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.

As a long-standing member of teaching staff, now retired, and former Staff Governor, Clyst Vale has been a big part of my life and I am delighted to now return as a co-opted Governor. After a period working in cancer research, I started my teaching career in Hertfordshire and then moved to Clyst Vale in 1990. I was second in Science and then Head of Science at Clyst Vale before becoming the College timetabler and latterly Assistant Principal. I hope to be able use my knowledge of the College, the curriculum and wider College life to make a positive contribution to the work of the Governing Body.

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 have worked in education for 20+ years.  I worked in a secondary school for 12 years as teacher, tutor, Head of House, teacher coach and SENCo and for the last 6 years I have been working in education for the local authority.  I am passionate about the opportunities that a quality, broad and engaging education provides for children and young people and would like to support CVCC in continuing to work towards this goal.  When I was Head of House, our house mission statement was Promote Participation, Nurture Potential, Celebrate Success, and this continues to be my vision.

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 joined the Governing Board in 2016 although my initial involvement with the College began many years previously whilst helping in a backstage capacity, with the performing arts events.   It was during this time I gained real insight into the how the College functioned, but most significantly, I became aware of the overall culture and ethos of the College. I observed a truly caring community which has been even more evident during the current Covid pandemic.

My own professional career has been mainly focused on Primary Care Nursing and Higher Education, working strategically both internationally and nationally.  Prior to my retirement in 2012 I led the General Practice Unit at Plymouth University where I still retain an Honorary Associate Professorship. I also continue in my role as an Accreditation Assessor of Educational Programmes for the Royal College of General Practitioners.

I have lived in East Devon for the past 30 years and I am very committed to helping the College in any way I can during these very challenging and changing times for education.

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.

After studying law and specialising in environmental law I’ve worked on environmental policy issues including dispute resolution and the introduction and implementation of new legislation and government guidance. I have two daughters, one in year 7 and one in her final year at university who previously studied at Clyst Vale. I’m keen to combine my experience of having children at Clyst Vale and the skills I’ve developed during my career to help the school to adapt to future opportunities and challenges and ensure that students’ time at the school builds pride and confidence in their potential.

A father of three with my youngest having just joined CVCC.  Company director, entrepreneur, experienced leader, environmentalist, and problem solver.

Extremely supportive of the Rights Respecting School status.

My early impression of CCVC is that it reminds far more of my school days with a certain ‘free-range’ element that was sadly missing with my older children who experienced a far more regimented secondary education.

Having worked with many places of learning, I understand the numerous challenges CVCC likely faces and bring a broad range of experience.

Hailing from Yorkshire, I kicked off my career as a joiner and swiftly climbed the professional ladder, attaining the role of factory manager at the age of 21. A shift into Logistics and subsequent qualification as an electrician added diverse skills to my repertoire. Then came an unexpected twist—a job opportunity beckoned from sunny Devon! Despite bidding a reluctant farewell to Yorkshire puddings and a comforting cup of tea, I embraced a new chapter in the picturesque Southwest.  

Armed with budgeting finesse and a knack for finding bargains, I braced myself for the higher living costs of Devon. From scouring thrift shops for deals to discovering affordable ways to explore the breath-taking countryside, I was determined to stretch my Yorkshire wallet in the realm of cream teas and sandy beaches. 

Fast forward to today, where I've dedicated a significant portion of my working life as the Operations Director at Postscript Books. My schedule is filled, but my free time is dedicated to pursuits like following football, walking the dog, paddleboarding, kayaking, and camping. Above all, I cherish moments spent with my wife, Jayne, our daughter Leona, and our dog Archie. 

During the past six years, I proudly served as the Chair of Governors at the Cedar Tree Federation. Recognizing the importance of quality education in a secure and nurturing environment. I then decided to contribute my experience to Clyst Vale Community College, where my daughter is enrolled. Ensuring that all children and young adults at Clyst Vale receive the best education, in a safe environment remains a paramount commitment for 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.