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Staff - Who's Who

Senior Leadership Team

Mr Piers Ranger - Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Physical Education (PE) Leader

Hello, my name is Piers Ranger, and I'm the Headteacher at St. Benedict's.  I've worked at the school as a teacher, then as Deputy Head before becoming Head.  Prior to this, I've also taught in Hampshire, in Taiwan and in Spain.  When I'm not at school I love playing or watching football (I'm a huge Arsenal fan!) or spending time at home with my family and friends, our sociable sheep, wise chickens and daft dog.

Mr Adam Kelland - Deputy Head, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Peacock Class Teacher (Year 6) and Maths Leader

Hi my name is Adam Kelland, and I was thrilled to join St Ben’s in September 2020. I am now the Deputy Head at St Benedict's and also teach in Year 6. I am responsible for assessment and maths across the school.

I live locally with my wife and three young children and love spending time exploring the local area with them.  I am a keen cyclist and enjoy all sports. 

Teaching Team

Mrs Tina Anderson - Unicorn Class Teacher (Year 3) and Science Leader

Hi, my name is Tina Anderson. I have worked at St Benedict's since 2015, and I love my job. I particularly enjoy helping children to learn new things and love the vibrancy and character of our school and local area. I love to be active, I love running, swimming, walking and playing tennis. I am passionate about outdoor learning and have recently discovered an enjoyment of gardening.

I live quite locally, I am married, have 2 children and 2 highly energetic spaniels. In addition, I adore music! I love listening to it and singing along to it, I can't sing, but I love it all the same!

Ms Jo Bradshaw - Owl Class Teacher (Year 4) and Computing & History Leader

My name is Jo Bradshaw and I started teaching at St Ben's in September 2020.  I love working at St Ben's, it's such a fantastic, fun, caring place to be!

I have three grown-up children, two of whom live at home with me whilst studying at university and on an apprenticeship. I share my home with many animals including cats, chickens and guinea pigs!  I love gardening, wildlife, going to gigs and computing.

Mrs Shena Caston - SENCo

My name is Shena Caston and I have had various roles in the school since 2004. Currently, most of my time is spent running intervention and booster groups.

In my spare time I enjoy sewing, gardening, walking my dog and catching up with friends.

Mrs Liz Coton - Tortoise Class Teacher (Year 5), Music Leader

 

Hello. I am Liz Coton. I have worked at St Benedict's for about 15 years, so I am one of the longest serving staff here. I must love the school to have stayed for so long!  I teach year 5 and am Subject Leader for Music in the school. I particularly love producing our annual Harvest Festival, Christmas Carol Service and End of Year show with the children. 

I live near Taunton with my husband and have 5 grown-up children (none of whom are teachers!). When not in school, I love walking with my 2 lively rescue dogs and singing in choirs and playing my flute in an amateur orchestra in Taunton. 

Miss Emilie Dyer - Spider Class Teacher (Year 5), Religious Education (R.E) Leader

Hello, my name is Emilie Dyer. I started my teaching career just outside of Brighton, and feel extremely lucky to now be teaching here at St Benedicts in Glastonbury. I am really passionate about reading and writing, and actually sometimes enjoy reading books for children more than books for adults!

In my spare time, I love being active. I am a keen runner and also love playing netball at the local club. I also love spending time with friends and family, especially our family dogs Sid and Rolo.

Miss Kelly Mills - Cat Class Teacher (Year 3), Geography Leader

Hi, my name is Kelly Mills. I started working at St Benedicts in September 2020. Before starting at St Bens I worked as a teacher at St Johns, so have known many of the children here since reception, some since nursery! I feel privileged to have seen them grow into wonderful young people.

In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and friends and going for walks around places like Ham Wall, where I can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature! I also absolutely love musicals; one of my favourites is Wicked!! 

 

Ms Jo Murphy - Chameleon Class Teacher (Year 4), English Leader

 

Hi, my name is Jo Murphy. I have worked at St Benedict’s for a long time in a variety of roles as a teacher and governor – it must be because it is such a friendly place to be!  

I live locally with my brilliant family – my partner and two fantastic girls. In my spare time I enjoy swimming, going for long beach walks, camping and catching up with friends and family for coffee and cake.  

