Meet the Team

Hi, I am Mr Chiswell, Headteacher of the school. As Headteacher I work hard to ensure that the school is a transformational place for children to be. Outside of school, I am a husband and father. In my spare time I am a sailor, and I sail and race offshore.

I am proud to be the Head of School at the Vyner site, where I have been a part of The Observatory School community since 2007. Over the years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the school grow and evolve into the nurturing and inspiring environment it is today.

What I love most about being here is the incredible impact we make on our pupils’ lives. Every day brings opportunities to help them thrive, both academically and personally, and to see them develop the skills and confidence they need for a bright future.

The Observatory School is a special place, and I am honoured to be a part of its journey.

I am Mrs Drew, assistant headteacher and SENDCo, within the KS2 provision. It’s my job to make sure the pupils at Leasowe feel safe and supported, and take part in learning opportunities that meet their needs.

I am Mrs O’Connor and I am an Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo at The Observatory school. I also teach KS2 and KS3 pupils at the school and I love supporting with the ponies that visit the school. Outside of school I love going to the cinema and spending time with my family and friends. 

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My name is Mrs. Downs, and I am currently serving as the Acting Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo. My passion for teaching is particularly focused on mathematics. Outside of school, I enjoy going on long walks with my cockapoo, Milo, and taking him to training classes. A fun personal interest of mine is watching Harry Potter movies on repeat!

I have worked at The Observatory School for 9 years. I love my job as I get to meet new parents, pupils and professionals. I love talking to people and helping them if I can. I love my pets, Barney the Pug and Charlie the cat. Barney loves to visit school and meet you all. My hobbies are walking, reading and going to the Cinema/theatre.

As the HR Manager I support the Headteacher, members of SLT and Governors to ensure the effective management of all staff in the school. This includes training, recruitment, employment disputes, compliance with current Laws amongst other things.

Mr. Hart leads literacy and reading across both sites of The Observatory School. He teaches a Year 9 intervention class at Vyner and also works with a class at Leasowe, ensuring that his impact spans both locations. His main focus is to support and improve reading throughout the school, working with students to develop their literacy skills and foster a love of reading. Mr. Hart’s dedication to enhancing literacy makes him a key figure in driving the school’s efforts to improve reading outcomes for all pupils.

As the head of the Knowledge Curriculum and an advanced behavior lead, with a specialisation in mathematics and STEM. Additionally, serving as the elected staff governor for the past five years has allowed me to advocate for the interests of staff and pupils alike. Beyond the school environment, my passions extend to motor sports, cycling, football, my cat, and caring for my house plants. Since joining The Observatory in 2013, I’ve found immense fulfillment in guiding young minds towards their aspirations. Collaborating with students to overcome challenges and realise their potential brings me great joy. With a commitment to education and a diverse range of interests outside of academia, I strive to create a well-rounded and enriching experience for both myself and those I interact with.

My name is Mr. Freeman, and I am the Year 8 Social Class Bolts teacher. Outside of school, I am committed to staying fit through regular gym workouts and staying active. I have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy trying new activities and challenges. My favourite subject to teach is Physical Education, and I  particularly enjoy playing tennis.

Mr. Beattie is an experienced English teacher who teaches Key Stage 4 English Language and Literature at GCSE level. With a passion for literature and a commitment to fostering a love of reading and writing, he encourages his students to explore a wide range of texts and develop critical thinking skills. Mr. Beattie is also the enthusiastic leader of the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) club, a popular extracurricular activity where pupils enjoy the creativity, strategy, and teamwork involved. His approachable nature and engaging teaching style make him a well-liked and respected member of the school community.

Mr. Whitehead joined The Observatory School in 2024 and has quickly made a positive impact on the PE curriculum. He’s brought fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the department, especially by introducing team sports, where pupils can compete in tournaments with other schools. His passion for physical activity and teamwork has helped students build not only their sporting skills but also a strong sense of camaraderie. Mr. Whitehead’s approach makes PE both fun and rewarding, and he’s become a valued member of the school community.

Mrs. O’Gorman joined The Observatory School in 2024 as an English and Drama specialist. She’s known for making her lessons fun and engaging, bringing plenty of energy and creativity to the classroom. Her passion for both subjects helps students enjoy learning, whether they’re diving into a novel or exploring drama.

I love teaching science across key stage 3 and 4 in the school. I also really enjoy hosting STEM club, which is very popular with many exciting, upcoming projects. In my spare time I enjoy playing golf, cooking, hiking, playing guitar and hanging out with my wife, daughter and whippet.

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I joined The Observatory school in 2020 as the TA for the intervention classroom. During this time I have enjoyed getting to know each pupil and supporting them to develop in their learning. I enjoy outdoor activities and traveling with my family.

My favourite subjects are Science and Art. I hope to inspire pupils to enjoy their learning experience within all areas. Outside of school I enjoy walking, camping, and the occasional spot of DIY

I am the teaching assistant for upper school pupils.  Away from school I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren I also love football and support Liverpool FC.

Miss Turner is a Teaching Assistant in Thompson, an academic class, where her nurturing and calm nature helps create a supportive learning environment. She is dedicated to helping pupils feel confident and supported in their studies, making her an invaluable part of the team.

I am the teaching assistant for upper school pupils.  Away from school I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren I also love football and support Liverpool FC.

Mrs Riley is a Teaching Assistant in the Year 7 class, helping pupils to do their best in school. She also runs the Lego Therapy Club, which the students really enjoy. It’s a fun and creative way for them to build teamwork and social skills. Her friendly and supportive approach makes her a great part of the team.

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Mr McCloud is the school caretaker who works across all three sites, ensuring they are safe and well-maintained for everyone. His dedication and hard work behind the scenes keep things running smoothly, making him an essential part of the school community.