Martin Thierfelder
Hello, I’m Martin – let me tell you a little bit about myself.
Supporting families at such an important stage in their child’s education has long been a passion of mine. I know from personal experience how exciting and significant this decision can be for a family. That’s why my sister Julia Wilmes, our wonderful team at Akademis, and I are committed to providing thoughtful, personalised guidance to every student we work with.
Each year, we advise over 400 young people with great care and dedication, helping them find their ideal British boarding school. And although Akademis has grown over the years, one thing has remained constant: for me, this is not just a job, it’s a calling.
Over time, my Team and I have personally visited more than 100 boarding schools across the UK, each with its own character, strengths and atmosphere. This insight enables us to make thoughtful comparisons and recommend the schools that match with your child’s unique personality – not just academically, but in terms of character and culture too.
I’m deeply grateful for the strong relationships we’ve built with our partner schools. It’s a real privilege to be welcomed so warmly, normally over a cup of tea, with Heads and senior staff who genuinely value our collaboration.
My own educational journey showed me how important it is to set a strong foundation early on. While studying economics, I had the opportunity to spend time at Peking University, improving my Chinese and gaining valuable insights into international management.
I know how life-changing it can be to broaden one’s horizons. That’s the experience we aim to make possible for every family we work with. Watching young people thrive at boarding school and create memories that last a lifetime is always a joy.
Career Highlights
- 2010-2011 Research Associate in Empirical Economics at the University of Würzburg
- 2006-2011 Degree in Economics
at the University of Würzburg and Peking University (Guanghua School of Management), with a personal recommendation from Professor Peter Bofinger, advisor to the German Council of Economic Experts
Martin Thierfelder meeting with Heads of Schools
Cory Lowde
“Ten years as Headmaster of a British IB boarding school – now its my pleasure to put that experience to work for you.”
I’ve spent over 30 years guiding young people along their educational pathways – as a teacher, Headmaster, and passionate educator. From 2014 to 2024, I was the Head of Box Hill School (now called RGS Surrey Hills), a respected IB boarding school near London and founding member of the Round Square network. During that time, I had the privilege of personally supporting many Akademis students and watching them flourish in new academic and cultural surroundings.
The world of British boarding schools is not only familiar to me professionally – it’s deeply personal. My daughter completed her IB at my school with an impressive 44 points, and my own time as a boarder in the 1980s was a golden, formative experience. That journey still inspires me to help other young people access the same opportunities.
What families value most about Akademis is our deep understanding of the UK education system and our honest, personalised advice. We don’t just know the brochures – we know the people behind the schools. I work closely with students and parents to identify the right fit, prepare thoroughly for interviews and assessments, and support them every step of the way, including in-person when needed.
As Headmaster, I travelled to over 30 countries to advise families and build long-term partnerships. A highlight was my role in the Round Square organisation, which brought me into close contact with the British Royal Family. This is always a great honour, and my school welcomed Prince Philip, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, and Princess Anne over the years. I also helped promote the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in New England, USA, including during a visit from Prince Michael of Kent.
My passion lies in understanding how young people learn and grow, particularly in cognitive development, accelerated learning, and the unique pedagogical approaches found in British boarding schools.
Cory Lowde meeting with Heads of Schools
Julia Wilmes
Hello, I’m Julia – it’s a pleasure to meet you.
As Managing Director at Akademis, I’m passionate about making our families’ hopes and dreams become a reality. I believe it’s essential to understand what makes your child unique. As a mother and family person myself, I care deeply about treating each child as an individual – because no two young people are the same.
When we succeed in finding the school that brings out the best in your child, I know we’ve done our job. I approach every step of the journey with empathy, joy and dedication.
My love for the UK has been with me since my school days, when I first experienced life in England – and fell for its culture. This passion shaped both my career and personal life, drawing me back to Britain again and again. My work for global companies like Daimler, Airbus, and Adwen included time with the iconic British engineering firm Rolls-Royce, where I spent five happy years.
It’s always a joy for me to visit our partner schools in person. Getting a true feel for life on campus allows me to assess which school will best suit your child.
Professional Background
- Bachelor’s and Master’s in Industrial Engineering, including thesis at Daimler
- Daimler Scholarship Recipient
- Project Manager at Rolls-Royce
Julia Wilmes meeting with Heads of Schools
Hi, I’m Dalibor, and I’m delighted to be part of the Akademis team.
Education and cultural exchange are transformational – and I’ve experienced this firsthand. As a language specialist and Anglophile with years of customer service experience, intercultural communication is second nature to me.
I coordinate our communications with British boarding schools and act as a direct point of contact for our families. It’s a real privilege to support both students and schools – and to indulge my passion for the English language at the same time!
It brings me real joy to help make these life-changing opportunities possible for your child.
Dalibor Matic
Paula Schwarzer
Hi, I’m Paula – and proud to be part of Akademis.
My fascination with languages, people, and cultures brought me here – and I love every moment of working with our wonderful families.
Whether it’s answering questions about visas, translating documents, or sharing details about our partner schools, I’m always happy to help. Together with our fantastic team, I prepare tailored school suggestions and help manage our social media content. Sharing my creativity and enthusiasm for boarding schools is something I truly enjoy.
During my studies in Slavic languages and education, I learned how important it is to meet every child where they are on their own learning journey. That’s why I’m so passionate about the work we do here at Akademis. Our schools offer something truly special, and I’m constantly inspired by the curious, committed families we support.
This is a warm, caring agency, and I’m proud to be part of it.
Hello, I’m Erika, and I’m also proud to be part of Akademis.
As Social Media Manager, I put great care into everything you see online. Behind the scenes, I also help ensure your questions are answered with accuracy and care.
My travels to the UK, the USA, and Switzerland have given me first-hand insights into life at our partner schools – insights I share across our website and social channels. I believe a child’s school years are foundational to who they will become. That’s why I work hard to capture the true spirit of each school and help families feel confident before they embark on this exciting journey.
My academic background in sociology and British literature has deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity and helped me better understand the hopes and needs of the families we support.
Erika Konieczynska
Ellen Mainert
Hi there, I’m Ellen!
I’m a passionate traveller – and always on the lookout for new adventures. Whether it’s an internship in Scotland, a language project in Romania, or a solo trip through Iceland, I love immersing myself in new cultures.
This wanderlust is something I bring to my work at Akademis. I know the mix of nerves and excitement that comes with stepping into the unknown; both for students and their families! It’s a joy to support young people on their first big educational journey abroad.
I always take time to understand each child’s interests and aspirations, and I’m committed to helping them find the place where they’ll thrive. For me, success is when students return not only more confident but having discovered new passions – just as I have on my own travels.
