Meet the team

International House rhythm rainbow
International House rhythm rainbow
International House rhythm rainbow

Meet the IH Bristol team

Marcel profile photo

Marcel Jansen

Director & IT
I'm one of the directors of IH Bristol and can be found looking after the IT in its many forms.
  read more ...
team member Pete Gibson

Pete Gibson

Principal & Director of Studies
With decades of experience, I manage the teaching and administration teams to ensure every student has the best possible experience. From academic support to welfare matters, I'm ready to offer my expert guidance and care every step of the way.
  read more ...
team member Val Hennessy

Val Hennessy

Director
I founded the school in 1987 and have been here ever since. It is a family-run business, which makes for lively dinner conversations!
  read more ...
team member Britta Priest

Britta Priest

Office Manager

Hello! My name is Britta and I am the office manager at IH Bristol but you can also find me on reception duties. I am originally from Germany and love the international environment at IH Bristol. I have always had a passion for languages and have personally experienced the rewards of being able to speak another language fluently.

  read more ...
team member Charlie Marshall

Charlie Marshall

Teacher & Head of Teacher Training

Hi, my name is Charlie. I've been a teacher and teacher trainer at International House Bristol since 2003. Recently, I've started teaching on the Cambridge CELTA courses that we are now running.

  read more ...
A portrait photo of Cynthia Onyegbado, International House Bristol's OET Exams Officer and Venue Manager

Cynthia Onyegbado

OET Exams Officer and Venue Manager

Hi, I am Cynthia a part of the Exams team where we work together to ensure IH Bristol remains an excellent test centre , giving candidates a smooth experience on their examination days. I am vibrant and often quite colourful with a wide smile. I had part of my education in Newcastle before moving back to Nigeria in 2013 where I worked as an academic and examination staff in colleges and tertiary institutions. 

  read more ...
team member David Hazon

David Hazon

Head of Marketing & Sales

Hi I'm David. My role within the school is to run the marketing and ultimately raise the profile of our wonderful school. At IH Bristol we are committed to providing an incredible experience and opportunity for our students to learn English and I firmly believe in this continuing beyond the classroom.

  read more ...
team member Joanna Thorpe

Joanna Thorpe

Senior Teacher for Teacher Development

I’m a teacher of English and manage one of our young learner centres during the busy summer months.  I moved to Bristol about a year ago and have really enjoyed getting to know the city.  Before moving back to the UK I taught English in Vietnam for six years, where I gained my Diploma and Young Learners qualifications.  As I’m originally from Scotland, I can speak with both an English and Scottish accent, and love doing other accents too.

  read more ...
team member Leander Winden

Leander Winden

Head of Exams

Hello there! My name’s Leander. I’m part of the IH Bristol administrative team, and I spend most of my time coordinating the exams we run here at the school. Before moving to Bristol I lived in Italy for two years teaching English, so I really appreciate being able to work in such a vibrant, international environment.

  read more ...
team member Luqueney

Luqueney Pearson

Accommodation & Welfare Officer

Hello, I am the Accommodation and Welfare Officer here at IH Bristol.

I match students with our lovely hosts and ensure that they have a welcoming and safe experience during their time with us. I am here to help!

  read more ...
team member Nick Jansen

Nick Jansen

Exams Officer and Administrator

Hello, my name is Nick. I am a receptionist for IH Bristol for our Junior Program. I greet students coming into the building and manage the day to day running of the building.

  read more ...
team member Patrick Rushforth

Patrick Rushforth

EFL Teacher

My name is Patrick and I teach English as a Foreign Language to both adult and Junior learners here at IH Bristol. Before teaching in the UK I worked in schools in China and France, teaching a variety of English or Music related classes. I enjoy teaching here because it is always interesting to meet new people and get to know about their countries and cultures. It is always rewarding to help people on their English journey. 

  read more ...