Our Staff

Senior Leadership Team 

Mr Benton : Headteacher

I am delighted to have joined Pebsham Primary Academy as their Headteacher. I absolutely love my job and the positive impact I can have on shaping our pupils' education. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and I am an avid sports and fitness enthusiast. 



Mrs Jessup : Deputy Head and Inclusion Leader

I joined the Pebsham team in 2020 and I am really enjoying being Deputy Headteacher and Inclusion Leader.  I am passionate about making learning relevant and engaging for the children and for them to learn outside the classroom at any opportunity! Outside of school, I like to keep fit, go for dog walks along the beach front and spend time with my friends and family. 

Teaching Staff

Mr Ridley: Year 6 teacher (Seagulls) 

I joined Pebsham in September 2023 and couldn’t be happier to be part of the team. I absolutely love my job and I’m passionate about making all learning as fun and engaging as possible. It is wonderful to be part of a ‘Beach School’ and have the opportunity for outdoor learning. I feel privileged being able to teach in Year 6 and see the children develop into curious, unique individuals.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. You will often see me walking along the beach or around a local woodland. Also, I have a keen interest in fitness and sport.

Mrs Stubbs: Year 5 teacher (Kittiwakes) 

I joined Pebsham Academy in September 2023 and feel so welcomed by staff and pupils. I really enjoy encouraging pupils to make links between different areas of the curriculum so that learning becomes as meaningful as possible.  I love working close to the beach and being involved in beach school; the pupils really thrive in an environment that prioritises outdoor learning. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and running. 

Ms Love: Year 4 teacher (Anemones) and Maths Leader

I joined Pebsham in January 2023 and have instantly been warmly welcomed by all the staff, children and families. I previously taught for 10 years at an infant school in Hastings,  so it has been really lovely to get stuck into new topics with the children in key stage 2. I am very excited to lead maths across the school and love hearing the children discussing numbers and patterns excitedly in our daily maths meetings. I am so pleased to join a school that values outside learning experiences and cannot wait to be part of 'Beach School' with my class. When I am not teaching I spend much of my free time at my allotment, reading or enjoying all the wonderful local walks. You will be able to spot me easily as I am always wearing a heart somewhere! 

Miss Funnell: Year 3 teacher (Seals)

I was delighted to join Pebsham in April 2024 and love being part of such a friendly and welcoming community. I have been a Key Stage One and Two teacher in several schools across East Sussex over the years and remain passionate about sparking children's curiosity across our broad curriculum. I love practical learning and taking activities outside wherever possible, this is where everything really comes to life for the children! I am excited about being part of Beach School and cannot wait for all of the adventures ahead. In my own time, I love keeping fit in a variety of ways from yoga to running as well as exploring all of the exciting things Sussex has to offer with my young family.  

Miss Skilton : Year 2 teacher (Jellyfish)

I joined Pebsham in 2021 and have loved working here. I really enjoy working so close to the beach and love taking the learning outside when I can. My favourite thing to teach is science as I find the learning very inspiring and exciting - especially the experiments! Outside of school, I enjoy taking my sausage dog on walks and baking lots of yummy cakes. 

Miss Hunt : Year 1 teacher (Goby Fish)

I am so excited to be starting my teaching journey at Pebsham! I love making learning exciting and engaging for all children and creating an environment where every child gets to shine. Outside of school I love to spend time with my family and going on long walks with my sausage dog, Myrtle. I also love the theatre and bringing that love of storytelling into the classroom. 

Mr Wildman: EYFS teacher (Starfish)


Mrs Brett

Mrs Brett (Maternity)

I joined the Pebsham team in 2014I taught in both Nursery and Reception classes in Hertfordshire before joining Pebsham, I am delighted to be leading Art and Design Technology, my favourite two subjects! 

Support Staff

Mrs Willis : Pastoral Lead (Inclusion Team)

I have worked at Pebsham since 2004 in different roles across most of the year groups. Prior to this I worked at Glyne Gap special school for three years and a local pre-school nursery. I have always enjoyed working with children and the challenges and rewards that it brings. 

Miss Stapley

Miss Stapley : ACE Tutor A Champion for Every Child (Inclusion Team)

I always knew I wanted to work with children, I started as a lunchtime supervisor at another local school and quickly moved on to be a TA, I came to Pebsham in 2012 and have worked in both Key Stages.  I am currently the ACE tutor and am enthusiastic and passionate about supporting the children of Pebsham. 

Miss Johnson Y6 TA (Seagulls)

Mrs Simpson

Mrs Simpson : Year 5 TA (Kittiwakes) and Speech and Language Assistant

I've been a TA here at Pebsham for about 10 years. I love being with the children each day and being a part of their learning. Outside of school I love walking my dog and spending time with my friends and family.  

Natalie : Year 5 TA ( Kittiwakes) 

I joined Pebsham Academy as a cleaner in September 2022 and have enjoyed being part of the team. 

From leaving school I always knew I wanted to work with children, previously I have worked as an lunch time supervisor and after school club assistant at another school, but due to life events I was not able to pursue my dream of becoming a TA. 

I'm very grateful for Pebsham for giving me the opportunity to work as a full time TA. I love working with the children and find it to be a very rewarding role. 

Out of school I enjoy spending time with my own children and going on long walks with my dog Daisy.

Mrs Horscroft

Mrs Horscroft : Year 4 TA (Anenomes)

I have been working in the school for ten years. I took a TA course at Bexhill College where I gained an NVQ which has enabled me to progress in my role. I enjoy working with children and I'm currently working with Year 4. I like spending the weekends with my family and friends. 

Miss Holligan : Y3 TA (Seals)

Born and raised in South London, I moved to Hastings in 2016 and it has been the best decision ever! I started working at Pebsham in 2020 and left to work in another school. However, I missed all the children and staff so much that I returned in 2022! I enjoy helping children reach their full potential and am grateful to be working with such an amazing team. I find walks along the beach very therapeutic. I also enjoy drawing, writing and spending time with family and friends. 

Mrs Parsons: Year 2 TA (Jellyfish)

Mr Horscroft :  Year 1 TA (Goby Fish) 

I started at Pebsham in October 2020, heading back where it all began for me as a pupil. I enjoy spending time with my family and getting out and about as much as I can. I also enjoy working with children and helping them learn through play.  

Miss Whittaker : EYFS TA (Starfish)

In 2006 I became Pebsham’s lollipop lady, a role that I held for just over 5 years. It was then I decided I wanted to work with children. I became a volunteer at the school and went on to complete an NVQ at Bexhill College. In 2008 I was really lucky to be offered a position at Pebsham. The rest, as they say, is history!  This year I am working with a fantastic team.  

Administration Team

Mrs Baker

Mrs Baker : Business Manager

Mrs Conte : School Secretary 

Mrs Richards

Mrs Richards : Receptionist  and Finance Assistant

I have worked at Pebsham since 2006, Pebsham Primary Academy is a great place to work, full of friendly staff and children. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy shopping, walking, cooking, fundraising and watching films. 

Facilities Team

Mr Marney

Mr Marney : Caretaker

Taking up this role was exciting as I was never one to like being at school when I was younger. Opening up in the morning and getting the school ready for everyone gives you a skip in your step. To be at the gate and see all the smiling faces, all happy to be at school, is uplifting.  There's always something to fix or put up throughout the day that keeps me busy and when it's time to go home I look forward to walking my dogs and riding my motorbike. 

Penny : Domestic Staff