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.

Director at RunAClub – a national online toolkit helping organisations, local authorities and governing bodies to deliver on the ground clubs and services to young people.
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Barrie has worked in a range of consultancy environments with a focus on services for young people, as well as being involved in a wide range of other voluntary projects.
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Barrie is the Chair of four thriving rural primary schools who share resources, skills and infrastructure to improve teaching excellence across the group.

Secondary education for the last 4 years as a parent governor and was a Director of TAST before the merger.

In his day job, David is a Director at EY one of the largest professional services firms in the world where he leads major improvement programmes for government departments. David believes that the academy system should be seen as an opportunity for schools to be more demanding of themselves, their students and the UK government to improve life chances for all of its students.

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

In addition to being a director of ESW he is 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 have been a Governor at KCC for 10 years, since my daughter was in Year 8, and it provides 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 has been involved in the governance at Dartmouth Academy since 2015. As the safeguarding lead for the interim advisory committee, whilst the school was in special measures, and as the Chair of Governors since November 2017.

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.