Our Team

Emma Duffy - Head of Primary and Early Years

Emma completed her PGCE at the University of Glasgow. She has over 10 years experience teaching across Early Years and Primary and began working at Hastings School in 2014. Emma is passionate about working in Early Years and helping young children to develop curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

Anne McConnell - Deputy Head of Primary - Key Stage 1

Anne McConnell began her teaching career in Brighton, East Sussex. She has 10 years experience working in numerous schools in Brighton and Madrid as classroom teacher, Key Stage Coordinator and Deputy Head. Anne studied Philosophy at Leeds University, and completed GTP teacher training with Brighton University.

Fiona Chapman - Deputy Head of Primary - Key Stage 2

Fiona Chapman’s teaching qualification is from the University of Warwick. She has been teaching for over 30 years in schools in London, Mexico City and Madrid. Her plan to continue moving on an international circuit came to an end when she moved to Madrid in 1995 and fell in love with the city and Hastings School! She is passionate about Teaching and Learning.

Simon Baskett - Head of Secondary

Simon Baskett graduated from Oxford University with a History degree and then completed a PGCE at the University of Bristol. He has also done an MA module in Action Research at Bath University. He has over 30 years experience in teaching, having worked at schools in London, Bristol and Oxford and held management positions at a number international schools in Madrid. He joins Hastings after over a decade at Runnymede College where he held the post of Deputy Head (Academic). Simon has also worked as a journalist, having done freelance work for a number of British newspapers and broadcasters and he was the chief sports reporter for the Reuters news agency.

David McClement - Deputy Head of Secondary MM8 –Pastoral

David studied Biological Sciences at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow before completing a postgraduate qualification in Secondary Science Education. He began his teaching career in 2005 at Dunoon Grammar School, where he progressed to Head of Biology and later Head of the Science Faculty.
After eight years in Scotland, he moved to Repton School in Dubai, where he discovered his passion for pastoral care through his roles as Head of PSHE and Deputy Head of House.
In 2015, he relocated to Madrid and later joined Hastings School in 2021. At Hastings, he has continued to develop his pastoral focus, serving as Head of Year for four years and now as Deputy Head of Pastoral Care for Upper Secondary based at MM8.

Rose Bryant - Deputy Head of Secondary - Academic

Rose studied for a BA in English Literature and Drama at the University of Birmingham before completing her PGCE at the University of Bristol. From there, she completed four years teaching in Dorset in the UK, including working as the KS4 Coordinator for the English department. Rose joined Hastings School in 2015 as an English teacher, enthusiastically pursuing a path in Teaching and Learning. Outside school, she continues to enjoy her theatrical roots and regularly acts in productions with English Theatre Madrid.

Linda Carruthers - Deputy Head of Secondary LST - Pastoral

Linda Carruthers became Head of Art at Hastings school in January 2009. In 2012 she became part of the leadership team with responsibility for Pastoral Care. She studied Fine Art in Newcastle and completed her PGCE at Roehampton University in London. Linda has a passion for the Arts which is what brought her to the beautiful city of Madrid and has since made it her home.

Anna Brickle - IB Programme Co-ordinator

Anna studied Physics at Bristol University and completed her PGCE in 1994. Anna worked in the UK as a Physics teacher and Head of Physics in Bristol, Brighton, and Nottingham before relocating to Indonesia in 2004. She stayed there for 10 years, raising her children, and working as Head of Science and Head of the House system in the Australian International school. The family moved to Spain in 2013 with Anna teaching the UK curriculum and Física (Bachillerato) in addition to her Head of Science role. She finally moved to Hastings in 2018 and with her interest and experience in international education systems she is leading the development of the IB diploma programme.

Louise Pepper - Deputy Head Data and Assessments

Louise joined the team in 2023, having previously taught in the UK, Spain and the UAE. She graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics in 2011 (UK), a MA in Education in 2018 (UK) and a Masters in Mathematics for Teachers in 2022 (Canada). A lifelong learner, Louise continues her studies with the University of Nottingham, currently studying for a Doctorate in Education. As well as teaching Mathematics, Louise is also responsible for in-school assessments, academic data and day-to-day logistics, including building the Secondary school timetable. Outside of school, Louise enjoys reading, puzzles and strategy games.

Alexander Ortiz - Teaching and Learning Deputy Head - Secondary

Alex studied an MEng in Civil Engineering at the University of Southampton and worked in industry on the Victoria Station Upgrade project in Central London. Following a brief stint teaching English in Mexico, Alex decided to return to Southampton to complete his PGCE in Physics and Mathematics, and taught Science for three years at a school in Hampshire in the UK. Alex joined Hastings School in 2020, and was Head of Science before taking on the Teaching and Learning Deputy Head role. Outside of the classroom, Alex enjoys spending time walking and cycling in the mountains north of Madrid.

Ismael López - Director Técnico de la Sección Española

With a First Class degree in Translation and Interpreting and a PGCE from the University of Roehampton in London, Ismael arrived to Hastings in September 2019 .
Before Hastings, Ismael taught Spanish and French in London, as well as Lengua y Literatura Castellana and Spanish on the Costa del Sol, which gave him a strong understanding of diverse classrooms and educational systems. As an educator, Ismael believes in creating a supportive and engaging environment where students can thrive and develop a passion for foreign-language learning. In addition to teaching Spanish in both the A-Level and IB programmes, as Director Técnico he coordinates the Spanish curriculum and liaises closely with Spanish authorities, ensuring high academic standards and strong institutional relationships.
Outside of school, Ismael is an avid traveller and enjoys cultural life and nature. As a passionate linguist, he is currently learning his 7th language.