Our curriculum is a knowledge rich one and is delivered by subject specialists in every area: this enables all pupils to make strong progress in their learning. Pupils and teachers are supported in their work and learning by a dedicated group of professional support staff.
Information regarding Heads of Year and Form Tutors can be found here.
Mr Nicholas Dyer
Headmaster
B.A. (Hons) (Nottingham) MA NPQH, NPQEL
(Teacher of Government & Politics)
As Headmaster of the School since April 2015, Nicholas works to ensure an inclusive school ethos and culture exists in which all students can truly flourish in their academic work, in their personal development and in all else that they do. Nicholas remains committed to ensuring that students receive an outstanding academically focussed education, as well as being able to benefit from a wide range of enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities through which they can develop crucial skills and personal qualities, develop friendships, their own sense of who they are and that they can also have fun! Nicholas is determined to ensure that all students continue to be educated within a supportive, inclusive and caring school community and it is that sense of community and belonging, as well as care, that lies at the very heart of a Crypt education.

Mr Phil Stanlake
Senior Deputy Head & Day-to-day behaviour
B.Ed. (Hons) (St. Paul and St. Mary)
(Teacher of Sports Studies, Games)
Phil, as Senior Deputy Headmaster, is responsible for the day to day running of the school. This includes routine activities in and out of the classroom as well as the school’s public events such as Founders Day, prize giving and open days. Phil works with both the staff and students when setting the academic standards and behavioural expectations for all involved at the Crypt. Phil works closely with the Headmaster and the staff in making sure that the vision for the school is delivered. Phil continues to teach sports studies at A level and supports the PE department with their extra-curricular activities.

Mr Rob Biggs
Deputy Head - Director of Post 16 Education and Personal Development
B.Sc (Hons) (Wolverhampton)
(Teacher of Geography)
As Director of Post 16 Education and Personal Development, Rob’s role is to lead and manage both the academic and pastoral life in the Sixth Form. Rob is committed to ensuring that students receive a high quality education from staff who genuinely know, care and support them. Rob is also responsible for the personal development of students from Years 7-13. He is determined to ensure that students receive a holistic approach to education through a wide range of experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Rob is determined that all students progress from us with a real sense of direction and purpose, with a responsibility to society and strong academic qualifications to realise their ambitions and dreams beyond life at the Crypt.

Ms Susan Glock
Deputy Head – Academic
BSc (Hons), MSc (Hull), NPQH
(Teacher of Biology)
As Deputy Head (Academic), Susan is responsible for the academic success of the school and she ensures we continue to drive for excellence in all areas. Susan leads our Heads of Department to deliver a curriculum that supports all our pupils achieve their academic potential at The Crypt. She provides detailed analysis of how our students are progressing, and then works with Heads of Department and Heads of Year to support those that need some extra support. Susan completes the annual timetable, ensuring that we continue to maintain a broad and balanced curriculum that suits the needs of our pupils.

Mrs Gemma Hargraves
Deputy Head – Pastoral & Designated Safeguarding Lead
B.Sc. (Hons) (Cardiff)
(Teacher of History)
Gemma oversees the pastoral life of the school to promote positive wellbeing and a sense of belonging for all students. The Crypt School prides itself on being a happy and inclusive community and Gemma leads a strong and approachable team of Heads of Year and Pastoral Support Workers to ensure all students are recognised as individuals. Additionally, Gemma oversees SEND, Pupil Premium provision and attendance to ensure all students feel supported, safe and fulfilled at school. Pastoral and academic elements of a student’s life are intertwined and Gemma works closely with other members of the Senior Leadership Team to ensure students develop resilience, integrity and gratitude and make excellent progress both personally and academically. Importantly, Gemma is also Designated Safeguarding Lead, Designated Teacher for Looked After Children and Senior Mental Health Lead.

Mr Matthew Bevan
Assistant Headteacher - Pastoral
BEng (Hons), (Birmingham)
(Teacher of Chemistry)
Matthew leads on all matters related to student behaviour and attendance as part of his broader role in promoting the pastoral life of the school. He has responsibility for leading the work of the heads of year (7 - 11) to ensure high standards of behaviour and attendance. He provides strategic leadership in creating and promoting a culture of high expectations for behaviour, conduct and attendance, and his work is strongly rooted in the school’s core values of pride, kindness and responsibility. He promotes a positive, purposeful and inclusive school culture, leading on our student voice work to enable students to flourish and grow as well-rounded young people. Matthew is one of the school’s Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSLs), is the Attendance Champion, and coordinates the student anti-bullying ambassadors.

Mrs Claire Gee
Assistant Headteacher - Academic
BSc (Hons) (Warwick)
(Teacher of Chemistry)
Claire is responsible for the development and advancement of outstanding teaching practice across the school. She ensures that all teaching staff engage with evidence-based best practice and professional dialogue to support and inform their ongoing professional development. Claire also collaborates with department, year group, SEND, digital and literacy leads to ensure the effective implementation of strategies that support learning and assessment. Together, this creates a fully inclusive classroom environment, where every student is supported and challenged in their learning, enabling outstanding progress and strong examination outcomes.