Miss Claire Switzer - Leopard Class Teacher (Year 6), Art and Design and Technology (DT) Leader

Hi my name is Claire Switzer and I have been teaching at St Benedict’s since 2019. As a child, I attended St Benedict’s and am thrilled to teaching back in a community I know and love. I am passionate about all things creative; whether that be singing, dancing or art and sewing. I am fanatical about meaningful and memorable learning experiences and enjoy seeing children learning new skills or excited about something new they have discovered.

When not teaching, I love hiking, running or cycling in the summer months and then snuggling down on the sofa in front of a Disney film.

Our Support Teaching Team

Mr Elliott Lintell - Sports Coach, Before School (DASH) Wrap Around Care Supervisor, After School Wrap Around Care (Ben's Den) Supervisor and Midday Play Supervisor

Hi my name is Elliott Lintell. I started St. Ben’s as a full-time sports coach in September 2021. Although I have worked at the school for the last 5 years doing DASH club every morning and Ben’s Den from September 2020.

I live locally and when not in school you will probably see me at football games on a Saturday lunchtime playing / managing my team. I also enjoy attending sporting events such as watching football, rugby and horse racing.

Mrs Jane Newbury - Inclusion Manager, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Beehive Team Member

Hi my name is Jane Newbury, and I’m the Inclusion Manager, Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Mental Health Lead.  I am responsible for the Pastoral Support and Nurture Provision for the School and can be found in the Beehive.  I have worked at the school for nearly 10 years. 

I live in Somerset and really enjoy walking by the sea, visiting National Trust locations and catching up with family and friends.  

- Parent, Family Support Advisor (PFSA)

 

 

Mrs Rachel Tidball - Learning Mentor, Outdoor Classroom Supervisor and Beehive Team Member

Hi my name is Rachel Tidball and I’m the Learning Mentor at St Benedict’s school. I am responsible for the teaching of Nurture and Outside group lessons in lower school. Also work 1.1 with other children and can be found mostly in the Beehive. I have worked at the school for nearly 4 years.

Recently I have passed several exams in Children and Young people’s Mental health.

I live locally and enjoy spending time with my family and friends in between buying sparkly shoes!!

Our Teaching Assistant Team

Miss Maddie Allen - Chameleon Class Teaching Assistant (Year 4) 

 

 

Mrs Trudi Allen - Peacock Class Teaching Assistant (Year 6) and Secretary to the Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (St Benedict's School PTFA)

Hi my name is Trudi Allen. I have worked at St Benedict’s School since 1997.

I first started St Benedict’s as a cleaner. My dad was the Site Manager at the time and my mum a cleaner.

I then became a Reprographics Assistant for approximately four years within the school.

In 2002, I became a Teaching Assistant until the present day.

I’m also Secretary of the PTFA. This is my fourth year running. It gives me great pleasure knowing that all the hard work the PTFA put into raising funds, benefits all the children.

When not in school, I love to spend time with my children and my grandchildren.

My favourite pastimes are trips to the beach, reading and gardening.

Ms Jill Branton - Spider Class Teaching Assistant (Year 5)

Hi there! I started helping at St Benedict's may years ago, coming in to hear readers, going on the odd school trip and assisting with 'Big Art' club.  I have been a teaching assistant for several years.

I live locally with my 15-year-old son and our dog Nelson.  I have 3 grown up children who I love to spend time with too.

I enjoy 'everything' creative, hence helping out with various art and craft clubs over the years, helping paint Miss Lowe's amazing mural in the STEM room and creating props for school plays!

This enthusiasm continues into my out of school time, ranging from any kind of needlecraft, card making and recently pyrography.

I also love walking and spending time with friends and family.

Miss Sophia Chouings - Unicorn Class Teaching Assistant (Year 3)

My name is Sophia Chouings. and I have been at St Benedict's for a few years now. I have two boys, one is at St Ben's. I enjoy music and spending time with my family. We love being out in nature. My favourite place to go is the woods. 

Miss Georgia Daly - Leopard Class Teaching Assistant (Year 6)

Hello, my name is Georgia, and I’ve been working at St Benedict’s since September 2020 as a 1:1. I was very happy to be given this amazing opportunity. 

I live in Glastonbury and have two beautiful animals. I have a lion head rabbit called Ludo who likes to make a lot of mess and a ginger cat called Ronald who likes to sit on my shoulder and play fetch. 

