About
Research
Email: tamsyn.nichol@stmarys.ac.uk
Tel: 02082404000
Biography
Nichol is a lecturer on the Secondary Science PGCE with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) course, where she supports trainee teachers in becoming confident, reflective science educators. Her subject-specialist sessions emphasise active, student-led learning, and she models these approaches in her teaching, enabling trainees to experience them first-hand and apply them effectively in their own classrooms.
Nichol is also a personal tutor, supporting trainees’ academic progress and wellbeing throughout the year. As a link tutor, she works closely with trainees and their school-based mentors during placements, monitoring progress and ensuring that appropriate support is in place to help each trainee succeed.
Before joining St Mary's, Nichol taught secondary science across Key Stage 3, GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics, BTEC Science, and A-level Biology, Chemistry and Applied Science. In leadership roles including Deputy Curriculum Leader, Key Stage 4 Lead and Head of Biology, she led the development of a context-based curriculum, introduced BTEC and Applied Science qualifications, and implemented evidence-informed teaching strategies that improved both engagement and attainment, including for students with additional learning needs.
Supporting the development of new teachers has been a central focus throughout her career. Nichol has mentored trainees from PGCE, Teach First and other initial teacher training routes, and as Lead Teacher for Trainee Support worked closely with ITT providers to enhance training and placement experiences. She also delivered subject knowledge workshops and professional development programmes for trainee and early career teachers.
Nichol also spent time in the charity sector with Diabetes UK. As Head Trainer for its leadership programmes, she designed, delivered and evaluated four leadership development programmes for healthcare professionals, aligned with NHS continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. She created the ChangeLabs programme, which brought together healthcare professionals, people living with diabetes and other stakeholders to drive improvements in diabetes care and outcomes. She has also presented at conferences for both healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes.
A qualified development coach, Nichol continues to coach and mentor teachers at every stage of their careers. Alongside her university teaching, she also tutors GCSE and A-level science students.
Research
Research profile
Academic qualifications
- PGCE in Secondary Science with QTS, University of York
- MMedSci Human Nutrition (with commendation), University of Sheffield
- BSc (Hons) Food and Human Nutrition (2:1), Newcastle University
Professional accreditations and training
- Coach Practitioner, EMCC Global Individual Accreditation (2025)
- Lewis Deep Democracy CoResolve: a method for leading teams, meetings and projects to build a participative culture (2021)
- Presencing Institute Foundation Program: Theory U, a social technology for innovation and change (2018)
- PiXL (Partners in Excellence) Leadership Programme for Educators (2017)
- BTEC Level 4 Professional Diploma in Nutrition and Health Coaching, International Institute of Nutrition and Health (2024)
Membership of professional bodies
- EMCC Global (European Mentoring and Coaching Council)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP), St Mary's University (pending), leading to Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)