Executive Headteacher, Headteacher & Assistant Head

Mrs French

Executive Headteacher

I am Mrs French. I have been a Head Teacher of a number of primary schools in both Bristol and Wales, I am also an Ofsted Inspector in England and Estyn Inspector in Wales. Having been lucky enough to work in different schools has extended my skills set to all elements of Primary Teaching and Learning, I am then able to use this knowledge to develop all academies within the MAT.

I have four children who have all grown up and two grandchildren on the way. When my children were in education I had very high expectations of the schools they attended, I assume you have those same high expectations of us now and can assure you that our aim is nothing but the best for your children.

Outside school I enjoy travelling,running, during the summer months I work for a charity in Africa building schools and supporting local communities and spending time with my family.

Mr Rylands

Assistant Head & SENCo

I’m Mr Rylands. I was born and grew up in Maidstone, Kent but moved to Bristol to go to University in 1998. I’ve been working here on the Woodlands site since 2004.

During my time here I have taught across KS2 before finding my niche in Early Years where I taught in Reception for 10 years and then teaching in Nursery for a couple of years before becoming Assistant Head of School at the start of the 2018-19 school year. I am also Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) here and oversee support for those children with additional needs. I always aim to work really closely with families as I believe a joined up approach is always the most beneficial for the children.

Outside of school I love to spend time in the great outdoors with my wife and three children, reading, cooking, listening to music or, most likely, watching my favourite football team West Ham United.