Meet Our Teachers

Victoria Smith

Victoria Smith joined the British School of Bucharest in 2015 as Head of Primary School. She acquired her PGCE and MA in International Education from the University of Sunderland in England.

She holds additional degrees in Spanish and Political Science. Following her passion for professional development and school improvement, Victoria is an accredited facilitator of the COBIS leadership training programmes, including CPAH (The COBIS Programme for Aspiring Heads) and CPML (COBIS Programme for Middle Leaders). These courses are delivered to delegates from around the world.
She is also qualified as a ‘Lead Improvement Partner’, helping other international schools obtain COBIS accreditation. Victoria has over 20 years of experience working with children in schools. Before becoming a Teacher and senior leader, her background was in social services and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Dan Batson

Dan Batson, Deputy Head of Primary School at the British School of Bucharest, joined in 2014.

Dan has a BA in Education from Wolverhampton University, a MA with distinction from Liverpool Hope University, and an NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship). He started his teaching career in Birmingham in 1998, working mainly in Key Stage 2 within the British Curriculum. In 2005, he joined a highly respected international British school in Abu Dhabi, where he worked as Assistant Headteacher. At BSB, he oversees all curriculum and assessment matters within Primary and has led many whole-school projects, seeking opportunities to incorporate technology effectively within the classroom.

Paul Gildea

Paul Gildea joined the British School of Bucharest in 2015, taking on the Key Stage 2 Coordinator role and, more recently, Deputy Head of Primary School.

He studied at the University of Durham and graduated with a BA degree in Russian and Eastern European Studies before undertaking a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) focusing on Modern Foreign Languages at the University of London, and has an MA in Education, Leadership and Management from the University of Derby. Paul gained eight years of experience in the British school system, rising to the position of Assistant Headteacher while working in two London primary schools. He has also worked as an English Subject Leader and Year 6 Teacher at the British School of Beijing.

Jason Porter

Jason Porter joined the British School of Bucharest in 2013 as Deputy Head of Secondary and is now our Head of Secondary. He graduated from Exeter University, where he read Russian and German, and later qualified as a Modern Foreign Languages teacher at the University of Nottingham. Jason joined the school following nine years as Housemaster at Chigwell School, a prestigious HMC Boarding School in the UK. Jason has obtained an MA course in Applied Educational Leadership and Management at University College London (Institute of Education).

Philosophy

I advise my students to always expose themselves to different languages because that’s how we understand and appreciate others’ cultures, values and ways of life, which enrich our lives. Language is a window into another person’s life. Children growing up surrounded by, understanding and adopting these values are more likely to become tolerant, respectful and accepting adults.

What I teach my students

To learn and develop together, personally, academically and professionally, and aspire to leave BSB a bit differently than when they started – in a good way, of course.

Something unexpected

Despite studying languages, I took A-Level physics when I was at school. This was because I wanted to learn about black holes and the Big Bang, only then to discover these topics didn’t really feature in the syllabus. But my physics teacher took a syllabus detour, and we studied them anyway!

Mark Healy

Mark Healy joins us in 2021 as the Director of Studies & Deputy Head of Secondary. Mr Healy brings over 30 years of experience in leadership and teaching roles in Psychology, TESOL and Physical Education.

He has lived and worked internationally, including in the United Arab Emirates and the South Island School in Hong Kong, where he held several Senior Leadership roles. Mark joins us from Scotland, where he worked as Deputy Head. Mr Healy is actively involved in educational research, being an associate of ResearchED, a professional organisation supporting teachers’ professional practice, and he has regularly presented at conferences. He has appeared on several high profile education podcasts and interviews. He is currently writing a book on the psychology of sleep and its impact on schools and learning and is also a contributory author to leading educational titles.

Mark Healy will be responsible for all curriculum matters for students in Secondary. This will include leading the GCSE and A level options process, overseeing the Key Stage 3 curriculum, coordinating academic events such as Parents’ Consultation Evenings, reports and curriculum information presentations. Generally, offering guidance and support to students and parents to optimise academic progress across Secondary. Mark will also place a lens on effective classroom practice and provide a fulcrum to support high-quality learning and teaching across our secondary classes.

Darren Goode

Darren joined the British School of Bucharest as the Deputy Head of Secondary School (Pastoral) in 2022. He holds a BA in Arts from Brunel University, a MA in Education from St. Mary’s University and a PGCE certification from the London Metropolitan, all obtained in the United Kingdom. He is a highly effective Senior Leader and English, Media and Drama teacher with a strong track record of over 15 years of teaching and 13 years of leading innovation and change in various leadership positions in international schools. His passion for education, innovation and change transformed into a personal blog project where he covers different topics within the field. His concern for others and love for social action motivated him to run a social programme offering education support services to disadvantaged students in London.

Philosophy

To sum up my education philosophy in three words, I’d say it’s democratic, empowering and personalised. 

What I teach my students

I support my students in understanding themselves, what they excel at, and their natural personalities and tendencies. To quote the Irish writer Oscar Wilde, I encourage them to be themselves because everybody else is taken.  

Something unexpected 

For several years I practised a martial art which originated in Brazil. It’s called Capoeira and combines music as well as combat. I’m also a pretty good cook. 

Philip Walters

Cambridge graduate Philip Walters joined the school in 2012 as Head of Secondary School and was the Headmaster of the British School of Bucharest until the end of the 2020-2021 Academic Year.

Starting August 2021, he is the Head of the Advisory Committee and continues to offer University guidance to BSB students in tertiary education. While at Christ’s College, Cambridge, he read Geography. Philip taught the British Curriculum for many years in a highly selective UK grammar school as Head of Department before moving into the international sphere at Harrow International School in Bangkok, Thailand. There he worked for seven years as part of the Senior Leadership Team as Head of House and Head of Sixth Form.

Jodie Lewis

Jodie Lewis joined BSB in 2014. She qualified with a BA(Hons) in Primary Education from the University of Central England in 2001 and worked for four years in a mainstream primary school in the UK.

Jodie then taught in a special needs school for children with profound and multiple learning difficulties. She moved into international teaching 12 years ago and taught in Egypt and Kuwait before moving to Bucharest as a KS1 coordinator and returned after her maternity leave as EYFS coordinator.

Adriana Diaconescu

Adriana Diaconescu joined the British School of Bucharest in 2019 as a Teaching Assistant.

She has a degree in History, specialising in Medieval history from Dimitrie Cantemir Christian University and has worked for many years within the administrative sphere including several years within an international school.

Loredana Barbu

Catherine Holland

Catherine Holland joined the British School of Bucharest in 2022.

She studied Primary Education at Edge Hill University and graduated with a BA(Hons) in 2009. She is an exceptionally experienced teacher having taught in several schools, both internationally and in the UK.
As a highly skilled EYFS teacher, Catherine discovered her passion for learning through play and gained the Early Years Professional Status in 2011. This has influenced her approaches to teaching and learning.
During her international teaching journey, she finely tuned her extensive experience, working in global academic environments.
She has worked in Qatar, Vietnam, the UK and most recently, Kuwait, where she was the Reception Curriculum coordinator.

Adriana Sima

Adriana Sima has been with the British School of Bucharest since 2008.

