Our school leadership team

Ms. Mercedes Hernández Estrada joined the school for the 18/19 academic year. Her previous role was CEO of Pioneer Educational Trust in Windsor and Slough and executive principal. She has worked in UK schools since the late 80s after completing her Philology degree and CAP at Oviedo University. She has been a Lead Practitioner for Curriculum Design and Leadership and recently, as National Leader in Education, she has supported schools, the Spanish and UK ministries and the Comunidad de Madrid.

Ms O’Brien joined our school in 2005 and became Head of Secondary in 2010. She has worked for the British Council since 1994, starting as an English teacher at the Madrid Young Learner Centre and holding various positions, including Director of Studies at the Barcelona Young Learner Centre. 

Brian joined the British Council School as Deputy Head with responsibility for Academic aspects in September 2020. He is excited to work as part of a great team of staff at an institution with such a rich history of success. His experience has been in UK schools, being part of several successful Senior Leadership Teams for the past 10 years. He looks forward to learning from the traditions and standards of our school and sharing his own knowledge and skills from his time in UK education.

Before joining the British Council School in 2024, Matshe was a Senior Business Leader in primary, special, and secondary schools in the UK. She also taught English as a second language in Murcia. Matshe previously worked in Facilities Management and Marketing. Alongside her education career, she completed school business management training with the National College, an MBA in Strategic Leadership, and became a Chartered Management Fellow in 2020. 

Ms Stewart joined the our school in 2007 as a Year 1 teacher, became a Family Leader and has subsequently worked on the Primary Senior Management Team. Before joining our school, Catherine worked in the UK, Peru and The Netherlands and also worked on the Spanish Ministry of Education Bilingual Curriculum Project.

Joanne Brindle Head of Primary since 2016. With over 30 years in Education, Excellent Practitioner accreditation from Roehampton University and a Master’s in Leadership for Learning, Joanne maintains her passion for learning.  She frequently shares her experiences in Education Conferences, and leads Teacher training sessions committed to developing child centred education and professional fulfilment.

Ms Conlisk has worked in the British Council since 2006, first as an English Language teacher at the Somosaguas Teaching Centre before moving to the School in 2009 to teach English and History. After 4 years as Key Stage 3 Leader, she was appointed Head of Secondary in September 2020. Ms Conlisk is passionate about working with and listening to young people, and ensuring that they are given the opportunities to achieve their goals.