MEET THE TEAM
EdLayn is powered by a team with first-hand experience of academic excellence, mentoring, student development, and international educational transition. Together, we bring the insight, strategy, and lived experience needed to help students become stronger candidates on paper, more prepared in practice, and more confident as they move towards university and beyond.
Dr Mathias Fagbemi
Mathias is a University of Oxford PhD graduate with an MRes from Imperial College London, bringing a strong record of academic excellence, international student insight, and over a decade of mentoring experience. Having studied across multiple Russell Group institutions and been recognised as an award-winning mentor, he understands both the formal demands and the unwritten expectations of high-level academic progression. Through EdLayn, he helps students build the clarity, confidence, and strategic positioning needed to thrive in competitive educational environments.
Jessica Ment
Jessica brings exceptional front-line educational insight, with experience working across more than 30 schools and a strong understanding of how students succeed within structured academic systems. She knows how strong student profiles are built over time, from academic discipline and personal development to the extracurricular and experience-based foundations that increasingly shape competitive opportunities. Through EdLayn, she helps students and families understand the system more clearly, make smarter decisions earlier, and prepare with greater purpose and direction.
Dr Maira Khan
Maira completed her master’s degree at the University of Cambridge and her PhD at the University of Oxford, giving her first-hand insight into two of the world’s most competitive academic environments. As an international student from India who secured full funding for her doctoral studies, she understands the standard, strategy, and resilience required to succeed at the highest level. Through EdLayn, she helps students pursue ambitious pathways with greater confidence, perspective, and informed direction.
Dr Aleksandra Pluta
Aleksandra secured a PhD place at the University of Oxford at just 21 without first completing a master’s degree, reflecting an exceptional academic trajectory and strong sense of direction. With previous editorial experience at Oxford, she brings a sharp understanding of how to communicate clearly and effectively to the audiences that matter most. Through EdLayn, she helps students present their strengths with greater clarity, purpose, and impact.
Denzel Donkor
Denzel is a University of Cambridge graduate and an alumnus of Brampton Manor, one of the UK's highest-performing sixth forms. He brings valuable insight into the journey from mainstream education into highly competitive academic spaces, and understands what it takes not only to gain access, but to adapt and excel. Through EdLayn, he helps students raise their standards, build confidence, and navigate key transitions with greater ambition and belief.
Olly Hughes
Olly studied Classics at the University of Oxford and brings strong academic insight into the humanities and wider arts-based disciplines. He understands the intellectual demands of these fields and the importance of clear thinking, strong communication, and thoughtful academic positioning. Through EdLayn, he supports students pursuing broader humanities pathways to develop the confidence, strategy, and depth needed to stand out.