Derek & Jackie White (directors)

Derek is CELC Principal and Jackie is Finance Director.  Derek started working for the school in 1987, having retired from his previous employment with Shell UK. Prior to his involvement in the Centre, Derek had been involved in evangelism among overseas students since 1979. Derek was on the teaching faculty from 1987 until 1996, including four years as Director of studies.

Besides involvement in the school, Derek & Jackie were [and on occasions still do] for many years hosting students in their family, they have four children and five grandchildren.

Derek & Jackie are committed to the life of Bournemouth Community Church BCC where  Jackie helps run the 'Parents & Toddlers' - among other things and Derek serves as an Elder. Derek has recently completed an honours degree in Philosophy and Apologetics. He's still 'contemplating' a doctorate in the same subject.

Before coming to the UK in 1993, Chris taught history at a high school in New Zealand. He works as Director of Studies and is responsible for the academic side of the Centre. 

Chris holds a degree in Social Sciences, a post-graduate diploma in Teaching and also has the Diploma in TEFLA. 

The Robinsons are an international family. Chris's wife Adrienne is both a New Zealander and Dutch. They have two children: Joel & Jenna. They are members of Family Church Christchurch.

Sue Armstrong (Assistant Director of Studies)

Sue joined the school in 1999 after working in Whitby, Egypt and the Slovak Republic. She has a degree in Electronic Engineering and the Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults.

Amongst other things, Sue is responsible for keeping our school website up-to-date.

Rob Barron (teacher)

Rob has been with us at the school since 1987 and has been a University of Cambridge EFL examiner since 1992.

Rob is a presenter on Hope FM Community Christian Radio. He is a keen musician and worship leader, and a Liverpool Football Club supporter. Rob is also one of our resident first aid 'nurses'. 

Rob is married to Diane and has one son, Chris.

Tina Cochrane (teacher)

Tina spent many years in Sweden; she has a degree in Scandinavian Languages as well as a degree in English, Phonetics and Pedagogics.

Tina is the author or co-author of various English textbooks, written for Swedish schools

Tina is quite famous in Bournemouth as the 'Tea lady' because of her expertise in tea importation.

Wendy has been working at the Centre since the summer of 1999. She is married and has three children. 

Wendy is the daughter of the founder of CELC, David Williams. David founded the school in 1977; he retired in 1996.

Jill Ambler (academic administrator)

Jill joined us in 2006 after working at nearby Moorlands Christian College. She has held a number of posts in administration, training and fund-raising.

Jill is a committed member of Lansdowne Baptist Church and a regular Sunday School teacher there. She is married with one son.