Governance

I have been a governor since the early days of Clyst Vale becoming an Academy. Both my children came here and my wife and I chose CVCC because of its clear expression of a caring ethos and shaping young people to be well rounded, in addition to achieving the best they were capable of academically. I think those core values have become even more apparent in recent times and have enabled us to do our very best for students in the difficult years of 2020 and 2021. As a governor it has been an honour to be a small part of shaping that ethos.

I am father to 2 boys, the eldest of whom joined Clyst Vale from Whimple Primary School this year. Having been a member of the Whimple Pre-School, where I acted as Treasurer and Chair, and the Primary School PTA, I am keen to participate as a Parent Governor at Clyst Vale. I work for University of Exeter where I am Head of Business Support - responsible for supporting new venture creation and business growth support, working with students, researchers and founders of start-up and early-stage businesses. I believe my experience will provide a useful perspective to the Parent Governor team.

I have recently qualified as a chartered accountant after 7 years of studying and I believe my skills gained through the qualification process will support the strategic aims and objectives of CVCC.

I have a background in logistics and finance, not in educational services however I'm hoping to bring a fresh perspective to the board of governors.

I am a team leader for the Environment Agency. In 2020 I combined my love of the environment and my community by forming the Broadclyst Environment group and have enjoyed previous board positions with the Wave Project, a Charity that introduces children facing various challenges in life to surfing, improving their resilience. I am an experienced Respect at work advisor with the Environment Agency, empowering individuals feeling bullied or harassed to take-action. My eldest daughter Lily is in year 7 and I expect Poppy (7) to follow. I am keen to contribute my skills and experience to benefit the board.

I am a former pupil of Clyst Vale. I have three children, two are studying at University and my youngest is in year nine. I have been interested in becoming a school governor for a while, as I would like to give back to the school and the wider community. I have extensive knowledge of Audit, Governance and Risk Management and have worked in the NHS for 22 years. Becoming a trustee has scope for me to contribute in making a difference to improve the outcomes of all children at the school, which is something that is important to me.

My career in education began in 1995 at Paignton Community College, an 11-18 mixed ability comprehensive school. In 1999 I joined Tiverton High School as a Head of Department later assuming the role of Head of Faculty. Following a career break to focus on my family I returned to my career in teaching as Head of Department at Uffculme School. During my period of employment at Uffculme I had the opportunity to experience many aspects of school leadership, in addition to my role as Head of Department I was appointed as a Lead Practitioner before being promoted as Assistant Head and Director of the West Country Teaching School Alliance.

I joined Clyst Vale Community College in September 2019 as a Deputy Head and assumed the role of Principal in January 2024. Clyst Vale is a fantastic College, it has retained its unique culture and ethos against an increasingly challenging educational landscape. It is a school which recognises and promotes relationships and the happiness and wellbeing of all students and staff alongside academic excellence and understands the crucial interdependency of the two.

I am passionate about education, the potential of young people and continue to teach.  Out of College, my interests include sailing, cycling and travel.