Staffing Updates for 2026-2027: Reflection and Renewal
At Somersfield Academy, we are fortunate to have a committed and talented team whose work continues to shape the daily experience of our students. As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 academic year, we do so during an especially significant period for the school community.
This year marks our 35th anniversary and our CAIS re-accreditation process, both important opportunities to reflect on our practice, celebrate our strengths, and engage in meaningful dialogue about how we continue to grow as a school. Alongside this, we are also preparing to publish our new Strategic Plan for 2027–2031, which will set out the next chapter of Somersfield’s development and priorities.
Each year, this task becomes increasingly difficult as the global trend of a decrease in people training to become teachers, and greater competition for high-quality teachers impacts our recruitment strategies. We are very pleased to announce the teachers who will be joining our wonderful team next year. We trust the whole community will support those joining us for the first time, or those returning or being promoted from within. We wish them a warm Somersfield welcome!
Teachers Leaving at End of 2025-2026:
Christina Davis (Learning Support) – 21 years of service at Somersfield
Alison Farrell (Secondary) – 2 years of service at Somersfield
Kim Hogg (Secondary) – 3 years of service at Somersfield
Kayleigh Masters (Children’s House) – 7 years of service at Somersfield
Bonnie McLynn (Secondary) – 5 years of service at Somersfield
Annie Philips (Secondary) – 3 years of service at Somersfield
Ashley Phipps (Upper Primary) – 4 years of service at Somersfield
Marie Anne Rismann (Secondary) – 1 year fixed contract at Somersfield
We are grateful to all members of our team, past and present, for their contribution to Somersfield’s ongoing journey.
Teachers Joining or Taking on New Roles in 2026-27
As we prepare for the year ahead, we are pleased to share an update on staffing changes and to welcome the new educators joining our community, each bringing extensive knowledge and international experience.
Dr. Neekaie Beckles-Clarke – French & Spanish Specialist Teacher (Secondary)
A skilled educational leader, teacher and trained restorative practitioner with a strong commitment to inclusive, student‑centred education. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and brings extensive experience across teaching, year‑level leadership, relationships, and school transformation in Caribbean educational contexts. Dr Beckles‑Clarke is known for building respectful, collaborative school cultures grounded in restorative practice, cultural responsiveness and high professional standards. Her work focuses on instilling strong language acquisition, student wellbeing, leadership development and academic growth.
Caroline Brown – Learning Support Teacher (Lower Primary)
A dedicated and inclusive primary educator with over five years of teaching experience and a master’s degree in special education. Currently teaching Lower Primary in the Turtles Class at Somersfield Academy, Ms Brown brings strong expertise in Montessori practice, differentiated instruction and supporting students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing. She is known for her collaborative approach, effective family partnerships and commitment to meeting the diverse needs of learners, helping each child feel supported, confident and empowered to reach their full potential in alignment with Somersfield’s values. She is excited to be focusing on her true passion: supporting students with additional needs within our Student Support and Wellness.
Sharon Brown – Design Technology Teacher (Secondary)
An experienced international educator with over two decades of teaching and leadership experience across IB and international school contexts. Ms Brown has taught design, STEM, English and technology‑rich courses, and has held senior roles in educational technology, supporting both students and teachers in innovative, inquiry‑based learning. A former MYP design teacher at Somersfield Academy, Sharon brings a strong understanding of the school’s community and values, with a focus on inclusive practice, ethical use of technology and developing confident, globally minded learners.
Anita Bushara – P6 Classroom Teacher (Upper Primary) [Fixed Term]
Returning to Somersfield Academy as a P6 teacher, having previously been a member of staff from 2002 to 2018, Ms Bushara has a Master’s degree in Literacy Education and extensive experience teaching in Bermuda, the United States, and the Middle East. Ms Bushara has worked as a classroom teacher, teacher‑librarian, learning support specialist and private tutor. She brings a strong commitment to inclusive, student‑centred learning and is passionate about helping children develop confidence as readers, writers, and thinkers. Deeply connected to the Somersfield community as both an educator and parent, Anita values strong relationships, collaboration and kindness, and is excited to contribute once again to this caring and creative school environment.
Heidi Franklin – Primary & Children’s House Division Support Lead [Fixed Term]
An experienced primary educator and teacher leader with over 15 years of service at Somersfield Academy. Regularly taking on leadership roles within the Primary Division, she brings strong expertise in curriculum coordination, and staff mentorship. Ms Franklin is known for her firm‑but‑fair, caring approach, building consistent, high‑quality learning experiences through collaboration, clear communication and a strong focus on student wellbeing and agency. Her deep understanding of Somersfield’s community and values, combined with her commitment to instructional leadership and academic excellence, supports the school’s mission to develop socially conscious, independent thinkers.
Dr Jonathon Gilkes – Mathematics Teacher (Secondary)
A skilled international mathematics educator with over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience across the UK, Asia, and Latin America. He has held senior roles including Head of Mathematics in international schools and brings extensive expertise in IGCSE, A Level, IB and SAT pathways. Mr Gilkes is known for his student‑centred approach, supporting learners of all abilities through personalised teaching, high expectations, and strong relationships with families. With a background in engineering and a PhD in Laser Engineering, he combines academic rigour with creativity and care, aligning closely with Somersfield’s commitment to inclusion and developing confident, capable learners.
Alice Mangels – Montessori Classroom Teacher (Children’s House)
A dedicated and experienced Montessori teacher, Ms Mangels has previously worked in our Children’s House programme before taking time off to start her own family. She has remained a familiar face within our community as a parent of two Somersfield students; one in Children’s House and one in Lower Primary, and has frequently supported us as a substitute teacher.
Jacqueline Mayor – P5 Classroom Teacher (Primary)
A passionate primary educator with over 16 years of teaching experience across international and UK‑based schools. She has taught across a range of curricula, including the International Primary Curriculum, UK National Curriculum, Cambridge, and Singapore Maths, and is known for creating inclusive, engaging classrooms built on strong relationships. Ms Mayor brings particular strengths in student leadership, wellbeing and creativity, currently serving as Student Leadership Coordinator at Warwick Academy, where she supports the development of student voice, responsibility and community spirit.
Carla Morrison – Chemistry Teacher (Secondary)
An expert science educator with over 30 years of teaching, leadership and community involvement in secondary education. She has taught chemistry, biology, science, and mathematics across a wide range of year levels and learning formats, and is known for her strong classroom practice, high expectations, and supportive relationships with students and families. Ms Morrison brings a holistic approach to education, combining academic rigour with pastoral care, mentoring and extensive co‑curricular leadership, including long‑standing roles in athletics and community service.
Danielle Raymond – Careers Counsellor (Secondary)
An experienced international education leader with a strong commitment to student wellbeing, global citizenship, and purposeful futures. Currently Head of Careers and Higher Education and a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill, she established a highly regarded careers programme supporting students across IB, and French Baccalaureate pathways into leading universities, particularly in the UK, Europe, the United States, and Canada. Ms Raymond’s work is grounded in personalised guidance, safeguarding, and strong partnerships with families, helping each student develop confidence, character, and clarity about life beyond school.
Victoria Watlington – Montessori Classroom Teacher (Lower Primary)
A warm and creative primary educator from Bermuda with experience across Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and traditional classroom settings. Currently covering Lucrecia Simmons maternity leave at Somersfield Academy, she brings a strong commitment to inquiry‑based, play‑based and child‑centred learning, supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development in mixed‑age classrooms. With a background in fine arts and performance, Ms Watlington integrates creativity, expression, and confidence‑building across the curriculum, building an inclusive learning environment.