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, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and a BTEC in Teamwork and Personal Development.

Martin Lenihan

Class Teacher

Martin is the class teacher and this is his 11th 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.

Amy Sloman

Class Teaching Assistant

Hi, I’m Amy. I have been at The Mendip School for 9 years in various year groups. I was at Ansford Academy for 3 years, supporting the Mendip unit in the mainstream school. I like reading, watching films and walking my dog.

Patrick Sumner

Class Teaching Assistant

I have worked at The Mendip School as a TA for 3 years now and love it. Before I worked for the school, I worked for the transport company for a few years on the minibuses as an assistant helping the children get to this school; in fact, it feels like a job swap rather than a whole new role. Outside work, I like playing and watching football. I also love performing music in my spare time. 

 

Horse Chestnut Timetable 2026 – 2027