Ali Kazmi

Science and A-Level Psychology teacher with a decade in the classroom and a research background in cognitive neuroscience — including a peer-reviewed publication on analogical reasoning. I turn abstract ideas into lightbulb moments by anchoring them to the real world, teaching not just the analogy but where it breaks, and I make learning stick through retrieval practice and evidence-based instruction. NELTA-trained in Biology, I plan adaptively for mixed-attainment classes with high proportions of SEND and EAL learners, and I hold a proven record of A* and A grades at A-Level and of students moving up sets.

My aim is for students to leave understanding not just what science says, but how science is actually done.

Science & Biology Teacher (NELTA / PGCE) at The Forest Academy (2025-09 – Present)

Teach A-Level Psychology and KS3/KS4 Science to mixed-attainment classes with many SEND and EAL learners, planning adaptively so every student meets lesson objectives, with stretch for the more able.

• Several science students have moved up sets this year through consistent routines, retrieval-based starters and misconception-focused questioning.
• Arranged for UCL scientists to speak at the school careers fair, humanising science and raising aspiration; form tutor to a Year 7 group.

Head of Psychology (Maternity Cover) at Queenswood School (2024-10 – 2025-07)

Led delivery of the full A-Level Psychology curriculum, tracking attainment and guiding students towards strong exam performance and university progression.

• Raised outcomes through targeted intervention — including a student predicted an E who achieved a C — and took students to UCL's 'Mind the Brain' symposium (2025).

Psychology & English Tutor at LCC Learning & Preply (2023-01 – 2024-12)

Delivered targeted AQA and EdExcel A-Level Psychology tuition, rebuilding exam technique and understanding; also taught ISEB English entrance preparation and an MA-level student in Philosophy of Psychology.

Lecturer, Neurobiology & Psychology at National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) (2022-01 – 2022-05)

Delivered undergraduate lectures and mentored students in academic writing; several secured scholarships and research internships at leading international universities.

A-Level Psychology Teacher at Lahore Grammar School (2019-12 – 2021-06)

Taught CAIE A-Level Psychology, including online through the COVID-19 lockdown — achieving 2 A* and 2 A grades from a class of nine and supporting students into competitive universities.

A-Level Psychology Teacher at Westminster Academy (2019-10 – 2020-06)

Lecturer in Psychology at COMSATS University (2019-08 – 2019-12)

English & Psychology Teacher at The Math Center (2015-01 – 2017-12)

Counselling Tutor (CPCAB Level 3) at Therapy Works (2016-01 – 2017-12)

Psychology & English Teacher at International Grammar School (2014-01 – 2015-12)

Manager at Metafitnosis (2013-01 – 2013-12)

Research Intern, Krawczyk Reasoning Lab at Center for BrainHealth, University of Texas at Dallas (2018-05 – 2019-05)

Co-authored a study on the neural basis of analogical reasoning, using high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation to modulate prefrontal activity during creative problem-solving tasks — the evidence base that now shapes how I teach abstract ideas through analogy.

PGCE (Secondary) in Education – University of Sussex (2025-01 – 2026-01)

MSc in Neuroscience – University College London (2022-01 – 2024-01)

MS in Applied Cognition & Neuroscience – University of Texas at Dallas (2017-01 – 2019-01)

BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology – Beaconhouse National University (2009-01 – 2013-01)

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling in Counselling – Therapy Works (2015-01 – 2015-12)