Dr Val Hennessy, Director

When The Language Project became International House Bristol in September 2009, it was the culmination of over 20 years work and the realisation of a long-held ambition.  From the day I started the school, I have always wanted to be the principal of the best language school in Bristol and becoming part of the International house group confirmed my belief that we are exactly that.  IH Bristol was founded to be a centre for excellence for both students and staff and I am proud to say that this is what we have achieved.

My role has changed over the years and I no longer find myself in the classroom very often.  It's strange when I think back to how it used to be and I still miss teaching.  I have fond memories of both whole classes and the individuals in them and I still tell stories of funny and moving moments.  I feel privileged to have met some many wonderful people over the years and I am always touched when they take the time to contact me.

My private life has changed beyond recognition in the years I have been running the school.  There was a time when I was the same age as, or even younger than, many of the students I was teaching.  Now I am happily married with two wonderful children, Saskia and Nicky, and living a very settled existence in a suburb of Bristol.  It is odd to think that I came to Bristol almost by chance.  I wanted to do a PhD in a particular subject and there was an expert I could work with here.  I saw the city and liked it instantly and I can honestly say the place has only got better.  Bristol had everything I needed when I was young and single and now it has everything I need to make family life pleasant and fun.