I became a first-time co-opted Governor in April 2020. I was the Chief Executive of the local Police Authority for many years. My son attends the school and as a governor I hope to assist in helping to provide the best educational experience for pupils at the school enabling them to achieve their full potential. I am the Governor with Safeguarding and SEND responsibilities.

I am the father of a girl and a boy who are currently pupils at Exwick Heights Primary School, and a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Exeter. As well as teaching statistics to mathematics students and scientists at organisations such as the Met Office, I have been actively involved for the past 30 years in using statistical modelling to tackle research problems in meteorology and climate change science. I am passionate about learning and welcome the opportunity to help engage and represent parents in the running and future development of the school.

I began my career as a secondary school Teacher of Modern Languages, having studied Spanish and Business at University. During this time, I also spent time living and working in both Spain and Canada. I subsequently trained to become a Chartered Accountant and have since worked in both the private company and Higher Education sectors.

Before moving to Devon, I worked on the Isle of Man, spending my last 7 years there, as Finance Director for a medium sized group of companies, dealing with clients across the globe.

My move back to the UK in 2014, enabled me to re-focus on education. I therefore bring my experience in finance, business and education to this group of School Governors and believe that good quality education should be available to as many as possible.

Outside of work, I have a keen interest in sport, principally yoga and running (albeit short distances!), along with a love of the theatre and live music.

As an English teacher, I’ve been part of the local educational community for the last decade, and was delighted to be able to join the governing body at Exwick last year. I have always valued Exwick as one of our leading primary schools, and value the opportunity to play a small role in its continual evolution. As a teacher, I am driven by a desire to ensure every child has access to the very best education, underpinned by strong pastoral care. It is that desire that drives me in my day job, and motivates me to work with the wonderful staff at Exwick to ensure this happens.

My name is Rachael Milton. I am a new parent governor, having been part of the Exwick Height’s community since 2013. My youngest is just starting school so I hope I am very visible (and approachable) around the school.

I live in Exwick but work nationally, running a social enterprise that empowers people with dementia. I need to handle quite a lot of sensitive issues at work and often have to stick up for people’s rights. I think I’m considerate and fair but can be quite determined when I need to be. I have seen children thrive at Exwick Heights and hope to contribute to ensuring all children can achieve their potential.

Hello – my name is Kelly Dighton and I am a lecturer at Exeter College having relocated back to Devon with my family in July 2019. I was a governor for several years at a primary school in Surrey and jumped at the chance to continue school governance at Exwick Heights. Before moving into education, I began my career at British Airways where I gained lots of experience that I can offer the governing body and the Exwick Heights community including HR and legal expertise. It was my role as a governor that inspired me to change careers and move into secondary teaching as I wanted to make a difference to pupils’ lives through my job as well as through governance. I am thrilled to be part of such a strong community, and I look forward to playing a part in driving the school forward and building on its success so far.