Our team is made up of friendly, dedicated individuals who genuinely care about helping students grow and succeed. We believe learning should be supportive, engaging, and confidence-building. By working closely together, we create a welcoming environment where every learner feels encouraged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Callum Thompson
Managing Director
I’m an education leader with over 15 years of experience and currently serve as CEO of the Fast Forward Group, the UK’s largest Alternative Provision provider, operating across 37 centres nationwide.
My background includes health and safety, engineering, and senior educational leadership. I combine strategic direction with strong operational management, alongside a thorough understanding of vocational and alternative education. This enables me to ensure effective governance, maintain high standards, and drive positive outcomes for learners.
Jack Thompson
Finance Director
I have over 10 years of experience in education and currently serve as Finance Director for the Fast Forward Group, the UK’s largest Alternative Provision provider, operating across 37 centres nationwide.
My professional background spans finance, business management, and educational leadership. I bring extensive expertise in budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation, and long-term financial strategy. Alongside this, I have a strong understanding of vocational and alternative education settings, ensuring that financial decision-making is aligned with educational priorities, operational effectiveness, and long-term business viability and sustainability.
Nick Thompson
Operations Manager
I have over 15 years of experience working across a range of educational roles and currently serve as Operations Manager and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) at Fast Forward.
I have developed a strong understanding of high-quality teaching, inclusive practice, and operational leadership. I am particularly experienced in implementing differentiated learning strategies that meet the diverse needs of learners, ensuring every young person can access and succeed in education.
I also have extensive knowledge of statutory SEND requirements and safeguarding responsibilities. My role combines strategic oversight with day-to-day operational management, helping to maintain high standards, strengthen practice, and promote positive outcomes for all learners.
Cheryl Hocking
Business Manager
I am the Business Manager at Fast Forward Vocational Training, overseeing the delivery of all courses across 38 TeamSport Indoor Karting tracks throughout the United Kingdom. I have played a key role in supporting the growth and promotion of our programmes, helping expand access to vocational opportunities for young people nationwide. This growth has contributed to Fast Forward becoming the largest provider of the Level 1 Award in Motor Vehicle Studies in the UK.
I am deeply passionate about promoting alternative pathways in education—something that stems from both personal experience and ongoing conversations with parents and SENCOs as part of my role, which continually highlight the significant need for flexible, engaging learning environments.
In the office, you will usually find me on a Microsoft Teams call with schools or focused on analysing spreadsheets to support programme delivery and growth. Outside of work I am kept busy with three children and a sausage dog called Hunnie!
Amber Oetegenn
DSL and Attendance Officer
As the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Attendance Officer across all UK sites, I am committed to ensuring every student is safe, supported, and able to fully engage with their education. I work closely with children who are missing in education and support those who may face challenges in returning to learning. Part of my role is to ensure all staff are fully trained in safeguarding, creating a safe and nurturing environment for everyone. I am passionate about helping students feel heard, valued, and motivated, and I take pride in supporting them to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
Jodie-Leigh Winter-Brook
Post16 Placement Coordinator
I am the Post-16 Placement Coordinator at Fast Forward Vocational Training, supporting learners with SEND to transition onto our Post-16 Vocational Provision and access meaningful opportunities.
With a professional background in supporting learners and working with families and partners, I collaborate to help students build confidence, develop independence, and achieve positive outcomes. I am passionate about helping young people develop the skills they need for adulthood, further education, and employment.
Kylie Dunlin
Placement Co-Ordinator
I am the Placement Coordinator for the Central Region, working closely with schools to support students with EHCPs and those who may be disengaged from mainstream education, ensuring students are placed on courses that best meet their individual needs and are accessible within their local area.
I am passionate about helping students re-engage with learning and achieve positive, lasting outcomes. I especially enjoy hearing feedback from our instructors about how well students are progressing, particularly when they are thriving on the motor vehicle course, building friendships, re-engaging with education, and improving their attendance.
Kay Cheney
Placement Co-Ordinator
I’m the Placement Co-ordinator for the South at Fast Forward. I’ve been with Fast Forward for just over a year and love the role—especially when we receive positive feedback from students and instructors. Knowing I’ve played a part in creating meaningful, successful placements makes the job truly rewarding.
Michelle Harrison
Placement Co-Ordinator
As the Placement Coordinator for the North, this is my first role within an educational environment. I enjoy building relationships with schools and providing information about our provision to help ensure that learners are placed on courses that best suit their needs and support their development.
Annabel Corccoran
Placement Co-Ordinator
I have been working at Fast Forward for over two years and enjoy keeping busy while maintaining strong attention to detail. One of the aspects I value most in my role is connecting with different schools to share information about our provision and the opportunities we offer young people. My area covers London and the surrounding regions, where I work closely with schools to help secure placements for students, supporting their engagement, progress, and positive outcomes.