Miss Becky Grenter - Cat Class Teaching Assistant (Year 3) and Senior Midday Supervisor

Hi my name is Becky Grenter. I have worked at St Bens for several years now starting out as a volunteer for my college course in support teaching and then progressing to becoming a full member of the Teaching Assistant team as well as being a lunchtime supervisor and hosting a weekly Glee club after school.

I live locally with my teenage son and 5 cats (yes, I am officially a crazy cat lady). I enjoy lots of reading, music, singing and I even dabble in playing the acoustic guitar. I am well known around the school as the resident Harry Potter expert, although I know a fair bit about Marvel, Star Wars and Lego too, so in short you could say I was a bit of a geek.

 Miss Lilly Godden - Unicorn Class Teaching Assistant (Year 3)

Hi my name is Lilly. I have recently started working at St Bens.

In my spare time I enjoy working on my family's small holding. I also love driving tractors. One of my favourite animals on the farm is my emu Larry. I started to learn how to drive at seven years old and it's definitely something I will enjoy forever. I love the sea and the beach and enjoy walks with my German shepherd, Gunner.  I love spending time with my family and, as a family, we have rescued lots of different animals and hand-raised them all. That is something I am very passionate about, as our animals are family to us. I also love gardening. My dad and grandad have taught me everything I know.

Miss Abbie Hopkins - Leopard Class Teaching Assistant (Year 6) and After School Wrap Around Care (Ben's Den) Supervisor

Hi, my name is Abbie and I have been working at St Benedict's since January 2022 but attended the school as a child. It's amazing to see how the school has changed over the years!

I live locally with my mum and 3 siblings (all who attended the school too) and our crazy dog Marley. When I am not at school, you may find me at the local rugby club cheering on my brother. I also enjoy playing and watching sports, I play rounders during the summer. I love music as well, whether that be attempting to sing along, dance or attending Glastonbury Festival where I volunteer but also have lots of time to watch the incredible acts there!

Miss Jo Hopkins - Chameleon Class Teaching Assistant (Year 4)

Hi my name is Jo Hopkins I have worked at St. Benedict’s since 2011, and I also attended the school many years ago. I previously worked at St. Dunstan's. I love art and photography and love getting to share this passion with the children. 

I live locally with my partner, older son, newborn son and crazy puppy. I enjoy attending music festivals, especially Glastonbury Festival and spending time with my family and friends. 

Mrs Michelina Hurd - Owl Class Teaching Assistant (Year 4)

Hello, my name is Michelina Hurd and have worked at St Benedict's since 1993.  I started as a teaching assistant and dinner lady. Over the years, I have had different roles; special needs, learning mentor and 1.1.  I also completed my HLTA course.

I live with my husband and am also a carer for him. I have three grown-up children who I am very proud of and are of great help to me. I have four grandchildren, who I am very proud of too.  I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family and close friends.  I enjoy making things and my hobby is making candles, which I find is very therapeutic.  I also like aromatherapy and walking.

Miss Carolina Lamus - Chameleon Class Teaching Assistant (Year 4)

Hi, my name is Carolina Lamus and I started working at St Benedict's school in 2023.  I am a 1:1 TA in Year 4 and I have also started running a Spanish club as well as a Journaling club. I enjoy working at St Benedict's as it is a kind, welcoming and supporting school and the children are fantastic! Prior to this, I worked as a SEND TA in a specialist provision setting. 

When I am not in school, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends and doing arts and crafts.

Miss Tina Lock - Owl Class Teaching Assistant (Year 4)

Hi, my name is Tina Lock. I am a teaching assistant and I've worked at St Ben's since about 2002.

I live locally. Share my home with 2 fur babies. I have a grown-up daughter and 2 beautiful grandchildren. I like gardening and get together with family and friends. I love spending quality time with my grandchildren (especially our wet, muddy walks).

Miss Eva Skinner - Tortoise Class Apprentice Teaching Assistant (Year 5)

Hi, I'm Eva Skinner and I have worked at St Bens for a few years now.

When I'm not in school, I'm normally supporting my local football team or watching Bristol Rovers but I also enjoy going out and spending time with my friends and family.