Associate SLT Members
| Teaching Staff | |
|---|---|
| Ms Samantha Akamine, Guildhall School London | Drama |
| Mrs Sophie Banda, BMus (Hons) Queens Belfast | Music |
| Miss Jessica Barnett, BSc (Hons) Cardiff | Geography |
| Miss Hannah Bartlett, BA (Hons) Cardiff | History & Politics |
| Mr Julian Boon, BA (Hons) Oxon | Physics, Science, Games |
| Mr Alexander Borley, BSc (Hons) Keele | Chemistry, Science |
| Mr Henry Bowen, MChem (Hons) Warwick | Chemistry, Science, Head of Year 12 |
| Mrs Nicola Bowes, BSc (Hons) Bristol | Head of Chemistry |
| Mrs Catherine Brooks BSc (Hons) Birmingham | Head of Geography |
| Mrs Lizzie Dale, BA (Hons) Birmingham | English |
| Mr Christopher Cobb, BA (Hons) Cardiff | English |
| Mr Ashley Croft, BSc (Hons) Warwick | Physics, Science |
| Mrs Alex Crozier, BA (Hons) Brunel | Head of Drama |
| Mrs Lizzie Dale, BA (Hons) Birmingham | 2nd in English/ Editor Old Cryptian |
| Mrs Diane Duxbury, BA (Hons) Aberystwyth | Mathematics, Head of Year 8 |
| Mr Tom Farmer, BSc (Hons) Cardiff | Head of Boys’ PE |
| Mr Daniel Foster, BSc (Hons) Bath | Mathematics, Mathematics Enrichment Co-ordinator |
| Mrs Eleanor Gasan, BA (Hons) Gloucestershire | Second in English and EPQ Coordinator |
| Mr Christopher Germaine, BA (Hons) Huddersfield | Business Studies, HoY 9 & Careers Leader |
| Miss Annie Hall, MPhys (Hons) Kent | Physics, Deputy SENDCo |
| Mrs Martha Hardaker, BA (Hons) Cardiff | Head of English |
| Mr Andy Hart, BEd (Hons) Gloucestershire | PE, PD |
| Mrs Meghan Hayes, BA (Hons) Cardiff | History, Politics, Inclusion Lead |
| Miss Keisha Henry, BSc (Hons) Cardiff | Girls' PE, Teaching Assistant |
| Mr James Higgs, BA (Hons) Newcastle MA Bristol | Head of History/Politics |
| Mr Christopher Hooper, BA (Hons) Bath | MFL |
| Mr John Hopkins, BSc (Hons) Durham | Head of Business & Economics, CALL team member |
| Mr Cory Howell, BA (Hons) Aberystwyth, MSc University of Oxford | History, Politics, DofE Manager |
| Mrs Jessica Humphreys, BSc (Hons) Plymouth | Second in Mathematics (maternity leave) |
| Mrs Juliette Jacob-Reilly, BA (Hons) Gloucestershire | MFL |
| Mrs Sarah John, BSc (Hons) Bath | Head of Physics |
| Mrs Marina Johnson, BSc (Hons) Sunderland | Mathematics |
| Mr Philip Jones, MMath (Hons) Warwick | Mathematics |
| Mrs Elizabeth Kitonga, (BEd) Kenyetta University | Food |
| Mrs Elizabeth Lapham, BA (Hons) Bath Spa | Design Technology |
| Miss Amy Leask, BSc (Hons) Gloucestershire | Director of Sport |
| Dr Rachel Lintott, MA (Hons) Edinburgh MSc Heriot Watt PhD Stirling | Second in Mathematics |
| Mr Alex Lipscombe, BSc (Hons) Cardiff | Biology |
| Miss Kathryn Marrs, BA (Hons) Gloucester | Graphic Communication (DART) |
| Mrs Georgette Marshall, BSc (Hons) UWE | Maths (maternity cover) |
| Mrs Natalie McAvoy, MA University of Worcester BA (Hons) Goldsmiths | English/Drama & Literacy Coordinator, CALL team member |
| Mr Matthew Nicholl, BSc (Hons) Leicester | Science, Physics |
| Ms Sarah Parkin, BA (Hons) Oxford | French/Spanish, Oxbridge Coordinator & Head of Year 13 |
| Mr Tom Passmore, BSc (Hons) Leeds | Head of Biology |
| Mr Ben Pennington, BA (Hons) Exeter | Acting Head of MFL |
| Mr Mathew Pinless, BTh (Hons) Chester | Philosophy & Ethics |
| Mrs Natasha Prout, LLB (Hons) UWE | Business, School SENDCo |
| Mrs Hannah Quinn, BA (Hons) Bristol | Second in MFL (Temporary) |
| Mr Zander Rausch, BSc MSc Bangor | Biology, Head of Year 7 |
| Mr James Rice, BSc (Hons) UWCN MEd | Head of Computing, Director of Digital Strategy |
| Ms Deborah Robertson BSc (Hons) Coventry | Computer Science |
| Miss Kimberley Scott-Johnson BSc (Hons) | Psychology |
| Miss Hannah Searle BA (Hons) Lancaster | Geography, Head of Year 10 |
