Meet The Staff

Headteacher's Welcome

Sonya Dacoury-Tabley

Senior Educator & Student Support Lead

After more than 20 years of teaching in mainstream education, I was invited to join New Level Academy and I have not looked back since! This role has reignited my passion for working with young people and helping them find their path. I made the switch from marketing to education years ago because I’ve always believed in the power of learning to change lives, I see that impact every day.

At New Level Academy, we believe in a three-way partnership: family, school, and the student. I work closely with parents to build trust and ensure we’re all moving in the same direction, one that gives every student a future. We don’t judge; we believe in our students, and we focus on their strengths. 

Our approach is calm, supportive, and deeply personalized. We keep class sizes small to meet students where they are and tailor the learning experience to their individual needs. Many of our learners come from backgrounds where mainstream systems haven’t worked for them. That’s why we emphasize skill-based-education because in today’s world, practical skills open doors, especially for students who thrive outside of traditional academic settings.

Our values: Family, Future, Flexible Learning, and Faith guide everything we do. We show our students love, consistency, and belief in their potential. What makes us unique isn’t just our curriculum, but the calm, nurturing environment we create to help students rediscover their confidence and direction.  

Founder

Terry Springer

I founded New Level Academy with a vision to support young people who struggle to thrive in mainstream education. Having experienced those challenges firsthand, I understand the importance of creating a practical, supportive environment where students can re-engage with learning.

After completing a Youth Training Scheme and an apprenticeship in engineering, I found my passion in youth work and football coaching. This eventually led me to help set up this education program for young people not in education employment or training. Here at New Level Academy we combine qualifications with core learning in English and Math, helping students build confidence, gain real-world skills, and re-engage with their futures. 

My goal has always been simple: to create a place that meets students where they are and helps them move to where they want to be.

Teaching Staff

Ayodeji Oluwalogbon

Mathematics Teacher

My name is Deji Oluwalogbon, and I teach Mathematics at New Level Academy. I am a subject specialist with degrees in Pure and Applied Mathematics, bringing over 25 years of experience in private and state education sectors. I am passionate about making mathematics accessible and engaging, and I’m confident that the subject’s future at New Level Academy is secure! 

 

 

TeeJay

English Teacher & Mentor

My name is Teejay, and I teach English at New Level Academy, where I also provide one-to-one mentoring for students. I bring experience in both leadership and education, having previously supervised a security team and managed several media clients simultaneously.

With a background in music and creative arts, I am a recording artist with a publicly released catalogue of songs and music videos. I’ve also directed, produced, and written scripts for both passion projects and professional film ventures. 

I believe that legacy is one of life’s most powerful driving forces, to inspire others and communicate a truly authentic message. I aim to bring this philosophy into every lesson I teach, making each on as engaging and meaningful as possible!



Jaye Wildman

PSHE Teacher

My name is Jaye, and I teach PSHE at New Level Academy, a subject I find both exciting and essential. I create a classroom atmosphere that is cutting-edge, dynamic, and thought-provoking, with a strong emphasis on student engagement and self-expression. My teaching style is modern and intuitive, designed to encourage participation and personal growth!

 
 

Keith Slatter

Construction & BTEC Teacher

My name is Keith Slatter, and I teach Construction at New Level Academy. I bring 29 years of teaching experience across various colleges and schools throughout London and Kent. My professional background is in motor vehicle engineering, I began my career with an apprenticeship at Ford and worked in the motor trade for several years before transitioning into education.

At NLA, I currently teach BTEC Entry Level One Construction three days a week. Alongside teaching, I run my own construction business. I’m committed to helping students develop practical skills and gain industry-recognized qualifications that can lead to apprenticeships and future employment opportunities. 

 

Lisa Prestwich

Media and Construction Teacher

I teach Media and Construction at New Level Academy. With over 10 years of industry experience in graphic design, web design, and video production, my background is rooted in creative and digital media, primarily within the corporate sector.

In the past three years, I’ve expanded my expertise by retraining as a renewable energy engineer. I bring a multidisciplinary approach to the classroom, aiming to equip students with both technical skills and real-world insight across media, construction, and sustainable innovation.

