Horse Chestnut Class
We are a Secondary class comprising of Year 10 and Year 11 students. We are focusing on our academic learning and study skills, vocational courses and life skills activities which will help prepare us for life after The Mendip School. We have specialist teachers in English, Maths and Science and are completing either an Entry Level / Functional Skills or GCSE in these subjects. We also have the opportunity to follow additional qualifications such as ASDAN PSE short course qualifications and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Martin Lenihan
Class Teacher
Martin is the class teacher and this is the start of his 10th year working at The Mendip School and the 7th as a teacher. He joined the school when it originally opened back in 2015 on site at Fosseway School as a teaching assistant, going on to work for 3 years as a TA before leaving to complete his PGCE. Martin originally aspired to be a mainstream PE teacher or coach but his experiences as a TA at TMS inspired him to pursue a specialism in SEN as a teacher. Martin loves working with children to support them in achieving their full potential in all areas of their lives, with the ambition of giving them the skills to become independent in the future. During Martin’s free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing football, cricket and golf, and going to the gym.
Philippa Reynolds
Class Teaching Assistant
Philippa has been working at The Mendip School since 2016. Where she worked in the reception class. Over the years Philippa has worked with all the age groups in the school now including Post-16. Philippa has a good understanding and knowledge of the GCSE process and also enjoys helping pupils with the process of moving on to their next setting.
Philippa was a chef in a previous lifetime and loves to see our pupils learn to cook for themselves, as it is a skill that stays with you for ever. She is looking forward to see our class become more independent in the kitchen.
Graham Campbell
Class Teaching Assistant
This is Graham’s 4th year as a teaching assistant at The Mendip School. He joined us from Thailand where he had been teaching English as an Additional Language, EAL, in an international boarding school. Before realising that he enjoyed working with children helping them to realise their potential, Graham spent 25 years working as an IT Manager for charities and the NHS. Graham loves being outdoors and achieves this by looking after horses, walking, cycling and by playing a lot of golf!
Spring Terms 2026 Timetable
