Val Hennessy
Director
I am the founder and co-director of IH Bristol. I oversee operations at the school and forge links in the IH and IALC networks. I have been working in EFL since the mid-80s, which feels like a lifetime ago now. I moved to Bristol in the late 80s, almost by accident, but it really is such a great place to live that I fine myself still here decades later.
My job is very varied and can involve anything from answering general enquiries to giving a grammar masterclass. I would love to do more teaching - that is the reason I set up the school in the first place - but it is impossible to predict where in the business I will be needed on a weekly basis, so, when I have spare time, I give free lessons to our students who want to do something a bit different or have specific queries about English.
I run and dance to keep fit and to give my brain a break from thinking about work. I managed to find the time to do a half-marathon in October 2024. It is wonderful to have things to do which help you to focus your mind on something other than work. When I dance, dancing is all there is. It is like meditation in movement.
At the moment, both of our children work full-time at IH Bristol making us a truly family-run business. It is fun working together although we sometimes have to remind ourselves and eachother not to discuss work all the time.
When I am not working, I enjoy travelling and visiting new countries, meeting new people and learning about new cultures. I am learning to play the cello but not making a whole lot of progress! But learning is a reward in itself and the only person who has to listen to me play is my husband.
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 Abel
Hi there! My name’s Charlie, I’m part of IH Bristol’s exams and administration team.
I was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, but moved to Bristol before I was 3 months old. While I visit Sweden for a week or two most years, I have lived almost my whole life in a small village on the outskirts of Bristol – I love the countryside, but Bristol has so many huge, green spaces that I feel at home even in the city centre!
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.
David Hazon
Hi I'm David. My role within the school is to run the marketing and ultimately raise the profile of our wonderful school. At IH Bristol we are committed to providing an incredible experience and opportunity for our students to learn English and I firmly believe in this continuing beyond the classroom.
Jason Wong
Hello! My name is Jason. I am the bookkeeper of IH Bristol. I moved here from Hong Kong, and this is my first job in UK. My colleagues are very nice and helpful providing me with a lovely working environment.
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.
Nick Wimshurst
Hello, my name’s Nick. I’m an EFL teacher, and teacher trainer on CELTA courses. I’ve only recently moved to Bristol, so I’m looking forward to exploring this part of the U.K. more. Before I moved here, I have worked in a few different places, mostly in Europe and the U.K.
In my spare time I enjoy going for long walks, having an occasional swim, and reading. I like going home to see my family in the north-east of England too.
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.