Our Team

Luke Sullivan

Co-Founder

Luke Sullivan is an educational entrepreneur with 15 years experience founding and running some of the most exclusive and personalised educational organisations in the UK and Monaco.

Luke has personally worked with over a thousand internationally prominent families as a celebrated teacher, mentor, consultant and director during this time. He has developed a broad and deep range of specialisms including elite school and university entry, specialist exam preparation and the creation of highly-personalised education programs. It is Luke’s knowledge of educational best-practice coupled with his sophisticated understanding of the international Monaco community, that have formed the DNA of the British School of Monaco.

Luke says “We are so excited to be bringing the British School of Monaco to life, and to be able to offer a diversification to Monaco’s educational excellent educational offering. So much thought and care has gone into developing every aspect of the school so that it not only stands toe-to-toe with some of the best schools in the world, but is also tailored to the diverse needs of Monaco’s international community.”

Dr Olena Sullivan-Prykhodko

Co-Founder

Dr Olena Sullivan-Prykhodko holds a Master’s Degree in Corporate Law and a Ph.D in Law. Ukrainian born, Olena is a recipient of the State Award, The Medal of the Cabinet of Ministers, for her ‘outstanding contribution towards youth development’. In 2018, Olena served as National President of JCI Monaco, (Jeune Chambre Economique de Monaco), and in 2021, she held the office of JCI Vice President.

Olena leads on the operational and business elements of the school, currently she is leading on the infrastructure development at the school premises.

Excited about the opening of the new school Olena says, “The British School of Monaco will provide an environment where students come in every day with a sense of home and belonging. Many of our students will likely be from multicultural and multilingual families, and, as someone who studied abroad, I know first-hand how important giving a strong sense of place is to students. This, on top of our strong values and excellent curriculum and teaching staff will make the British School of Monaco a really distinctive learning environment and community.”

Dr Stuart Bradley

Founding Principal

Dr Bradley is a highly experienced head teacher of schools both in England and abroad. As a trained PENTA International school inspector and a CIS school evaluator he has also had the opportunity to spend time in schools in Asia, Africa and Europe. After graduating from Oxford University, he taught in a boarding prep school where he became a housemaster and deputy head. Three headships in the UK followed and then ten years as the Head of Primary at The Sultan’s School in Muscat, Oman.

Stuart firmly believes that « school must be a place where students are valued, respected, nurtured and supported in an environment that is conducive to high-quality learning. It must be a place where each one has the widest range of opportunities to develop their thinking skills alongside gaining knowledge and mastery. They must be taught how to learn and how to apply what they learn – developing both academically and socially, preparing them for the next stage of their journey in life.

Alexandra McIntosh

Year 1 Teacher

Miss Alex studied education in Edinburgh and then began and continued her teaching career in Scotland over the past five years. During this time she focused on working collaboratively in order to develop ‘Reading for Enjoyment’ and other areas of literacy across the school. Outside of work she is passionate about horse riding, particularly show jumping. Being from Scotland she enjoys being outside in beautiful rural landscapes.

In her own words:

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Dr Seuss – Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

I often share this quote with learners in my class to encourage them to pursue their wildest dreams with confidence and fill themselves with belief. I have always believed that every learner I’ve had the pleasure of teaching can achieve whatever they put their mind to.

Several months ago, it occurred to me that I was not taking my own advice. With this in mind, I felt like I was ready for a new challenge and decided to steer myself to the Cote D’Azur. Waking up to blue skies, the sun glistening on the Mediterranean Sea and treasuring the taste of a warm pain au chocolat I soon realised that my advice is worth taking. By following this simple message that I refer to almost weekly in class, I have found myself on the French Riviera beginning a whole new chapter of my life. A chapter that I am tremendously thankful for and will be forever a memorable experience.

As a professional I hold in high regard the need for children to learn in a nurturing environment where they have the opportunities to equip themselves with the necessary skills to thrive in our modern and ever-changing world. This is something that the British School of Monaco is also passionate about. Alongside the exceptional curriculum that has been created I am eager to begin the school term and meet the learners and families in the near future.

Vanessa O’Neill

Year 2 Teacher

Having taught in Rome for the past seven years, Miss Ness, a dedicated Francophile, is now delighted to be joining the team in Monaco. Miss Ness, a Cambridge graduate, worked in state schools in England (spending three years in special educational needs) and taught French and Spanish before leaving for sunnier climes. In her spare time, she sings, plays guitar and keeps fit by going to the gym and playing padel.

In her own words.

