meet the staff

Tim Matthew

Principal

“Hello. My name is Tim and I am the Principal at Oxford House College. I have worked here since July 2003, when I joined as Director of Studies. Before then I was an Assistant Director of Studies at another London school and I have also lived and worked as a teacher in Slovakia after graduating from Lancaster University in 1996.

I sincerely hope you choose to study at Oxford House College. As well as learning lots of English, you will have a fun and rewarding time. All our teachers are highly qualified, experienced and energetic. We promise you a friendly and enjoyable learning experience that is, without doubt, excellent value for money! If you do study here come and tell me what you think – my door is always open.”

Niki Alford

Director of Studies for English

“Hello. My name is Niki and I have been the Director of Studies at Oxford House College since February 2007 having worked here since April 2004. Before this I was a senior teacher at another London school and I have also lived and worked as a teacher and academic manager in Thailand. My first career was in Accountancy in London.

One of the main aspects I like about my job is meeting and helping students especially with their academic and future plans. So if you want advice come and see me. I am an experienced examiner so know a lot about the Cambridge and other certificates too.

I am very proud to be part of such a professional and friendly organization. I really hope you have a brilliant time here and enjoy the college atmosphere as much as I do!”

Christel Thorne

Homestay Administrator

“My name is Christel and I probably have the most sociable job in the school. I am the Homestay Accommodation Officer and it’s my job to place our students into suitable homestay accommodation. I also recruit all the families that we need. When I select families, I always make sure that I would be happy to send my own children to the
home. If not – they don’t become a homestay! The homestay market is very competitive so it’s essential that I build up and maintain good relationships with my families to stop them being poached by other schools! We have many families that have been with us for years and often the sons or daughters of our families become homestays themselves when they marry! It’s an interesting, varied job which gives me a fascinating insight into relationships that are forged between students and their homestays”.