Progress Tutors
Every student will have a specialist Progress Tutor to advise, guide and support them through their journey at OSFC.
Our highly experienced team of Progress Tutors work closely with you and get to know you as individuals, so they can provide specific support to help you achieve your potential. Progress Tutors help students set and work towards aspirational academic and career goals. We develop you as motivated and independent learners, who can thrive in the college environment and in the wider world. The Progress Tutor team support you by being a critical friend, who can help you to reflect and take responsibility for your progress. Our Progress Tutor team undertake regular training, such as the Youth Mental Health First Aid qualification. This training allows them to support and signpost students, so they can receive specialist support that may be required to be successful in their studies.
We develop motivated and independent learners, who can thrive in the college environment and in the wider world.
Progress Tutors also play a key role in delivering weekly group sessions on key topics that are relevant to the Pathway students are studying. Sessions are themed and include topics such as Learning how to learn, Mindfulness, Wellbeing and health, Futures, Personal safety, Charity and community and Preparing for life after college. The weekly tutorials look at how students can make the most of their college experience and support you in making the big choices about your future. There is also a focus on careers-related activities, including looking at university, apprenticeship and job options after college.
The Progress Tutors are headed by Amanda, Caron and Doug. Meet your progress tutor below.
Student Support Leaders
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Amanda LucasStudent Support Leader
Amanda Lucas
Supporting students to be successful is at the heart of everything I do. Having worked as an overseas holiday rep in Ibiza and as a trainer for overseas holiday reps, I managed to combine my love of travel with my passion for working with people. I now teach Travel & Tourism, alongside my Student Support Leader and School Partnership responsibilities. I love travelling and have visited Japan during their cherry blossom festival, South Africa and was lucky enough to also go on a safari and see wild dogs, the USA and Canada where my visit to Niagara Falls was the highlight of the trip, as well as many places in the UK, Europe and the Baltic States. The one thing I would still love to experience is the Northern Lights!
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Caron RaintonStudent Support Leader
Caron Rainton
As well as being a Progress Tutor, I'm an English Language teacher and a Student Support Leader. In my role, I help to manage the team of tutors and support them in helping students make the best decisions about their studies with OSFC and next steps into university, apprenticeship, or employment. As someone who was born in Oldham and attended a local partner school, I am well aware of some of the challenges faced by young people in the area today. My children were students here, so I also know what it is like to be in the parent's shoes too.
Progress Tutors
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Amreen AkhtarProgress Tutor
Amreen Akhtar
Since graduating from the University of Salford with a First Class Honours degree, I have worked as a Teaching Assistant for a number of years before joining  the police force as a Police Constable. I am excited and proud to be taking on this role as a Progress Tutor working alongside students to ensure that they have the best experience possible here at OSFC.
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Sahreen AshfaqProgress Tutor
Sahreen Ashfaq
I am a former OSFC student and really enjoyed my time at college, so much so, I came back to work here as a Progress Tutor in 2017 and have continued to love it. Previous to this role, I worked as a secondary school science teacher for several years, after studying Chemistry at The University of Manchester, and then completing my PGCE. Having worked as a teacher and now as Progress Tutor, I have seen the impact that excellent pastoral support can have on a students' academic progress. My main aim is to help my students realise that nothing is unachievable so, as corny as it sounds, never give up on your dreams! Â
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Skeena BibiProgress Tutor
Skeena Bibi
Over the past 12 years, I have gained an all-inclusive set of experiences, starting from working as a Teacher Assistant for Nursery and Reception classes, all the way up to teaching Functional skills at college level. I have also worked in some side roles such as being an Exams Officer, HR and even a Fire Marshal. Currently, I am a qualified secondary school teacher and have only just recently joined OSFC. With my wealth of educational experience, I feel a deep privilege, and earnestly look forward to giving your child the highest quality support and guidance to help shape their future paths, assisting them in both their academic and personal achievements. The most important thing you should know about me is that I am absolutely approachable and will never give up on you!!!
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Melissa Costello-BrownProgress Tutor
Melissa Costello-Brown
I was previously a sexual health and wellbeing practitioner so there is very little that fazes me! I have worked at OSFC for the last 3 years, initially as a Learning Support Assistant. As a progress tutor, I aim to support my students in making sure that they make a successful transition from secondary school to college. I believe that working with my students is key in making sure that my students are achieving their best. Regularly having 1-1 discussions enables me to voice any concerns I have with my students, as well as discussing how we can overcome any issues and be successful in their studies here at OSFC.
