The Clifton High Team

Always knowing he wanted to teach, Mr Bennett completed his undergraduate studies at Exeter University studying Biology and training to become a teacher simultaneously. He found himself teaching in a secondary school on his first teaching practice at the tender age of 19.

Mr Bennett’s first teaching position was at an independent boarding school in Staffordshire, where he ran both the Biology department and a boarding house. At this time he also completed his first Master’s Degree at Oxford University, an MSc in Learning and Teaching. 

Mr Bennett returned to Bristol, where he was born and raised, in 2010. Following 10 years at a large independent school in the city, where he was Deputy Head for 7 years, he was delighted to join Clifton High School in September 2020 as Head of School.

A lifelong learner, he is currently in his final year of an MBA. Mr Bennett has responsibility for educational strategy and direction, pupil welfare and staff appointments at the School. He is a proud and active member of the Core Group of BAMEdSW, helping to promote an education sector that is reflective of society, and a member of The Society of Heads for independent schools. 

Training in Commercial Business Management Mrs Brennan has over 20 years’ experience managing international commercial teams. Responsible for business strategy and growth, Mrs Brennan has considerable experience in building successful teams, delivering complex programmes and providing excellent Customer service.

Passionate about education, Mrs Brennan became a School Business Manager in 2008 qualifying as an Advanced School Business Manager in 2012. She has worked in Primary Schools, Senior Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts providing the essential services required for teaching and learning across all year groups from Early Years to Sixth Form. With a proven background in education leadership, in April 2021, Mrs Brennan joined the Senior Leadership team at CHS as the Director of Estates and Operations and is proud to be part of this wonderful community.

With a degree and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Warwick, Dr Caddy has taught both mathematics and science. He has teaching and management experience in all-through schools, has been a deputy head and has experience in managing successful school inspections. He has particular experience in academic, curricular and pastoral matters. 

Mr Goodman completed his BA (Hons) degree in Geography and PGCE at The University of Birmingham. Over the past 10 years Mr Goodman has taught at a large Independent School, where he successfully held a range of positions, including Head of House, Head of Geography and Assistant Head. His awareness and genuine regard for pupil wellbeing, mental health and holistic care made him a natural choice to lead on the Schools’ outstanding pastoral offering.  

A keen mathematician, Mr Collins completed an MMath degree and a PGCE, both at Oxford University. Mr Collins joined us in 2015, having previously worked in two schools in Oxfordshire, where he taught Mathematics and worked as a Head of Department. At Clifton High School, Mr Collins has held the posts of Head of School Mathematics and Assistant Head: Teaching Enhancement and Quality Assurance, before his appointment to the role of Deputy Head in September 2020. He works across all age-groups at Clifton High, driving forward learning opportunities and positive outcomes for all pupils.

Born and educated in Bristol, Miss Rich graduated with a degree in Medieval and Modern History from the University of Birmingham, before returning to Bristol to complete an MA in Contemporary History, followed by a PGCE, both at the University of Bristol. Miss Rich taught in independent schools in Bath and Cambridge before becoming Head of History at a school in Nottingham. After moving to a British school in Malaysia, she took on additional responsibilities as a Deputy Housemistress and Coordinator of applications to Oxford and Cambridge. These roles have made her well-placed to lead the Sixth Form at Clifton High School; she encourages students to hold high aspirations, striving for academic excellence alongside developing a strong sense of self and social responsibility. 

Mrs Alice Taylor graduated with a degree in Psychology from Cardiff University and later completed a Primary PGCE at Cardiff Metropolitan University. She has a wealth of experience in both the state and private sector with previous experience including teaching and leading at the British School of Paris. During her time at Clifton High School, she has moved from Junior School Lead to Infant and Junior School Head. 

Mrs Taylor is passionate about all children experiencing an enriched and diverse education which enables them to be challenged and inspired to achieve their very best in all that they do. She believes that learning should be engaging and exciting and equip children with vital academic and life skills.