Student Academic Mentors (SAMs) are a group of second and third year ITE students who have volunteered and been selected to support Year 1 Primary trainees academically and pastorally. SAMs can support you with settling into life at Edge Hill University, subject knowledge development, academic writing and more.
How do I contact SAMs?
There are a few different ways to get in touch with SAMs:
On Padlet – ask SAMs a question about your course, starting at university, or anything else you want to know.
Book a catch up (this can just be a casual chat or for help with any questions or worries).
Message on Instagram.
Student Academic Mentors will aim to respond within 48hrs.
Dates, times and themes for drop-in sessions will be advertised on Learning Edge, Padlet and Instagram. Themes will include:
Settling in
Managing workload
Referencing
Teacher Standards
Professional Practice
Subject Knowledge
and more
Who are my Student Academic Mentors for 2025/26?
Alexandra Miles
Biography
“My name is Alex, and I am a second year SAM specialising in religious education. I have lived off campus in Ormskirk while I have been studying and I have loved it. One reason that I wanted to be a SAM is that I want to make all your transitions to university much easier, with a focus on supporting clearing and applicants, as that was me last year.
I love being at Edge Hill as the campus is stunning and all the staff are so helpful and supportive.
I also have a visual impairment, so I can offer students with additional needs and disabilities useful resources to help navigate their studies.”
Second year student
Focus subject – RE
Lives off campus
Has additional needs
Alex Shattock
Biography
“Hi. I’m one of the SAMs for 2025, currently studying Primary Education and living on campus. I wanted to become a SAM because I enjoy helping others and being part of the support system for new trainees – starting university can be a big step, and I’m here to make it a bit easier.
Outside of my course, I’m part of the Wine Society, which is a great way to unwind and meet people. I’m also part of the LGBTQ+ community, so if that’s something you identify with or want to chat about, I’m always happy to connect. Looking forward to meeting you.”
Second year student
Focus subject – Languages
Lives on campus
LGBTQ+
Amelia Burr
Biography
“Hi everyone, I am Amelia one of your third year SAMs. I study Primary Education with Music being my specialist subject. I have lived off and on Campus but this year I will be living on campus.
I was really scared about leaving home and coming to university, however, there were so many people looking out for me, including the SAMs. The role allows me to pay this back to other students and make their university experience the best it can be.”
Third year student
Focus subject – Music
First year on campus, second year in Ormskirk student accommodation now lives on campus
Charlotte Edwards
Biography
“Hi, I am Charlotte Edwards, and I am a third year SAM who specialises in physical education. I lived on campus for my first year at Edge Hill however now rent a student house in Ormskirk. I wanted to be a SAM to help support trainees and undertake leadership roles alongside more responsibility whilst at university. I am happy to help you in any way that I can!”
Third year student
Focus subject – PE
First year on campus now lives in Ormskirk student accommodation
Chloe Sealey
Biography
“Hi, I’m Chloe. I’m a 3rd year Primary Education with QTS student, with a specialist focus subject in Maths.
As a mature student who commutes to campus, I understand some of the unique challenges some students face, and so I always try to support others where I can. I became a SAM because I remember feeling worried when I started university, and the SAMs were a great support. Now, I want to be that same friendly face for others and help you feel confident and welcome.”
Third year student
Focus subject – Maths
Commutes
Mature student
Hannah Bury
Biography
“Hello everyone. My name is Hannah, and I am a third-year Student Academic Mentor (SAM), specialising in History. Having moved away from home for university, I completely understand how stressful and overwhelming the transition can be. In my first year, I lived on campus, and now I call Ormskirk home. My personal experience has made me passionate about supporting first-years who may be struggling with the move, helping them settle in, and being a friendly, reassuring presence during those crucial first weeks.
Outside of my studies, I love spending time with friends and exploring Ormskirk – I’ve even gained a reputation as a bit of an Ormskirk expert! So, if you have any questions about the town, the best spots to visit, or student life in general, feel free to ask – I’m happy to help.