Her experience as an Early Years Teaching Assistant covers Pre-Nursery and Nursery, and she has also worked with older children, aged 6 to 11, at the popular BSB Summer School. Adriana has an MA in Psychology – Human Resources and a BA in Psychology – Education Sciences. She graduated from the CTAIC (Certificate for Teaching Assistants in an International Context) course in 2014.

Dana Cirje

Dana Cîrje joined the British School of Bucharest in 2007.

Over those fourteen years she has worked in the Early Years Foundation Stage and she is currently working as part of the School Learning Support Team. Dana studied Management and in 2015 completed the course ‘How to talk so kids can learn’.

Jenna Batson

Jenna Batson joined the British School of Bucharest in 2014 as a Music Teacher for Primary and is now one of our EYFS Curriculum Coordinators.

Jenna completed her teacher training at Chester University, specialising in Art. Following graduation, she spent her first few years in a Lancashire school before moving to the Middle East as a Class Teacher and Subject Coordinator in a highly respected British Curriculum school in Abu Dhabi.

Adriana Butaru

Adriana Butaru joined the British School of Bucharest in 2012 as a Teaching Assistant in EYFS.

She holds a MA degree in Visual Arts. In 2011 she became certified as a qualified Art Teacher in Ireland following her CPM (Classroom Practice Module) graduation from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, Ireland. Adriana has 15 years of experience working with children as a Teaching Assistant and Art teacher.

Kate Dibble

Kate Dibble joined the British School of Bucharest in 2011.

She studied Primary Education at The University of the West of England, in Bristol. Before moving to Bucharest, Kate spent five years teaching in the British school system in Devon, in the South West of England. After two years teaching in Key Stage 1, Kate moved to Early Years, where she taught Nursery for three years. Kate taught Nursery, Year 1, and in 2020 and 2021, she taught Y2 and will teach Reception starting this Autumn.

Daniela Vezeanu

Daniela Vezeanu began working at the British School of Bucharest in 2008 in Early Years.

She has a BA in Universal and Comparative English Literature. During her time working with children, she has specialised in working in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1.

Aisling Kinsella

Aisling Kinsella joined the British School of Bucharest in 2022.

She obtained her PGCE from Sunderland University and for the last three years, Aisling has taught Early Years in a highly respected International School in Cambodia. She is passionate about providing an individualised experience that encourages every child’s voice in her classroom to be heard and considered.
As a specialist in early child development, she has a keen interest in nurturing students and providing stimulating learning experiences. An expert in transition and attachment, she brings her breadth of experience to Primary School.

Nicoleta Bragadireanu

Nicoleta Bragadireanu started at the British School of Bucharest in 2006, working in Pre-Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 as a Teaching Assistant.

She is a graduate of the University of Bucharest (Department of Foreign Languages and Literature) and, in 2014, completed her CTAIC (Certificate for Teaching Assistants in an International Context) with the University of Northampton.

Kelly Salmon

Kelly Salmon has been a Class Teacher in Primary at the British School of Bucharest since 2021.

She completed her Primary PGCE at the University of Sussex in 2014 after completing a Psychology (BSc) degree in 2010. After graduation, she taught KS1 in England, then moved to Shanghai, China, for three years, where she taught in bilingual kindergartens. Kelly has joined us after teaching Reception for two years in an International School in Cadiz, Spain. She has a big passion for ‘learning through play’ and encouraging ‘hands-on’ learning throughout the curriculum.

Claudia Gagea

Claudia Gagea joined the British School of Bucharest in 2006 as a Teaching Assistant. She worked throughout the school but mainly in Key Stage 2 (years 4, 5 and 6).

She graduated from the Romanian-American University in Bucharest with a degree in International Relations, International Banking and Finance. She obtained her CTAIC course (Certificate for Teaching Assistants in an International Context) from the University of Northampton and currently works in EYFS, Pre-Nursery class.

Ann-Marie Isaac

Ann-Marie Isaac joined the British School of Bucharest in 2015. She combines her role as a Class Teacher with being the Key Stage 1 Coordinator for Primary.

She studied teaching at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen, where she specialised in Music and Key Stage 1. Ann-Marie’s international school experience includes teaching children from Reception to Year 2 in Kuwait, where she taught for many years in different schools.

Ramona Boiangiu

Ramona Boiangiu joined BSB in 2003 and has worked in the Primary school with Year 2, 3 and 4 for more than 10 years.

She currently works with Year 1 and enjoys every single day with the children. Ramona has a BA in English and Spanish from Spiru Haret University and achieved a CACHE Level 2 Diploma for Teaching Assistants with Distinction Diploma. She has also gained the Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) and recently the Cambridge English Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA).

​ Lucy Harrison

Lucy Harrison joined the British School of Bucharest in 2019 as a Teaching Assistant. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, Canada.

Lucy obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, specialising in Social and Community Psychology, and a PGCE from the University of Birmingham. Lucy has volunteered in schools and worked as an Activities Director. She is a Class Teacher now and passionate about providing quality education to students and promoting a lifelong love for learning.

Ana-Maria Bragadireanu

Ana-Maria Bragadireanu currently works as a Teaching Assistant. She joined the British School of Bucharest in 2005 and has mostly been with Pre-Nursery and Nursery.

She also held the Resources Coordinator position for three years, covering classes in Years 1 to 6 during this time. Ana-Maria attended the George Cosbuc Bilingual High School, studying English as a second language, and has also studied English with a teaching module at the Spiru Haret University.

Matthew Scragg

Matthew Scragg is a dedicated teacher with experience across KS1 and both lower and upper KS2 at schools in England and overseas.

Matthew graduated from the University of Manchester in 2004 and, after spending several years working in Human Rights Law, obtained his PGCE at Sheffield Hallam University in 2010.
He first joined the British School of Bucharest in 2012 as a Primary School Teacher in Year 4, coordinating the ICT and PSHCE Curriculums. He spent the next seven years leading KS1 and KS2 English in international schools in The Netherlands and Qatar before rejoining the British School of Bucharest. Whilst in Qatar, Matthew taught Primary School Music in partnership with The Juilliard School in New York.

Andreea Nichita

Andreea Nichita joined BSB as a Teaching Assistant in August 2022. She is a certified Yoga teacher and completed her certification at Rishikesh, India, in 2020. Following her passion and continuous desire to keep learning, she is pursuing a Diploma in Psychology.

Anna Atanasiu

Anna received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the UK in Private International Law. She worked for major international companies in the UK and Cyprus, such as Deloitte, KPMG, and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.

She joined BSB in 2018 as our Data Protection Officer. Being a part of the BSB community and observing the work of our dedicated teachers inspired her to make a career change. She completed her PGCE with the University of Sunderland (graduated with distinction) in 2022. Having been raised in multiple countries (Cyprus and Sweden), Anna has a unique set of skills allowing her to cater for the needs of our international students. In her classroom, Anna applies the amalgam of science and empathy. She is always on top of the latest educational research to pander to children’s needs. Anna enjoys discovering the Arctic, observing nature, botanical drawing, and various kinds of sports in her free time.

Cătălina Paraschiv

Miss Cătălina Paraschiv joined BSB in 2007 and is currently working with Year 6 pupils, having worked in upper Key Stage 2 for many years. She graduated (B.A.) in Literature at the University of Bucharest, including the pedagogical module. She also completed the University of Northampton’s Teaching Assistant course and enjoys being part of the teaching staff at the BSB Primary School.

