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. 

With a wealth of experience and a background in management consultancy, change and general management, Mr Cowper joined Clifton High in June 2008. He is responsible for managing the business and operational functions of the School. Mr Cowper is also Clerk to the Council  of Governors and Secretary of  Clifton High School Foundation. Mr Cowper was one of the first Compliance Trained inspectors in the country and has inspected a number of other independent schools. 

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. 

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.

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.  

With a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Exeter, Ms England has taught both Physics and Chemistry but specialises in Biology, where she is also Head of Department. She has extensive experience teaching in all-through schools, and was previously a lead practitioner, specialising in the improvement of teaching skills, as well as leading in the development, implementation and evaluation of policies. Ms England places an emphasis on Pastoral care, having previously been Head of year groups ranging from Year 7 to Year 13 throughout her teaching career.