| Miss Laura Shaw MA (Hons) Aberdeen | Business, Assistant DofE Manager |
| Mrs Nikola Stoneman, BA (Hons) Wales | English (Diversity Lead, maternity cover), CALL team member |
| Mrs Joanne Thompson, BA (Hons) Oxford Brookes | German |
| Mrs Karen Whiting, MA (Bristol) | Art & TA |
| Mr Julian Whittaker, BA (Hons) BEd MA ALCM LTCL | Director of Music |
| Miss Elizabeth Wife, BSc (Hons) Durham | Mathematics |
| Miss Kate Williams, BEng (Hons) Cardiff BSc (Hons) OU MSc OU | Director of Mathematics |
| Mr Harry Windsor, BSc (Hons) Birmingham | PE, Head of Year 11 |
| Dr Mark Young, BA (Hons) Cardiff MA Bristol PhD Reading | Head of RE, Philosophy & Ethics |
| Miss Keisha Henry | Teaching Assistant |
| Mrs Emma McGeoch |
Teaching Assistant |
| Mr Kevin Swankie | Teaching Assistant |
| Mrs Susie Watts | Deputy SENDCo - Administration & Community |
| Mrs Karen Whiting, MA (Bristol) | Teaching Assistant & Teacher of Art |
| Professional Support Staff | |
|---|---|
| Administration | |
| Mrs Jo Hitchings, MA (Hons) Cantab | Finance Director |
| Mrs Lesley Smith, BEng (Hons) UWE | Operations Manager |
| Mr Harry Atkinson | Cover Supervisor, PE Support |
| Mrs Hannah Attwood | 6th Form Pastoral Support Worker & Administrator (KS5) |
| Mrs Sharon Bailey | HR Support |
| Mrs Toni Bayliss | Finance Assistant |
| Mrs Susanne Capell | Data Administrator/Timetabling |
| Mrs Louise Coughlin | Exams/Data Officer |
| Mrs Nicola Donlon | Clerk to The Governors, Compliance Officer |
| Miss Marlene Gordon | Data & Cover Administrator |
| Mrs Lynn Green | Receptionist / Administrator |
| Mrs Allison Hall BSc (Hons) Loughborough | Finance Officer |
| Mrs Deborah Jordan | 6th Form Cover Supervisor & Librarian & Marketing Administrator/Assistant Editor of Old Cryptian |
| Mrs Sophie Lowe | KS3 Pastoral Support Worker |
| Mrs Helen Michaluk | Careers Advisor |
| Mrs Karen Newman | Exams and Admissions Assistant |
| Mrs Claire Perkins | Attendance Officer |
| Mrs Eileen Price | 6th Form Pastoral Support Worker & Administrator (KS5) |
| Miss Louise Price | School Secretary, 6th Form Scholarship Administrator |
| Mr Christopher Slemensek | Graduate Musician |
| Mrs Kirsty Szekeres | Receptionist, Administrator |
| Mrs Sandra Stonyte | Cover Supervisor & Pupil Premium Lead |
| Mrs Sarah Veal | Development Manager |
| Mrs Hazel Wasley, BA (Hons) Warwick | Head’s PA & Admissions Officer |
| Mrs Karen Whiting, MA (Bristol) | Teaching Assistant, Art |
| Mrs Stephanie Williams | KS4 Pastoral Support Worker |
| Ms Hayley Wood | School Administrative Assistant |
| Mr Joseph Ash-Young | IT Technician |
| Mr Scott Baldwin, BSc (Hons) Gloucestershire | Senior IT Technician |
| Mr Hamzah Ginwalla | Technician (Science) |
| Mr Harrison Green | Technician (Design & Technology) |
| Mrs Suzanne Massey | Technician (Science) |
| Mrs Katherine Mountford | Senior Technician (Science) |
| Mr Gordon Taylor, BSc (Hons) Nottingham Trent | IT Manager |
| Mrs Natasha Workman | Technician (DART) |
| Mr. Andrew Bayliss | Estates Manager |
| Mr. Peter Cresswell (City and Guilds) |
Assistant Caretaker |
| Mr Mark Halliday |
Site Assistant |
| Mrs Brenda Adams | Cleaning Assistant |
| Ms Susan Adkins | Cleaning Assistant |
| Mr Roger Beale | Cleaning Assistant/MDS |
| Mrs Barbara Daniell | Cleaning Assistant |
| Mrs Jade Johnson-Cook | Cleaning Assistant/MDS |
| Mr Jamie Mace | Cleaning Assistant |
| Mrs Elizabeth McGeough | Cleaning Assistant |
| Miss Tracey Powell | Cleaning Assistant |
| Mrs Lisa Sandford | Cleaning Assistant/MDS |
| Mrs Georgetta Stan | MDS/Litter Duty |
| Mr Lee Weaver | Cleaning Assistant/MDS |
| Ms Hayley Wood | Cleaning Assistant/MDS |
"The school motto is, ‘flourish Cryptians,’ and pupils do."