learning & Teaching Assistant at Ormiston Victory Academy in Norwich, deepening his understanding and rebuilding his lost confidence. It was here that Deepak learned about the OTT programme. He applied and then successfully joined the 2025–26 cohort, specialising in numeracy.
“The design of this course is built in a way that we can apply our theoretical knowledge in practice, reflect on it, and embed our skills to become good teachers.”
Although still a trainee teacher, Deepak is already looking ahead. He aims to be a numeracy teacher known for creativity, clarity and empathy. Over time, he hopes to branch into other roles within school such as subject leadership, mentoring, curriculum development, and more.
Why OTT matters — and why you should apply
Deepak’s story shows what is possible through Ormiston Teacher Training: a pathway that:
- Supports trainees through immersive, school-based learning
- Combines theory and practice in a meaningful way
- Encourages reflection and professional growth
- Helps individuals from diverse backgrounds become effective, inspiring teachers
If you find in yourself the spark that Deepak describes — a desire to explain, support, challenge and inspire — then Ormiston Teacher Training may be the perfect bridge between your potential and the classroom.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open. Join deep thinkers, dedicated educators and change-makers in training to become the next generation of teachers.