 

 

Yasmin Botchway

Hair Specialist & Mentor

I’m a certified Hair Stylist, Beauty Therapist, and Educator with a deep passion for healthy hair and helping others embrace the beauty of the hair God gave them. My journey has taken me around the world, working with global brands like L’Oreal to train professionals and promote healthy hair care at the highest level. 

Today, I run my own salon and teach in the classroom, combining years of industry experience with a heart for mentorship. Everything I do is rooted faith, education, and a genuine love for natural beauty. 

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Ammon Angola

Media & Music Production Teacher

I teach Media and Music Production at New Level Academy, where students can work toward BTEC Level 1 Introductory qualification in Digital Media and BTEC Tech Awards in Creative Media Production. I hold a BA (Hons) in Music and Sound, having studied creative music production and sound design up to the university level, this is my area of expertise within the media field. 

My musical journey began with songwriting and naturally progressed into music production, sound design, and mix engineering. Today, I compose across a range of genres, from dance tracks to cinematic scores, and I work as a freelance composer creating music for short films and media projects.

Sports & Physical Education

Harvey Pritchard

Sports Teacher (Football focus)

My name is Harvey Pritchard, and I am one of the three sports teachers at New Level Academy. I’ve always been passionate about sports and take pride in helping students reach their full potential in their chose disciplines.

Football is my strongest sport and the one I primarily focus on at NLA, but I’m always open to taking on new challenges and supporting students across a range of athletic activities.

Jaye Wildman

Boxing Coach

In addition to teaching, I also coach boxing at the academy. It’s a powerful and enjoyable way for students to channel their energy, build discipline, and foster camaraderie. For me, boxing is the perfect balance of structure and fun!

Stilian Todorov

Martial Arts Instructor

My name is Stilian Rumenov Todorov, and I have been teaching martial arts and working in education since 2008. In 2017, I officially opened my first martial arts club after being recognized by GFTeam, one of the leading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organizations in the world. Over the years, my students have successfully compete and won at both national and international levels.

Since moving to London in 2023, I’ve expanded to teaching over 100 students daily. My goal is to build a Mixed Martial Arts Academy that develops both competitors and future coaches, and I’m excited to grow that vision through my work at New Level Academy!

 

Support & Administration

Marley Pettengell

Administrative Support

My name is Marley, and I work in administration at New Level Academy. I have over six years of experience in education, including roles in primary schools, where I managed after-school and holiday clubs. I’ve also led drama workshops for various summer camps, bringing creativity and structure to youth programming!

 

Agnieszka Pietraszewicz

Attendance & Support Officer

Hi, my name is Ali and as Attendance and Support Officer at New Level Academy, I work closely with students and their families to promote regular attendance and address any barriers to engagement. I also provide in-school support to help learners overcome challenges and stay positively connected to their education.

 

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Chris Mpinda

ICT Support & Operations

I provide ICT support at New Level Academy, managing the school’s IT equipment and assisting various departments as needed. I’m a self-taught tech specialist with a hands-on, problem-solving approach. My diverse experience and dedication help me go above and beyond in supporting the academy’s daily operations. 

Clarence Jackson

Mentor

I am a qualified youth worker, inspirational speaker, poet, and mentor who is deeply committed to living a life of purpose and helping others do the same. I’m passionate about transformative mentorship and work closely with young people through one-on-one sessions and dynamic motivational workshops that aim to ignite a sense of meaning, confidence, and direction in their lives.

London Rangers FC

Chris Mpinda

ICT + Operations Manager / Assistant / Secretary for LRFC

I’ve been involved with football my entire life, including time spent in the U.S. where I played and studied. After returning home due to injury and the impact of lockdown, I reconnected with the sport through London Rangers FC.

I initially supported the club’s IT needs, but over time, my role grew to include operations, administration, and management. Since then, we’ve seen major growth, including reaching a cup final much sooner than expected. This is only the beginning of what’s to come for London Rangers FC.