Gazing out of the window, my eye is captivated by one delight after another: charming terracotta, rose and lemon coloured houses peeking out from lush, verdant, cliff faces and seeming to compete with one another in their absurd beauty. The sky, ever-changing, be it hues of grey, fluffy clouds or pink ribbons traversing the sky, never ceases to fill my soul with awe. The splendour of the Cote d’Azur merits the love affair which holds so many of us, past and present, in its embrace. The train snakes round the hills and my glance is distracted by the light shimmering on the sea; the beautiful boats resting sentinel on the water. It is hard to imagine why anyone would ever want to leave this place. I marvel at the wonder that has come into my life: to have the joy of seeing this astonishing view every day, while travelling to meet some of the nicest people I have ever encountered: my new team of friends and colleagues at the British School of Monaco and Modelex.

Rhiannon Wallace

Year 3 Teacher

With over 25 years’ experience in Primary education, Rhiannon has taught children in the classroom from Reception to Year 6. Educated and trained in the UK, she has worked in state and international schools in the US and Japan, as well as in different parts of the UK. As well as teaching the National Curricula in England and Wales, Rhiannon has also worked with the US curriculum and delivered the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. She has held curriculum leadership positions in Mathematics, Humanities and Art. Rhiannon outs great emphasis on active learning and engaging her students in their learning journey. She is passionate about developing a love of books and reading.

Thomas Carroll

Year 4 Teacher

Mr. Thomas graduated with a degree in History and English from the National University of Ireland, Galway. After completing a master’s degree in Education at Mary Immaculate College, he spent four years working as a primary school teacher in Dublin. Primarily working within Year 4, he looks forward to bringing his experience and enthusiasm for learning to the British School of Monaco. As well as enjoying playing and watching sport, Mr. Thomas is an avid reader, with a passion for creative writing and poetry.

In his own words:

Dublin. Morning Flight. Bienvenue à Nice. Then onward to Monaco. The train window framed eternity. Cerulean waters pushed towards the shore. As sunset called that time had come. The train arrived in Monaco just before seven. Streets of gold-dappled stone carried me to it. A magnetic force speaking at once of challenge and opportunity. Hallways hungry for first footsteps, walls waiting to tell terrific tales. Classrooms a sense of calm, safe in the knowledge of tomorrow’s energy. Learners creating the world that is yet to come, finding friends, and themselves. And to join them in this journey of discovery, tells of teaching’s true purpose. The privilege of being there, when the page is turned to reveal itself. And the once unknown begins to frame the world around them all. And at a remove, to see clearly how far we’ve come. To turn and look with courage at the road ahead. And ever there upon the horizon the future sits. Daily asking us anew who we will be. Together we will work towards an answer. We must singularly dare to speak. With knowledge underpinned by courage. Believe truly, and know. You are here. You are. You.

Kelly Parkhouse

Year 5 Teacher

Educated and trained in the UK, Miss Kelly has taught in a variety of state schools in London, Chicago and India. As well as teaching the English National Curriculum and Cambridge Curriculum, Kelly has worked with curriculums in the US and has experience teaching within the Expeditionary Learning Framework and Cognitive Guided Instruction of Mathematics. Kelly has held leadership roles in science and geography and is a certified National Geographic Educator and Paws B Mindfulness Practitioner.

In her own words.

“Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” Mae Jemison

Since qualifying as an educator 8 years ago, I always begin a new school year by asking myself the following question: why am I an educator? It’s interesting how my answer has changed throughout my career. Whilst I still agree with my original responses of ‘I want to make a difference’ and ‘children need reading, writing and Maths in order to access the world’, my view of education has become more refined, and the quote above by the legendary Mae Jemison sums it up nicely. My teaching experiences in London, Chicago and India have all led me to define what education is really about. It goes without saying that we teach the academic subjects and the skills associated with these (such as critical thinking, analysing and reasoning), but deep down, the heart of educating is to encourage creativity, curiosity and imagination in our young people, so that they can find their place and their purpose in our world, and this is what I strive to accomplish.

I am excited to welcome our students into the British School of Monaco, so that we can start this important journey together!

Ludovic Plouhinec

French Teacher

Mr. Ludovic was born in Paris and grew up in Brittany, in the Northwest of France. He has lived in Qatar for four years teaching French in Early years and Primary in a British and international school. He earned his PGCE in Modern Languages in Bristol and taught more than five years in two Grammar schools in England.

In his own words.

“Education teaches us compassion and kindness, connection to others.” Jill Biden.

This quote is very inspiring as I truly believe that being compassionate is important in teaching. Since I began my journey as a teacher in 2007 l I have tried to teach with kindness and compassion to prepare students in the UK and abroad for long-term success in all aspects of life.

I am now so excited to pursue this experience at the British School of Monaco to encourage the students to stretch themselves intellectually by making connections between their studies and the world. I also have the desire to motivate every learner to be the best that they can be, regardless of their starting point.

Adam McAndrews

Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Adam grew up and studied in England: A teacher of PE and games and has lived and worked in three other countries, teaching sport, over 11 years. His hobbies are cycling, golf, watching Chelsea FC, art museums, and cooking. The next personal goal for him is to cycle up Mont Ventoux.

