Principal, Proprietor, Exams Officer and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Regent Independent College & Managing Director, Regent Group
Mrs Tharshiny Pankaj, BSc (Hons)
Mrs Tharshiny Pankaj is a graduate of Brunel University where she studied Computer Sciences. In 1998 she took the post of ICT & Computing Teacher at a sixth form college. In 2000 she played a large part in the founding of Regent Independent College and was essential in the development of the College into what it has become today. Mrs Pankaj is also heavily involved in the development of our other organisations within Regent Group.
Proprietor, Regent Independent College & Chief Executive Officer, Regent Group
Dr Selva Pankaj, MBA, FCMA, CGMA
Dr Selva Pankaj, a graduate of the University of SDA Bocconi/Middlesex, University, and a qualified Chartered Accountant taught Business and Accounting in 2000 when the College first opened. He also acted as an examiner and undertaken the role of visiting lecturer at various universities. When Regent Independent College was founded, Dr Pankaj was very much involved in all aspects of the college and had a thorough overview of the teaching. At the beginning of 2009, after many years working in the financial and property investments sector, Dr Pankaj decided to return to the College and took on the role of Principal. Though he has now relinquished this role and handed over school management to Mrs Tharshiny Pankaj he still continues to assist with College matters as needed.
Head Teacher, Regent Independent College
Mr Stephen Hurl, ONC, BSc, PGCE
Mr Stephen Hurl has a wide range of experience of school improvement within the education sector. He has taught at a number of state schools over the past fifteen years including eight years in senior management with responsibility for teaching and learning. Mr Hurl teaches Science and ICT but his specialty is Biology and this is where his passion lies. He was nominated for a National Teaching Award in 2011 in the category of ‘Best Secondary School Teacher.’ He has an impressive track record of raising student achievement and was acknowledged in producing the best examination results in the history of two different schools. Mr Hurl brings the rigours of best practice and discipline from the state sector and applies these principles to create a safe, happy and purposeful academic environment at Regent Independent College. As Head Teacher, Mr Hurl very much has a hands-on approach and is very much a presence around college on a day-to-day basis. He prides himself on his ability to work closely alongside parents, staff and students, to ensure our students perform at their peak.
Accounting
Dr Mohammed Aslam, PhD, FCMA
Dr Aslam, who joined Regent Independent College in 2004, has over 20 years of experience in teaching Accounting and over 10 years of practical experience in the field of accounting and finance. He is also an author of the book “Principal of Accounting” which has been adopted and published by the ICMAP.
Art
Mrs Anita Obhrai, BA, MA
Mrs Obhrai joins Regent Independent College with more than 36 years of experience as Head of Art and Design. Most recently she has taught Art to GCSE and A Level and has held the post of Edexcel GCE Examiner for Art & Design. Her expertise also extends to drawing and painting, clay modelling and Art History.
Biology
Dr Alan Taylor, BSc, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol
Dr Taylor joined Regent Independent College with 30 years of teaching having previously taught at a number of other well-known schools and colleges. An experienced examiner for three of the major boards, he has also carried out seven years of university research in Botany/Biology, giving him an excellent practical background from which to instruct his students.
Dr Clare Harvey, BSc, PhD
Dr Harvey joins us with 10 years’ experience teaching biology in London. She is passionate about Biology and encouraging students to achieve to their potential. Her previous experience of working in biomedical research in the UK and in Spain is used to illustrate the concepts being taught and to show the breath of opportunities that a degree in a biological subject can lead to. She has also worked as an examiner for OCR.
Business
Mrs Fariha Quddus, MBA, NVQ, FEL
Mrs Quddus joined Regent Independent College in 2013 having worked with a significant number of tutoring organisations teaching GCSE and A-Level in Business Studies and Economics across all the various exam boards. Her other professional experience includes teaching Health & Social care qualifications and roles in the social sector.
Chemistry
Mr Dilip Joshi, BSc, MSc, PhD & QTS
Mr Joshi brings considerable expertise to the Regent Independent College team. Having most recently held the post of Chemistry teacher at high-achieving North London Collegiate School for eight years, preceded by five years as Head of Science at Stanmore College, he has also published a number of research papers.
Dr Subahish Podder, B.Sc, B.Sc, PhD
Dr Podder brings more than 30 years of experience to Regent Independent College. Having previously worked for Regent College he re-joins the team after spending 4 years at David Game College in the role of CGSE & A Level tutor and 7 years at Acorn House College as Head of Science.
Computer Science
Mrs Madhura Dandekar, BSc, PGDSE, PGCE
Mrs Dandekar has been at Regent Independent College since 2001. Prior to this she worked at David Game College. She has earned a reputation of being a dependable, hardworking and enthusiastic teacher who prides herself on maintaining high standards of delivery at all times.
Economics
Tim Griffiths MA (Cantab), PGCE (Oxon)
Tim Griffiths is a graduate of Cambridge University and has a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from Oxford University. He was Head of Department at the Royal Masonic School before becoming Deputy Headmaster at Rickmansworth School for 22 years, where he taught A-level Economics and oversaw all university applications. Mr Griffiths has sat on an interview panel for undergraduate admissions in Law at Oxford University and for many years advised as a Boarding Headmaster for officer recruitment to the Royal Air Force at Cranwell. After retiring, he taught A-level Economics at The Queens’ School Bushey. Mr Griffiths came to Regent Independent College to teach Economics in 2014 and each year he advises students on their applications to university.
English
Mrs Mikki Shahid, BA, PGCE
Mrs Shahid has been teaching English to students at Regent Independent College since 2001 and has been intrinsic to the success of many of our students. In addition to her work for the College, she also carries out teaching for our sister division, Regent Learning Centre.
Mrs Susan Roberts, BA, MA, MPhil
Mrs Roberts has worked with a number of educational establishments including Amersham and Wycombe College and Greenhill College, as well as having worked in the undergraduate education sector. Additionally, she has produced a number of conference papers.
Further Maths
Mr Kumar Kandiah, BSc, MSC, PGCE
Mr Kandiah has been at Regent Independent College since its inception, teaching GCSE and A Level Mathematics and has seen many students pass through the College. Previous to joining Regent Independent College he worked for Ealing College and has worked for Edexcel as an examiner.
Mr Ragulan Amirthalingam, B.Eng
Mr Amirthalingam joined Regent Independent College in its very early days. A very keen and passionate mathematician, he also holds a degree in Computer Systems Engineering and brought his love of chess to the College.
Government & Politics
Mr Anthony Burrett, BA, MSc
Mr Burrett has over twelve years of experience in teaching History and Government and Politics in schools and colleges, his most recent post pre-Regent Independent College being at the historical David Game College. However, his teaching spans back to the mid-1980s when he also spent time teaching at undergraduate level.
History
Mr Anthony Burrett, BA, MSc
Mr Burrett has over twelve years of experience in teaching History and Government and Politics in schools and colleges, his most recent post pre-Regent Independent College being at the historical David Game College. However, his teaching spans back to the mid-1980s when he also spent time teaching at undergraduate level.
Maths
Mr Kumar Kandiah, BSc, MSC, PGCE
Mr Kandiah has been at Regent Independent College since its inception, teaching GCSE and A Level Mathematics and has seen many students pass through the College. Previous to joining Regent Independent College he worked for Ealing College and has worked for Edexcel as an examiner.
Mr Ragulan Amirthalingam, B.Eng
Mr Amirthalingam joined Regent Independent College in its very early days. A very keen and passionate mathematician, he also holds a degree in Computer Systems Engineering and brought his love of chess to the College.
Mr Amit Obhrai, BSc
Mr Obhrai joined Regent Independent College several years ago, teaching students on a private tuition basis and leading Easter Revision courses. His ability to get students high grades was pleasing and he was invited to join Regent Independent College as a full time team member. He has also previously tutored for Elite Tutors.
Physical Education
Navin Seneviratne, BA (Hons)
Navin is the Community Sports Development Manager for Everyone Active in Harrow. Navin has over 10 years’ experience of working with primary schools, secondary schools and FE colleges in London, Hertfordshire and Essex organising and delivering engaging and inclusive sessions. Navin was previously the Sports Development Manager at Palmer’s Sixth Form College in Essex.
Physics
Mr Rajeeb Chakraborty, BSc (Hons), MSc (Double), PGCE, MInstP
Mr Chakraborty has been at Regent Independent College for many years now after moving from the Swaminarayan Independent School in Neasden. Before joining Regent Independent College, he taught at many local schools including those in the state, grammar and independent sector. He is also an A-Level Physics examiner of Edexcel Examinations Board and assists the College with its international admissions.
