Guy Martyn (Principal)

Guy Martyn, our Principal, brings with him a deep understanding of how successful schools build a culture of high behavioural standards and outstanding academic achievement, alongside challenging co-curricular opportunity and warm, wrap-around, pastoral care.

Guy appreciates the value of persistence, resilience and effort in all educational endeavours; whether they’re in the classroom, on the sports field, the drama studio or with friends in the playground, and he will ensure that they are central to your child’s experience at Chichester Free School.

Sian Williams (Deputy Principal)

Mrs Williams was Assistant Head at her previous school, where she was responsible for the quality of teaching and learning.

She has also taught at high achieving schools elsewhere in the country and has experience of initiating change to turn schools around and also to grow achievement from already high levels.

Mrs Williams teaches English and Drama at CFS, a role for which she is eminently qualified, having worked as a professional actor for a number of years at the start of her career.

Rob Angell (Assistant Head (Pastoral), Humanities)

Mr Angell studied Geography and Exercise & Health. Previous to CFS he was both Head of Geography and Head of Humanities.

In addition to his Head of Faculty duties, he built international school links, took responsibility for student teachers and sat on the committee board of a local conflict resolution group with national recognition for its work.

Mr Angell enjoys the task of leading Chichester Free School pupils into the world of the Humanities, where studying the past and how people interact together can have a positive impact on the future. Mr Angell is also a CFS lead in the CFS House system.

Clare Dolan (Assistant Head, i/c Teaching and Learning)

Miss Dolan was Head of Mathematics at her previous school and became an Advanced Skills Teacher in 2007.

She has supported different schools in Hampshire to improve their teaching and examination results.

She has experience teaching Mathematics and Science in middle and secondary schools and has brought her passion for both subjects with her to Chichester Free School.

Annette Thompson (Assistant Head, Primary)

Mrs Thompson has been teaching for many years in different parts of the country. She has experience of working in outstanding schools as well as supporting changes to teaching and learning and curriculum provision in underperforming schools.

Mrs Thompson’s last seven years have been spent in senior leadership experiencing different roles including leading on teaching and learning, KS1/EYFS lead, Assistant head and Deputy Head.

Louise New (Assistant Head i/c Data, Head of English)

Mrs New, our Head of English, has been teaching for ten years in a variety of schools around the country. She has experience of working in outstanding schools and has supported underperforming English departments in the local area.

For the last two years, Mrs New was Head of English at an outstanding Academy in Hampshire. Here she led on the English curriculum changes and helped the school to achieve improved GCSE results in both Language and Literature.

Mrs New also teaches drama and has experience of being on stage herself. Away from the classroom, she also finds time to go to the cinema, play netball and look after her two pet guinea pigs!

Jessica Bentley (Humanities & Head of Noctua House)

Miss Bentley joins the Humanities department having worked at a TeachFirst School in Birmingham for the last couple of years. Prior to this she attended the University of Warwick studying history.

She is a local girl herself, having attended Bishop Luffa Church of England School. Miss Bentley is passionate about her subject and hopes to bring this passion and enthusiasm to Chichester Free School.

She has been lucky enough to live in Zambia and study at the University of South Carolina and is looking forward to sharing much of what she has learnt with the pupils.

Julie Clarke (Year 1)

Mrs Clarke was born and grew up locally to Chichester. After moving on from her original floristry career, she worked for many years in nurseries and schools as a teaching assistant.

She subsequently trained as a Teacher with the support of her husband and children.

She is excited to be part of Chichester Free School as a Teacher in Year 1.

Richard Cook (Reception)

Mr Cook is one of our Reception teachers with a keen interest in primary Physical Education and data.

Mr Cook grew up in Hampshire, reading History at university, before moving to Chichester to embark on his teaching career. Previous to his role at Chichester Free School, Mr Cook developed his understanding and use of Early Years pedagogy for seven years as a Lead Early Years Practitioner in another Chichester school.