Philosophy

I consider Teaching Assistants the backbone of any classroom. Therefore, passion and energy, dedication, adaptability, forward-thinking and being friendly are necessary so that every pupil has the support they need for their lessons.

What I teach my students

I support, motivate and encourage children to reach their high expectations in learning, and create a desire to always strive for more.

Something unexpected

I am a certified cycling instructor 🙂 and a collector of old children’s books.   

Philip Holland

Philip Holland joined the British School of Bucharest in 2022 and he is a dedicated teacher with a great deal of experience working across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

He graduated from Aberystwyth University with a degree in Business Economics. Before completing his Primary PGCE at Edge Hill University, he worked as an EAL specialist for two schools in Vietnam, the British Vietnamese International School and the British International School.
Since completing his Primary PGCE, he worked as a Key Stage 2 Teacher at the renowned Kuwait English School. Philip’s expertise is language acquisition and he combines humour with exciting opportunities to ensure his students are successful.

Livia Bud

Livia Bud joined the British School of Bucharest in 2007 as a Teaching Assistant, working with Key Stage 1 for six years and, more recently, spending time with Key Stage 2.

During her time with the school, Livia has completed many courses, including Teaching Assistant, Child Protection, First Aid, Online Safely, Safeguarding Young People and The Prevent Duty.

Emily Marsh

Emily Marsh joined the British School of Bucharest in 2019 as a Primary School Teacher and one of our Curriculum Coordinators.

Emily graduated from the University of Edinburgh and attended the University of Exeter, where she obtained her Primary PGCE, specialising in the Humanities. Emily started her teaching career 10 years ago, is a dedicated teacher with experience across the EYFS, KS1 and lower KS2 in the UK and overseas. She joined us after six successful years in Shenzen, China.

Daniela Iliescu

Daniela Iliescu has worked as an Early Years Teaching Assistant at the British School of Bucharest since 2011, working in Nursery for four years and, more recently, in Year 3.

Previously, she taught English in a Romanian Public School and volunteered in a village school close to Bucharest for Nursery and Primary children. These combined opportunities helped Daniela to move into working with children as a career. Daniela has a degree in Theology and English from the University of Bucharest.

Laura Gildea

Laura Gildea is the Primary Learning Support Coordinator and a class teacher, having joined the British School of Bucharest in 2017.

She worked as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher before moving to London to complete her PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in Primary Education and then teaching in London for several years. Before joining our school, Laura gained experience in teaching the British Curriculum in an international setting with the British School of Beijing, where she taught in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Theodora Anagnostopoulou

Theodora has taught English, French and Greek as a foreign language teacher.

Through this extensive experience, she has acquired new techniques in teaching, become more patient, made new friends and visited new places to meet her students. In 2013, though her coming to Romania did not seem like a step in the right direction as she did not speak the language back then, she reinvented herself and taught in nurseries. Her last position as Deputy Headmaster at a French kindergarten also helped her gain experience in preschool stages. “I know only one thing that I know nothing”, by Socrates, keeps her forever interested in learning daily from her students.
She likes learning languages when she doesn’t work or tries to create with yarn and needles what she cannot draw. Having no pets in her new location, she turned her love to plants and found out she has green fingers, after all.

Nicholas Morgan

Nicholas Morgan has a BSc in Astronomy and Maths, which he obtained whilst living abroad in Malaysia.

He started his journey as a teacher at the Nexus International School in Putrajaya, Malaysia. He is an experienced KS2 teacher who taught Year 6 for the last three years at The British School Kathmandu in Nepal. Having extensive knowledge of new technologies, he uses technology to enhance learning as an ICT coordinator and a Google Certified Trainer. He has an innate passion for developing a growth mindset in his students and encouraging them to embrace all facets of their education.

Bianca Zamfirescu

Bianca Zamfirescu joined the British School of Bucharest in 2012 as a Teaching Assistant.

Throughout her time at BSB, she has gained valuable experience in supporting children across the Primary School, with a particular focus on Key Stage 2. Bianca graduated from Transylvania University in Brasov with a degree in Romanian-English Literature and also a master’s degree from Bucharest University in Communications and Public Relations. She completed a Certificate for Teaching Assistants in an International Context at the University of Northampton, which has helped to shape and develop her classroom practice.

Adam Pegrum

Adam Pegrum has been at the British School of Bucharest since 2015.

He completed a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in Primary Teaching after taking the CELTA (Certificate in Language Teaching to Adults) language course in 2007. Following his qualification as a teacher, Adam spent eight years teaching EAL (English as an Additional Language) in the UK, South Korea and Vietnam, where he specialised in teaching young learners. Adam also has a degree in Tourism Management from Sheffield Hallam University.

Anca Huțanu

Anca Huțanu joined the British School of Bucharest in 2019 as a Teaching Assistant.

Anca graduated from the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iași, and she has Bachelor’s Degrees in both Psychology and English with German, together with her teacher training qualification. Anca has four years of experience in the private education sector, teaching English in different schools in Romania.

Karen Cojocaru

Karen Cojocaru joined the British School of Bucharest in 2014 as a Class Teacher.

She graduated with a Primary Education degree from the University of Lancaster. She taught in primary schools in the north of England for a few years before moving to western Germany, spending 10 years teaching in an international environment. During this time, Karen played an important role in setting up a new bilingual international school in Cologne as part of the school’s Leadership Team.

Denisa Muscalescu

Denisa Muscalescu joins the British School of Bucharest as a Teaching Assistant for the Primary stage.

She has experience working with Primary and Secondary pupils as a private English tutor and is currently finishing her Law Degree. Her passion for the English language has transformed into an academic career which she plans to follow by becoming a certified English teacher by taking the Cambridge Proficiency, TKT and CELTA exams.

Ellis McConnell

Ellis McConnell joined the British School of Bucharest in 2022 as a Primary class teacher.

She graduated with a PGA degree from the University of Brighton, where she was the school-wide lead in English. Before starting her international teaching journey at BSB, she spent the last few years teaching in a school in the UK. As a former international school student who completed her secondary education and IB diploma in Thailand, she is eager to share her knowledge and expertise with her pupils. Ellis leads the Guides at BSB and has a keen interest in pastoral development.

Raluca Bobeica

Raluca Bobeica joined the British School of Bucharest in 2016.

She has an MA in Public Relations and Communication and a BA in Foreign Languages. Before joining the school, Raluca was an English teacher and a freelance photographer, working with children aged two to 15.

Thomas Williams

Thomas Williams holds a First Class Honours Degree in Education.

He started teaching in 2012 and has worked at a prestigious international school in Kazakhstan. He has taught a wide range of Primary students and held his first leadership role in 2015 as Head of EYFS. Thomas is exceptionally committed to professional development and recently led whole staff training. His extensive background and broad experience enable him to get the very best from each child in his class. He is also a very dedicated chess player.

Ingrid Munteanu

Ingrid Munteanu is a Teaching Assistant in Year 6, having joined the British School of Bucharest in August 2017.

She has a BA in Foreign Languages from the University of Bucharest and an MA in HR Management. After graduation, Ingrid used her foreign languages expertise to teach French in a Romanian public school.