In his own words.

Your first race, your first goal, your first team win! What does sport mean to you? Can you still remember your own success? Here at the British School of Monaco, we will develop skills and coordination in fun ways to bring a sense of teamwork, achievement and belonging to everyone. Exploring new games and activities will fill children with challenges and excitement in different ways to their normal daily life.

Sport in the sun is magical and it is one of the many reasons that draws me to this fantastic part of the world. Cycling in the mountains, swimming in the blue waters or running on the beach are just some of the exciting opportunities for exercise, to feel healthy and truly alive.

Having worked with young people in sport over 22 years, across three different continents, I still get a buzz in giving people the chance to play sport and smile.

Being part of another school start up in a fantastic place like Monaco fills me with joy and passion, bringing me back to finishing second place in my first ever school race in 1988, for me yes! I can still remember.

Michelle Chapman

Teaching Assistant

Educated in the UK, Miss Michelle completed her degree at Brunel University with a Bachelor in Social Work. After a long career in Social Work, Michelle is excited to transfer her skills within the education sector.

In her own words.

Hi, my name is Michelle Chapman, and I am proud to say I am one of the teaching assistants at the British School Monaco.

I moved to Monaco from the U.K. when I was pregnant with my first child and am very pleased to say that I now have two beautiful little girls.

Before retraining as a teaching assistant, I worked in London, first as a social worker and subsequently in sales for various well-known companies. Oh, and I also spent nearly seven years raising my kids!

Having grown up in London, Trinidad and Nigeria, I am passionate about travelling, diversity and experiencing different cultures which I consider to be an education all in itself.

I am super excited to be part of the team at the British School Monaco, working alongside the teachers and providing essential support required to shape the next generation – your children.

Thank you.

Laura Kellie

Head of Quality and Standards

Laura Kellie is a highly experienced senior leader with experience in a range of UK and International schools as well as international blue chip companies like Morgan Stanley, Nokia and WPP Group.
Laura is first and foremost a passionate educator, putting students at the heart of all decision making.
As Head of Quality and Standards at Modelex she drives and manages the 1-1 Schooling and has been responsible for setting up, developing and overseeing the high-quality academic approach for Modelex in both 1-1 Schooling and Tutoring from KS1 through to KS4.
Laura’s role as Head of Quality and Standards also feeds into the British School of Monaco; Laura played a pivotal role in the creation and development of the vision for British School of Monaco and she led the creation, design and application of the high-quality curriculum which places literature at its heart and which exploits the latest in research-led teaching practices.
» I am extremely excited to see our engaging and creative curriculum come to life at the British School of Monaco. Seeing Literature placed so high on the agenda at the British School and knowing the way it has been designed to permeate across the curriculum is a real joy, because I know how influential this will be on the children’s overall development. Placing a Mastery approach to teaching and learning across the curriculum alongside a strong dialogic culture is what drives the academic agenda at the British School and we are already seeing this in action. »
« At Modelex, ensuring the delivery of high-quality educational experiences for all types of students, while offering solutions and support for both new and established families is at the heart of what I do. »

Daniel Goncalves

Operations Manager

In his own words.

Je m’appelle Daniel Gonçalves , j’ai 29 ans. D’origine portugaise, je suis né à Monaco, là où j’ai grandi et effectué toute ma scolarité (école, collège, lycée). J’ai travaillé six ans à l’école Saint Charles de Monaco.

J’adore le sport , je pratique le football en compétition à l’AS Monaco FC. J’aime aussi pratiquer d’autres sports tels que le basketball ou le Padel et regarder la Formule 1 à la TV.

Je suis très heureux , honoré et fier de faire partie de l’équipe qui inaugure the British School of Monaco, et d’avoir l’occasion de faire grandir et évoluer cette structure.

A mon sens, la notion éducative est très importante et la transmission des bonnes valeurs aux enfants est essentielle. J’aime avoir un rôle ou je peux aider à la transmission de ces valeurs.

Étant assez polyvalent et ayant une bonne connaissance du territoire monégasque, je vais essayer de subvenir au mieux aux besoins de l’école et de son bon fonctionnement en collaboration avec les autres membres du staff.

Faiza Said Ali

Service and Catering Agent

I am Faiza Said Ali and of Comorian origin and French nationality. I come from the department of Mayotte where I grew up and did all my schooling until obtaining my Baccalaureate.
I have worked for over ten years in various positions of responsibility in retail, telephony and the international airport of Mayotte.

Over the past three years, I have mainly devoted myself to working in the field of education. I worked as a school canteen agent in a Monaco’s high school and volunteered in schools and nurseries to help organise outings, fairs, and school parties.

It is a great opportunity and a real honour to be part of the British School of Monaco team, and I aim to contribute to the future of our school through the development and education of students while promoting their health, learning and success.