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Helena DiveneyProgress Tutor
Helena Diveney
As a former student at OSFC, I realise how daunting the transition from school to college can be. After college I went on to University and gained a First Class degree in Education Studies. My main aim as a Progress Tutor is to provide students with academic, emotional and social support so that they can be the best possible version of themselves. In my spare time I like to travel as much as I can and enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
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Ioana FraguleaProgress Tutor
Ioana Fragulea
Throughout my career, I've worked at schools in Romania, Scotland and England. I have been a teacher across many different core subjects including Modern languages/ French, English Language, English as a Second Language, Religious Studies and History & Civilisations. I am an enthusiastic, creative and adaptable person and feel nothing but pure excitement at the prospect of easing the learning, understanding and progression of all the OSFC students I work with.
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Daniel GauntProgress Tutor
Daniel Gaunt
As a former Oldham Sixth Form College student I too know how daunting the jump from secondary school to sixth form college can be. In the years since leaving here as a student I graduated in Law from the University of Liverpool and have worked in various roles here at OSFC. In 2022, I returned to work in the exams department before completing my teacher training whilst on placement here. As a Progress Tutor, I’m here to help students through this important chapter in their education and be a friendly source of support and advice whenever they need it, just as I was supported in my time studying here. In my spare time I like to play the guitar, watch live music with friends and follow my team, Manchester United.
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Samantha GladwinProgress Tutor
Samantha Gladwin
After graduating with a BA Hons in French and Russian from the University of Sheffield,
I spent many years working in international business. I travelled extensively and spent time living in Hong Kong, Paris and Moscow. I was based in London for many years and was lucky enough to work with Dragons’ Den’s, Tej Lalvani.
Since having a family of my own I have returned to Oldham and have worked in a variety of roles in education. My first ever teaching role was teaching English to secondary school students in France and in recent years I have worked in sixth form colleges and secondary schools across Oldham and Tameside.
I hope to use my varied experience to help and guide students as they make the transition to Sixth Form life and look forward to opportunities beyond college.
In my free time, I am kept busy with family life ( husband, 3 teenagers and a cat ) as well
as keeping fit, running and walking.
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Emma HartProgress Tutor
Emma Hart
As well as being a Progress Tutor, I am also an Assistant Principal and the College's Designated Safeguarding lead. I look after additional support, welfare and the mental health of our students and I also oversee the college marketing.
As a teacher, my specialist subject is English.
I love being a progress tutor, as I can be part of the great team at OSFC leading our students towards their goals and helping them to make the right future plans and choices.
I have four young children, who keep me very busy outside of college. I also love reading and socialising with friends and family.
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Doug KingProgress Tutor
Doug King
Alongside my role as a Assistant Principal, I'm also a Progress Tutor and tutor for Sport and have worked at the college for nearly 20 years! I really enjoy my Progress Tutor role as it gives a great opportunity to work with our students and support them on their next steps. I'm really interested in how we help students get into good study habits and become independent learners by understanding the most effective ways of studying. The fantastic students I've been lucky to work with over the years have shown me that when students are able to get into good routines, have positive study habits and high standards for themselves, they can move onto some fantastic opportunities after college.
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Tiree KirkProgress Tutor
Tiree Kirk
I started as a Progress Tutor in February 2019 after finally moving back home to be close to my family. Since graduating Leeds Metropolitan University with a degree in English Literature in 2014, I have worked abroad in America at an all-girls Summer Camp for 5 summers, I have spent 8 weeks driving across Canada, exploring in a campervan and I have worked and lived in Scotland for 5 years as a Duty Manager of an Outdoor Activity Center. I am a qualified Climbing, Zip Wire, Segway and Archery Instructor as well as being a great off-road driver - OK I crashed the work Land Rover once. I have helped people face their fears, nurtured their hobbies and aided them with life experience beyond education. Now I aim to support and guide students in their goals for life.
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Richard LeeProgress Tutor
Richard Lee
As well as being a Progress Tutor, I'm an English Literature teacher and a member of the college's SLT. As Assistant Principal, I am responsible for our work with students in schools, before they join OSFC, and their progression to university, when they leave us, and I am passionate about helping students reach their aspirations. I run our programmes for our high achieving students, such as the Varsity Programme, the Oxbridge Group and our programmes for Aspiring Medics (AMP) and Aspiring Lawyers (ALP). I love learning, particularly reading and writing, and have a PhD in English. The only thing I enjoy as much as reading is cycling, and I spend all my holidays riding my bike up the steepest mountains in Europe. I have been working at the college for 26 years and can't imagine working anywhere else.