Rebecca Doganay

Rebecca Doganay joined the British School of Bucharest in 2017 as a Year 5 teacher and PHSCE Coordinator.

Rebecca graduated with a degree in Primary Education from the University of Worcester in 2006 before spending two years working within the British school system in the UK, in both middle school and primary school settings. She then moved to an international school in Istanbul, where she was subject leader for PHSCE and English and a Year 5 teacher for five years. Before joining our school, Rebecca was Head of Year and Humanities, Arts and PHSCE subject leader at another international school in Bucharest. She is also the Coordinator for Year 5 and Year 6.

Philip Jak Kain

Jak Kain joined the British School of Bucharest in 2022 as a Primary Class Teacher and Science Lead. Jak gained his PGDipEd (in Primary Education) in 2015 from The University of Birmingham. He subsequently taught for four years in the UK state system, leading Years 4 and 6.

Jak is a dedicated and passionate teacher with a wealth of experience across Key Stage 2. He enjoys the exciting challenges and variation teaching and is passionate about helping students reach their full potential. In 2019, Jak taught at an international school in Hanoi, Vietnam and led Maths across the Primary School.

Catalina Stefan

Catalina Stefan has worked as a Teaching Assistant at the British School of Bucharest since 2011.

She spent four years teaching Early Years before changing to work within Key Stage 2 and now Year 6. Catalina’s teaching experience includes time spent at a Romanian nursery and working as a Teaching Assistant and Substitute Teacher in an American international environment. She has a BA in Social Work from the University of Bucharest.

Jonathan Smith

Jonathan Smith joined the British School of Bucharest in 2015 as a teacher in the EAL Department.

Prior to moving to Romania, he taught English to children in Years 1 to 9 at a Czech state school, where he also worked on an initiative to introduce e-learning and promote inclusion within Czech schools. Jonathan’s significant experience with language learning also includes working with a prestigious Czech IT company, for whom he founded the English Language Training Department and helped establish an award-winning private international university, leading the English Department.

Alexandra Killham

Alexandra joined the British School of Bucharest as a Primary Music Teacher in 2020.

She graduated with combined honours in Music and Social Anthropology from Dalhousie University, and she started her teaching career in public schools in Nova Scotia, Canada. Her main instrument is voice, and she studied piano and orchestral percussion throughout her academic career. She began teaching early years and primary music internationally in a British school in Kuwait in 2015 and stayed there for five years. She was the choir director and also taught piano, voice, and dance. In 2018, she obtained a master’s in education from the University of New Brunswick. She’s also very passionate about critical education and language studies.

Dalila Istrate

Ms Dalila Istrate joined the British School of Bucharest in January 2005 as a Teaching Assistant. She brought a wealth of talent and experience gained working with children, both within and outside Romania. Dalila is a qualified Art Teacher and has completed three international courses as part of her continuous professional development during her 16 years as a Teaching Assistant.

Philosophy

After I lived in Argentina for several years and worked with children from poor backgrounds, I realised that I had the skills and knowledge to prepare them for a better world. Teaching is a way of offering a solid learning experience to each pupil, which is one reason that inspires me to continue to teach to this day.

What I teach my students

I will start with Maria Montessori’s metaphor, ‘The Child, His Majesty’.
Every year group demands specific necessities. Being an EYFS Music Teacher is a challenge for me to make them understand and embrace Music at such an early stage of their lives. Being a Primary Music TA is a perfect opportunity for me to support my students in learning and discovering Music and instruments.

Something unexpected

I am quite a good ping-pong and badminton player, and I received the title of Champion in Secondary School by competing with different school teams from Romania.

Ana Maria Marin

Mrs Ana-Maria Marin joined the British School of Bucharest in 2000, our opening year. Ana-Maria has been with the School through all the essential steps to create and deliver an excellent learning environment for children. She worked with the School Office, gave Romanian lessons to students and parents, was a co-teacher in Pre-Nursery and played a supporting role for the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Department and the Able, Gifted and Talented Department. She assists with organising trips and other enrichment activities for Primary. Additionally, she is a Romanian and English Literature graduate from the University of Bucharest.

Philosophy

I believe a child learns when feeling safe, when feeling seen and when opportunities are plenty. Children are more likely to take risks, ask questions, welcome diverse opinions, and generate more productive and creative solutions if they are in continuous competition with themselves.

What I teach my students

As a librarian, my job is to match the child with the right book and ensure they come back for another book and another and then some more. As a support staff member, I encourage their creativity, spontaneity and individuality.

Something unexpected

I have named my daughter after a student I worked with, a little Japanese girl that came to us with no English at all. She could only express herself through gestures and art, but sometimes the most profound connections do not need words.
Since 1997, when I first came across it, I have read my favourite book seven times. I’m pretty sure I might reread it in the future. 

Kalliopi Diimitropoulou

Kalliopi Diimitropoulou joined the British School of Bucharest in 2019 as a Teaching Assistant.

Kalliopi graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with a specialisation in Preschool Education and obtained her Master’s diploma in Human Resources, at the Bucharest University. Kalliopi speaks fluent English and Romanian, and her mother language is Greek. She joins us after several years teaching Primary students.

Andreea Banciu

Andreea Banciu first joined BSB in October 2007 and worked as a Teaching Assistant for 10 years in Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

She took a hiatus from working at BSB in 2018 to manage some personal projects and also worked as a private English Tutor during this period before coming back this year as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant in Key Stage 1.

Eibhlin Goppert

Eibhlín Göppert joins the British School of Bucharest as a teacher of Arts, Design & Food Technology.

She received a first honours BA in Education and Psychology from the Mary Immaculate College in Ireland, specialising in Art in Education and ABA in Psychology. She also attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston to receive the Nord Anglia training on launching STEAM challenges in school.

Eibhlín has taught across both Primary and Secondary schools, including as Head of Art at the British International School Hanoi in Vietnam. In that role, she achieved excellent results and created an engaging curriculum that challenged and provided increased interest in IGCSE and IB Visual Arts courses.

She aims to continue working internationally and in Secondary Art Education, collaborating with professionals and students from around the world to provide meaningful learning opportunities that align with our ever-changing environment.

Iulia Gogiia

Iulia Gogiia works as SENCO in our Secondary Special Educational Needs (SEN) Department.

She joined the British School of Bucharest in 2015. Iulia holds a BA in Psychology and has recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate International Award for SEN Coordination at Middlesex University.

Milena Stefan

Milena Stefan joined the British School of Bucharest in 2009 as a Teaching Assistant and now works as Learning Support in the Secondary Special Educational Needs (SEN) Department.

She studied Modern Languages and has worked as a translator and interpreter. Milena also worked for a few years with different groups at risk (single mothers, abandoned children, homeless people, refugees and Roma people) and has supported poverty projects, both in Romania and outside the country. Milena holds a degree in Social Care from the University of Bucharest.

Andreea Knight

Andreea Knight joined BSB in 2022, bringing her passion for education alongside promoting a healthy lifestyle and practising sport.

She is a graduate of the University of Bucharest, Department of Social Care, specialising in Mother and Child Protection. She has been volunteering for more than five years for non-profit organisations, providing assistance with the social reintegration process.

