Spark Academy

REBRAND COMING SOON
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about

Multi-Award-Winning Founder and CEO of Spark Academy

Mital Thanki

Founder & CEO

Mital is a visionary leader, innovator, learner and educator. She founded the multi-award-winning Spark Academy back in 2009 whilst she was teaching as a qualified teacher in schools. As a passionate educator with a strong social conscience, Mital’s firm ethos is about making quality education affordable; so that it provides pathways for social mobility and brighter opportunities in your child’s future. Mital’s own academic journey came with a fair few challenges, which meant that she went through many struggles and coping mechanisms to keep up to speed with her learning. Diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 21, Mital came to understand why she processed information differently. This is why she is an advocate of non-conformist learning techniques that will help any child realise their infinite potential. Mital shares her methodology to learning in her book “Study Like This, Not Like That”, which she has refined over fifteen years, and which earned her the MBA student of the Year in 2021 – an award out of 20,000 students worldwide. Mital not only has a unique teacher’s perspective but that of a learner too! Mital is actively looking at ways to improve the learning experience for Spark’s students and she is a big believer in research and development of the programme to suit not only children’s current needs but also to reduce the future skills gap – ensuring that all children under Spark’s care are future-ready with the skills and strategies to lead brighter and joyous lives.

Our Team

Gemma Kirby

Chief Commander

Likes

David Attenborough, rugby, hiking, nature, 90’s music.

Dislikes

Peas & broccoli.

Quote

A river cuts through rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence – James Watkins.

My Why

I love seeing young people grow as a person and serve society positively. Gemma is a qualified teacher of science and A-level biology since 2008. Gemma is in charge of the operational running of Spark Academy and she is a big believer in ensuring high-quality lessons are delivered and the parent and student experience is top-notch! Gemma works closely with Mital to ensure that the vision of Spark Academy is implemented. Gemma also works closely with Poonam to ensure that the parents and students are receiving the best service.

Katherine

Chief Learning Officer

Likes

Pizza & Yoga.

Dislikes

Snakes & spiders.

Quote

The only thing necessary for triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. – Winston Churchill.

My Why

I love helping young people achieve their full potential and believe in themselves. Katherine is a qualified teacher of maths since 2014 and the person in charge of the curriculum at Spark and ensuring high-quality lessons are delivered and the tutors at Spark Academy are at their happiest. After all, if the tutors are happy, their passion and zest for their subjects will filter through to their students.

Poonam Chamund

Chief Happiness Officer

Likes

Pineapple on pizza, chocolate, foodie, drum & bass & 90’s R&B.

Dislikes

Raisin biscuits disguised as cookies.

Quote

Live in the moment.

My Why

I love welcoming students into the centre and creating a happy and positive atmosphere where students can grow and evolve. Poonam’s background working at the NHS and Educational ICT means that she is really passionate about ensuring the service delivery of what we do at Spark Academy is of the highest experience. As a parent, Poonam will be your first point of call and she is always happy to help!

Sensi Walters

Chief Wellbeing Officer

Likes

Integrity, honesty, spending time with my children.

Dislikes

Bullying, lies, spiders and lack of sleep.

Quote

You need to dream a bigger dream for yourself. This is the lesson. Hold the highest vision possible for your life and it can come true. – Oprah Winfrey

My Why

I am passionate about helping children grow and develop into emotionally secure adults. Sensi is our resident qualified counsellor and cognitive behavioural therapist. Sensi will be delivering some of the Personal Mastery classes to support students to develop confidence and be emotionally secure for when they sit their exams and life beyond. You can also book your child with Sensi on a 1:1 basis on her website.