Meet our People

Originally hailing from Manchester, I have worked as a teacher in education for 31 years, 20 as a senior leader as Headteacher, Executive Headteacher and chair of governors, I have led both secondary and primary schools out of special measures to achieve Ofsted outstanding and good grades. I am motivated by improving ‘cultures’ and providing ‘opportunities’ for all children to succeed, not just boosting examination outcomes.

I am proud to have been designated a National Leader of Education, as well as a trained and active lead Ofsted inspector at primary and secondary level, and enjoy working with others. As a level 7 executive coach and mentor with the Institute of Leadership and Management, I work closely with all who seek to make things better for children and staff in schools. I am a trustee of School Leadership Services, which offers support and challenge to heads and leaders across the south west.

Education is a force for change; I am passionate about the power of education for all and have many years’ experience as a governor and trustee.

Teachers and leaders should work together across educational settings for the good of all children; only by leading with humility will we truly help the children and young people we serve.

BA Hons English and American Literature, PGCE, PGDip, MA, NPQH, ILM Level 7

I was raised and educated in Leicestershire before studying for a degree at the University of Sheffield. I entered teaching straight after graduating, completing a PGCE at the University of Leicester where I later studied for an MA in Education. I spent the first 23 years of my career working in schools in Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Leicestershire. The early part of my career was spent as a teacher of History and Curriculum Team Leader for Humanities.

It was during this phase that I established a strong interest in research-based teaching and learning using the science behind how the brain absorbs information to inform classroom practice. I have been in Senior Leadership since 2004 working on school improvement project work focused on raising outcomes for young people. Coombeshead Academy is my second headship following 8 successful years running a Leicestershire 14-19 school and then forming a small MAT of 2 schools and eventually merging them into a large ‘outstanding’ 11-19 school.

In recent years I have been heavily involved in a teaching school where I helped lead a successful programme of NPQs including developing and teaching on the NPQH. Since 2017 I have been designated as a National Leader of Education working on school improvement projects across a range of schools.

BA Hons History and Politics, PGCE, MA in Professional Studies in Education, NPQH

I grew up in and around Exeter and following my A levels studied Biology at University College London. I started my teaching career in London in 1997 as a science teacher at Hampstead school in the Borough of Camden, following my teacher training at King’s College London. Four and a half years later I moved to Acland Burghley School, Camden, as Head of Science.

In 2009 my family and I moved back to Devon where I worked for three years as an Assistant Headteacher at Eggbuckland Community College in Plymouth. In 2012 I moved to Coombeshead Academy and worked there for five years as Deputy Headteacher. During this time I completed a Masters in Education with a focus on Professional Development and School Leadership. In 2017 I was appointed as Headteacher of Teign School, and completed my NPQH shortly afterwards.

I am passionate about the power of education in providing young people with the knowledge and understanding they need to navigate through a complex and rapidly changing society. Engaging with children to spark their curiosity, to develop their love of learning and to enthuse them about finding out about their world is central to my educational philosophy.

BSc Biology, 1st Class Honours, MA, Professional Development and Leadership in Education, NPQH

I have been teaching for just over 20 years and am hugely privileged to have spent just over half of this time as the Head or Executive Head within a diverse range of schools. As a school leader, I have worked successfully to ensure that all of my settings have improved the educational offer experienced by our pupils.

I am absolutely passionate about professionals working together to provide the very best life chances for our children. To this end, I have led school improvement groups at both a local and national level. I have been involved in the strategic development of national networks of schools and have facilitated development programmes for both middle and senior leaders.

Having been trained as a lead inspector, I am actively involved in inspecting for Ofsted. I have also worked with the local authority to assess and support the development of high-quality teaching and learning in schools that are facing significant issues.

Great education provides an opportunity for all children to thrive, grow and succeed. I am excited to be working within a trust where this is front and centre of all that we do.

BA Hons (Education and Mathematics), QTS, MEd (School Leadership), NPQH.

Originally from a very small mining town in the Welsh valleys I moved to Hampshire at 18 to complete my Science… degree and PGCE at the University of Portsmouth. I then started my career in education in 1995 as a Science teacher, quickly moving on to become a Head of Science and then an Assistant Headteacher.

I continued in Senior Leadership roles, including being Headteacher of two separate secondary schools in South Wales.

BSc (Hons) Molecular Biology, PGCE Secondary Science, NPQH – National Professional Qualification for Headship

I am an experienced school leader and teacher and have worked in education for over 20 years in many roles and settings I have held senior positions such as Deputy Headteacher, Head Teacher and Executive Headteacher. I joined the trust in 2016 and whilst leading schools in ESW I have worked on school improvement and curriculum development.

BA (Hons) Education

MA Education Leadership

I have worked in education for 24 years, 13 of which have been in senior leadership positions. I was Head of geography and Director of Sixth Form at Kingsbridge Community College and then became Head of School at Dartmouth, leading it out of special measures.

