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, 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 2026/27?
Abigail Jackson
Biography
“Hi I’m Abigail, a second-year SAM specialising in History. I lived on campus during my first year which really allowed me to embed into the Edge Hill community and university life, including how to navigate living away from home for the first time.
I chose to join the SAMS team because I love to support others and understand the importance of talking to someone who can relate to your own experiences. I hope to use my experiences to ensure the transition to university is as smooth as possible and that people feel like they belong.
In my free time I often attend indie film night or free film Friday on campus so if that is something you would be interested in, I am always happy to chat!”
Second year student
Focus subject – History
Lives off campus
Alexander Shattock
Biography
“Hi. I’m one of the SAMs for 2026, 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.”
Third year student
Focus subject – Languages
Lives on campus
Alexandra Miles
Biography
“My name is Alex, and I am a third 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 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 am registered as severely sight impaired (blind), so I can offer students with additional needs and disabilities useful resources to help navigate their studies.”
Third year student
Focus subject – RE
Lives off campus
Briony Harrison
Biography
“Hi, I’m Briony. I am a second-year SAM specialising in SEND. I’ll be living on campus again this year, which I love! My hometown is quite far from Edge Hill, so understand how daunting it can feel to move to a new part of the country and away from family. But you really do settle in, and before long, you’ll find yourself missing university when you go home.
I became a SAM because I want to support new students as they navigate their first year at Edge Hill. I know how anxious the beginning can feel, but it does get easier with support and the friends you make along the way.
As a student with additional needs and ADHD, I understand how challenging it can be to balance everything alongside your studies. The support at Edge Hill has been amazing, and I’ve found the catalyst at night is the perfect time to study and get assignments completed – it’s so quiet!”
Second year student
Focus subject – SEND
Lives on campus
Darcey Tanner
Biography
“Hello! My name is Darcey and I am a second year student specialising in music. I am so excited to be a SAM this upcoming year because I love to support anyone I can and help people along their journey at Edge Hill, celebrating the good moments and being there for the tough times!
As I started uni a few years later than most of my peers, I felt intimidated by the academic side of the degree whilst also being worried about living far away from home and the social aspects of uni. However, as a SAM, I would love to show first years that Edge Hill is extremely welcoming to everyone here and you will find your best friends and support system alongside challenges that every student will face.
Outside of my degree, I am very passionate about playing and creating music, spending time with friends and family, cute craft dates, and also work as a supply Teaching Assistant and a Campus Connector here at uni, allowing me to really be there for others and chat to anyone who would like advice or just a nice conversation!”
Second year student
Focus subject – Music
Lives far from home
Erin Winder
Biography
“Hi, I’m Erin, a second-year SAM specialising in SEND. I currently live on campus and have really enjoyed getting involved in the Edge Hill community and making the most of university life.
I understand that university can be exciting but also challenging at times, and I’m always here for a chat to help make your experience feel as comfortable, positive, and welcoming as possible!”
Second year student
Focus subject – SEND
Lives on campus
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.”
Third year student
Focus subject – SEND
Lives off campus
Isabella Kelly
Biography
“Hi, I’m Isabella and I’m currently a second-year student specialising in Maths.
The main reason I wanted to become a SAM is to give you more support where needed and allow more students to come forward if they’re struggling as I’ve been in the exact same position and understand.
This will be my second year living on campus so I’m always available to assist you wherever is needed.
Campus life is beautiful and I’m sure you will all settle in perfectly and find your feet however I will always give a helping hand and offer advice to help you learn and grow. I’m really looking forward to meeting you all!”
Second year student
Focus subject – Maths
Lives on campus
Jessica Murphy
Biography
“Hi, I am Jess. I am a third-year SAM who has specialised in mathematics.
Throughout the past 2 years I have become increasingly aware of how essential it is to build and maintain a healthy work-life balance as a trainee teacher.
As someone with dyslexia, I understand that academic progress comes with a lot of trial and error when experimenting with what strategies work best for you. This is something I am still working on in my third year, and in my experience asking questions and seeking support have been extremely beneficial for me.
Furthermore, as a commuter student who lives locally to the university, I understand the challenges of settling into university life and the fear of missing out on campus events. By getting involved in extracurricular activities within the local community, such as volunteering with my local Brownie unit and charities like Tackling the Blues, I have built my confidence and formed meaningful connections across the Edge Hill community.
These experiences have taught me how to be resilient and adaptable, and I am always happy to offer support to anyone who is navigating teacher training and student life.”
Third year student
Focus subject – Maths
Commutes
Millie Hargate
Biography
“Hi, I’m Millie, a second-year SAM who commutes, specialising in art. Last year I lived on campus, so I understand the anxieties about moving away from home, so if you ever need a chat, I’m always on hand to help.
In my free time, I love to read and spend time with family and friends. I’m really looking forward to meeting you all and I can’t wait to be a SAM.
I struggle a lot with anxiety, and I know how daunting it can be starting somewhere new with people you don’t know, so I want to be able to support others who may feel the same way, and I hope that being a SAM will give me an opportunity to do so. I hope you enjoy Edge Hill and I’m looking forward to meeting you all.”
Second year student
Focus subject – Art
Lives off campus
Siobhan Murphy
Biography
“I’m a third year 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 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.”
Third year student
Focus subject – PE
Commutes
Sophie Hackwell
Biography
“Hi, my name is Sophie and I’m a second-year student specialising in Science.
After working full-time for two years, I decided to start my teacher training and have had a wonderful time in my first year. I commute to university, so I understand the worries of fitting into university life and meeting new people, especially after taking some time out of education.
Alongside university, I work part-time, which has kept me busy and improved my organisation – I’m always happy to help if you have any worries or need advice on balancing uni and work.
I chose to become a SAM as I know what a positive difference it can make to know you have somewhere to go for support. Whether you need advice on assignments or just want to chat, we’re always here to help!”
Second year student
Focus subject – Science
Commutes
Sophie Wilson
Biography
“Hi, I’m Sophie a second year mature student who also commutes to university. My specialism is English.
After being out of education for 10 years, coming to university has always been a dream of mine and I am so proud I finally took the leap. Returning to education after such a long time has been a big journey for me, and I want to reassure others in a similar position that it’s never too late.
I wanted to become a SAM as I enjoy sharing my experiences with others and supporting them to develop and grow. I have met so many lovely people in my first year and I can’t wait to meet so many more and hopefully make a positive difference along the way.”
Second year student
Focus subject – Science
Commutes
SAMs Lead: Rachel Lee, Senior Lecturer in Primary and Childhood Education