She has been teaching English since 2005, tutoring students and also giving class lessons in private kindergartens in Bucharest. CPD certified in teaching Phonics, her professional background also comprises co-teaching the Early Years programme at San Silvestre, Lima, being responsible for lesson planning, coordinating and delivering lessons and a contribution at the International School of Milan.

She speaks Spanish fluently as she lived in South America (Argentina and Peru) for four years. Outside of School she is a certified trainer for the Romanian Federation Sport for All. She is also a Yoga, Pilates and Tae Bo instructor.

Ana-Maria Corliceanu

Ana-Maria joined the British School of Bucharest in 2021, as a school counsellor.

She graduated with a master’s degree in assessment, counselling and psychotherapy for children, couples and families, from the University of Bucharest. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and psychological counsellor and is currently undergoing training in hypnotherapy and cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy. She has five years of experience working with children with special needs.

In June 2020, she became a member of the research team at the Laboratory of Clinical Psychology for Children, Adolescents and Families.

Ana-Maria is also a volunteer for children with special needs and has offered her assistance in various hospitals in the pediatric psychiatric ward.

During her master’s degree, she was introduced to the notions related to play therapy and drama therapy, which she has since integrated with her therapeutic work with children.

While working with children, she focuses on connecting and providing a safe framework to grow emotionally. As a school counsellor at BSB, Ana conducts assessments and lesson observations, assisting children in developing their cognitive and emotional abilities. She also supports children in understanding their inner and outer world better and adapting their behaviour according to their needs.

Teodora Ghinea

Teodora Ghinea joined the British School of Bucharest in 2022 as a School Counsellor. She graduated with a MA in Assessment, Counselling and Psychotherapy for children, couples and families from the University of Bucharest.

Teodora is a Member of the Romanian Psychologists College, professing as an Autonomous clinical psychologist and psychological counsellor. She has experience working with children with emotional, social or school difficulties, as well as experience working with children with special needs, including expertise in personal development workshops. Teodora also has long-term training in Experiential and Unification Psychotherapy focused on adult-child-couple-family.

Teodora volunteers for children in different associations and non-formal activities, providing them with emotional support.

Emma Morgan

Emma Morgan started working at the British School of Bucharest in August 2022.

She holds a Mathematics degree from the University of Bristol and is currently completing a master’s degree in the Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing. She has a wealth of international experience, having worked in Thailand, Malaysia, and Nepal as a Maths teacher and Head of Mathematics. Emma has fostered strong bonds with her students throughout her 11-year teaching career and is now applying those skills in supporting mental well-being and helping guide pupils and students be the best they can be.

Daniela Serban

Daniela Serban is an Autonomous Integrative Psychotherapist and a Member of the Romanian Psychologists College.

She has over 20 years of experience working as a student mentoring and training programme coordinator. She organises individual and group psychotherapy sessions and is a consultant for human resources development and organises training sessions for social educators, as well as in vocational and personal development. Daniela joined the British School of Bucharest in 2017 as a Human Resources Development Consultant and has now rearranged her schedule to allow for individual sessions for BSB parents and staff members, helping them to get through the stressful period of COVID-19.

Veronica Diaconescu

Veronica Diaconescu joined BSB in 2018 as a Teacher’s Assistant. Three years later she shifted to Extracurricular Coordinator.

Veronica completed a Master’s degree in Economics at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest. Following her graduation, she worked for six years as an accountant for a private IT company. She then specialised in the payroll and human resources field, working for a year as Human Resources Inspector for an Accounting & Human Resources company. At BSB she experienced her first teaching assistant role and now her first role as an Extracurricular Coordinator. In the future, she plans to explore and gain experience in management to further develop her career.

Elena Tudor

Elena joined the British School of Bucharest in 2020 as a School Nurse. In 2017, she graduated as a General Nurse from the Carol Davila School.

During the same year, she started to work in education at a private school in Bucharest, providing medical assistance and creating a warm and friendly environment amongst children and staff. A large part of Elena’s training required of her to do internships in the paediatric department of the hospital. There she gained a great deal of experience in knowing best how to act and treat children. Being a mother of two, this has also helped her immensely with her own children.

She studied Psychology and enjoys working with children, and believes that individual health can be defined as a state of physical, mental and social well-being.

Elena’s philosophy is that as long as we are in harmony with our body, we can easily solve medical problems and that, any individual when not feeling well, needs care, kindness and a big smile.

Janet Hunter

Janet Hunter joins us in 2021 as the Head of Secondary English.

She obtained her PGCE in English at the University of Nottingham in 2005 and has 16 years of teaching experience. She also has experience as Head of English and EAL, as well as Pastoral Care.

Catherine Sinclair

Catherine Sinclair is joining BSB in 2021 as a teacher of English. She has a PGCE in English and Media from the University of North London.

She taught English to Secondary students in several international schools in India, UAE, Mexico and the UK.

Holly Stephens

Holly Stephens joined the British School of Bucharest as a Media Lead and teacher of English in 2021.

She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology and English with Dual Honours at the University of Keele before continuing with a PGCE at the University of Nottingham.
Having a great passion for creativity, Holly moved swiftly across to teaching Media, Creative Media Production and Film at GCSE, BTEC, A level and IB at both British and International settings from the Middle East to the USA. She feels very fortunate to join BSB to build a new Media qualification in Romania where staff and students can thrive.

Lauren Anghel

Lauren Anghel joined the British School of Bucharest in 2022 as a teacher of English. She completed her undergraduate degree in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Westminster before completing her PGCE in English at the Institute of Education, University College London.

Celia Wrigthon

She joined the British School of Bucharest as a Teacher of English. She studied Experimental Psychology at Somerville College, Oxford, before getting her PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) in English at Kingston University, London. 
Before training to teach, Celia studied acting, diction, writing and public speaking. She brings all that experience to help students develop their confidence in the three disciplines of English: reading, writing and oracy. Previously, she has worked with students who want to study at the top universities in the world.

Philosophy

Everyone is good at something, so I’m always encouraging students to never give up on themselves if they are not brilliant at every subject at school. The more they discover about their true selves and their unique talents, the happier they will be in life. 

What I teach my students

If I could take the students on a field trip anywhere in the world, I would like to go with them to the Globe theatre on the river Thames in London. It is an almost perfect replica of the theatre in Shakespeare’s day. 

Something unexpected

I can sing. I trained in Acting and Musical Theatre at Mountview in London, one of the best musical theatre schools in the UK. I was an actor for five years, a jazz singer, and then a musical comedian. I’ve also performed all over the UK and co-wrote an original musical, which I took to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  

Alex Coope

Alex Coope joined the British School of Bucharest in 2013 and is Head of Maths. Alex studied Maths at Leeds Carnegie before completing a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) at Sheffield University.

Following graduation, Alex’s first teaching post was with a large comprehensive secondary school in the UK, teaching Maths, Physical Education and ICT. After four years there, he moved to Alexandria, Egypt, where he was the Head of Mathematics and ICT for eight years. Alex later worked in Kuwait for three years before moving to Romania to join our school.

Jacques Faulkner

Jaques Faulkner joined BSB in 2021. He has taught Secondary Maths and ESL at multiple academic levels, from Primary to Year 13.

His international experience includes leading teaching positions in various schools in Thailand, Spain and the UK.