I am now Principal at Kingsbridge Community College and Executive Principal at Dartmouth Academy. I understand the importance of working closely with a school’s community in order to support all students to be their ‘best selves’.

BSc Development Studies, PGCE

Claire was educated as a child in Plymouth, followed a Biomedical degree at Bradford University and gained a PGCE in Science and Games from Bristol University, followed by a Master degree in Education.

Claire’s teaching career began in Bristol, where she achieved Advanced Skills status and worked in three schools in a range of curriculum and pastoral roles.

When Claire moved back to Devon, she initially worked for Plymouth City Council as the Science Advisor for both primary and secondary phases. Claire then returned to a Plymouth secondary school as the Head of Science and then Assistant Headteacher. Following her interest in Science and STEM, Claire was appointed to the senior leadership team within the South Devon UTC where she is now Head of College.

Originally from Kent, I moved to Devon in 2004 and graduated from the University College of St Mark and St John I have worked in education for 13 years, 8 years within senior leadership positions.

I have taught across the Primary age range within a variety of school settings; from small rural schools to larger city schools of nearly 660 children, and have held many senior roles and responsibilities for whole school improvement at all levels. I have a real passion for learning and believe every child should be given the opportunities and support required to be successful in developing themselves as life-long learners.

I have been working within Education South West for 15 years, starting my career at Stoke Fleming Primary School as an NQT school working in Early Years and KS1. In 2011 I was given the opportunity to be the lead teacher, setting up of a Teacher Led Foundation Stage Unit, for all children aged 2 – 5 years old. This was my first step into leadership, managing seven members of staff and developing their strengths and skills. My passion for Early Years has allowed me to play an integral part in driving the Early Years curriculum forward to ensure all our children receive the best quality of education. This is tailored made to meet their needs, expand their opportunities and celebrate their individuality. In 2021 I moved from Stoke Fleming and became Early Years Lead for the Trust, working across three of our primary school sites to establish Foundation Stage Units, as well as leading the development of Early Years across all seven primary schools,  delivering CPD to staff and webinars to other professionals working within Devon.

I was appointed as permanent Headteacher at Christow Primary School in September 2022 and am excited to continue my leadership journey and continue to drive improvements in a wonderful school.

NPQH, NPQSL, BA(Hons)Education Studies.

I have been teaching for over 25 years and in school leadership for almost half that time. I have taught all age ranges and am a qualified Special Needs Coordinator. I teach the History module of the Devon SCITT teacher training course and have taught Humanities skills to trainee BEd students at Plymouth University.

I arrived at East Allington in 2016 and have been fortunate to work with a great team and community. The school is a special place with a strong emphasis on learning outdoors and a strong ethos of caring for each other.

BA (Hons) Humanities, PGCE, SENDCo

I started my teaching career in Newport over thirty years before joining Kingsbridge Primary School on a year’s temporary contract 1994. I became the Deputy Headteacher in 2013, Head of School in 2018, then Headteacher when we joined ESW in February 2024. It is a privilege to serve this community and lead the school at such an exciting time in its journey. All our staff are really dedicated to the children and share a desire to provide the best possible education for everybody. Our values are at the core of what we do and behind every decision we make. We strive to live by and model the concepts of Community, Aspiration, Respect and Equity in everything we do.

Our school started working with the Trust in January 2023, we have found the challenge and support invaluable. I am really proud of what we have achieved working within ESW and I am excited about the future for our school.

I am proud to be the headteacher at Rydon Primary School. It is a privilege to work in a school and Trust that places ALL children at its core. I am passionate about developing all staff so that we in turn can give our pupils the knowledge and skills which will set them up ready for their lifelong ambitions. 

I have enjoyed varied teaching opportunities over all primary age ranges and many leadership roles in primary education for over 25 years. This has led me to becoming actively involved in supporting other leaders in education.

I have a heightened interest in education in the early years and believe that early intervention is vital. This has previously led to an opportunity to moderate settings at county level and running a successful EYFS network across 15 schools. I am highly driven in my commitment to continued whole-school improvement as well as having achieving successful OFSTED outcomes in both my headships. 

Having joined ESW and their leadership team I value the opportunities for my own leadership development and those to support others in an executive role.

BAEd(Hons), NPQML, NPQSL

Originally from the North East, I relocated to Devon after graduating from Newcastle University in 2008. I completed a PGCE at the University of Exeter in 2011 and began my teaching career in 2012. Over the past 12 years, including six in senior leadership roles, I have gained valuable experience teaching across the primary age range in a variety of school settings, from large urban schools to small rural communities.

I am incredibly proud to serve as the headteacher of Stoke Fleming Primary School. Leading a school within a Trust that prioritises the success and well-being of every child is a true privilege. I am passionate about fostering the professional growth of our staff, ensuring we provide every pupil with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to achieve their lifelong aspirations.

With a strong focus on school improvement and continuous development, I am committed to making Stoke Fleming Primary School an exceptional place for children and staff alike, firmly rooted at the heart of our local community.