Pete Gibson
Principal & Director of Studies
I have worked at IH Bristol as a teacher, teacher trainer and manager since 1998 and I manage the school to ensure all our students have the best possible experience. Before International House Bristol, I was an English teacher in secondary schools in Greece, which was a great opportunity to experience Greek culture and to learn the language! As a child, I also lived for several years in the Middle East, including Jordan, Yemen, and Oman (Salalah).
My main responsibility is the day-to-day organisation of all the school's programmes. I also enjoy finding new ways to help students learn more effectively. For example, I like to encourage our teachers to integrate pronunciation into lessons in different ways. I also believe that learning English phrases - 'chunks' of language, not just single words - is really important for successful learning and being more natural in English.
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family, trying to keep up with my teenage children (one boy, one girl). When I do have free time, I enjoy playing the guitar and piano - especially blues, jazz and improvising. I also play squash with a group of friends every Monday evening, and am part of a local community choir; we perform twice a year in the city!
Bristol is my home town, so I really hope you enjoy it as much as I do living here! I look forward to welcoming you to the city and to our school!
Meet the IH Bristol team
Marcel Jansen
Pete Gibson
Val Hennessy
Britta Priest
Hello! My name is Britta and I am the office manager at IH Bristol but you can also find me on reception duties. I am originally from Germany and love the international environment at IH Bristol. I have always had a passion for languages and have personally experienced the rewards of being able to speak another language fluently.
Charlie Marshall
Hi, my name is Charlie. I've been a teacher and teacher trainer at International House Bristol since 2003. Recently, I've started teaching on the Cambridge CELTA courses that we are now running.
Cynthia Onyegbado
Hi, I am Cynthia a part of the Exams team where we work together to ensure IH Bristol remains an excellent test centre , giving candidates a smooth experience on their examination days. I am vibrant and often quite colourful with a wide smile. I had part of my education in Newcastle before moving back to Nigeria in 2013 where I worked as an academic and examination staff in colleges and tertiary institutions.
Olivia Campbell
Hello! My name is Olivia and I am the Sales and Marketing Manager at IH Bristol. My role is to help promote the incredible opportunities and experiences we offer.
Joanna Thorpe
I’m a teacher of English and manage one of our young learner centres during the busy summer months. I moved to Bristol about a year ago and have really enjoyed getting to know the city. Before moving back to the UK I taught English in Vietnam for six years, where I gained my Diploma and Young Learners qualifications. As I’m originally from Scotland, I can speak with both an English and Scottish accent, and love doing other accents too.
Leander Winden
Hello there! My name’s Leander. I’m part of the IH Bristol administrative team, and I spend most of my time coordinating the exams we run here at the school. Before moving to Bristol I lived in Italy for two years teaching English, so I really appreciate being able to work in such a vibrant, international environment.
Luqueney Pearson
Hello, I am the Accommodation and Welfare Officer here at IH Bristol.
I match students with our lovely hosts and ensure that they have a welcoming and safe experience during their time with us. I am here to help!
Nick Jansen
Hello, my name is Nick. I am a receptionist for IH Bristol for our Junior Program. I greet students coming into the building and manage the day to day running of the building.
Patrick Rushforth
My name is Patrick and I teach English as a Foreign Language to both adult and Junior learners here at IH Bristol. Before teaching in the UK I worked in schools in China and France, teaching a variety of English or Music related classes. I enjoy teaching here because it is always interesting to meet new people and get to know about their countries and cultures. It is always rewarding to help people on their English journey.