John Flood

John Flood has been a Maths teacher at the British School of Bucharest since 2011.

He has taught Maths at multiple academic levels, from Primary to Year 13, and gained international experience teaching both the IB and IGCSE curriculum in Istanbul. John is a graduate of the University of Scotland, where he studied Mechanical Engineering before undertaking engineering roles in the UK and the Far East before moving into teaching.

Ben Shuttleworth

Ben Shuttleworth rejoined the British School of Bucharest in 2020.

He graduated from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, with a first-class Master’s in Mathematics, followed by a PGCE from the University of Warwick. His first teaching post lasted five years at Hereford Sixth Form College, UK, where he spent five years specialising in the teaching of A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Ben then taught here at the British School of Bucharest for five years before taking a year’s sabbatical to teach in Vietnam. In 2020 he returned to the British School of Bucharest to teach both Mathematics and Computer Science.

Natalia Buckley

Natalia Buckley joined the Mathematics Faculty in 2022.

She graduated from Lancaster University after studying Mathematics and obtained her PGCE from Leeds University.

Natalia was the mathematics subject leader at two primary schools before gaining international experience teaching the IGCSE and IB curriculum at an international secondary school in Hanoi. During her career, she has taught Mathematics at multiple academic levels from Year 2 to Year 12.

Eva Cliffe

Eva Cliffe studied Natural Sciences (Biological) at Newnham College, Cambridge, then worked in the industry as a Development Chemist.

After spending some time as a youth worker, she completed her teacher training in Stoke-on-Trent, where she worked in a local school as a Teacher of Chemistry. Eva joins BSB from Hong Kong, where she has spent a year working for the international NGO Crossroads Foundation. Before this sabbatical, she taught Chemistry at the prestigious Harrow International School Hong Kong before becoming Head of Chemistry for four years and Head of Scholars for the following two. During all six years, she was also the Assistant House Mistress of a Boarding House. Eva has led a range of extracurricular activities, including STEAM, musical theatre and knitting! She also loves to experience new places and cultures and has been all around the world with school trips, from Fiji to China, India and the Galapagos Islands.

Naomi Bousie

Naomi Bousie has worked as a Science teacher at the British School of Bucharest since 2015.

She studied Biology and completed her PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) at the University of Wales, Swansea. She taught Science in the British school system for a few years before moving to Mwanza, Tanzania, to teach Biology and Psychology in an international school.

Chloe Millward

Miss Chloe Millward joined the British School of Bucharest in 2021, and she has been teaching our Secondary students Physics and Science, alongside being the Head of Key Stage 5. She studied Physics at the University of Durham. Afterwards, she worked as an After Treatment Integration Engineer for Cummins Emissions Solutions before returning to the University of Durham to complete her teaching PGCE in Physics and Mathematics. She worked in Middlesbrough, then moved to Lusaka International Community School in Zambia, where she taught IGCSE and A-Level Physics. She was promoted to Pastoral Leader, Years 9 and 10 and successfully ran the Student Council during her time there. She recently completed her MA in Education from the University of Durham.

Philosophy

Every student should be allowed to flourish, and education is the key to that. Education is more than academics and the retrieval of content; it is the ability to problem-solve, critically analyse situations, and enable a person to become the best version of themselves. This can only be possible if students feel supported and cared for within the
school environment. Students should feel supported even when they fail; fostering this resilience can prepare them to take on the modern world. Teachers can have such a profound impact on their students, and I hope my impact on the students at BSB is meaningful.

What I teach my students

I prepare my students for A-Level by exposing them to examination-style questions throughout the Academic Year to help them understand the style and terminology and apply their knowledge at the examination. Besides discussing concepts, I also incorporate practical and hands-on teaching. We also spend a lot of time in class reviewing questions and modelling the mathematical approach to problems, enhancing their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

As Head of Key Stage 5, I ensure that all students are supported throughout the year. This last term, we focussed on creating realistic revision timetables that can be followed. Some students make these on paper, and others do this on apps on their phones or using online calendars. The key to making a realistic revision timetable is scheduling time for things other than academics. Going to the movies, reading a book, or seeing friends can significantly improve memory and productivity during scheduled revision sessions. We also have offered study skills and exam stress workshops to prepare groups of students further. I often have one-to-one sessions with students, mentoring and coaching them to ensure they feel prepared for the exams and offer an individualised support plan for each student.

Patrick Sutton-Coulson

Patrick Sutton-Coulson joined the British School of Bucharest in 2020 as a Secondary Science Teacher.

He studied Biology and Psychology at Aston University, with a particular interest in microbiology. Patrick worked as a science technician at two schools in London before completing his PGCE and taught at Waldegrave School in Richmond for six years. He enjoys teaching science and the variety of extra-curricular activities that teaching allows for. At all schools Patrick has worked in, he has helped run science clubs, CREST award clubs and taken part in school choirs and drama productions.

Anthony George

Anthony George studied Physics at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford, before undertaking a PGCE at King’s College, London.

Ever keen to develop and learn new things, Anthony recently completed an MA in Educational Leadership from University College, London.

He taught in schools in London for a few years before moving to Hong Kong to take his first steps in his career as an international teacher.

Anthony has spent the last eighteen years teaching students in international schools in Hong Kong, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Cambodia, where he was the IBDP and Curriculum Coordinator.

Wallace Macindoe Macgregor

Wallace brings to BSB eight years of teaching experience at international schools in Ukraine, Egypt, Spain and Russia.

Before starting a career in teaching and obtaining his PGCE from Canterbury Christ Church University, Wallace spent several years in academia and the pharmaceutical industry as a chemist in both research and development fields. As a PhD holder, he has published several articles for chemistry peer-reviewed journals and holds an MBA from Durham University. Beyond the execution of his lessons, it is not surprising that he emphasises how student learning takes on broader significance in the real world, outside the classroom.
During his free time, Wallace enjoys trying and sampling new recipes, learning foreign languages and keeping fit.

Phil Doganay

Phil Doganay graduated from Istanbul University with a degree in Geology Engineering.

Since then he has lived and worked in Turkey, England, Saudi Arabia and Romania. Before working as a lab technician at the British School, Phil was a member of staff at an international school in Istanbul.

Susannah Read

Susannah Read, the Head of Humanities & MAT coordinator, who joined the British School of Bucharest in 2018, has a degree in the rather unusual subject of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic from the University of Cambridge.

After two years working in recruitment in London, she completed her History PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) at the University of Sussex. She has since taught at good schools in Sussex and Brighton, in England, as well as in the international sphere at a top A level college in Singapore. In 2016, Susannah moved with her family to teach at an international school in Malaysia for two years before moving to Romania to join us as a History Teacher.

​Scott Allsop

Scott Allsop joined the British School of Bucharest in 2014. He is a teacher of Humanities and a House Coordinator.

Scott is a Cambridge graduate, studying History at Emmanuel College before returning to the University of Cambridge to complete his PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). He taught for several years at a comprehensive secondary school in the UK before embarking on teaching in an international environment with a move to the Modern English School, Cairo. There, he held the position of Head of Humanities and was the whole-school Online Learning Coordinator. Scott is the author of a leading history learning website and also hosts a popular daily history podcast.

​Alice Allsop

Alice Allsop joined the Humanities Faculty of the British School of Bucharest in 2016.