Ms Tracey Varney - Interventions Assistant

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Our Admin Team

Mrs Jane Daniels - School Business Manager

Hi, my name is Jane Daniels, and I'm the business manager at St Ben's.  I've worked at the school since January 2013. I am also a foundation governor at St Benedict's.

I live locally with my husband, 2 teenage children and my mad border collie.  I have an allotment and enjoy gardening.  I love having family and friends' round for food and drinks.

Mrs Tina Lawford - Administration Assistant, Clerk to the Governors and Treasurer to the Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (St Benedict's School PTFA)

Hello, my name is Tina Lawford, and I’ve worked at St Ben’s since 2002.  I started as a cleaner, then shortly after I joined the teaching assistant team and recently, I moved into the office which I enjoy.  I love working in school as everyone is friendly, and it’s a fun and amazing place to work. 

I'm also the for the PTFA.  I enjoy helping to organise events to raise money for the school and the children.

I live with my husband and a very mad dog.  I have 3 grown up children who I am very proud of.  I enjoy meeting my friends and family for food and drinks, cross stitch, and my vintage classic cars. 

Mrs Linda Hall - Administration Assistant

Hello.  My name is Linda Hall, and I live locally.

I started work at St Benedict's in May 2022, and have been made to feel very welcomed.

I enjoy all sports, especially tennis, and I am proud to represent Somerset in matches against other counties.

My hobbies to relax are spending time reading and completely jigsaw puzzles. 

 

Our Lunchtime Team

 

Mrs Maria Hunt - Midday Supervisory Assistant

Hello, my name is Maria Hunt. 

I started at St Ben's on December 2021, and I love it.  I'm married with 4 children, one of which attends St Ben's.

In my spare time we do lots of activities as a family.  I'm also a football mum which takes up a lot of our weekends. 

Mrs Sue Neale - School Meals Assistant

Hello.  My name is Susan Neale I have been at St Benedict’s since 2006 serving the school lunches which I enjoy.                    

I live with my husband and have six grown up children and six grandchildren. I love to walk and bake.

 Ms Kayleigh Lock- Midday Supervisory Assistant

 

 

 

Our Site Team

Mr Richard Daniels - Groundsman and Chair of the Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (St Benedict's School PTFA)

My name is Richard Daniels and I have been the groundsman at St Benedict's for the last few years.

I'm a qualified tree surgeon and worked in the forestry and horticulture sector for a number of years.

I also have an IT Degree and before returning to work outdoors recently had a twenty year IT career later as an IT manager for a national company.

I am also the Vice Chair for St Benedict's School PTFA. 

Mr Andy Shaw - Caretaker

Hello, I'm Andy Shaw.  I have been St Ben's caretaker since 2011.

I live with my wife and dogs on our smallholding on the outskirts of Glastonbury.

I enjoy time with our family.  And sport, including darts, skittles and motorcycling. 

Mrs Alison Hollingshead - Cleaner

Hi my name is Alison Cullen. I've worked at St Ben's for 10 years as a cleaner and lunchtime supervisor.

Both of my children, now in their 20's, attended the school.  When the weather allows, I'm busy on my allotment growing fruit and vegetables.  If it's not so great outdoors, I'll be in the kitchen baking or reading a good book with my cat on my lap!

Other Members of the Team

Mr James Davidson - Guitar Peripatetic Music Teacher

Hi, I'm James Davidson and I teach guitar at St Ben's. I've been teaching guitar both privately and as a peripatetic teacher in schools for over 15 years. I'm also a singer-songwriter and performer, having played and recorded with various local bands over the years including Dragonslfy and I've toured Europe with international recording artist Michael Franti. 

When I'm not teaching I enjoy singing songs round the fire, walking, meditating and exercising.

Ms Sarah Holt - Flute & Recorder Peripatetic Music Teacher

Hi I’m Sara Holt and I teach private recorder and flute lessons at St Ben’s, having been a primary school teacher with music specialism for over 20 years. I also lecture in Primary Music Teaching at Bath Spa University. I love both my jobs and alongside these I am soon to start training at UWE to become a Music Therapist. 

When I’m not teaching or playing music I enjoy gardening, running and meeting with friends for coffee and cake.  

 

 

There are no employees at St Benedict's C of E VA Junior School with a gross annual salary of £100,000 or more.