Meet the Governors

Our Trust of Schools

Alex Bowen

Parent Governor

"I am a graduate in Computer Systems and Networks, and currently a Head of IT, specialising in IT strategy, leadership, and digital transformation. My experience includes IT operations, infrastructure management, and policy development.

I am passionate about ensuring that West Exe provides an inclusive and enriching environment where all pupils can thrive and achieve their full potential. As a parent governor, I am committed to working collaboratively with the governing body to uphold the school’s values and contribute to its continued success.

I have two sons at West Exe, one in Year 11 and one in Year 7, and I look forward to offering both a parental and professional perspective to help the school achieve its goals."

Anna Lopez

Co-Opted

Anna is the Link Governor for SEND

I have worked in education for over 20 years and lived in Devon for 15 of those. As the headteacher of Bowhill Primary School, I am passionate about ensuring an excellent education for all young people, empowering them to live lives full of choice and opportunity.

I prioritise community, inclusion, and positive relationships in all that I do. As the link governor for SEND, I am committed to supporting the school in creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and can thrive.

Barbara Sweeney

Co-opted Governor

Barbara is the Link Governor for Disadvantaged inc. Pupil Premium

Barbara has lived in Exeter for the past 40 years, working in management in the health sector and further and higher education sectors. Recently retired, she was the Clerk to the Board of Exeter College and prior to that served on the College Board with a particular interest in quality and standards –making sure that students are given the very best opportunities to achieve their best.

She is a trustee of Hospiscare and a publicly elected governor on the Council of Governors at the RD&E NHS Foundation Trust. She is also a member of the University of Exeter’s Academy of Nursing Public and Patient Involvement group.

Barbara and her late husband, Kieran, brought up their four children in Exeter, and since retiring she is keen to contribute, in a voluntary capacity, to improving health and education in the community.

She is a keen Chiefs fan and loves swimming and walking.

Chloe Fox

Staff Governor

A graduate in Computer Science with a Master’s Degree in Education, Chloe worked for Intel and Accenture, working on projects which took her to California, Russia and China. Chloe trained on the school-centred route in London before moving back to her beloved Devon. Chloe has many roles within the school leadership and sits as an associated member of the West Exe School senior leadership team and supports South West Teacher Training as their Assistant Lead. Day to day, Chloe heads up the Enterprise and Marketing department with some of the best results in the region. Chloe has a wealth of experience in parent engagement, student voice, IT systems and balances this with her love of sport and two small children.

Danny Harris

Parent Governor

Danny is the Link Governor for Careers

I have worked at Exeter City Community Trust for the past 23 years after previously playing football for Exeter City FC and my current role is Head of Services at the Charity. As Head of Services I manage Participation, Inclusion, Wellbeing and Safeguarding teams to deliver a variety of health and wellbeing programmes for all members of our Community. I truly believe everyone should have the opportunity to grow and develop in an environment that is inclusive and supportive and which provides social connections.

I have a daughter in year 9 at West Exe School and a daughter in year 5 at Alphington Primary School and I am committed to ensuring the school continues to progress as well as offering guidance as a Parent for the benefit of all.

Holly Davey

Co-Opted Governor

Holly has worked at the University of Exeter in senior positions in the Human Resources Department since 2010. Holly and her team work with senior leaders to effectively implement good HR practices aligned to institutional strategy, and to provide operational support to all staff throughout their employment with the University. Prior to joining the University of Exeter, Holly worked in HR for acute and community NHS Trusts across Devon.

Holly holds a degree in Business Administration and is professionally qualified through the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development.

Holly lives in Kingsteignton with her husband Matt, also a Governor at West Exe, daughter and step daughters.