She studied Geography at the University of Cambridge and had a career in higher education and disability studies before becoming an international teacher. With six years spent teaching in Cairo, Egypt, as the Coordinator of the International Baccalaureate ‘Core’, Alice continues to examine for the IB Theory of Knowledge course alongside teaching the British Curriculum.

Roisin Mulchrone

Roisin Mulchrone joined the British School of Bucharest in 2020 as a Secondary Psychology Teacher.

She studied Psychology at St. Mary’s University of Twickenham and has taught for six years in the UK and three years in Vietnam. She has been a Psychology A Level teacher throughout this time while also teaching various Humanities subjects to Key Stage 3. After her PGCE, she completed a research Masters in ‘Education and Leadership’.

Nick West

Nick West joined BSB in 2021 as a Geography Teacher.

He has more than 10 years of experience creatively teaching in secondary schools across Humanities subjects. He also has three year’s experience teaching Computing and intensive academic lessons to students with EAL. His approach to education is that every child matters. He supports this statement by creating a challenging and stimulating environment where success is both earned and celebrated through hard work.

Stephen Young

Stephen Young works in our Computing department, teaching Computer Science at KS3, KS4 and KS5. He joined the school in August 2020.

He received his BSc honours degree in Information Systems as well as his PGCE at Edge Hill University in Lancashire, graduating in 2001. Stephen has taught in colleges and schools in the UK, Poland, Bermuda and Spain. Before going to University, Steve worked for both the government and the private sector in computing.

During his time as a teacher, Stephen has taught Information Technology, Computer Science and also Design & Technology. He has taught a broad range of topics, software and programming languages over the years. He was also involved in an international astronomy project, has assisted with school science fairs and run an investment club. He is also very passionate about bringing technology into other subject areas and developing cross-curricular activities linked to computing.

Other than his passion for computing, Stephen enjoys going for walks and loves to travel, and he is an avid supporter of Liverpool Football Club.

Gerard O’Hara

Gerard O’Hara was appointed to the British School of Bucharest in August 2017 as an Economics and Business Studies teacher.

Gerard has extensive experience within the British school system, working in a variety of positions as Class Teacher, Deputy Head of Year, Principal Examiner, Head of the Business and Geography Department, and Assistant Head Teacher. Before joining our school, he held the position of Deputy Head of Curriculum at the Cairo English School for three years.

Trevor Knight

Trevor Knight has been a qualified high school teacher since 2006. Trevor graduated from Southern Cross University (Queensland, Australia) with a post-graduate degree in secondary education in Human Society and its Environment.

Trevor’s first posting was in Hanoi (Vietnam), then he went back to Australia teaching in the public system for a couple of year and then moved to Bucharest, then Cluj, Buenos Aires, Lima, Milan and finally back in Bucharest.

Trevor is passionate about education and he expresses this passion in all his lessons, engaging the students with real life experiences and their links to the unit topic of the day.
Prior to being an educator, Trevor’s experiences have been working for the Australian Government as a statistician and prior to that working for a brewery in Lima, Peru in the finance and logistics sections.

Outside of School, Trevor is a qualified gym trainer, group fitness instructor and a musician. He is passionate about football and road cycling too.

Starting 2022, he joined the BSB Computer Science, Business and Economics Faculty, as Business and Economics Teacher.

Elisabeth Citron

Elisabeth Citron is a French and Italian graduate of Jesus College, Cambridge.

Having joined the British School of Bucharest in 2012 as a Modern Languages teacher, she is now the Head of the MFL Faculty. Following graduation and a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), Elisabeth spent many years teaching French and German in a highly selective grammar school in London, where she was also Coordinator for Key Stage 3 and Language Exchanges. Elisabeth moved abroad with her family in 2006 to work at Harrow International School in Bangkok, Thailand, where she spent seven years teaching both French and English as a second language.

Miriam Collinson

Miriam Collinson joined the British School of Bucharest in 2018 and is a teacher of MFL.

An Exeter University graduate, Miriam studied French and German before qualifying as a Modern Foreign Languages teacher at Oxford University. She taught French, German and Spanish for many years in two different UK schools following the British Curriculum, where she also was Head of French and Head of Faculty. Before joining our school, Miriam spent two years as a French teacher at Lincoln Community School, an international school in Ghana.

Kim McCallum

Kim McCallum joined the British School of Bucharest in 2019.

He studied Spanish and French at London South Bank University and gained his PGCE certificate in 1997. He started his teaching career at the Repton School, Derbyshire, where he introduced Spanish to the school’s curriculum and was the French and Spanish teacher for 20 years.

Helen Noble

Helen Noble is a German and French graduate of Girton College, Cambridge.

After an early career in the British Diplomatic Service, she gained her PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) with the Open University. Since then, she has taught German and French in three selective and popular schools in London and Guildford, including Kings College School, Wimbledon. She has also taught German and English, as an additional language, in international schools in Athens and Berlin and lived for 8 years in Germany and Austria.

Dorothea Draser

Dorothea Draser joined BSB in 2006 as a teacher of German and Spanish.

She graduated from Heidelberg University (Germany) with an MA in German, English and Spanish languages and literature. She studied abroad at Universidad de Chile (Chile) and University of Augsburg (Germany), as well as in Babes Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca, Romania). She gained her PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from Sunderland University. She believes in lifelong learning and has expanded her knowledge of languages by learning French, Greek and some Mandarin Chinese as a hobby. She led the school’s MFL department for several years before going on maternity leave.

Rocio Marti

Rocio Marti Alarcon introduced Spanish as a Modern Foreign Language subject to the British School of Bucharest when she joined in 2008.

She has previously taught in international schools in Madrid, Spain, where she is originally from, but is now proud to call Bucharest home, where her eldest son was born.

Paloma Vivar Duran

Paloma Vivar holds an MBA in Business Administration from the University of La Salle in Barcelona and a Master in Advanced Teaching Skills from the Universidad Camilo José Cela in Madrid.

She is a certified DELE examiner by the Cervantes Institute and Executive Coach, specialising in teenagers and families.

For the past 19 years, she has dedicated her professional career to private companies in management positions within the financial and management control departments. For more than five years, she has been teaching Economics and Spanish, as well as emotional management and guidance of students through coaching through various programs.

Tianxiong Zang

Tianxiong Zang joined the British School of Bucharest in 2023 as a Teacher of Mandarin.

Zang studied at the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) for his master’s degree, focusing on Master of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. Zang was part of several programs, including the “International Chinese Volunteer Teachers” project. He started his teaching career ten years ago, and he was a Mandarin teacher at the Confucius Institute of Bucharest from 2015 to 2017 and from 2020 to 2021.

Mark Williams

Mark Williams joined the British School of Bucharest in 2006 and is now Head of the Creative Faculty.

Mark graduated with a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Exeter School of Art and Design, followed by an MA from Chelsea School of Art and a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from Brighton University. He previously worked as an exhibitions coordinator and curator, before becoming a freelance illustrator. Now a teacher and inspiration for his pupils, Mark continues to create art. His work has been published in many magazines and books. He is represented by Olivia Connelly in England and exhibits work at various venues and galleries, in both London and Bucharest.

