Queen’s would like to extend a warm welcome to all new teaching and support staff joining us for the 2024/25 academic year!

Teaching Staff

Amanda Floyd – Singing Teacher 

Amanda taught at King’s School, Rochester and Tonbridge School, Kent as well as the choristers from Yardley Court Prep and Hilden Grange Schools before moving to Somerset. In her performing career, she has sung roles for The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne, Buxton Opera and Diva Opera. Roles include Gerhilde (Die Walkure), Flora and Annina (La Traviata) Elvira ( Don Giovanni), Suzuki (Mme Butterfly) and Internationally sung in New York ,Tokyo, and Europe. She sang on recordings for Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars as well as singing Mme Giry in Phantom of the Opera at Her Majestys Theatre, London.

Andy Bussell – Head of Faculty of Maths and Computing 

My role here is the Head of Faculty Maths and Computing. I have joined Queens College from teaching maths at Blundell’s School in Tiverton.  Prior to moving into education I worked at the Hydrographic Office in Taunton for many years. I’m a keen cyclist and runner so can often be found out on the roads of, or running in, the Blackdown Hills.

Andrew Venning – Teacher of PE, Head of Prep School Boys Games

In my new role as Teacher of PE and Head of Prep Boys’ Games, I will be responsible for the delivery and participation of prep PE and games, as well as some senior PE. I come with a wealth of experiences across the primary education sector having been a teacher at North Town primary school in Taunton.  Outside of teaching, I am part of the Somerset County Cricket Club Player Pathway coaching team, where I enjoy developing youth cricket.

Clare Lewis – Head of Futures 

I’m the new Head of Futures and I’m excited to develop an exciting and inspirational Futures Programme at Queen’s that ignites career curiosity! I’ve taught across the state and private sector, and feel passionate about helping young people to explore their next steps beyond education. I’m a qualified careers advice and guidance professional and will be supporting Queen’s pupils to develop their employability skills and ensure they make informed decisions about their future.

Ella Mancer – Languages Teacher 

Hola/Bonjour. I am excited to be joining the MFL department here at Queen’s as a French and Spanish teacher and I’ll be teaching all across the school from Year 1 up to Year 12. I am also a member of the boarding staff here so will be working in Hutton House with the senior girls during some evenings and weekends. This is my fifth year of teaching and I enjoy horse riding and dog walks as well as spending time with friends and family in my free time. I am really looking forward to becoming part of the Queen’s family!

Gillian Wallace – Violin Teacher 

Gillian joins Queens College to teach violin and viola. She studied at the Royal Academy of Music and has since led a busy performing and teaching career in London and the Southeast before returning to West Dorset a few years ago. She appears regularly as an orchestral and chamber musician and also teaches at Port Regis and Clayesmore School.

Hannah Tarrant – Science Teacher 

I am Hannah Tarrant and I teach Chemistry at Queens College as well as Football and Cheerleading coaching! I previously worked as a Science Teacher in Dorset after a couple of years of working in the chemical industry. I was a research and development chemist where I developed adhesive products for trains, planes, cars and…. cows! I have a big passion for Chemistry and I hope to inspire all your children!

Helena Gascoyne – Piano Teacher & Accompanist

With extensive experience as a pianist, accompanist, composer and educator in classical and jazz across London and the South of England, I am delighted to join Queen’s College as teacher of Pianoforte and Performing Arts, to help inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians and performers.

Josh Duke – Specialist Learning Mentor, Cotlake Resident 

I have joined the learning support team in the wellbeing centre. My role here will be a specialist learning mentor where I will be doing 1-2-1 lessons as well as group lessons. I will also be doing ELSA sessions with some of the students. I have previously worked in a SEMH/SLCN school based in Taunton where my role was a full time ELSA.

Louise Isaac – Prep Teacher

Miss Louise Isaac is a Year 3 Prep Teacher who joins us at Queen’s from teaching and leading RE in the state sector in Surrey. 

Lucie Pupin – Food and Nutrition Teacher 

I have a strong connection to my French heritage, where food has always played a vital role in my life, igniting my passion for culinary arts. With a background in agriculture, I understand the importance of food production from its roots. As a newly qualified teacher, I integrate this knowledge into my lessons, using the latest pedagogical tools to inspire my students and connect them to the rich traditions and the scientific knowledge behind the food we enjoy.

Rosanna Wilkinson – QCF Teacher 

Rosanna is excited to be teaching Prep School children in the new QCF building. She most recently worked as a Year 4 teacher and PSHE lead at Lambrook School in Berkshire

Roxanne Watson – Subject Lead Psychology 

I am subject lead in Psychology and a PSHEE teacher, I studied at University College London, specialising in teaching Psychology.  I have extensive experience in teaching A Level Psychology; I have taught Psychology for 22 years and I am committed to proving high quality comprehensive education. I have a special interest in the mental health of our children and I am a mental health first aider. As a PSHEE teacher my aim is to ensure children are provided with a happy and supportive atmosphere. I have joined Queens College after previously teaching Psychology and PSHEE at Wellington School.

Vicki Parks – Violin Teacher 

I’m joining the school as a visiting music teacher and performing arts tutor, and I specialise in singing for modern musical theatre and acting through song.  My background as a voice coach and professional performer includes work in a diverse range of musical styles and settings, from Gospel choirs to the English National Opera and I’m really looking forward to getting started with students at Queens this month.

William Eastment – Year 8 Year Lead, Humanities Teacher 

My name is Mr Eastment. I have come to Queen’s as a Humanities teacher and Year Lead for Year Eight. I have spent twelve years teaching History and Humanities in the state sector in London, with seven of those as a Head of Year. I have loved everything about Queen’s so far and cannot wait to get started. Outside the classroom I enjoy walking, climbing and the great outdoors so I am also looking forward to getting involved with all the fantastic Outdoor Education that Queen’s provides.

Support Staff

Erika Baillet – Admin Assistant, QCF 

I am thrilled to join the team as the QCF Admissions Support Officer, with a special focus on assisting new French families enrolling their children at our school. My role involves guiding them through the registration process, providing translation support between teachers and school heads, and helping them integrate smoothly into our school community. I look forward to supporting our new families throughout their first year and ensuring a warm welcome to our school.

As for my background and how it relates to the role, I also moved here last year on an expat contract (like all the French families do) and have gone through the same in terms of registering my child at QC.  The difference is that I am bilingual, but the majority of the families have very little English language skills.  This role was created and I seemed to be the right fit as I went through what they are all going through.

Angela Golding – Administrator 

Hello I am Angela Golding and I am providing administrative support across the college, you will find me in the main office.  I will be supporting music, co-curricular timetabling and registration as well as other admin tasks.  My background includes a variety of administrative roles for schools and local government.