Mr Cook has also undertaken the Middle Leadership Development Programme with the National College for School Leadership.

Christine Devereaux (Art teacher)

Mrs Devereaux studied Art and Social Context at UWE Bristol, before completing her teacher training at Canterbury Christchurch College.

Previous to joining Chichester Free School she taught in a city school leading a successful Art department and has experience of teaching Art, Fine Art and Textiles whilst overseeing Graphics and Photography.

Mrs Devereaux is passionate about creativity and believes strongly in the importance of Art and Design and its ability to give pupils the skills and confidence to respond to and express ideas about themselves and the world around them.

Georgie Dustin (Physical Education)

After growing up in Hampshire, Miss Dustin went on to attain a First Class Honours degree in Physical Education and Sports Coaching at the University of Chichester. Following this she completed her PGCE in Physical Education at the same institution and is delighted to join the teaching team at Chichester Free School.

Miss Dustin has a particular interest and passion for providing high quality Primary Physical Education and specialises in the teaching of Games and Athletic activities.

Colin Eayrs (Maths)

Mr Eayrs is an NQT from the local area recently retrained as a teacher of mathematics. He has extensive experience as an area manager in a variety of industries including security and telecoms.

He retrained to be a driving instructor before completing his degree in Maths and Education to become a teacher.

His hobbies include reading anything, following Portsmouth FC and squash.

Nathalie el Raïani (MFL)

Miss el Raïani studied History of Art at the University of Paris X – France, before completing an Erasmus exchange with University College London.

After graduation she worked for the French Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and as a Marketing Manager for a HK based UK Law firm. On her return to the UK with her family, Miss el Raïani started teaching French, and gained her PGCE in MFL Secondary from Chichester University.

Miss el Raïani is experienced teaching French and Spanish across all ages and Key Stages in State and Independent sectors.

Claire Emmett (KS1 Middle Leader, Year 2)

Miss Emmett spent many years working as a teacher in Portsmouth, and has a wide experience of working with children with additional needs. She also worked as a teaching assistant in the local area whilst completing her PGCE.

She has run structured child play sessions, where she has been able to develop her knowledge of how children learn at the earliest stages of development. She has a keen interest in outdoor learning and believes children thrive when learning through memorable experiences.

Miss Emmett has had a lifelong passion for equine experiences which has fostered her own love of the outdoors. She plans to share her passions at Chichester Free School both in lessons and after school clubs.

Gemma Galasso (Head of Maths)

Mrs Galasso teaches Mathematics in our senior school.

Growing up in Chichester, she attended Bishop Luffa Church of England Secondary School and went on the gain a First Class Mathematics Degree from The University of Bristol.

Originally training and working as a primary teacher, Mrs Galasso worked as a Mathematics teacher in a local secondary school for over 6 years before joining Chichester Free School.

Cathryn Halton (Assistant Head, SENCO)

Mrs Halton studied Theology and Religious Studies as well as Mathematics and Science at Roehampton Institute of Higher Education. She comes from an outstanding school in Swindon where she has been a class teacher for 14 years and SENCO for the past 11 years.

Mrs Halton has worked for the Local Authority as an Associate Area SENCO, supporting other SENCOs in pre-school settings.

She is committed to supporting children with SEN in mainstream settings.

Amy Kinally (Art)

Amy recently retrained to become a visual arts teacher having had a career within the design industry. She initially attended Art college at Weston Super Mare, followed by a BA Hons in Fashion Promotions at Southampton.

Having had a career in Fashion forecasting, and designing childrenswear, followed by running her own business for 11 years, she believes strongly in teaching children how to become creative thinkers and opening their minds to the thousands of creative careers available to them. Amy strongly believes that Art offers students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding that can be applied to many areas of life.

Ben Lathbury (Music)

Mr Lathbury is a distinguished concert pianist and vocalist who enjoys performing a wide variety of classical programmes, Opera and stage musicals. He is the recipient of several significant awards for his performance. Mr Lathbury holds a Masters degree in Music Performance and has worked for a time as a concert pianist, piano teacher, vocal coach and choral conductor.

He has introduced an outstanding Music curriculum for Chichester Free School and is confident that his positive vigour, as well as his dynamic and vivacious personality, will transform the musical opportunities available to children and parents, both inside and outside school. When not performing or tutoring in Music, Mr Lathbury has many other interests, including close-up and stage magic.

Hannah Lithgow (Year 4)

Miss Lithgow has recently returned to Chichester, having grown up and attended school in the local area. She has a first class degree in Psychology from the University of Surrey and recently completed her PGCE at the University of Exeter.

Miss Lithgow is excited to start teaching at Chichester Free School and looks forward to providing children with a range of opportunities to allow them to develop into well rounded, independent and confident members of both the school and local communities.

In her spare time, Miss Lithgow enjoys a range of water sports and regularly volunteers at a local sailing centre, teaching children to sail and kayak.

Lara Martyn (Drama)

Mrs Martyn joins CFS at the same time her youngest son Henry joins his two elder siblings already in Primary, making CFS a family affair.

She trained in Dance at Chichester University and later returned to achieve a Masters Degree in Film and Literature. Having completed her Drama and English PGCE at Reading University, she has taught in a range of settings. Whilst living in Bristol, Mrs Martyn spent a decade developing and leading a large Combined Arts Department whilst working as a Lead Practitioner.

The family then relocated in order to set up CFS, and since moving she has had a fantastic time training teachers, examining for various awarding bodies, and developing Arts Award provision in the South. In her previous life she has worked as a model, a jockey, and a silver-service waitress. Mrs Martyn likes playing different roles and loves the fact that teaching Drama allows her to be somebody different every day.

James McClure (Business Studies and Computer Science)

Mr McClure has been teaching in a variety of schools across East and West Sussex for the last 14 years since moving down from Ayrshire in Scotland. During that time he has filled a number of roles such as being a Key Stage 3 and an E-Learning co-ordinator.

He has successfully taught a large number of GCSE and A-Level groups in ICT, Computing and Business Studies and believes that the technology available to us should be harnessed to make our lives not only more efficient but more enjoyable too.

Hannah Messenger (Physical Education & Head of Pegasus House)

Miss Messenger is one of our Physical Education teachers.

After growing up in Kent, she went on to attain a First Class Honours degree in Physical Education and Teaching (QTS) at the University of Chichester and is delighted to join the teaching team at Chichester Free School to make full use of her teaching qualification within Primary and Secondary teaching.

Miss Messenger has a particular interest and a real passion for aesthetics, she is looking forward to enhancing Dance and Gymnastics within the school.

Katia Palmisano (Science)

Miss Palmisano studied Marine Biology with Polluted Ecosystems at the University of Portsmouth.

After this, she worked in an aquarium for a while before completing her PGCE in Science. She then went to work as a science teacher in an all girls’ secondary school in Portsmouth for six years where she finished her last few years there as second in department.

She brings with her an enthusiasm for science as well as languages, of which she speaks three fluently.

Jessica Powell (KS1 Middle Leader, Year 1)

Mrs Powell was based in London and had a successful career as a Press Officer with an International clothing brand before moving into teaching.

She then spent several years working in challenging schools in Merseyside before returning to the South with her husband and two young daughters in 2015.

Mrs Powell has a Masters degree in Teaching and Learning from the University of Chester and is delighted to have the opportunity to share her skills and experience with Chichester Free School.

Megan Ridgers (Reception)

After teaching in a primary school in Oxfordshire for several years, Miss Ridgers moved to Shanghai where she taught at a British international school.

She recently returned to the UK and has joined our exceptional team of staff at Chichester Free School.

As a keen reader, Miss Ridgers believes that the process of learning to read should be fun and is always excited to watch her pupils develop the necessary skills to become independent readers.

Alanya Russell (Head of Design & Technology)

Mrs Russell studied Architecture locally before completing teacher training in Design and Technology at the Roehampton Institute. She has 10 years experience teaching Graphic Design, Textiles Technology, Food Technology and Resistant Materials as well as dabbling in Photography and Art and Design from time to time.

She has worked in a number of schools previously including as Assistant Head of Design and Technology and as Gifted and Talented coordinator.

Mrs Russell is passionate about all things creative and about inspiring and encouraging the students at Chichester Free School.

Holly Sabin (English and Media Studies)

Mrs Sabin is an English graduate who enjoyed a successful career in communications and marketing for international organisations before moving into teaching.

Her professional experience gives her a passion for excellence in written and oral communications, which she hopes to pass on to the students.

Mrs Sabin’s interests include public speaking and debating, and she is a judge for the West Sussex Schools’ Debating Association.

Victoria Stevens (Year 2)

Miss Stevens is one of our Year 2 teachers. She grew up locally in Chichester and remained in the area during her teacher training.

She is delighted to join the teaching team at Chichester Free School to make full use of her teaching qualification.

Outside of school Miss Stevens enjoys baking and hopes to share this passion in class and through extra-curricular activities.

Georgia Wade (KS2 Middle Leader, Year 6)

Miss Wade is delighted to be returning home to the local area, after spending several years working at a large Junior School in Kent. Prior to this, she completed her teaching degree at Canterbury Christchurch University and has worked in several schools, across both the Independent and State sector.

With a degree in Sports and Exercise Sciences and passion for Outdoor Learning, Miss Wade hopes to use the freedom of Chichester Free School to deliver these subjects in creative ways whilst also linking them with the Primary curriculum. She believes that children learn best when taking part in kinaesthetic activities that they thrive in.

Outside of the classroom, Miss Wade enjoys outdoor sports such as sailing and skiing. She hopes to share these passions with the children and staff!

Claire Waring (Year 5)

Miss Waring is originally from Nottingham, moving down to Chichester to study sports coaching at university. Having previously worked as a sports coach and personal trainer, she hopes to inspire children to become more active.

Outside of school Miss Waring enjoys a variety of sports, running and walking her pet pug!

Kate Whalesby (Year 3)

Miss Whalesby is originally from Kent. She relocated to study Dance at the University of Chichester and is delighted to be joining us at Chichester Free School.

She has been dancing since a young age; appearing in numerous dance shows, school productions and was a performer in the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Miss Whalesby is looking forward to using her passion for dance to deliver a creative curriculum.

Lianna Wilding (Teacher i/c Infants)

Mrs Wilding is one of our Early Years teachers in charge of Infants who is passionate about Early Years education and has a particular interest in the teaching and learning of Literacy.

She has a degree in Psychology and previous to her role at Chichester Free School she managed Early Years provision in rural Banbury and multicultural Reading.

Mrs Wilding grew up near to Chichester and is happy to have returned to the area.

Debbie Williams (Head of MFL)

Mrs Williams, our Head of Modern Foreign Languages, has taught in a variety of schools, both locally and further afield. She has also been lucky enough to live and work in Mombasa, Kenya.

Mrs Williams teaches French and Spanish although she is also a fan of a very obscure language called ‘Egg’. Away from the classroom, she also finds time to go to the cinema and is a Harry Potter addict!

Parysah Yazdanpanah (KS2 Middle Leader, Year 4)

Miss Yazdanpanah lives locally, having grown up in Fishbourne. She studied Primary Education for four years at The University of Winchester and specialised in Religious Education.

Her teaching philosophy is that education is not simply the transmission of factual information but centres around educating the ‘whole-child’, enabling social, emotional, moral and spiritual development. As a teacher she strives to ensure that all the children she teaches are confident enough to take risks, not being afraid of making mistakes.

Miss Yazdanpanah aims to create independent resilient learners by encouraging children to take responsibility for their own learning.