John Greenslade

John Greenslade joined the British School of Bucharest in 2018 as an Art and Design & Technology teacher, having held the position of Head of Art and Design & Technology at the Instituto Bilingue Victoria in Mexico previously.

John studied Three-Dimensional Design and completed his PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in Cardiff. After teaching Art and Design for three years in Southampton, he began his international career in Cairo as Head of Art. John’s teaching career includes time spent working with students of all ages in Europe, North Africa, North America and Asia.

Siobhan Williams

Siobhan Williams studied Graphic Design at the University of Teesside before gaining a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in Design & Technology from the University of Sunderland.

She worked in the UK teaching Art, Design & Technology for four years while also studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. Siobhan’s first international teaching position was at Haileybury Almaty School in Kazakhstan, where she spent five years teaching Art.

Nick Read

Nick Read is an experienced Safety and Control Systems Engineer with 10 years of experience joining us in the Art and DT department.

His electrical and electronic engineering expertise and extensive technical software knowledge will prove to be a welcome addition for the BSB students.

Lynne Sharp

Lynne Sharp has been teaching music for ten years and holds a Music degree from City University in London and a PGCE in Music at the Institute of Education.

Before joining the British School of Bucharest, she was head of the Music Department for seven years for the Ark Academy in Wembley. During her time at Ark, the students she worked with played at prestigious London venues such as the Barbican and Wembley Arena.

Lynne has extensive experience in various instruments and performed several major festival processions around Northeast England. She has also been part of a concert band in London for ten years.

Sam Kennedy

Sam Kennedy joined the British School of Bucharest in 2020 as a Secondary Drama Teacher and as a LAMDA coordinator.

He spent four years studying at Liverpool’s John Moores University, gaining a BA Drama undergraduate degree and a PGDE in Secondary Drama. He has taught as a trainee in multiple schools in the Merseyside area during his studies. Sam has extensive experience working with and developing young people and children both in the UK and abroad through programmes such as the National Citizen Service, Camp America and Camp Canada.

James Pywell

James Pywell joined the British School of Bucharest in 2014 as a part-time specialist in instrumental music, bringing with him diverse musical experience gained in the UK and internationally.

He studied bassoon, composition and conducting at the University of Huddersfield, holds a Master’s in Composition, and plays several wind instruments. Since 1990, he has combined a freelance practical career with his role as a music educator in schools, colleges and universities. His many senior positions in music education include Fellow in Music at the University of Bradford, Academic Coordinator at A R Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, India, and Exchange Coordinator at BISYOC Intercultural Youth Orchestral Exchange. He has strong connections with the music education development in Kenya, where he lived for 13 years. He co-founded the National Youth Orchestra of Kenya and was its first Musical Director. He also initiated the country’s first BTEC National Diploma in Music (performance and technology).

Laura Lacher

Mrs Lacher joined the British School of Bucharest in 2023. She has a BA in acting and an MA in musical theatre. This is her second time teaching at BSB, the first being at the beginning of the pandemic when she prepared students for A-Levels.

She has experience teaching Music and Drama to all ages, starting as a teenager when she taught piano lessons at a private music school. She has a true passion for the performing arts and believes in supporting each student’s creativity and uniqueness.

Aside from teaching, Mrs Lacher is also a professional actress, currently in post-production with a short movie she wrote, directed and produced over the summer. She also nurtures her passion for music and is part of two bands that play regularly in Bucharest.

She is excited to be returning to BSB and having the opportunity to meet everyone.

Christopher Davies

Christopher Davies joined the British School of Bucharest in 2020 as a Secondary Physical Education teacher.

He studied Sports Development and Education Studies at Liverpool Hope University, where he graduated with a BAc with honours. After graduation, Christopher decided to join the Royal Marine Commandos. Upon leaving the Royal Marines, he received his PGCE in Physical Education at the University of Exeter. He developed a passion for PE and wanted to inspire young people to play sports with a high sense of sportsmanship, fair play and respect.

David Achim

David Achim joined the British School of Bucharest as the new Primary School Physical Education teacher and a Year 7 Tutor.

He received his undergraduate degree and PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from Loughborough University and is completing, through online courses, his Masters in Education at the same institution. David was born in England to a British mum and Romanian dad. He speaks both English and Romanian fluently and lived the majority of his life in Bucharest whilst studying at an international school. His multi-cultural heritage is a welcome addition to the British School of Bucharest.

Chris Fernandes

In 2018 Chris Fernandes received his Sports Science undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s University, this led him to undertaking work as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school in Covent Garden, followed by being an SEN TLA in a secondary school in Hayes and ended by working as a Year 3 1:1 Teaching Assistant in Feltham.

After gaining experience of working in different schools Chris joined the Hillingdon SCITT 2020-21 cohort for his teacher training alongside undertaking the PGCEcert at Brunel University. Starting 2022, he joined the BSB Physical Education Faculty.

Outside of School Chris is a Football Referee, a Level 1 Football Coach and a Level 1 Swimming Teaching Assistant. When he is not refereeing, Chris spends his time watching his local team (Hayes and Yeading United) and he enjoys swimming as it is a good relaxation tool.

Kirby Cranney

Kirby Cranney completed her degree at Teeside University in 2019 with first-class honours in Sports Studies. After graduating, she joined the North East Partnership SCITT, receiving her PGCE through Northumbria University.

She began her pedagogy career in Kuwait, teaching a diverse range of students for two years with the primary aim to allow students to develop character, respect and sportsmanship through love and understanding of PE.

Stelian Stancu

Stelian Stancu joined the BSB team in September 2017 and is one of the coaches who experienced football at the highest professional level as a player.

He took his first steps on the road at the Football School in Pitesti and then to include in his CV the most important clubs in terms of tradition and performance. In turn, he played for Astra, Sportul Studentesc, Poli Timisoara, FC Brasov and FC Steaua Bucuresti. He reached the peak of his career at Steaua, where he had the honour to meet in the supreme competition, the UEFA Champions League, the strongest football team at that time, Real Madrid.

The passion for Football, the seriousness and the desire to return to the sport what it offered him, determined him to continue on the coaching path, dedicating himself to initiating and perfecting the little sports-children, hoping that one day they will have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps or even to surpass their teacher.

​Sarah Porter

Sarah Porter joined the British School of Bucharest in 2013 as an EAL and Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) teacher.

She holds a BA in Modern Languages and an MA in Russian. Sarah previously taught French to Years 3 to 5 at a Preparatory School in North London.

Douglas Williams

Douglas Williams joined the British School of Bucharest in 2018 as a part-time EAL teacher, having previously taught at the American International School of Bucharest.

Prior to that, Douglas taught EAL at the British School of Kuala Lumpur for five years and in China and London before then. Douglas, who is also an experienced journalist, is founder and co-owner of OZB Media platform, an English language media platform for the international community in Romania.

Simona Scragg

Simona Scragg covers Secondary English classes and teaches Secondary EAL at the British School of Bucharest.

She has taught the British Curriculum for many years. Simona was the lead teacher of the EAL department at a school in The Netherlands and taught SEN and Secondary English at a school in Qatar. She also has experience teaching in Foundation, KS1 and lower KS2.
Simona graduated in English and Arabic from the Universitatea Dimitrie Cantemir here in Bucharest in 2008. She is a polyglot that can speak five different languages, including Spanish and Arabic.