Psychology
Mrs Premila Patel, BA, MSc
Mrs Patel, who has more than ten years of experience as a teacher and tutor, joined Regent Independent College from a local tutorial college where she held the post of Head of Psychology and Sociology. Whilst there, she was mainly responsible for the A-level teaching but also held the role of Tutor within the College.
Science
Mr Rajeeb Chakraborty, BSc (Hons), MSc (Double), PGCE, MInstP
Mr Chakraborty has been at Regent Independent College for many years now after moving from the Swaminarayan Independent School in Neasden. Before joining Regent Independent College, he taught at many local schools including those in the state, grammar and independent sector. He is also an A-Level Physics examiner of Edexcel Examinations Board and assists the College with its international admissions.
Dr Clare Harvey, BSc, PhD
Dr Harvey joins us with 10 years’ experience teaching biology in London. She is passionate about Biology and encouraging students to achieve to their potential. Her previous experience of working in biomedical research in the UK and in Spain is used to illustrate the concepts being taught and to show the breath of opportunities that a degree in a biological subject can lead to. She has also worked as an examiner for OCR.
Mr Adeyinka Afuwape, BSc, DTLLS
Mr Afuwape is a qualified teacher with 10 years of experience teaching Science up to A-Level with a particular emphasis on the importance of enjoyment in learning. His teachings include academic and study skills alongside effective exam techniques. Mr Afuwape is also a mentor, Pastor and a lecturer with skills in communication and leadership who provides advice and guidance regarding careers and takes great enjoyment in interacting with both students, and fellow professionals.
Sociology
Miss Sadyah Fazal, BA (Hons)
Miss Fazal joined Regent Independent College in September 2015. Previous to this she spent over three years teaching Sociology at London Brookes College as well as having spent time mentoring students at GCSE and A-Level in the past.
Head of Finance
Mrs Paras Patel, BEng, MBA
Mrs Patel joined Regent Group in 2008 as a Finance Manager and since then she has managed all financial aspects of the Group’s businesses. She holds ACCA Part Qualification, an MBA in Finance and an Engineering degree and previously worked in the real estate sector.
Finance Assistant
Miss Sonal Badiani, AAT
Miss Badiani joined Regent Group in October 2015 as an Accounts Assistant to support the Regent Group Finance Manager, Paras Patel. Miss Badiani has over 25 years of rich experience working in accounts. Prior to joining Regent Group, she was employed at College of North West London for over two and a half years as an Accounts Assistant and previous to that was employed with Pricoa Relocation.
Data Manager & Examinations Assistant
Mrs Maja Skibinska, MSc
Ms Skibinska joined Regent Group in 2014, worked on several technical and data management projects within Regent Group, now has moved to a new role of Data Manager and Examinations Assistant, providing support to Regent Independent College’s Head Teacher & Exams’ Officer. Prior to joining Regent Group, Maja worked in the IT sector, where she gained over 6 years of experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office and SharePoint programs, as well as designing Online Applications.
Senior Academic Administrator, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & UCAS Advisor
Miss Caroline Shepheard, BA (Hons)
Miss Shepheard joined Regent Group in 2009 and works across a number of Regent’s divisions. Previous to joining the organisation, she worked for a large and well-known department store, gaining significant retail and customer service experience, as well as undertaking other administrative posts whilst in pursuit of her studies.
Academic Administrator
Mrs Lynne Bonfim, TESOL
Mrs Bonfim is an administrative professional with over twenty years of experience, including roles where she managed reception and undertook administrative duties for a variety of companies from small, local companies to global organisations. She also has experience in a nursery setting.
Academic Administrator
Mr Robert Stewart
Mr Stewart joined Regent Independent College in 2013 as a Receptionist he then went on to become Supervised Study Co-ordinator. He now works closely with Regent Independent College’s Head Teacher Mr Hurl. Before joining Regent, Robert had an extensive career in a training company, worked in retail as an Assistant Manager and later, undertook supply chain management for the same company. Earlier in his working life he was in various hotel chains where he progressed to the level of Assistant Manager.
Laboratory Assistant
Mrs Chhaya Patel, BSc, MSc, PhD
Mrs Chhaya Patel, a postgraduate in Analytical chemistry, is currently doing PhD from Kingston University in Polymer chemistry. The project mainly focuses on synthesising elastomeric conductive polymer blend involves a range of chemical analytical techniques. As a researcher, she has successfully combined her studies with part-time work as a lab demonstrator to graduates and postgraduates in Kingston University.