Staff

Senior Leadership Team

Headteacher - Ms Melanie Sweet

Ms Melanie Sweet, BA (Hons), FRSA, MCCT, NPQH

I graduated from the University of South Wales with a degree in English, specialising in 'the unsaid' in feminist literature. I then completed a GTP, qualifying as an English teacher with a particular interest in Key Stage 5, where my first leadership role was initially as Subject Lead for A-level English Language and Literature. I have since held many Senior Leadership positions across a variety of schools in both Wales and England, including Head of Sixth Form, Assistant Headteacher 14-19, Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning and two Trust-wide Deputy Headships, where my remits varied from leading Key Stage 3 curriculum to a MAT-wide Ethics curriculum and a super - and extra-curricular MAT-wide Character Academy. In 2020, I was nominated as a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts for my commitment to, and work on, social justice in schools.

Senior Deputy Headteacher - Mr Angus Harrison

I was born in north Bristol and went to school here. After my A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics I studied Physics at Nottingham University and completed my PGCE through TeachFirst and Canterbury Christ Church University. I have a Masters in Educational Leadership from the Institute of Education, UCL. I taught in North and East London, gaining accreditation as a Specialist Leader of Education in Science and completing outreach across London boroughs of Hackney and Redbridge. I have a passion for CPD, and have delivered at the SSAT national conference, as well as being accredited to deliver and train for the National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership. I firmly believe anyone can learn anything given the right environment. I have led as Deputy Head at 2 large state comprehensives in London and North Somerset prior to starting at Orchard, down the road from where I myself went to school.

Deputy Headteacher - Mr Dorian Coxon

Mr Dorian Coxon, BA (Hons), PGCE, MCCT, responsible for Inclusion

I studied a joint languages degree at Aberdeen University and have a passion for arts and culture especially abroad on mainland Europe. I completed my teacher training at Bristol University and stayed here, where I am pleased to serve our local community. I am currently Deputy Headteacher for Inclusion at Orchard School and have worked in a few different roles at this school for over 22 years. I arrived in September 1999 as Head of Modern Languages and fulfilled this role for 7 years, before being in charge of KS3 for Behaviour and Attendance and eventually being promoted to my current role. My role involves the strategic direction of Attendance, Behaviour, school culture and Safeguarding.

SENDCo - Ms Sophie Alderson

Ms Sophie Alderson, BA (Hons), MA, PGCE, NPQSL, MCCT

I studied English Literature at the University of Sheffield and developed a passion for Gothic literature, film, and theatre. I went on to undertake a Master's degree at The University of the Arts London in European Classical Acting. I followed the School Direct route into teaching as an English teacher, moving into roles of responsibility such as Head of Department, Director of Faculty and Assistant Principal- Curriculum. I joined Orchard School Bristol as Assistant Headteacher for Personal Development in September 2022 and I am now the Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion. I aim to engage broadly with academic research but am interested in the philosophy of curriculum design, student engagement and behavioural science.

Assistant Headteacher - Ms Isobel Eddy

Ms Isobel Eddy, BA (Hons), MA and PGDE - responsible for Raising Standards

I studied Modern Foreign Languages at Durham University before joining Teach First's Leadership Development Programme. Since then, I have completed Teach First's MA in Educational Leadership, Teach First's NPQLT, and I am currently completing STSN's NPQSL. I've worked in a a variety of schools across England and Wales and, since 2023, have collaborated with schools across the South West through The Isbourne Language Hub. I've served as a German Advocate for The Trent and Tame Language Hub, presented national SKE courses, and, in 2024, I had the privilege to be an International Fellow and spend a month in Uganda collaborating with global educators to support the sustainable development of international education systems. I'm passionate about supporting every child to explore the world from the classroom and develop the skills to become international leaders.

Assistant Headteacher - Mr Phil Edmonds

Mr Phil Edmonds, BA (Hons), QTS - responsible for Behaviour and Safeguarding

I graduated from the University of the West of England Bristol with a degree in Spanish and European Studies. After an extra year spent abroad, I returned to Bristol where I embarked on my teaching career, spending 12 years working as a teacher, Head of House and Faculty Lead for MFL at Orchard School Bristol. After 3 years working at another school, I am delighted to be serving the community at Orchard School Bristol once again, leading on behaviour and safeguarding. I am currently completing my NPQSL.

Assistant Headteacher - Ms Fiona Fields

Ms Fiona Fields, BSc (Hons), MA, PGCE, NPQSL, MCCT- responsible for Attendance

I am a science teacher with a particular interest in human physiology and biochemistry. I have teaching and leadership experience across 2 schools in South Glos and Bristol. My leadership experience at my first school included Head of Year and Assistant Head of 6th form. I started at Orchard as Head of Science. My strategic responsibilities now as Assistant Headteacher include the pastoral and personal development of students, and working alongside Heads of Year to ensure a 360 approach to student progress. My leadership interests include positive behaviour management, academic and pastoral interventions and their impact and also teaching & learning strategies to enable students to make progress.

