Garth Younghusband
Principal
"Frances King is more than 35 years old – and now more than 4000 students a year choose to come to London to learn English with us. Our centres are in central London's most prestigious and attractive areas – Kensington, Hyde Park Corner and Marylebone. And London itself offers the enormous variety of attractions and interest of a world city. As a large school, we are able to offer programmes for general learners, business and professional people, young working people, university students, teachers and families. There really is something for everyone. I am proud of the teaching and care we provide for all our students. All our staff - the Student Advisors, Directors of Studies, Teachers, Accommodation Advisors and Social Organisers - are dedicated to making your stay in London enjoyable and a success. We all look forward to welcoming you to Frances King and London."
Drew Hyde
Vice Principal / Head of Client Services
"After studying Biology at university I spent the next few years working and travelling around the world. I started teaching in London in 1990 and have taught in Hong Kong and Spain. I have been teaching at Frances King since 1995 and have been Director of Studies since 1998. Outside work I enjoy gardening and spending time with my family."
Amanda Dwek
One-to-One and Executive Courses Co-ordinator
"I have lived in 6 countries, including France, Switzerland and Africa. Perhaps that is why I enjoy meeting people from all over the world. Before Frances King I worked in the marketing department of a trading company for several years. I have worked for Frances King since 1994 and have been in charge of the One-to-One Department since 2000. I am married with three children and I have two small dogs."
Andy Mc Nish
Head of Product Development
"I grew up near Manchester and studied English Literature at university, but I've lived and worked in London all my adult life. I've been at Frances King since 1994. Nowadays I'm the Head of Product Development. It's my job to make sure that our students are enjoying their classes and learning a lot. I really enjoy meeting all the interesting people who come here from all over the world, and I look forward to welcoming you to Frances King."
Mubeen Ahmed
Academic Manager
"I started teaching at Frances King in 2008 after spending some time working in Italy. I can confidently say that it's a fantastic school to teach at, as we get to meet the most amazing people and are exposed to numerous cultures under one roof! I studied 'Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages' (TESOL) at university and have always known that I wanted to become a teacher. However, these days I am managing the teachers and ensuring all our students are enjoying their experience at Frances King. I love going to the theatre, strolling along the Grand Union Canal from Camden up to Primrose Hill and shopping in Soho. I actively tweet on ‘twitter’ so follow me: @mubeenfk "
Mark Carter
Academic Manager
"I've been at Frances King for 5 years, and teaching EFL for a lot longer! I studied English and American Literature at university and have lived in various countries including Italy and the USA."
Mary Pettit
Academic Manager
"I’ve been at Frances King for 4 years now and it’s the best job I’ve had and such a lovely place to work. I started as a teacher here teaching all levels and the juniors in the summer and last year I was promoted to manager, so now I support the teachers in their roles and help with student enquiries. I love skiing and try to go every other year (otherwise it’s too expensive!) and photography and I’m learning French at the moment. I’ve been lucky enough to have lived in some great places such as China, Taiwan, Corsica and Canada."
Maricel Samson
Academic Manager
"After working as a civil servant for eight years, I moved into teaching EFL, and haven't ever regretted it. I understand what it's like to be an international student - I studied Modern European Studies at university, and spent a semester studying at Aix-en-Provence University as part of the course. In my spare time, I love going to the theatre and museums. I have been learning Spanish as a hobby for over seven years now, and hope to become proficient one day."
Diane Briggs
Teacher – Course Director of Junior Summer Course
"After teaching for many years in Hong Kong and China I moved to Capetown in South Africa and taught there for two years before arriving in London in 2003. After working in a primary school in East London, I settled in happily in the Frances King environment and have remained here ever since."
Steve Tims
Chief Operating Officer
"My EFL experience started teaching English to children in Indonesia, and I have worked in Operations for Frances King for more than 15 years helping the school systems work to meet the needs of our students. Seeing the great feedback we get from students is always a pleasure and makes the work very rewarding."