Jo O'Neill

Staff Governor

Jo has previously worked as a nanny, and a nurse working in maternity, children and adult wards providing all aspects of health care. Jo has worked at West Exe for almost 17yrs and was the first appointed safeguarding officer across Devon which led to other schools appointing staff in the same role. Jo has a wealth of experience in Safeguarding and Child Protection and is one of the longest standing Safeguarding leads across the Trust. Jo has three amazing children who she raised independently and who all attended West Exe and went on to university – one aged 25, achieving a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Digital Promotion and owns her own business, one aged 23 achieving a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science and is currently travelling in Australia and one aged 20 who is at university in Bristol studying Business.

Julie Fossey

Ex-officio

Julie has lived in the Southwest for 20 years. She joined West Exe in 2015 as the Head of English and has been the Headteacher since January 2021.

With a deep love for literature, theatre, and film, Julie brings creativity and enthusiasm to her leadership, fostering a learning environment where every student can thrive. She firmly believes in the power of education to transform lives and is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunities they need to succeed.

Family is at the heart of everything she does, both at home and within the school community, where she strives to create a culture of support, ambition, and inclusion.

Kerry Cutland

Clerk to Governors

Kerry has lived in Exeter all her life. She attended St Thomas High School and then continued her education at Exeter College. She worked for South West Water for 17 years in various secretarial roles, becoming the PA to the Director of Information Services. Kerry has been the Governance Office at West Exe School for 11 years and has a further role at West Exe School Team Around the Student Lead which includes organising all school Events.

Kerry also has an administration role for her husband’s plumbing and heating business.

She has 2 children aged 19 and 15. Both children have attended West Exe School and her eldest child has just started his second year at Plymouth University.

Matt Davey

Chair of Governors

As Deputy Director of Faculty Operations, Matt sits on the Executive Board of the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the University of Exeter and holds overall Professional Service leadership responsibility for the Business School and Departments of Engineering and Geography. Matt also leads professional service support for the Faculty’s external engagement and global activities.

Matt joined the University in 2009 as Business Manager, providing commercial support for the Education and Student Services Division. He moved to the Business School in 2011 as Head of Finance and Research, then taking on responsibility for strategic planning, marketing, and admissions activity.

Prior to joining Exeter University, Matt spent 8 years in the retail sector, firstly with Gap, then with Marks and Spencer’s, working across the fields of visual merchandising, merchandising, store management and project management.

Matt is also a Trustee of Exeter City Community Trust, Exeter’s leading health and wellbeing charity.

Matt Hine

Co-opted Governor

Matt has worked for over 10 years at Exeter College in both teaching and leadership roles. He currently manages the Foundation Maths and English faculty, working with learners who need to study towards achieving in their literacy and numeracy qualifications at the college. Matt and his team work tirelessly on building confidence and engagement with these learners, implementing innovative and creative approaches in the classroom. Prior to joining Exeter College, Matt worked for several years in Turkey, enjoying prominent roles at universities in Istanbul and Ankara.

Matt holds a degree in English and Film, alongside a PGCE and a number of post-graduate qualifications. He also works as a Principal Examiner for Pearson, writing GCSE English papers sat nationally by a wide range of candidates.

Matt lives in Exwick, with his two teenage sons.

Sarah O'Shea

Vice Chair/Nominated Safeguarding Govern

Sarah is the Link Governor for Safeguarding

Sarah was born and brought up in Exeter before following a career in primary teaching in London and then returning to teach in Exeter.

She has two grown up children who, after travelling afar, have both returned to live and work in Devon which means Sarah is very lucky to see her grandchildren and children regularly.

Later in her teaching career Sarah joined the staff at Exeter College, teaching across a wide range of courses and age ranges. During the last 15 years of working in the College, Sarah worked at leadership level as the Student Services manager for the College. In this varied role Sarah managed the College nursery provision alongside all things “student” including, leading on Child Protection and Safeguarding. In this role she was the FE lead in Devon and sat on the Local Safeguarding Board.

Recently, Sarah chaired the Local Governing body at Cranbrook Education Campus and thoroughly enjoyed the role. Sarah is looking forward to providing support and challenge in the role on the West Exe Local Governing body.

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