SLT (ID 1331)

• Matt Hill
  Headteacher
  Matt Hill

  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 Headteacher / Designated Safeguarding Lead
  Matt Clinkard

  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
  Emma Hill

  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
  Mandy Ramsey

  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.

Middle Leaders (ID 1332)

• Bonnie Barton
  DT and Creative Arts Teacher
  Bonnie Barton

  Ihave just started working at Tor School as Creative Arts teacher. Ihave 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 Artprovidesour young peopleinvaluable practical, hands-on experiences that make a vital contribution to their future lives for work and/or leisure. It encourages teamwork and developstheir confidence to problem solve as well as becoming criticalconsumers.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 / Post 16 Coordinator
  Vicky Beech

  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.

• Alex Clinkard
  SENDCO
  Alex Clinkard

  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
  English Coordinator
  Sophie Connaire

  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.

• Michelle De Mora
  Maths Coordinator
  Michelle De Mora

  I have worked in education for over 10 years, within mainstream and special needs environments. For the majority of this time I have taught maths but I have also been lead KS4, Assistant Head of year, Duke of Edinburgh leader and assistant curriculum leader for maths.

  I am looking forward to building the Tor School Maths department around the students we have; ensuring that its adapted and engaging to meet their needs.

• Lisa Harcourt
  Outreach and Partnership Lead
  Lisa Harcourt

  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.

Teaching Staff (ID 1334)

• Tom Carter
  Teacher
  Tom Carter

• Denise Difford
  Primary Teacher
  Denise Difford

  I have been in education for the last 15 years and qualified as a teacher 6 years ago. Gaining my teaching degree has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life so far. Throughout my years in education, and more so as a teacher, I have adopted the approach to a flexible style of teaching, believing that this approach enables all learners, of all abilities achieve their full potential. I am a positive, fun and enthusiastic person, with a nurturing and caring approach. I firmly believe that these traits are important to support all learners in a holistic and nurturing way.

• Lauren Digweed
  Teacher
  Lauren Digweed

  I am new to Tor and to teaching, having qualified in summer 2024. I teach English. Working with young people - supporting them in their journey through challenges and toward adulthood - is an absolute joy. To be able to utilise a subject that I love in the process, developing creativity, self-confidence and self-expression, is the cherry-on-top.

  I feel incredibly lucky to have found my way to Tor School and to be a part of this supportive and inspiring learning environment.

• Sarah Dufton
  Medical Tuition Teacher
  Sarah Dufton

  I decided from the age of 5 that I wanted to be a teacher. I started my career in 2008 as an ICT and Psychology teacher in a south Somerset secondary school. There I developed a passion for working with young people with special educational needs and those that needed additional support. In 2015 I moved to teach in a large special school in Banes. This gave me the opportunity to work with children and their families and make a difference to supporting outcomes for those young people. In 2023 I changed roles to work for the education team at the local authority, this gave me an insight to how things work from the other side. Ultimately though I missed teaching and working with young people so was really excited to be offered the medical teacher role at Tor school.

• Graham Fogarty
  Teacher
  Graham Fogarty

  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 27 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, music, and I’m still learning to play the harmonica, it sure looks easy, but I don’t think I will ever stop learning.

• Terry Grey
  Teacher
  Terry Grey

  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.

• Cressie Humphrey
  Teacher
  Cressie Humphrey

  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
  Sean Jenvey

  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.

• Kathryn Rogers
  Teacher
  Kathryn Rogers

  I have worked in education, alongside being a practising artist, since 2014, and have been at Tor since September 2023. It’s a pleasure to have joined such a lovely and caring team of staff, and to be working with such vibrant and fun young people.

  Creating art is a wonderful way for young people to both express themselves and have fun, but also reduces stress and anxiety. I want to share this with our students at Tor, to inspire them creatively whilst giving them a fun and engaging program of work that can develop their practical skills.

• Paul Scott
  Teacher
  Paul Scott

  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.

Support Staff (ID 1335)

• Amy Beagley
  Teaching Assistant
  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!

• Alice Culliford
  Sports Coach
  Alice Culliford

  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!

• Tayona Lloyd
  Teaching Assistant
  Tayona Lloyd

  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.

• Lu Plato
  HLTA
  Lu Plato

  I started working at Tor School in February 2024 after moving to Glastonbury from Portsmouth. I previously worked as a Teaching Assistant in a SEN school in Portsmouth for pupils aged 2-19. I love being outdoors and being active, and I love a good laugh! In my spare time I enjoy playing guitar, singing and I love to play most sports!

  I feel very privileged to work at Tor School and with the young people that attend. I’m excited to start my first full year as a HLTA!

• Ashley Robertson
  Outreach HLTA
  Ashley Robertson

  I have worked in education for the past 17 years. For the first few years I worked as a science technician at a local secondary school and sixth form college. It was during this time that I realised how much I enjoyed, and how rewarding it is, working with students who need a bit of support either emotionally or academically to get the most out of their time at school. The latter part of my time in education I have worked full time supporting students who have social, emotional and mental health needs and my role at Tor school is supporting these students in an outreach capacity by visiting and working with them at their school.

• Richard Tippett
  HLTA
  Richard Tippett

  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.

Administration Team (ID 1333)

• Jenny Baines
  Education Family Support Lead
  Jenny Baines

  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.

• Jude Culliford
  Administrator
  Jude Culliford

  I joined Tor School in 2017 having worked previously for Clarks Shoes as a Personnel Assistant and then venturing into the Advertising and Marketing Department as a Print Buyer.

  After taking a career break and travelling with my young family I worked in the admin teams at two local schools.

  I love working with our young people and working at Tor School is an exciting, challenging, varied and rewarding environment and I am proud to be part of the Tor School Team.

• Alison Dukes
  Finance Administrator
  Alison Dukes

  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.

• Michelle Nathanson
  Administrator
  Michelle Nathanson

  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.

Site Team (ID 1336)

• Adrian Chinnock
  Site Manager
  Adrian Chinnock

  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!