Our People
We’ve brought together a wonderful team of educators, scientists, and creatives to build a learning lab guided by a shared belief in possibility. Together, we create a learning ecology where young people grow in curiosity, courage, and care, building the agency to shape their own futures.
Founder and Chair of Governors
Beau Lotto
A world-renowned neuroscientist, educator, and entrepreneur, Beau has spent over 30 years researching how perception shapes creativity, learning, and innovation. A three-time main-stage TED speaker and global keynote presenter, he founded the Lab of Misfits and Beautiful Mind Learning Labs, pioneering real-world applications of perceptual neuroscience to help people and organisations evolve through curiosity and creativity.
Founder and Headteacher
Dave Strudwick
A visionary educator and school leader, Dave has founded and led pioneering institutions including the UK’s first trauma-informed school, Plymouth School of Creative Arts, and REAL School Budapest. Renowned for his innovative approach to curriculum design and student wellbeing, he brings over three decades of leadership experience, creating nurturing, inquiry-driven environments where every young person can thrive.
Head of Wellbeing
Nicki Lorenzini
A psychologist and educator with over 25 years of international experience, Nicki has led wellbeing and safeguarding programmes across eight countries, including at Green School Bali and REAL School Budapest. Holding a Doctorate in Clinical and Community Psychology, she is renowned for integrating neuroscience, empathy, and resilience into education — nurturing the whole child through warmth and wisdom.
Educator and Curriculum Designer
Andy Carpenter
An educator with over 30 years of experience, Andy has led and taught in innovative schools across the UK and internationally, including Plymouth School of Creative Arts and REAL School Budapest. A specialist in science and curriculum design, he is known for making complex ideas accessible and fostering learning that blends rigour, creativity, and genuine care for every student.
Educator, Systems and Curriculum Designer
Jemima Robertson
An ecological designer and educator, Jemima brings a unique blend of science, creativity, and systems thinking to curriculum and systems design. With an MA in Ecological Design Thinking from Schumacher College and a BA in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, she has led innovative projects on regenerative futures and co-founded Soapbox Citizens and Design for Togetherness, integrating imagination, wellbeing, and ecological awareness into every learning experience.
Artist in Residence
Jeff Stratton
A celebrated artist and educator whose career spans six decades, Jeff has exhibited across the UK and received the Pearson Teaching Award for Lifetime Achievement. Having held senior roles in education and arts leadership, he brings a wealth of creativity and inspiration to Hummingbird, empowering young people to explore self-expression through art and imagination. As well as being an award-winning professional artist, Jeff is also a trained pilot.
Illustrator in Residence
Zanna Lotto
A gifted illustrator and early childhood educator, Zanna brings warmth, creativity, and joy to The Hummingbird community. Co-author and illustrator of Doors with neuroscientist Beau Lotto, she combines her understanding of child development with a playful artistic vision that inspires imagination and curiosity in every learner. Zanna's beautiful illustrations can be found throughout The Hummingbird.
Premises Manager
Georgie Cutbill
A skilled project manager and entrepreneur, Georgie brings over 20 years of experience leading high-end branding and property projects for clients including Sky, and the Falkland Islands. She expertly project-managed the redevelopment of The Hummingbird’s beautiful site, combining creative vision, precision, and care. A long-time West Country resident, Georgie brings warmth, practicality, and deep local knowledge to the Hummingbird community.
Bookkeeper
Danielle Britton
An experienced bookkeeper with a strong background in data and financial management, Danielle runs her own bookkeeping practice and brings a meticulous, systems-focused approach to her work. She is also a volunteer Director at Phoenix Project Frome CIC, where she oversees all aspects of financial management.
Danielle is passionate about alternative education and has a strong interest in children’s mental health and wellbeing. Having home-educated her own children, she is excited to support Hummingbird’s approach as these philosophies are brought to life in a school setting.
Chief Encouragement Officer
Charlie
Charlie is The Hummingbird’s much-loved Chief Encouragement Officer. Usually based in Chile with her human, Nicki Lorenzini, she brings joy, calm, and boundless affection whenever she’s in the classroom. Whether greeting students, offering a reassuring paw, or reminding everyone to take a mindful walk outside, Charlie embodies the warmth and wellbeing at the heart of the Hummingbird community.
Our Story
The Hummingbird Learning Lab takes its inspiration from the hummingbird itself: tiny, beautiful, and resilient creatures that embody awe, wonder, and possibility. Just like them, we believe young people need continual nourishment to thrive: nourishment that comes through curiosity, play, and connection to self, others, and the world.
Our story began with a partnership between Beau, a neuroscientist, and Dave, a headteacher, who first worked together on the groundbreaking Blackawton Bees project. In that project, children aged 8-11 became published scientists through their study of bumblebees: proof that with the right conditions, young people can do remarkable things.
From this experience grew a shared vision: a school where arts, sciences, and real-life experience intersect; where discovery and agency matter as much as knowledge.
The Hummingbird's Home in Bruton, Somerset
From the moment you step through our big yellow door, you are welcomed into a space designed to inspire awe, wonder, and creativity. Inside, the building feels alive with books, art, and studio-like spaces. Paintings by our Artist-in-Residence Jeff Stratton add warmth and character, reflecting the beauty of our learning journey.
Outside, a babbling brook winds past, complete with stepping stones, offering a magical connection to nature. Our home is a true nest for young people: a place to feel inspired every day.
Our school is located in picturesque Bruton, in the lovingly renovated “Old School House” building.
We are grateful to Kings School, Bruton, for their partnership which has empowered us to give The Hummingbird its nest: a space to grow, wonder, and learn.
Our Place - A Nest for Learning
Governance
Statement: The Hummingbird Learning Lab is owned and operated by Beautiful Mind Learning Lab Ltd, which is the registered proprietor. Beau Lotto is the Sole Director of Beautiful Mind Learning Lab Ltd. The proprietor holds overall responsibility for ensuring that the school meets the Independent School Standards and all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements. This is supported by the governing body (also referred to as "the governing board", "board of governors" and "governors"), which takes the form of an advisory group. The governing body has the aim of providing support and guidance to the sole director of BMLL. The Headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of The Hummingbird Learning Lab and is accountable to the proprietor.
Chair of Governors: Beau Lotto - beau@labofmisfits.com or via the school
Curriculum Governor - Charlotte Lucas
Safeguarding and Wellbeing Governor - Nicki Lorenzini
Community Governor - Ewan Jones
Premises Governor - Graham Steen
For more information, please read our Statement of Governance linked below: