Mrs D Elliott

Headteacher

I joined Nailsea School in 2014, originally as Deputy Headteacher, and was very proud to be appointed Headteacher in September 2016.

Before coming to Nailsea I taught at schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire holding a variety of different roles within senior leadership teams that included overseeing improvements in teaching and learning and producing staff development programmes.

I really value the supportive school community we have at Nailsea which encourages the very best outcomes for all our students. I was incredibly proud of all of #teamnailsea throughout the challenges of the last two years – and we have certainly come out even stronger.

It is a privilege to work with our dedicated staff who maintain our fantastic school ethos, ensuring our students develop into responsible young adults, irrespective of where their futures take them.

Teaching Area: History

Qualifications:
BA (Hons) History, (University of Exeter)
PGCE (University of Bristol)

Mr P Jones

Deputy Headteacher

Prior to joining Nailsea School in 2020 I have been a senior leader in schools in Bristol, North Somerset and London. When teaching in the capital I was seconded to the London Challenge, working in schools across the city to raise attainment and progress. My areas of expertise include curriculum development, teaching and learning, assessment and the effective use of data. This is fortunate because these are my current roles and responsibilities.  When not teaching I do quite a bit of writing, mostly books about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, usually on bikes. My mum says my books are ‘quite good actually’, apart from one of them which she found ‘a bit boring’.    

When I came here for interview I felt clearly that Nailsea was a lovely school with an unshakeable belief in the capacity of everybody to do great things. Now that I am lucky enough to work here, I am inspired each day to try my best for our students. Our staff are caring and impassioned in their desire to ensure everyone achieves their potential. I was thrilled to be appointed to the role of Deputy Head and look forward to being an integral part of this fantastic school, helping young people to fulfil their potential and achieve joy and happiness in life.   

Teaching Area: English

Qualifications:
BA (Hons) English Literature (Plymouth) 

MA Modern and Postmodern Literature (London) 

PGCE Secondary English (University of the West of England, Bristol) 

Miss L Creswick

Assistant Headteacher – Teaching, Learning and Assessment

I moved to Nailsea School in 2009 as a member of the English Department and I was lucky enough to be promoted to Subject Leader that Autumn before becoming the second in English in the summer of 2011.

Prior to joining Nailsea School, I completed my NQT year in a local secondary school having trained in schools in Wales and The Royal Forest of Dean.

I am proud of how Nailsea School has developed over the years and how it has built its reputation as a supportive and caring school which puts pupil achievement and well being at the centre of everything it does. I am particularly proud of how staff and students responded to the challenges of remote learning in recent months.

I am excited about what the next year will bring and the continued positive experiences we plan to offer to our students.

Teaching Area: English

Qualifications:
BA (Hons) English Literature, (University of the West of England, Bristol)
PGCE (University of the West of England, Bristol)

Mr D Graffagnino

Assistant Headteacher – Behaviour and Wellbeing
(Designated Safeguarding Lead)

I have been teaching at Nailsea School for over 14 years and have had a variety of different roles during my time here. I was first employed as a PE teacher and 3 years later was appointed subject leader. In this role I had oversight of progress and attainment of PE and developed courses to ensure they were challenging and engaging. I then decided to focus on the pastoral aspects of school life and after a period of time leading Phoenix House I am now an Assistant Headteacher overseeing Behaviour and Wellbeing across the school.

My overall aim is to work together with students, families and outside agencies where appropriate, to help everyone achieve their very best. I celebrate effort, success and achievement at all levels, both within and outside school. I have led on many new initiatives across the school with my personal favourite being the rewards system.

I aspire to nurture the talent and enthusiasm of our students and allow them to succeed in life whichever pathway they choose to follow.

Teaching Area: Physical Education

Qualifications:
BSc (Hons) Exercise and Sport Science (University of Exeter)
MSc (Hons) Exercise and Health Science (University of Bristol)
PGCE (University of Bath)

Mrs S Rutty

Assistant Headteacher – Aspiration and Inclusion

Before moving to Nailsea School, as Curriculum Leader for English, in September 2014, I worked in secondary schools in Gloucestershire and North Somerset. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a dynamic, inclusive and forward thinking school.

My role on the senior leadership team allows me to work alongside our teaching and support staff to ensure that all of our students make the best possible progress during their time with us.

I am looking forward to Nailsea School continuing to develop and grow over the next few years and am pleased to be part of the team that will help make this happen.

Teaching Area: English

Qualifications:
BA (Hons) English Literature with History and American Studies, (University of Leicester)
PGCE in Secondary English (University of the West of England)

Mr D Truan

Head of Sixth Form

I joined Nailsea School in September 2021.  

Previous to this role I had been a Senior Leader at schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire for the past seven years.  

There I was fortunate enough to hold a range of leadership responsibilities which include teaching and learning, staff development and behaviour, culture and ethos.   

I am excited to be part of a school with such strong core values and an excellent reputation within the local and wider community for developing the holistic student.  

I very much enjoy working alongside the dedicated staff at Nailsea School, supporting students in reaching their potential both in and outside of the classroom.    

Teaching Area: Physical Education, Health and Social Care

Qualifications:
BSc (Hons) Exercise and Sport Science, (University of Wales, Swansea)
PGCE (University of Gloucestershire)

Mrs S Hurlow

Business Manager

My journey at Nailsea School started in 2009 when I was appointed to the position of Business Manager, my interview was my first time in a secondary school since I was a student! I am a qualified Chartered Accountant, specialising in the public sector, and have previously worked in the NHS in roles as Deputy Director of Finance and Head of Finance.

What I enjoy about working at Nailsea School is that no two days are ever the same, but every day is rewarding in some way. I enjoy working with the whole team at Nailsea, whether with staff, students, governors or our community partners, they are all great! There’s a lovely atmosphere, and some innovative thinking going on which continues to move us forward as a school.

Responsibilities: Non-teaching aspects of the school (including Finance, HR, Premises, Catering, ICT, Marketing and Fundraising)

Qualifications:
Chartered Accountant (CIPFA)
BA (Hons) Business Administration, (Brunel University)
Diploma for School Business Leaders (Institute of Leadership & Management)