Meet the Team

We pride ourselves on small group teaching and a highly engaging environment, where relationships matter and progress is personal. Our team is passionate about helping each learner find their path and reach their potential.

  • Paul Riley

    Owner/Founder, Director of Operations

  • Alec Dean

    Founder, Director of Education

  • Hannah Speakman

    Executive Lead

  • Bella Saunders

    Acting Centre Lead, Manchester Central

  • Phil Haynes

    Deputy Lead & Post-16 Lead, Tameside

  • Rudi Matthews

    Deputy Lead, Manchester Central

  • Mike Quinn

    Facilities Manager

  • Hannah C

    Occupational Studies/Functional Skills Tutor & SENCo

  • Steve Kenny

    Qualification Quality Assurance Lead

  • Charlotte Edwards

    Functional Skills Lead Tutor

  • Garry Smith

    Lead Construction Tutor, Manchester

  • Joel Joy

    Lead Construction Tutor, Tameside

  • Bob Fish

    Construction Tutor, Manchester Central

  • Laura McDermott

    Hair & Beauty Lead across Manchester Central & Tameside

  • Amanda Whitty

    Pastoral Support and Intervention, Tameside

  • Connor Hamilton

    Construction Tutor, Tameside

  • Derek Pennington

    Construction Tutor, Tameside

  • Kelly Tongue

    Administrator, Tameside

  • Lucy Whelan

    Administrator, Manchester Central

  • Matt George

    Music & Media Tutor, Manchester Central

  • Mars Smith

    Pastoral and Intervention Tutor, Manchester Central

  • Emma Byrne

    Occupational Studies Tutor, Manchester Central

  • Trei Brown

    Sport and Lifestyle Tutor, Manchester Central & Tameside

  • Aftaab Hussain

    Pastoral Support & Intervention

  • Javen Ellison

    Construction Tutor, Manchester Central

  • Marc Wells

    Construction Tutor, Manchester Central

  • Victoria Forrester

    Hair & Beauty Tutor, Manchester Central

  • Beth Kenny

    Hair & Beauty Tutor, Manchester Central

  • Racheal Williams

    Business Manager

Find Out More

  • About Us

    Our tailored approach blends academic learning with real-world skills, emotional support, and a firm belief that every young person deserves a pathway to success.

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  • Vision and Values

    At Strive Academy, our vision is to create a learning community where young people are empowered to succeed, not only in the classroom, but in life.


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  • Our Offer

    At Strive Academy, we provide a dynamic and practical curriculum tailored to the interests and strengths of each learner. Our offer is designed to help young people develop the skills, confidence, and experience they need to progress into further education, employment, or training.

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