Contact Info.

THE STAFF

The New Forest Small School is presently run by Nicholas and Alison Alp, with the assistance of Clair Sims. We also have other specialist teachers.

Nicholas Alp teaches in the Primary (History, Geography and Science) and the Secondary (English Language, English Literature, History, Philosophy and Psychology to GCSE level). He is a 1st Class Honours Degree graduate in European Cultural History. He also holds a Diploma in the Montessori Method of Education with the St. Nicholas Montessori College. He has taught at alternative schools in the U.S. and in Scotland. His passions are music, football, astronomy, science, art, photography, film, history, philosophy and of course, education.

Alison Alp runs the kindergarten and teaches in the Primary (Maths, Drama & Art). She holds a Diploma in the Montessori Method of Education. She is currently doing an OU degree in Child Psychology. She has taught at alternative schools in Scotland and London. Her passions are conservation, arts/crafts, yoga, psychology and education. Alison and Nicholas are married, with 3 children, Greta, Jude and Asha who all attend the school.

Clair Sims teaches in the Primary (English) and assists in the kindergarten. She is a mother of two children attending our school. She teaches in both the kindergarten and primary classes. She is qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education. She has extensively studied Montessori, Reggio Emilio and Summerhill models of education. She is currently studying a BA Hons in Art History with the  Open University. Her passions include liberal / democratic education, music, literature, walking, organic gardening and self sufficiency.

Gillian Johnson teaches Science in the Secondary. She has a BSc in Biochemistry and Physiology, an MPhil in Immunology and a PGCE in Secondary Science teaching. She has a broad experience teaching in schools. Her passions include teaching in the environment, all types of sailing, especially with the Little Brig Sailing Trust, tiny tall ship sailing for children of all abilities.

Ann Carruthers teaches Maths in the Secondary. She has a PGCE from Canterbury University and has many years of teaching experience in mainly junior and middle schools. She is married and has four daughters, the youngest of whom is studying for her A levels at Brockenhurst College. Her interests include yoga, walking, music, reading, wine and food, travel, gardening and watching wildlife.

Anouchka Langford teaches Geography in the Secondary. She has a PGCE from the University of London, from where she was also a BSC Honours graduate in Geography. She has over 10 years of experience in teaching Geography and has travelled extensively throughout the world. Her passions include yoga, travelling, photography, reading, music and cooking.

Specialist Teachers / Volunteer Assistants - We are also fortunate to have the excellent assistance of the following parents - Paul Toms (Art), Andrea Bartlett (Languages), Lisa Ashton (Kindergarten) and Clair Farran (Kindergarten).