Staff Spotlight: Anjali Manek, Head of Examinations, Teacher of Maths

When did you join Merchant Taylors'?

I joined MTS in 2015; before coming here, I worked at North London Collegiate School for 10 years.

Tell us about your subject. What excites you about it? How did you get into it?

Mathematics has always been a passion of mine, as its logical and systematic nature aligns perfectly with my strengths. I find immense satisfaction in solving complex problems and understanding the intricacies behind each solution. Whilst most of my primary education took place in the UK, I spent summers in a small village in India attending a local school, this has given me a unique perspective on education. After beginning secondary school at Nower Hill, my family relocated to Uganda, and I attended a boarding school in Kenya. Following my iGCSEs, I returned to the UK and studied at St Dominic’s Sixth Form College.

It was during this time that one teacher truly sparked my passion for Mathematics, encouraging me to take the STEP exam and apply to Warwick University to study Mathematics. Initially, I had planned a career in Actuarial Science or Accounting and Finance, but I found the Mathematics course at Warwick to be fascinating, offering a balance of theoretical rigor and practical applications in areas like accounting and finance.

To fund travel, I took on three summer placements in accounting firms in London. However, after working across various departments, I realised that this path was not for me. At the time, I was nearing the completion of my degree with no clear career direction. A friend from college reminded me of how I supported my peers with their Maths homework, and she encouraged me to consider teaching. Taking her advice as a temporary measure, I soon discovered that teaching Maths was incredibly fulfilling, and I haven’t looked back since.

What excites me most about Maths is the challenge of tackling a multifaceted problem that requires multiple techniques to solve. The satisfaction of arriving at a solution is something that never gets old, and it’s this passion that drives me to continue exploring the beauty of mathematics.

What are you most proud of outside of your work at school?

Outside of my work at school, I am most proud of being a parent to my four amazing children. Each one of them is unique and brilliant in their own way and they constantly inspire me to be the best version of myself—whether in my career, personal life, or physical pursuits. I strive to be a positive role model for them, which drives me to give 100% to every commitment I make. One example of this is my journey in Taekwondo. I initially started training to support my son, but over time, my passion grew. I passed my black belt grading in 2023 and have won several national championships over the years. This experience has taught me the importance of dedication, discipline, and perseverance, all of which I aim to pass on to my children.

What did you study at A-Level?

For A-level I studied Maths, Further Maths, IT and Economics.  

What piece of media would you recommend and why?

I’m an avid listener of both music and audiobooks. Currently, I’m enjoying Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography by Walter Isaacson, which is insightful and thought-provoking. It provides a fascinating look at the complexities of Jobs' character and his impact on the tech world. That said, the best audiobook I’ve listened to so far is Becoming by Michelle Obama. Her storytelling is deeply personal and powerful, and hearing her own perspective on her life and the events that shaped her was both refreshing and inspiring. Her narrative felt distinct from other First Ladies, offering a unique glimpse into the complexities of identity, leadership, and resilience.