Who We Are
Harry Pakenham
Director of Pakenham Education Ltd
Harry Pakenham is an experienced English specialist and educational consultant with over 25 years of experience in the independent sector. Since founding Pakenham Education in 2011 (incorporated in 2015), Harry has focused on delivering high-impact GCSE English Language and Literature tuition, helping students from top UK independent schools navigate the transition from Common Entrance to GCSE excellence.
His approach is built on "exceptionally high standards" and an ambitious methodology that consistently translates into top-tier results. His teaching was described by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) as "inspiring and outstanding," particularly noting his ability to lead students through complex literary analysis "without fear of a wrong answer." This philosophy remains at the heart of his current GCSE holiday courses and term-time sessions.
As a former Head of English and Acting Headmaster, Harry brings a deep understanding of departmental expectations. His expertise is fully aligned with the latest AQA specifications, ensuring students are equipped with the precise technical tools and "simplest methods" required to master modern exam papers.
Through Pakenham Education, Harry has established a reputation for "charming and connecting with even the most challenging students," providing the academic confidence and technical precision necessary for students to meet their own high expectations.
Julia Pakenham
Director of Pakenham Education Ltd
Julia is a highly accomplished educator and musician who brings a unique blend of technical precision and creative flair to Pakenham Education. A former Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal College of Music, Julia’s elite training and performance background—including solo harpsichord recitals and university-level teaching—underpin her "outstanding" reputation for classroom and individual instruction.
Over the last decade, Julia has achieved an exceptionally high level of success, helping over 600 students secure merits and distinctions in both practical and theory examinations. Her pupils consistently win scholarships and exhibitions to the UK's most prestigious institutions, including Eton, Harrow, and Radley.
Beyond her musical expertise, Julia supports GCSE students for whom English is an additional language. She focuses on the rigorous demands of revision and learning strategies helping them navigate the complexities of the English curriculum. By combining her disciplined approach to high-level performance with a deep understanding of academic assessment, Julia ensures students develop the confidence and technical excellence required to succeed in competitive independent school environments.
Geoff Martin
Associate Consultant to Pakenham Education Ltd
Geoff Martin has been a Head of Department, Boarding Housemaster, Director of Studies, an Inspector with the Independent Schools Inspectorate and until recently the Deputy Head of Reed’s School, Cobham, UK.
Over the past twenty years he has developed close links with the Dutch education system and is a regular visitor to The Netherlands as well as a number of other countries.
Pakenham Education is delighted that Geoff Martin has joined our team. He has an enviable knowledge of independent schools, their practices and admissions’ policies. Harry Pakenham first met Mr Martin, as he had to be known in those days, in 1985 when he joined Geoff’s House, Mullens, at Reed’s school where his two brothers had already established excellent relations with the most popular of Housemasters.
Madeleine Collins
Associate Consultant to Pakenham Education Ltd
Madeleine Collins is excited to be joining the Pakenham Education Team next Summer. She has worked in education for almost forty years in London and Berkshire. She is currently Headmistress of Upton House in Windsor where she has been for nearly seventeen years.
During her time there she has successfully increased pupil numbers and masterminded five vital new building projects to secure the future of an extremely popular, successful and thriving co-educational school whose reputation is second to none.
Madeleine has a BA Honours degree from UEA and a PGCE from Oxford University. She and her husband moved to Windsor from London in 2003; they have three grown-up children.
She comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge of schools and during her career has successfully placed thousands of children in academically demanding schools such as The Lady Eleanor Holles School, Eton College, St Mary’s Ascot, Wycombe Abbey, Harrow, Westminster and numerous boarding schools across the country.