Governing Body

Responsibility: Chair, Quality of Education (Maths and English), Personal Development and Finance
Appointed by the Trust Board
Term: 12.10.20 - 16.02.26 (Reclassified 16.02.22)
Attendance 2024-25: 2/2
Declaration of Interests: None

I have had a strong connection to Plymouth since 1977, when I began my engineering training at the Royal Naval Engineering College at Manadon. I retired from the RN in 2012 after an interesting and varied career as a Submarine Weapon Engineer and volunteer locally as a case worker with SSAFA - a military charity supporting service personnel, veterans and their families. I have also worked with young people preparing for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme; training for and supervising expeditions on and around the moor. I have been a Governor at Stuart Road since April 2016 and my son and daughter have both worked as Primary Teachers in the local area so have a fair understanding of the issues that affect the education sector. I strongly believe that encouraging children to enjoy learning from an early age is crucial and I am proud to be part of a committed and inspirational team. In addition to my volunteering, I enjoy being a grandad, walking, music, hockey, cricket and golf.

Responsibility: Early Years, Behaviour, Attitudes and Equalities
Appointed by Local Governing Body
Term: 19.03.21 - 18.03.25
Attendance 2024-25: 1/2
Declaration of Interest: Chair of Friends of Stuart Road Primary Academy and sister is a teacher at a Trust academy (Began 19.03.21)

I was brought up just down the road in St.Cleer, completing my education in Liskeard and St.Austell before heading for the Bright Lights of London. I spent an amazing 10 years in the Travel trade, traveling the world for free and experiencing different people & cultures. I then spent another 10 years in the Estate Agency business, working my way up in a very male dominated world to a Senior Branch Manager. A year travelling the world (while we could) before getting married at Kitley House, just up the road. A bit of fun managing Bars around Barnet before starting a family and a new adventure in Plymouth. My daughter has been coming to this school since Nursery and loves the Urban Village atmosphere of Stuart Road Primary Academy. I re-instigated the Friends of Stuart Road (PTA) 2 years ago and am hoping as we get out of lockdown that it will take off again with the support of the wonderful parents and volunteers of Stuart Road School. I am also instigating a Palmerston Street Community group with the inaugural event in June of The Big Lunch.

Responsibility: Staff Governor
Elected by Staff
Term: 31.01.23 - 30.01.27
Attendance 2024-25: 1/2
Declarations of Interest: None

I joined Stuart Road Primary Academy in January 2020 as Office Manager. This being my first role in a primary school but being previously employed at Stoke Damerel Community College for 13 years in various administration /data roles.
Stuart Road Primary is a wonderful community school and we are very lucky to have talented educators here, inspiring our children every day. I am a very proud to be a member of the team.

Responsibility: Whole School
Ex-officio by virtue of office as Headteacher
Term: 15.06.21 -
Attendance 2024-25: 2/2
Declaration of Interest: None

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself as Headteacher.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to support the children, families and staff within the Stuart Road
community. I bring with me over 20 years of teaching experience and more recently experience as the
Deputy Head teacher of Goosewell Primary Academy. I will ensure
the school continues to deliver high quality education during these unusual times.

Responsibility: Curriculum, Safeguarding and Looked After Children
Appointed by the Trust Board
Term: 30.11.22 – 29.11.26
Attendance 2024-25: 2/2
Declaration of Interest: Family member runs TGS Coaching who is a sports provider to schools including Stuart Road Primary.
I have two children who attend Stuart Road, one in Foundation and another in Year 2 and both girls are flourishing. I was taken aback my the community nature of the school and in particular the staff – I see how much care they have for the children and this has made me want to take a more proactive role and support however possible.

I currently work in the Civil Service, with the majority of my time being spent working for DWP, covering ESA and then Universal Credit benefit payments. My current role is within the Land Registry, working with Local Authorities across England and Wales.

I also have experience of working with a community centre in Devonport, volunteering and then leading youth clubs ranging across Primary and Secondary school ages – giving the children in this community a safe space.

Responsibility: SEND Governor
Appointed by the Local Governing Body
Attendance 2024-25: 1/1
Declaration of Interests: Owner of Acquire Websites ( Mar 2022)

Both my sister and I were students at Stuart Road Primary School until the early 90’s. In my early teen years, we moved to London, and I continued my education at Hayes Manor. From a young age, I struggled at school with my dyslexia, which wasn’t diagnosed until I became problematic at secondary school. Choosing a better path for myself I joined the Army and saw active service around the world. For the last 15 years, I’ve worked in Logistics for The Cooperative Group and have had the pleasure to expand my knowledge on a multitude of topics, from continuous improvement plans, managing health and safety, diversity and inclusion, to learning employment law, to name just a few. As well as being a busy dad and grandad, a lot of my time is taken up assisting community groups to be the best they can be. Knowing what I know now, I’m a firm believer that education is the key to unlocking everyone’s potential, yet it’s our responsibility to find the right key for every individual.