I joined Chulmleigh Academy Trust in September 2022 and am responsible for all of the Trust Primary schools.

I have 25 years’ experience in Primary education, having been the headteacher of four different schools in Lancashire before relocating back to Devon.

 I have always found my job incredibly rewarding, so working with a group of schools and the children and staff within them, is a real joy.

I am delighted to be Chulmleigh Primary School’s new Head of School and I am proud to call myself a true Devonian, having lived in the county all my life! I have been in education for over 20 years and in that time have had many leadership roles, including Specialist Leader of Education, Phase Leader, Assistant Head, Deputy Head and Headteacher in rural Devon schools like Chulmleigh, so I know how vital it is to have great links with the communities we serve. 

I passionately believe that all children should have a challenging and fulfilling education and should be given the best opportunity to reach their potential. Likewise, I want them to gain the skills and knowledge needed to feel that they can exceed their wildest dreams. Equally, I am an avid believer that children and adults should be able to learn in an environment that is supportive, so that they always feel they can take risks without fear of getting it wrong. For this to happen, I know that it is essential to be a creative, reflective and positive leader in order to create the environment where children and staff can flourish and feel motivated, safe and love coming to school. 

Every day, I strive to uphold and promote the school’s values of ‘Be Compassionate, be Ambitious, be a Team and give 'Nothing but our Best’ as these are values that I believe are the cornerstones of this incredible school.   

I am the Foundation Stage Supervisor for the Nursery Class. I am passionate about my role, where I lead the Writedance, singing and drama with the Reception and Nursery children. Saffron Slade works alongside me in the nursery.

I share the teaching of the Reception Class with Martin Evely.

I have been teaching Foundation Stage children for over a decade, having also spent time working as a Special Needs Coordinator and delivering pastoral support. My passion is to make learning fun; focusing on planning engaging activities which maximise children’s learning.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my young family, particularly being outdoors. I love cycling and walking and I have a variety of different sporting interests.

We are supported in Reception by our TA Mrs Charlotte Stapleton.

I have been teaching since 2004 and especially love teaching in Key Stage 1. I am passionate about enabling children to reach their potential and develop their individual strengths, motivating them along the way to achieve to a high standard in a happy classroom environment. 

Alongside my classroom role, I am the school's SEN Lead and part of the safeguarding team.  I am currently undertaking the National Professional Qualification for SENCOs and have also completed the Senior Mental Health Lead training. 

I have two daughters and enjoy spending time with my family. We enjoy spending time at the beach, bodyboarding and cycling on the Tarka Trail.  

Our TA in Year 2 is Mrs Lauren Haines. 

I am delighted to be teaching Year 3 Barn Owls class on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Ms Evans and I are joined by Mrs. Sandra Panton, our TA.

I have held a variety of posts in primary education ever since I graduated from university and am happiest of all in the classroom with the children.

I have a big family, many of whom live locally. We enjoy spending time on the North Devon Coast, and getting together at various music events, especially when my daughter is performing!  In my spare time I also love to read, bake, walk and travel.

I am absolutely delighted to be teaching Year 4 at Chulmleigh.  I have been teaching for 20 years.  I love making our learning practical and fun.  I love teaching Science, learning about the world around us and taking our learning outside.  I am passionate about teaching reading and love seeing the look of pride on a child’s face when they realise they can read!  I also firmly believe in teaching the whole child; I believe that it is important to teach children about feelings and how to deal with them, as well as making the right choices to ensure we are being good, kind people. 

Outside of school I love spending time with my family and with my dog.  I enjoy walking, cycling, exercise and just generally being outdoors!

Our TA in Year 4 is Mrs Charlotte Murray. 

I am delighted to be teaching Squirrels class. I have worked in a number of Devon schools for many years and have a great deal of experience. I am passionate about learning and like nothing more than to sharing my love of learning.

I consider myself friendly and approachable. Please do come and say hello. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

Our TA in Year 5 is Mrs Debbie Perry.

I love teaching Foxes. 

I am absolutely passionate about music and lead music across the school. Please do ask if your children would like to learn an instrument or join our whole school choir. I also lead Forest School and am very excited to develop this further in the future.

Outside of school I am learning how to look after bees and have just got my first hive. I also love walking my two dogs on Dartmoor and along the beach with my family.

Our TA in Year 6 is Mrs Andrea Galea.  

I started as Receptionist and Admin Assistant at Chulmleigh Primary in January 2020, and I feel very privileged to work with such amazing staff and children. I live locally with my family and spend most of my spare time sewing.