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Lucy LoweProgress Tutor
Lucy Lowe
My philosophy in life is 'do what makes you happy'. I love my role as Progress Tutor and being part of the joys, challenges and journey of life at college. I look back on my own college experience and still appreciate the significant people who encouraged and supported my dreams. This led me into a teaching career within a subject area that I love - art and design.
My biggest achievement in life is my beautiful family. I have two boys Adam and Joe, who make me so proud and are growing into wonderful young men. Our house is full of music and singing (although I cannot hold a note!) and I love a good film and great food.
In my role as Progress Tutor, I always aim to provide students with the advice, guidance and support that they need to be happy, healthy and successful whilst fulfilling their goals and ambitions with us here at OSF
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Leen MomaniProgress Tutor
Leen Momani
Since graduating from the University of Manchester in Educational Psychology and completing my PGCE I have since worked in education. I know how daunting it can be jumping from secondary school to college. As a progress tutor my main priority is to support students with this transition and help them navigate through college as smoothly as possible. Outside of college I enjoy going to pilates, drinking iced matcha, seeing my friends/family and travelling.
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Isabella O'ReillyProgress Tutor
Isabella O'Reilly
Before becoming a Progress Tutor at OSFC I worked in both pastoral care and administration in secondary education. This experience has given me a good understanding of the challenges students can face, the importance of building connections with young people and the effect that positive, supportive relationships can have on their well being, self belief and achievement.
As a Progress Tutor, I aim to help students manage the pressures of sixth form, offer guidance on workload, balance, and build confidence. By working together with staff, parents, and students, I believe that we can create a supportive environment that helps everyone succeed. I love helping students transition to sixth form and create a supportive space for them to grow academically and personally.
I enjoy travelling to new places, Italy and Greece being my favourites so far! My close friends and family are the people who I love to spend my time with, whether we are going out for a coffee, cooking a nice meal or a bit of retail therapy. I also love art and design and enjoy incorporating this into my home.
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Edward PullinProgress Tutor
Edward Pullin
I studied Music at university and have since enjoyed working with students in support roles at primary, secondary and college level. I came to OSFC to work as a Progress Tutor in 2017, having previously gone back to university to do a Master's degree in Musicology. I came to music quite late, only taking up my first instrument when I started my A Levels, so I particularly enjoy working with students to figure out what they want to do in the future and reminding them that life's path is rarely straightforward! Outside college, I enjoy writing music, reading, and walking my dog, Tetley.
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Dawn StansfieldProgress Tutor
Dawn Stansfield
I come to OSFC with a wealth of experience after working for over 20 years in secondary schools in Oldham and Tameside. I started off as the LRC Supervisor before quickly taking on a new challenge in Pastoral Care as a Year Manager. I believe that fostering good relationships with both the students and their families are the key to success as well as providing supportive, motivational support. Having spent the last 8 years working predominantly with KS4, I have been naturally curious as to 'what happens next' and that's what has fired my enthusiasm to move into Further Education.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. I enjoy baking and if the team are lucky I will bring some cakes to work! I am a prolific reader, with a particular love for historical fiction, and even better, love reading in my favourite place - the garden, in the sunshine.
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Farheen SufiProgress Tutor
Farheen Sufi
Moving to a new country in my mid-twenties proved quite a big challenge for me. After being a full-time mother for 17 years, I started my professional journey, as by that time, I learnt that having a career is essential to lead a satisfying and rewarding life. As the mother of three amazing girls, I ensured that all of them have a prosperous career of being a doctor, a management consultant, and an aspiring lawyer. My desire to use this experience and knowledge to help others led me to become a progress tutor so that my tutees feel prepared while starting the most significant yet exciting chapter of their lives. I want to support my tutees in a holistic manner so that they achieve their full potential and become the best version of their unique selves. Other than that, I love reading and cooking, especially trying out new recipes.
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Kyril WhittakerProgress Tutor
Kyril Whittaker
As a former student at OSFC I realise the transformative power of college life. After college I was able to progress into further study with a BA in Ethics, Religion and Philosophy, a PGCert in Foundations for Education at MMU, as well as an MA in Political Science at Manchester University. My time at OSFC inspired me to become a Progress Tutor, as my teachers had provided me with the skills and support I needed to progress and grow. Being in this role, I am inspired to give to students the same experience I received at the college as a student, helping them to reach their potential and become who they want to be in life by providing support and instruction to the best of my ability.