Our Team | Art, Design & Media

Senior Management Team

Charles Penwarden

Director of Studies

Charles Penwarden studied at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth (BA) and the University of Central England in Birmingham (PgDip Art Education) (MA). He was the Foundation Studies Art, Design & Media Course leader for 9 years at the University of South Wales. He has also taught at various F.E. colleges in the UK as well as at Huanghuai University in China. Charles has been the Director of Studies at The Youth Development Academy since 2020, he is a practicing artist, and his work is in collections both in the UK and abroad.

Edward Jeavons

Art, Design & Media Foundation Course Leader

Edward Jeavons studied at Leeds Metropolitan University (BA Hons Fine Art) and Chelsea College of Art and Design (MA in Fine Art), and the University of Greenwich (PGCE). He has taught at the University of South Wales, City Lit in London, and Huanghuai University in China. He is also an external examiner for Visual Arts for the International Baccalaureate. In addition to working for TYDA Edward is also the Course Leader for the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Course at Stafford College in the UK. He continues to practice as an artist and exhibits in the UK and abroad.

Stephen Vickers

Senior Advisor/Consultant

A former chief executive with over 30 years’ experience in education management, accreditation, human resources, assessment, training and development. Experience in planning and delivering projects to strict deadlines and to high standards, and around the world. Strong liaison skills with an emphasis on raising organisational profiles. Extensive experience of compliance with governmental and inter-governmental regulations. Recognised leadership and presentation skills.

Saeed Rehman

Director of Marketing & Planning

I have worked in student recruitment and marketing for over two decades. I have participated in numerous British Education Overseas promotion events in South Asia, Far East, China, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. I have been providing guidance to our marketing department by evaluating and developing marketing strategies, planning and coordinating marketing efforts, communicating the marketing plans to those involved.

Abigail McCartney

Course Leader

Abigail McCartney studied at the UAL , Chelsea College of Art and Design, London. She graduated with a BA (Hons) in Printed Textile Design. During these studies, Abigail achieved an outstanding achievement design award granted by the RSA, London and was selected to study a semester at F.I.T in New York. Her 22-year professional career within the Fashion and Textiles Industry spans globally from London to Australia. Abigail progressed her career from Design Manager for large retail operations, to Lecturer at RMIT University Melbourne. Here she taught Production Planning and Professional Practice alongside Trend Forecasting and Fashion Design. Abigail is currently teaching FE Fashion Retail and Business, within the UK. A fundamental portion of these courses covers technical, sustainable and ethical advancements and alternatives within the Fashion and Textile industry. Abigail is a practicing Fashion Designer, and Trend Consultant, both in the UK and Australia.

Rachel Xu

International Co-Ordinator

Rachel Xu is based in China, where she closely engages with students, parents, recruitment agents, and portfolio centres across various regions. She serves as a coordinator between The Youth Development Academy and potential new centres in China. Rachel is accessible on WeChat to address any inquiries from the China region.