I’m really looking forward to meeting you all and being part of your university journey.”
Third year student
Focus subject – History
First year on campus now lives in Ormskirk student accommodation
Isabel Smith
Biography
“Hi, I’m Isabel, and I’m a Student Academic Mentor (SAM) specialising in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). I lived on campus during my first year, which was an amazing experience – it really helped me settle in, build strong friendships, and feel part of the community.
I now live in a house close to campus, which has given me a great balance of independence and connection to university life. I chose to become a SAM because I want to support first-year students in having a positive and enjoyable start to their university journey, just like I did.
I’m passionate about helping others feel confident and supported, both academically and personally.”
Second year student
Focus subject – SEN/D
First year on campus now lives in Ormskirk student accommodation
Jessica Murphy
Biography
“Hi, I am Jessica, a second-year SAM specialising in Mathematics.
I am passionate about fostering a learning environment that embraces challenge, as I believe it is essential for developing resilience, encouraging creativity, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning.
As a commuter to university, I understand the anxiety that can come with integrating into university life. However, through getting involved in societies such as Happy Hour, I have developed my confidence, interpersonal skills, and formed meaningful friendships.
As someone with dyslexia, I am familiar with the challenges of academic writing and managing workloads. My experience has taught me that discovering effective strategies is a journey of trial and error and asking questions. Furthermore, with this perspective I am always happy to offer guidance and support as you navigate university life and academic challenges.”
Second year student
Focus subject – Maths
Commutes
Dyslexia
Leah Vernon
Biography
“Hi, I’m Leah. I am a third year SAM, and I specialise in geography. In my first year, I lived on campus and now I am living off campus in Ormskirk. My favourite part of university is the friends I have made and the placements I have done. I wanted to be a SAM because I want to help people feel supported and give help with anything I can. University has been amazing so far and I can’t wait to meet you all in September.”
Third year student
Focus subject – Geography
First year on campus now lives in Ormskirk student accommodation
Lola Massey
Biography
“Hi, I’m Lola and my specialist subject is SEND. I am a third year SAM and have really enjoyed this role so far, helping other students and ensuring their time on this course is positive.
I don’t live local to Edge Hill, so I lived on campus in my first year and in a student house off campus for my second and third years, both of which have been great experiences.
I have previously been a part of the Upstage musical theatre society, something I plan to return to in my final year. I am looking forward to meeting you all and supporting you through your first year at university.”
Third year student
Focus subject – SEN/D
First year on campus now lives in Ormskirk student accommodation
Megan Armstrong
Biography
“My name is Megan and I’m a 3rd year SAM. My focussed subject is SEND and I have really enjoyed exploring this more in depth over my second year. I commute to university as I still live at home and I am also a mature student as I came to university at 21, so feel free to ask me any questions regarding this.
As well as this, I work part time through a teaching agency as both a teaching assistant and a nursery practitioner, so if anyone is interested in this, I’m happy to help! I love being a SAM as I get to support others and share my experiences to hopefully make first year trainees have the best experience possible.
I can’t wait to meet all the first years and support you through your journey. “
Third year student
Focus subject – SEN/D
Commutes
Mature student
Part time employment
Siobhan Murphy
Biography
“Hi I’m Siobhan.
I’m a mature student that commutes, I work several jobs alongside studying and volunteering so lead a busy lifestyle but have found Edge Hill to be the perfect place for me to learn, especially with being out of education for over 10 years.
My specialist focus subject is Science; I also have a strong background in PE.
The role of a SAM appealed to me as I love to help people, and with being a mature student working alongside studying, I believe that my experiences so far will be beneficial to helping others in similar situations. As a student with dyslexia, I have used support systems from Edge Hill to support my studies and wellbeing, which I would encourage and signpost other students to do.”
Second year student
Focus subject – Science
Commutes
Mature student
Dyslexia
Part time employment
SAMs Lead: Rachel Lee, Senior Lecturer in Primary and Childhood Education
