Our Staff

Leadership Team

Miss Clare O'Sullivan
Executive Headteacher and Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Miss O'Sullivan brings a wealth of experience from her 15-year commitment at an outstanding Hertfordshire school, where she served as Headteacher before relocating to Essex. As part of Canonium Learning Trust, she also oversees two other local schools, continuing her dedication to excellence in education and leadership.  

Mr Chris Benson
Head of School and Safeguarding Lead

Mr Benson is the Head of School and Designated Safeguarding Lead. He brings to Ardleigh St Mary’s a wealth of experience and expertise from both the UK and international schools having been the Head of Primary at the prestigious International School of Monaco for 9 years and playing a key role in guiding the school to become one of the Top 10 schools in Europe.


Throughout his career in school leadership, Mr Benson has always maintained a weekly teaching commitment to ensure that he knows all his pupils and is able to lead by example to ensure that every child receives an excellent and well-rounded education that best prepares them for an ever-changing world.


Teaching & Learning Teams

Reception and Key Stage 1

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2

Mrs Charlotte Skerritt (Teacher) (Deputy Safeguarding Lead)

Mrs Trudi Higgins (Learning Support Assistant)

Ms Jo Mutimer (Learning Support Assistant)

Mrs Jade Snowden (Learning Support Assistant)

Key Stage 2 

Year 3 and 4

Miss Aliesha Wells (Teacher)

Mrs Mel McKenna (Learning Support Assistant)


Year 5 and 6

Mr Ronan Adams (Teacher)


School Support Staff

School Office

Mrs Samantha Castle

Wellbeing Counsellor


Mrs Diane Arnold

SENDco


Mrs Victoria Norman

Mid Day Staff

Mr Graham Cole

Mrs Sue Mutimer

Ms Paula Metcalf

Ms Jo Mutimer



Caretaker

Mr Graham Cole

Catering Manager

Mr Paul Coppin

School Crossing Patrol Officer

Mr Graham Cole