The people

The people behind the table.

A school this small lives by its people. Ours teach by name, not by register.

Founder · Open Learning

The school I always wanted to build.

I set up Open Learning to give kids, and their families, a school that fits the student, not the other way round. Before that I ran tutoring and shadow-teacher programmes for families whose children needed extra support to access mainstream school.

I’m a first-name kind of school leader. With ten or twelve students in a group you can actually know each kid, what they need more time on, what they’re bored by, what’s going on at home, and do something about it.

— Charlee

Charlee also runs Easy Education — after-school tutoring, languages and exam prep, in the same building behind its own door.
Visit Easy Education →

A small, trilingual team that chooses to teach this way.

Behind Charlee is a team of teachers, mentors and specialists who could work anywhere, and choose to work like this: in small groups, on first-name terms, fitting the day to the student.

They teach in English, Spanish and Valenciano, and most of them stay year after year. When a school is this size, the people are the curriculum.

The team

The people who make it work.

At a school this size, contact is not a procedure. You will get to know these people at the door in the morning, over coffee, in a message on a Tuesday evening. We list their full names so you always know exactly who you are speaking to, and never have to wonder which Marie answered. Everyone here goes by their first name, children and adults alike.

Vicky Booth

Art Lead

With over 20 years of industry experience, Vicky guides students in applying their creativity through unique and inspiring art projects, helping them build confidence, skills, and a love of creative expression.

Angela Saldaña

Spanish Section Lead

Angela brings a strong background in the humanities, creating a well-rounded and immersive Spanish learning experience. Through carefully structured lessons she makes even complex grammar accessible and engaging, reflected in an outstanding 100% pass rate in Spanish examinations.

Francesca Hadley

Primary · English

With a strong background in Early Years and Primary education, Francesca helps young learners build the foundations for future success. Drawing on experience in phonics, writing and project-based learning, she creates lessons that develop confidence, creativity and a love of learning from the very start.

Mar Llopis

Primary · Spanish

Mar is passionate about Early Years education and inspiring a love of the Spanish language from the very beginning. Through engaging, interactive lessons she helps young learners build confidence in their communication skills in a supportive, nurturing environment.

Javi Baselga

Spanish · Projects

Javi combines a strong background in Spanish language and creative media to deliver engaging, hands-on learning. His project-based approach lets students live the language, moving beyond the classroom to build confidence, communication skills and cultural understanding.

Alfonso Cholbi

Science & Maths

Alfonso brings a strong background in Maths and Science across international schools. He helps students make sense of Maths through clear, engaging teaching and inspires a love of Science through practical experiments, encouraging them to question, investigate and discover how science works all around them.

Cathy Tinsley

SEN Support

With a compassionate, student-centred approach, Cathy is committed to understanding and supporting the unique needs of every child. Using specialist techniques and tailored strategies, she provides the one-to-one support that helps students thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Julian Holzheimer

Enterprise · Innovation · AI · Pathfinders

Julian believes young people learn best by building, creating and solving real problems, so he encourages students to think like entrepreneurs: test ideas, learn from failure and act on opportunity. He has led innovation projects internationally, mentored startups and lectured at MCI Innsbruck.

Michaela Reardon

ESL and Enterprise · Special Education

Michaela helps every child find their strengths and thrive. With 12 years of experience and a Master's in Primary and Special Education, she supports learners with dyslexia, ADHD and autism, scaffolding lessons so each one builds confidence and independence. Her business background brings enterprise projects to life.

Alison Hughes

ESL & SEN Support

Alison brings over 20 years of experience across the UK and Spain as a qualified ESL teacher, lecturer and SEN specialist. She fits the learning to the individual, combining technical expertise with a flexible, heart-centred approach that builds confidence and helps every learner thrive.

Marie Daries

Pastoral Lead

Marie comes from humanitarian aid and international cooperation, with over seven years in psychosocial support and child protection, working with children and families in very different settings. At Open Learning she looks after emotional wellbeing, helping students build confidence, understand themselves, and handle whatever a week throws at them.

Marta Peñalba

Languages · Spanish, English & German

Marta teaches Spanish, English and German to students of all ages and levels. She holds a degree in Translation and Interpreting and a Master's in Secondary Education, and designs engaging, student-centred lessons. Her love of languages and intercultural communication helps her connect with every background.

Aniko Jux

Languages · ESL

Originally from Hungary, Aniko brings 23 years of teaching experience and several university teaching degrees. Her lessons are lively and interactive, with music, games and plenty of talking, because she believes learning works best in a friendly atmosphere where children feel supported. She also speaks Russian, Ukrainian and Serbian, so she can reach students from many backgrounds.

Tony Herrera

Administration Manager

With a strong background in IT and Human Resources, Tony keeps the school running smoothly day to day. Working behind the scenes, he oversees essential operations and administrative processes, creating an efficient and supportive environment for staff, students and families.

Juan Benavent

Logistics & Site Manager

Working behind the scenes on the school site, Juan makes sure logistics and facilities are carefully coordinated to support the smooth day-to-day running of the school, maintaining a safe, efficient and well-organised environment for staff and students.