The Board

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

of the top four accountancy firms advising small and medium size enterprises before becoming finance director of a high technology electronics manufacturer with facilities in Devon, China and USA.

He was a non-executive director of West Devon Homes Ltd, a Registered Social Landlord, from 1997 to 2004, joining the organisation before the transfer of the housing stock from West Devon District Council and was involved in the recruiting of senior staff and external advisors.  At various times he chaired the finance committee and the audit committee.

Peter is a trustee of a local charity supporting refugees relocated to Devon.

He is Executive Director at Groop Ltd – providing a secure online solution for voluntary organisations, local authorities and many other membership entities to deliver on the ground clubs and services UK wide.
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Barrie has worked in a range of consultancy environments with a focus on services for young people and the disabled community as well as being involved in a wide range of other voluntary projects.  His two boys have attended several of the Trust schools – with one still in Secondary.

He has been involved in Secondary education for a number of years both as a parent governor and also as a Director of TAST before the merger.

He is a Partner at EY, where he leads major improvement programmes across public and private sector. He believes in an inclusive workplace which welcomes talent from all backgrounds, vocations and academic achievement. To that end he believes the academy system should enable its students to develop both their skills and their attributes against a backdrop of high-expectations and encouragement.

He is also a director of a community interest company that runs a funicular railway in Torbay.

He is a trustee of ESW having been previously the Chair of Governors for Coombeshead Academy in Newton Abbot. He is married with four children and lives in Torquay.

early and we moved permanently to a small farm near East Allington, having enjoyed holiday homes in Salcombe and Thurlestone for the previous 25 years.
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I was a Governor at Kingsbridge Community College for 10 years, since my daughter was in Year 8, and it provided me with an intellectual diversion from cutting grass, hedges and repairing fences. I am a founding member of Education South West and am keen to share our successful experience more widely. We have some huge privileges living here in the South Hams but we also face challenges with ensuring our young people have the opportunity to compete on the world stage. I hope my experience of managing businesses around the UK and overseas can contribute to meeting this challenge.

Transformation and improvement programmes, within a public sector environment, focused on improving the lives of children and families. She currently works for the Department for Education on children’s social care policy areas.

Kellie was previously involved in the governance at Dartmouth Academy since 2015.  Initially as the safeguarding lead for the interim advisory committee whilst the school was in special measures, and then as the Chair of Governors 2017 – 2021.

contracts with the South West, encompassing ITT, CPD and School Improvement.  Jenny founded Teach First in the region and has successfully grown the charity’s footprint, their profile and the remit of their work.  Prior to joining Teach First, Jenny held two senior leadership roles, one as Director of 14-19 at The City Academy, Hackney and one as Assistant Head at Highbury Grove, Islington where Jenny initially started her career as a Teach First ambassador in 2003.  Both schools served high pupil premium catchments and both were judged outstanding by Ofsted during this time.  Jenny also worked with Challenge Partners and the London Leadership Strategy as an education consultant, during this time.

She started her career working as a research analyst for JP Morgan in London, subsequently working as a portfolio manager for Paris-based, institutional asset manager, Edmond de Rothschild, and latterly as an analyst and portfolio manager for alternative investment firm, Cheyne Capital Management.  Her core competency is in analysing the financial health of companies and institutions across all sectors and regions.   In addition to her professional responsibilities, Annelie sits on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Cheyne, seeking to address the gender bias in financial services and to advocate for disadvantaged children from rural and provincial backgrounds.

Annelie grew up and was educated in the South Hams.  She is married with three children and lives in Kingsbridge.

His career started in Totnes, he moved around the country but returned to the area with his last role being the director in charge of Business Banking for the South West.

Throughout his working life, Barry has always been keen to get involved with the local community, been heavily involved with Chambers of commerce, Business improvement districts and school governorship.

He is married and has two grown up children – both attended Coombeshead, he has been a governor in various forms since children at Primary school, nearly 20 years in total.