About Us

Founded as a charitable organisation in 2007, the primary objective of SIEVEMK is to address the problem of educational underachievement among young people, including those of black and minority ethnic descent, in the Buckinghamshire locale. SIEVEMK develops accessible and cost-effective programmes and provides opportunities for young people to help them acquire the employability skills and/or qualifications required for further and higher education and career advancement.

SMK is governed by a 4-member Board of Trustees, 2 of whom were beneficiaries of our programmes who went on to achieve A-Levels and degrees at university, and a management team comprising of the CEO, Head of Pastoral Care, Business Development Officer, Exams Officer and the Admin and Finance Team. We also have ten tutors and between six and ten volunteers across each year to support us with the programmes we offer. The team members share a passion for the work we do in supporting children, young people, and families, and have a wide range of experiences and skills to contribute to our organisation.

Meet the team

Tony is passionate about supporting the BAME community and originally founded SMK in 2007 to tackle the issue of the academic underachievement of black and ethnic minority students. Since then, Tony has established SMK as the gold standard Learning Centre in the heart of Milton Keynes, providing affordable and funded tuition, mentoring and coaching, bursary for under privilege young people, training information advice and guidance for all learners.

Tony Oyakhire

CEO

Cathyrn Billing

Admin Assistant

Having worked as a school teacher for 4 years, Cathryn joined SMK in 2018 as a Maths, English and 11 plus tutor for Key Stage 2 students. In 2021, she took on the additional role of Admin Assistant. Cathryn is currently teaching her dog agility, so look out for them at Crufts in the future! 

Ijeoma Ugwu

Business Development Officer

Ijeoma joined SMK in July 2025 and is the main contact for business development and new ventures. Having worked in a similar role for over 5 years, she brings a fresh perspectivee, energy and professionalism to the role.Ijeoma is also responsible for the pastoral support of all of our scholars.

Eleanor Kuwornoo

Tutor, Maths and ScienceExams Officer

A committed teacher with over 8 years of experience in the education sector as a pre-school administrator and mathematics teacher for secondary school pupils.  I am passionate about working with children and adults with particular interest in special needs education.  Perseverance and inclusivity are the values that guide my professional and personal life and I strive to impart these values in a family-orientated classroom.

Stuart Burke

Tutor, Maths

Stuart joined SMK in September 2011 initially as a Mathematics Tutor, but also joined our Board of Trustees 2015. Having previously taught full time until 2013, Stuart has been tutoring in his subject since 1995. He currently also works for The Open University. When not spending time with his family, Stuart is a keen local cricketer, genealogist and local historian.

Emmanuel Olayemi Tutor, Maths and Science

Emmanuel joined SMK in April 2013 as a tutor. He teaches Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology at GCSE and A Levels. With teaching experience that spans over a decade, in a variety of schools, Emmanuel places emphasis on personal development: he challenges his students as well as motivates them to achieve their set goals.

Paul Alexander

Tutor, Maths and C&G

With the majority of his working career spent in the electrical industry, Paul moved to teach electrical installations and maths at Milton Keynes College for a period of around 6 years. Working with electricians and apprentices on the IET Wiring Regulations and theory of electrical installations, Paul comes to SMK with a proficiency in tutoring complex mathematics. He has 2 labradoodle dogs and also has an interest in local radio.

Marie Bradburn

Patron

Mission and Values

SIEVEMK’s vision and mission is to inspire the members of our communities to realise their full potentials by providing a gateway through which people can be inspired, mentored and empowered.

The values and principles of the organisation are driven by

Hope: inspiring the community to aspire for a better future, empowering each other to achieve success.

Inclusiveness: respecting and caring for all people regardless of background, race or religion. SIEVEMK values diversity and is committed to equality.

Partnership & Collaboration: pursuing partnerships, with organisations and individuals, which focus on meaningful ways to collaborate in order to meet our shared strategic objectives.

Positive communication: communicating with compassion and approaching challenges with openness and positivity.

Innovation: piloting new approaches to education and engagement.

Excellence: SIEVEMK is not only dedicated to the personal and professional growth of its learners, staff, and volunteers, but is also committed to providing opportunities that help them acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel.