Staff

We would like to welcome you to some of our staff.

  • Matt Hill

    Headteacher

    I have been a teacher since September 1999. What I love most about teaching is the ability to make a difference: broaden horizons; develop ambition and ability; but more importantly be able to help young people at a time when they need it. Building relationships and creating situations where students are able to thrive, achieve and have fun is what is so rewarding.

  • Matt Clinkard

    Assistant Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead

    I have worked in education since 1997, initially as a geography and outdoor education teacher and later as a deputy headteacher in a secondary school.  Recently I worked as a safeguarding professional for the NHS in Somerset and am now privileged to work at Tor School.  I am passionate about improving lives for young people and supporting them to build the foundations for safe and successful futures.

  • Emma Hill

    Assistant Headteacher / English Co-ordinator

    I come from a family of teachers: my Gramps was a teacher; my parents are retired teachers; both of my sisters-in-law are teachers; my husband is a teacher and I’m pretty sure at least one of our three children will become a teacher too – I guess you could say ‘it’s in the blood’! I have been teaching since 2002 and have held many roles throughout my career, but my favourite part of the job by far is working directly with the students; I absolutely love it. Although an English specialist, my skills and passion are all about supporting young people, helping them to both realise and achieve their potential and being able to make a positive difference in their, at times, challenging lives. It is a privilege to work at Tor School alongside amazingly talented and committed staff and I feel so lucky to have a job that is focused on helping young people be the very best they can be.

     

  • Mandy Ramsey

    Business Manager

    I started working at the Mendip Link Education Centre in 2005 as a teaching assistant. As the school has evolved and changed so have my roles within the school. I achieved HLTA status in 2010 and taught ICT and computer science, alongside taking on the role of administrator. My current role at Tor School is that of Business Manager and I find this role very rewarding and interesting; no two days are ever the same. I feel very privileged to work alongside some amazing and inspiring staff members and to be part of a school that aims to improve the lives of the young people who attend, enabling them to move on to the next stage in their education.

  • Shelly Atton

    Administrator

    I joined the admin team at Tor School in April 2023 after six years working in Primary schools as a one-to-one TA.

    Previous to this, I was a full-time mum to my own three children and have spent time backpacking around East Africa and Asia. In my free time I love crafting, growing food on my allotment and chatting to my chickens. I enjoy working in such a vibrant and inspiring school, and I feel really lucky to be part of the Tor School family.

  • Jenny Baines

    Education and Family Support

    I qualified as a teacher in 1991 and since then had a huge variety of roles including teaching secondary and sixth form, Education Officer at Somerset Wildlife Trust, home tuition and adult learning at Cannington College. In 2021 I completed the Trauma Informed and Mentally Healthy Schools Practitioner Diploma and worked as a Learning Mentor in a secondary school setting. I was delighted to join Tor School in March 2023 in this role which enables me to support families as well as children.

    When I have spare time I love spending time outdoors and am trying out both street and landscape photography, which is definitely a new skill for me.

  • Amy Beagley

    I have been working within childcare for the last 8 years, ranging from birth all the way through to my current role with school leavers 16+. I have always enjoyed working within schools, supporting young people to achieve their best, giving them new goals, while helping put a smile on their face. I am a qualified ELSA, with experience of delivering many different interventions and love providing anything arty!
    If you’re in my lesson, chances are you will get messy!

  • Sarah Beckerleg

    Arts Co-ordinator

    I joined Tor School in June 2015 after 13 years in Primary School. Teaching Art at Tor is a huge privilege. I’m totally passionate about teaching Art and all things creative. Art can help students find a way to express their emotions in creative, therapeutic ways. It is a great subject for building communications and self esteem, it is often a liberating experience for our learners. No two days are the same, I absolutely love my job role. I’m also a qualified ELSA, which helps support students with their emotional literacy skills.

  • Bonnie Barton

    DT / Creative Arts Teacher

    I have just started working at Tor School as Creative Arts teacher. I  have been teaching DT and Art for over 20 years, prior to joining Tor, in a range of different settings (and in a few different countries).  

    I am passionate about delivering a practical and engaging Arts curriculum, and strongly believe that creating products/artwork young people have designed and made themselves is a hugely motivating and rewarding experience. 3D Art provides our young people invaluable practical, hands-on experiences that make a vital contribution to their future lives for work and/or leisure. It encourages teamwork and develops their confidence to problem solve as well as becoming critical consumers. I feel very lucky to be part of the Tor school family, and am committed to nurturing and inspiring creative minds, equipping them with practical skills and confidence.

  • Vicky Beech

    Teacher / Preparation for Working Life Co-ordinator

    I have taught in secondary education for over twenty years in a variety of educational settings, both in the UK and abroad, I now feel privileged to be part of The Tor School team.

    It is inspirational to see our students grow in confidence, overcome great challenges and achieve; I am excited to be part of their journey and take great pleasure in watching them develop.

  • Helen Chester

    Primary Teacher

    I started my passion for teaching at age 18, working in a Montessori School. Since gaining my teaching qualifications, I have worked in a variety of settings; teaching students aged from 14 to 89 years old as a Health and Social Care and Early Years Lecturer at Somerset College, teaching Art and Crafts at a Community Centre, managing two pre-schools and teaching in 15 assorted primary schools in both supply and permanent positions. Having known and taught many children who had to work extra hard in school due to their additional needs, increases my desire to assist pupils who do not find mainstream schools easy. Tor School is giving me the opportunity to put this desire into action and assist these pupils to be the best they can.

  • Adrian Chinnock

    Site Manager

    I have worked within a school for 13 years, where I have been a caretaker and site manager.  I have recently started here at Tor School and I am very fortunate to be part of the team.  I am looking forward to working here and what the future brings!

  • Alex Clinkard

    SENDCo

    I have worked in education for over 20 years and in various settings. I started as an English teacher in mainstream and have worked in a specialist educational provision, a similar school to Tor but in Yeovil and was able to spend an enjoyable year as a youth worker as well. I work in an Outreach capacity for Tor and get to work with young people on a 1:1 basis and often have contact with family. I love my role and find supporting young people, who are experiencing challenging events in their lives, a rewarding and fulfilling job. I feel privileged to work at Tor and enjoy seeing students succeed and build confidence and self-esteem.

     

     

  • Sophie Connaire

    Teacher

    Just out of university at twenty years of age I moved to the Middle East to begin my career in teaching. This not only sparked a love for teaching but also a love for travel. I  have taught and lived in 5 different countries including my home country  Ireland. I can honestly say that teaching in England has taught me so much about myself and my practice. I have learned that there is much more to teaching than academic results. Success in the classroom is about forming positive relationships, instilling a sense of self belief, building resilience and feeling safe. Working with young people, particularly vulnerable young people, is my passion and I am very happy to be a part of the team at Tor School where I can see the positive impact it has on their lives.

  • Alice Culliford

    Sports Coach

    I have worked in Education for 5 years specialising in PE / Sports Coaching. I enjoy teaching the students the rules of team games and involving them in fun active activities. I enjoy working with young people and helping them achieve their goals. I also coach Rugbytots to children ages 2-7 years old at the weekends. I love being outdoors and being active!

  • Jude Culliford

    Administrator

    My background is working as a HR Assistant and progressing to Assistant Print Buyer for a leading shoe manufacturer/retailer. After taking a career break and travelling with my young children, I worked as part of the admin team at two local schools. I was fortunate enough to join Tor School two years ago and particularly enjoy working with our young people. It is an exciting, varied environment to work in and I am proud to be part of the team.

  • Emily Davis

    HLTA

    My name is Emily and I studied psychology and criminal behavior at university, before working in children’s homes, care homes and specialist schools. I have a keen interest in animals and used to keep and breed a large number of exotic animals, including chameleons and poison dart frogs.  I also have a passion for Art and Science and I enjoy teaching more than any other job I’ve had.

  • Alison Dukes

    Administrator

    I have worked as an administrator in a variety of different industries locally all of my career, these include a local furniture retailer, ICI Polyurethanes and Her Majesty’s Prison in Shepton Mallet before it closed in 2013.  In 2014 I joined the Primary Team as their administrator when most of their work involved working on an outreach basis with the local primary schools.  Since moving to the new premises in February 2018 I have taken on the day to day finance responsibility for the school and work alongside my colleagues in the administrative team. No day is ever the same, we are a great team and support each other whenever the need arises.

  • Katrin Eve

    Teaching Assistant

    Since obtaining a degree in Textiles, my career has predominantly been within the fashion industry. However, since becoming a single mum in 2009, I decided to leave the career and juggled a variety of jobs to enable me to make time for my son. During this time, I did some scribing and helped as a TA in a local secondary school temporarily which I found hugely rewarding. This support work led me to apply for a TA role at Tor School. I’ve been here since October 2023 and I am loving every day! As a Teaching Assistant, I get to work with all the students in both KS3 and KS4 and be involved in all subjects, helping inspire and encourage the students. I love that no two days are the same and feel extremely lucky that I get to work with such a supportive network of staff, but more importantly, such a lovely eclectic mix of children who have some very endearing qualities and unique skillsets. The relationships formed are special because of the small setting and the nurturing environment. We all care and that is the key element that unites us. In my vast portfolio of jobs to date, this one is definitely my favourite!

  • Graham Fogarty

    Teacher

    When I left school, my first job was with an insurance broker in Bristol. I soon learnt that I had other vocational aspirations, an office job was not for me. So, at the tender age of 29, I went to university to study Environmental Science. A great move, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Who knew that I would find education to be so stimulating and enjoyable? If only my teachers could see me now! My degree course taught me many new ideas, and helped me realise that I was ready to enter teaching. I completed my PGCE, at a school in Christchurch, and I have worked at various secondary schools, between Bournemouth and Bristol for the last 23 years. It is a privilege to work with young people, and one that I look forward to every day. Outside of work I enjoy motorcycles and singing in a band. It just happens to be the best rock and roll band this side of New York City.

  • Terry Grey

    Teacher

    I have been teaching for over 20 years in a number of school environments and countries.  My specialisation is in Geography with another background in Maths and Astronomy.  Teaching is something that gets into your blood and being in the classroom is a passion that I am grateful to practice every day.  Outside the classroom, I run my own business making furniture and I love working with pupils helping them understand the world they are entering and how they can take advantage of all the skills they have learned here at Tor School.

  • Lisa Harcourt

    Partnership and Outreach Lead

    I joined The Tor School in January 2019, having spent 28 years teaching in a number of primary schools.  I consider myself very lucky to have had various roles with schools, ranging from class teacher, SENCO, deputy head and head teacher.  I am passionate about what I do, and I thoroughly enjoy my job.  I strongly believe every child has the right to learn the skills to support them in their adult lives, and it is our job to identify any barriers to their learning. Through having high expectations and a nurturing approach my aim is to help children reach their full potential and be the best they can be.

  • Cressie Humphrey

    Teacher

    I started at Tor school in January 2019 and I have worked in various special schools for over 10 years. I love teaching young people about cooking and food. After struggling with dyslexia through school myself I want to help young people have a positive experience of education and help to empower them to make informed choices.

  • Sean Jenvey

    Teacher

    I am a qualified Engineer and teacher and spent some time in the aerospace industry, the dairy industry and as a freelance designer. I decided to re train as a teacher after some years as an Engineer and had the privilege of teaching metal work and technical drawing in Nigeria. Since then I have been teaching engineering, design and technology and motor vehicle at three further education colleges and as a supply teacher. I have a passion for classic cars, bikes and the world of good design. Tor school is a great place to work and I continue to encourage young people in technical areas and help to improve their life chances in a vocational route.

  • Sharon Lindsey

    Outreach HLTA

    I am a teacher of 15 years and have mostly taught in Alternative Provisions and Special Schools, working with teenagers and Post 16. The most important part of the work I do is building a relationship with the student and accepting them for who they are. I have recognised and embraced the importance of play, art and therapy throughout my career.

    I am proud to be now working at Tor School as the Medical Outreach HLTA, working with Mainstream students who cannot access school.

    I have a very busy life running 2 successful businesses and sometimes my professional, personal and business life happily collide!

  • Tayona Lloyd

    Teaching Assistant

    I love working at Tor School. As soon as I discovered the school, I knew it was where I wanted to work. I’ve worked as a TA since September 2006 and watching young people reach their goals is always an amazing thing to be a part of. Tor School is one of the most positive and supportive places I’ve ever had the pleasure to work. School was a bit of a struggle for me but having that one teacher that still believed in me despite my difficulties made all the difference. I hope that I can be that person for someone else.

  • Kathryn Rogers

    Youth Worker specialising in Outdoor Learning

    I joined Tor School at the start of this academic year. After studying Environmental Conservation at university and training with The National Trust as a Ranger I made the move into education and working in PRUs. My role at Tor allows me to combine my passion for the natural world with my love of working with young people. I truly believe that forging a connection to the natural world reduces stress and anxiety in young people and research shows that time in nature can greatly improve our well-being. I want to share this with our students at Tor, whilst giving them a fun and engaging program of work that can develop their practical skills.

    It’s a pleasure to be joining such a lovely and caring team of staff at Tor School, to be working with such vibrant and fun young people and have the privilege of watching them grow in confidence and achieve great things

  • Paul Scott

    Teacher

    I work mainly with KS3 and partnership pupils. I love my job because I work with pupils and staff who are committed to fresh starts, doing well and enjoying school life. I have taught many subjects whilst at Tor school but I love teaching Humanities and English best of all. I really like the fact that this school is small and because of this everyone knows each other really well and cares about how things are going during the week. We have lots of ex pupils who will tell you the same that there is a special atmosphere here and I guess that makes Tor School a special place.

  • Richard Tippett

    HLTA

    My name is Richard, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Tor School family since March 2023. With over 30 years of experience as a photographer specializing in live events, I bring a unique perspective to the classroom. Prior to joining Tor School, I had the privilege of working in an autism specialist college, where I taught photography.

    I hold qualifications as an ELSA practitioner, life coach, and counselor. These credentials enable me to provide comprehensive support to students beyond the classroom, ensuring their emotional well-being and personal growth.

    At Tor School, I am dedicated to creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered. Together, we will embark on a journey towards reaching their full potential, accomplishing goals, and chasing their dreams.

    I am currently studying an MA in photography and I intend to use the knowledge I gain to support my GCSE photography students.