Meet The Team

Ben Kirk – Founder & Director

Ben founded Renew Education with a clear mission: to give young people another chance to succeed when mainstream education isn’t working for them. A qualified teacher and entrepreneur, Ben has spent over a decade working with schools across Somerset and beyond.

Alongside Renew, Ben also leads Inspired Schools, a successful organisation dedicated to getting more children active every day. His experience working directly with schools, staff, and families has given him a deep understanding of the challenges many young people face — and a passion for creating solutions that make a difference.

As a father to two daughters, Ben brings both a professional and personal commitment to his work. He believes every child should feel valued, supported, and capable of achieving their potential, no matter their background or circumstances.

🌱 “Our vision is simple: no young person should feel like education has given up on them.”

Peter Ford - Head of Centre

I am Head of Centre and DSL for Renew Education. Having worked in the education sector for over 20 years and as a member of Senior Leadership Teams for over 10 years I am here to ensure that young people are given the very best offer and to make sure our team helps a child to thrive and be successful.

Laurelle Herft – Teacher and Mentor

Laurelle is a qualified Personal Trainer with a passion for helping young people build confidence, resilience, and healthy habits through physical activity. At Renew Education, she delivers engaging gym-based sessions designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing, showing students how exercise can be a positive outlet and a lifelong skill.

With her supportive approach and focus on progress over perfection, Laurelle ensures every young person feels encouraged and capable, no matter their starting point. She is committed to helping learners discover the benefits of fitness, teamwork, and self-belief.

Natasha Thornton – Teacher and Mentor

Natasha is a fashion design specialist and experienced lecturer at Exeter University, bringing creativity and industry expertise to her role at Renew Education. With a background in both design and teaching, she is passionate about helping young people explore their creative potential and gain practical skills that open doors to future opportunities.

Through her sessions, Natasha supports learners in building confidence, expressing themselves through design, and discovering pathways into further education and employment. Her goal is to show young people that creativity can be both a passion and a profession.

Laura Gatford – Senior Teacher & Mentor

Laura is an experienced teacher with a deep commitment to supporting young people who find mainstream education challenging. At Renew Education, she leads as Senior Teacher and Mentor, working closely with students to provide tailored academic support alongside guidance for their personal development.

Passionate about creating safe and supportive learning environments, Laura ensures that every young person feels heard, valued, and capable of success. Her nurturing approach, combined with strong teaching expertise, makes her a trusted mentor for students and a key part of the Renew Education team.

Louise Murphy – Teacher & Mentor

Louise is an experienced teacher and behavioural specialist with a strong track record of supporting young people who face barriers in mainstream education. At Renew Education, she combines her teaching expertise with specialist knowledge in behaviour management to create structured, supportive, and engaging learning environments.

Her calm and compassionate approach helps students feel safe, understood, and motivated to make positive choices. Louise is passionate about helping every young person recognise their strengths and build the confidence they need to move forward.