Assistant Headteacher - Mr Mat Grafton

Mr Mat Grafton, BSc (Hons), MSc, FCCT, CTeach - responsible for KS3 and Transition

I gained an Applied Biology degree from Cardiff University and then followed this by completing an MSc in the Ecotoxicology of Natural Populations at the University of Reading. Following a period of employment in advertising and marketing, gaining Chartered Institute of Marketing qualifications I retrained as a teacher in 1997 at the University of the West of England, completing a PGCE in Secondary Science. I have since gained Chartered Teacher and Chartered Teacher (Leadership) qualifications through the Chartered College of Teaching. I am a member of the Senior Leadership team leading on Year 7/transition. My interests include assessment, the use of technology in education, mental health & wellbeing and transition.

Assistant Headteacher - Mrs Lyndsay de-Long

Mrs Lyndsay de-Long, BSc (Hons), PGCE - responsible for Attendance

I graduated from the University of Solent with a 2:1 in Sport and Business, followed by a PGCE from the University of Greenwich. A keen sportswoman, I have represented local and regional teams in swimming, hockey and netball. My career spans leadership roles across Key Stages 1-5 in state, private and international schools - an experience shaped by relocating frequently as the spouse of a serving RAF member. At Orchard School, I am dedicated to removing barriers to learning and ensuring all students can thrive. I believe in inclusive, empowering education that provides opportunities for every young person to succeed.

Deputy SENDCo - Gary Scott-Mullen

Mr Gary Scott-Mullen, BA (Hons), Post Grad Cert in Inclusion Management, QTS

I studied Sociology at Anglia Ruskin University and completed a post graduate programme on Inclusion Management with Cambridge University. After moving to Bristol, I started out on a career in education that has bridged Primary, Secondary , Post 16 and the alternative (ALP) sectors as Learning Mentor, Teacher, Head of Year, Student Support Manager, SENDCo and Governor. I've worked at Orchard School since 2021 as a Pastoral Manager and Deputy Safeguarding Leader and have relished returning to SEND as Deputy SENDCo. I'm passionate about inclusion and advocating for disadvantaged young people.

School Business Manager - Mrs Samantha Older

Ms Samantha Older, BSc (Hons)

I graduated from university with a BSc in Forensic Science. After university, I spent 13 years managing premises and leading teams within the cinema entertainment sector, gaining extensive experience in operations, compliance, customer service and people management.

I have worked at Orchard School Bristol for more than six years and have built strong relationships across both the school and wider community. During my time here, I have also held the role of Educational Visits Coordinator, supporting the planning and delivery of safe, enriching and memorable learning experiences for our students.

I have a strong professional passion for Health and Safety, compliance and risk‑aware leadership. I am committed to ensuring that the school operates safely, efficiently and with student opportunity at the heart of every decision. Much of my work focuses on expanding access to dynamic and enriching activities — particularly for students who face disadvantage — so that every young person benefits from broad, inspiring experiences both in and out of the classroom.

At Orchard School, I am dedicated to removing barriers, strengthening our systems and creating an environment where every student feels supported, included and able to thrive.

Middle Leaders

Curriculum Middle Leaders

Heads of Faculty and Seconds in Faculty
ITT ECT Lead Mentor, Tom Fisher
Whole-School Reading Lead, Rachel Cox
Oracy Lead, Zuwena Reid-Bailey

Inclusion Middle Leaders

Heads of Year
House Champions

Curriculum Teams

For information for our staff in specific subjects, please use the Faculties page and select the subject you wish to contact: Curriculum Faculties (Curriculum menu tab)

Additional Needs Team

For contact information of our SEND and Learning Support Team, please see our SEND information page: Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) (Curriculum menu tab)

Tutor Team

For contact information on our year teams including tutors, pastoral managers or Heads of Year, please visit our Year and Tutor Teams page: Heads of Year and Tutor Teams (Parents & Carers menu tab)

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Team

For contact information of our SEMH Team, please see our Wellbeing and Safeguarding information page: Wellbeing and Safeguarding (Parents & Carers menu tab)

Associate Staff Team

Mrs Emma Snell, PA to Headteacher/Character Development Events Manager

Mrs Dianne Crossley, Data Manager

Mrs Kamantha Els, Attendance Manager

Miss Rebecca Burke, Behaviour and Belonging Manager

Miss Zoe Hawkey, Senior Administrator and School Admissions Officer

Mrs Rachel Thorne, Careers, Employability and Post-16 Lead

Ms Val Cook, Student Services Receptionist

Mrs Esther Newman, Receptionist

Miss Chloe Hung, Cover Administrator with Curriculum Support

Ms Kelly Latham, SEND Administrator and Medical Needs Lead

Miss Keira-Leigh Banfield, Attendance Administrator

Miss Maria Mata Castillo, Exams and Data Manager

Miss Hannah Devaney, Business Administrator

Miss Gwen Keizer, Data Administrator

Mrs Sarah Sadler, Events Administrator

Mrs Nicola Chandler, First Aid Officer

Mr Alberto Outeda Martinez, Digital Designer and Reprographics Technician

Ms Marion Andrews, Reading and Research Coordinator

Mrs Rania Elamin, Lunchtime Supervisor

Mrs Rashida Rahman, Lunchtime Supervisor

Mrs Sue Morris, Lunchtime Supervisor