Renato Marques
Principal
I have been the College Principal at Phoenix College since September 2021 and I could not be happier with the progress and outcomes that our students have achieved so far. I have worked in educational settings for the last 25 years, with experience in primary, secondary, post-16 and adult settings. For the last 9 years I have led independent specialist colleges in London, preparing young people with SEN for adulthood by developing skills for independence and accessing the world of work. One of my passions is to offer more Enrichment opportunities to our students and I am very excited with the success of our Stay Up Late programme, especially our termly evenings at Genesis Cinema. I have worked with mainstream and SEN students in the UK, Brazil, Switzerland and Belgium and I hold a Bsc in Education and a Masters Degree in Inclusion and Special Education with commendation at Kingston University.
Matthew Snow
Deputy Principal
Hello! I’m Matt, the college’s new Deputy Principal. If you’re familiar with the college, or if your child previously attended Phoenix School, you may already know me. I’m delighted to be taking on this role, which will allow me to work across both of our programmes, Preparing for Adulthood (PFA) and Project SEARCH (PS), having primarily overseen Project SEARCH for the past seven years, prior to which I was in the school PE department.
My passion for supporting young people with SEND is also deeply personal. My brother, who is 28 and autistic, has followed a journey similar to that of many
of our learners. Through the support he has received, he has developed his
independence and now undertakes three voluntary roles each week. Seeing his
progress firsthand has inspired my commitment to helping our learners build
their independence, develop confidence, and move towards meaningful
supported employment and fulfilling adult lives.
I am incredibly proud to be part of the Phoenix College community and look
forward to getting to know our learners and families throughout the year.
matt.snow@phoenixcollege.london
Shelina Mannan
Assistant Principal, Quality of Education and DSL
I am delighted to introduce myself to parents, careers and families as the new Assistant.
Principal for Quality of Education and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Although I am new to the college, I bring with me a wealth of knowledge and experience
from across education, alongside a strong passion and expertise in supporting autistic young
people to thrive. I am particularly committed to ensuring that every learner receives high
quality teaching, feels safe and valued, and is supported to achieve their individual potential.
My aim is to work closely with our learners, families and the wider college team to ensure
that our approach to education is ambitious, inclusive and rooted in what works best for
each individual. I believe that strong relationships, high expectations and a deep
understanding of autism are fundamental to creating an environment where young people
can flourish.
Safeguarding is also at the heart of my role. Every young person has the right to feel safe,
respected and listened to, and I am committed to ensuring that safeguarding remains
everyone’s responsibility across the college.
I am really looking forward to getting to know our learners, families and staff, and to
becoming part of the college community. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and
about working together to continue developing outstanding provision and outcomes for our
young people.
Osman Osman
Assisstant Principal PS Programme
Mazeda Khatun
SENCo and SDDSL (Senior Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead)
Hello, my name is Mazeda, and I am delighted to be part of Phoenix Autism Trust. I originally
qualified as a primary teacher before discovering my passion for supporting children and
young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). I went on to work in
both special primary and secondary schools before moving into further education.
I am particularly passionate about transition and supporting young people as they progress
through their educational journey and prepare for adulthood. I recognise the challenges that
young people with SEND can face and believe that, with the right support, encouragement
and opportunities, every young person can develop their confidence, independence and
skills to achieve their goals.
Admin Team
Ambreen Shafiq
Office Manager
I have been working at Phoenix College for over three years and I am very proud
to be part of the Phoenix Autism Trust. As Office Manager, I have a background
in administration, finance and education.
Autism is particularly close to my heart, as I have two siblings with autism who
have been through different educational journeys and are now both
successfully in employment. Their experiences have given me a real
appreciation of how important the right support and opportunities can be.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my son, family and friends.
I am always happy to help students, parents, carers, staff and professionals with
any queries they may have. Please feel free to contact me at
ambreen.shafiq@phoenixcollege.london
Instructors and Teachers
Mohammed Ahmed (Mo)
Cooking Instructor
I have been working at Phoenix School for many years. I am proud to be one of the key members given the opportunity to help set up and be part of this amazing college provision, since 2015 when it all started at Tower Hamlets College.
I am the Catering Instructor, delivering catering and DIY sessions. Outside work I am a director/owner of 2 successful fast food outlets
in Tower Hamlets. I hold a Level 3 qualification in catering and supervision in food and hospitality. As a catering instructor I will deliver independent skills and knowledge that will support and help students develop hospitality and independent life skills.
Helen Gillan
Teacher
I am very excited to have joined the Phoenix College team and look forward to sharing my ideas. I have been working in education for many years in a variety of provisions having initially trained as an art teacher. My passion is bringing creativity into the classroom and the importance of using art as a tool for students to express themselves and communicate their ideas and emotions. I strongly believe in student centered learning and generating new and exciting experiences for students in the classroom and the wider community. In my own time I am enjoying a children’s book illustration course and love exploring art galleries and second hand markets!
Elena Vata
Self-Care Instructor
I’ve been working at the college since 2018. I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenge and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive towards. I am very passionate about giving each and every student an adult fulfilling life. The Hair and Beauty course will be training and delivering quality sessions on hair washing, styling, manicure, pedicure and massages.
The students will also learn how to improve their personal care and hygiene by participating in a range of different activities.
They will work as part of a team through group activities and look
at different job roles within the Hair and Beauty industry. I love dancing and fashion, keeping up with the current trends.
Darren Serrano-Griffiths
Fitness Instructor
During your young person’s time at College, students will learn how to improve their general fitness by participating in a range of different sporting activities. They will also learn how to work as part of a team through group activities and about different job roles within the fitness industry. I studied abroad in America to gain a degree in Business & Sports Management and my other qualifications within sport include First Diploma (Sport and Leisure) Level 3, NVQ in Sports Coaching and Leadership Level 2, and I am currently enrolled on a Sports Therapy QLS Level 3 Course. I also run fitness sessions for staff after college.
I love sport, watching and participating, especially football. Sport has given me the appreciation of the importance of ensuring that others can rely on me as a team member. I enjoy listening to music, reading, socializing with friends and travelling.
Ferenc Kasa (Frank)
eLearning Instructor
I have always been passionate about computers and technology, although my original area of study was Theatre Science at the University of Pannonia. During my studies, I was involved in a wide range of theatre productions and Drama in Education projects, which gave me valuable experience in creativity, communication and working with different groups of people.
I feel very lucky that, here at Phoenix College, I have the opportunity to combine my experience in drama and education with my passion for technology. In today’s vast and ever-changing digital world, I believe it is increasingly important for our students to understand how different digital and interactive devices work and, most importantly, to develop the confidence and skills to use them safely and independently.
In my free time, I enjoy going to the cinema, taking photographs, writing stories and reading. I particularly enjoy modern science-fiction books.
