Meet our team and read their profiles as to why they love West Exe
Donna Short
Assistant Headteacher, Pedagogy and Practice
Richard Claydon
Head of Year 7
Kerry Cutland
Team Around the Student Lead and Governance Officer
Connor Coleman
Teacher of Science
Dilber Erdogan
General Food Technician
Donna Short
Assistant Headteacher, Pedagogy and Practice
After completing a degree in Mathematics and a Masters in Computational Science and Modelling I decided to embark on a career in teaching. I completed my PGCE in 2011 at the University of Exeter and began my career at a school in the South Hams before making the move to Exeter before ultimately ending up at West Exe, initially as the Maths Lead Practitioner.
I love being part of the Ted Wragg community; there are plenty of opportunities to collaborate Trust wide across curriculum and coaching networks. Part of the attraction to the Trust for me is that every teacher receives developmental and personalised CPD through incremental coaching, aiming to unleash the excellence in all teachers. I was delighted to have been appointed to the position of Assistant Headteacher for Pedagogy and Practice. This role allows me to share my enthusiasm for cultivating effective teaching practices with a broader audience within the school community. Through this role, we can enhance the quality of instruction in each classroom and ultimately improve student outcomes.
I love the inclusivity of the Trust. When my wife (who works at another Trust school) and I were starting our journey into parenthood, I was struck by just how supportive the Trust were. West Exe really is a remarkable school to work in, and it embodies the Trust value of selflessness putting its staff and students first.
Richard Claydon
Head of Year 7
Following on from a career in Civil Engineering, the chance to train as a Maths teacher felt like an opportunity to work with young people in a meaningful and rewarding manner. I was drawn to work at West Exe by the vision and enthusiasm of the staff and I feel proud to work with such a passionate team that values equality and diversity so highly.
As Head of Year 7 my main responsibility is to ensure a smooth transition for students into the West Exe community. Having taught for three years, I felt privileged to be entrusted with this challenging role whilst being supported by senior leadership to grow professionally. This is an extremely rewarding position, where supporting our most vulnerable students to succeed can improve lives on a daily basis.
Kerry Cutland
Team Around the Student Lead and Governance Officer
I joined West Exe School in December 2013 as Clerk to the Governors, the role has grown with opportunities. As a Business Support Team member, I take pride in being part of a dedicated team that works tirelessly to create a supportive and organised environment for both students and teachers. Every day, I see the passion and dedication of our teachers, support staff and the enthusiasm of our students, which motivates me to give my best.
As a team player, I collaborate closely with my colleagues to ensure that everything runs smoothly from managing schedules to supporting school events. Our staff truly embodies a spirit of collaboration, and it’s rewarding to be part of a team prioritising communication and teamwork to foster a positive atmosphere where students can thrive academically and personally.
I appreciate the values of inclusivity and respect that our school upholds. Knowing that I contribute to the growth and success of our students in this collaborative environment is incredibly fulfilling. Together we are more than a school: we educate children to live great lives and make the world a better place.
Kerry Cutland, Team Around the Student Lead and Governance Officer
Connor Coleman
Teacher of Science
Moving to West Exe from my previous role at the Eden Project has been a transformative experience. From the moment I joined the team, I felt welcomed into a vibrant, supportive community where collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. The staff here are truly incredible, always willing to help one another, and it feels like we are all working together towards a common goal—Growing Great People.
West Exe has a unique culture of ambition, constantly pushing both staff and students to grow. Personally, I’ve been challenged and encouraged to develop my skills, particularly through the Teach First program, which I was supported through with great success. The guidance I received allowed me to thrive during what was undoubtedly a demanding process, and I now feel even more confident in my teaching abilities.
What I love most about West Exe is the shared mission: to ensure that every student has the opportunity to go on and live a great life, contributing to making the world a better place. This aligns so perfectly with my own values, and I am proud to be part of a school that is committed to such a meaningful purpose. I feel inspired and energised every day to contribute to that mission.
Connor Coleman
Science Teacher and Year 8 Tutor
Dilber Erdogan
General Food Technician
I started my journey at West Exe School in 2016 as an invigilator, and I joined the team full-time in 2021 as a General Food Technician. From the beginning, it was clear that this was a special place to work. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, thanks to the school’s supportive atmosphere and collaborative culture.
In my role, I assist teachers across different key stages, ensuring that practical lessons run smoothly from start to finish. Whether it’s preparing materials or helping students during the lessons, I know my contributions are valued, and feels incredibly rewarding to play such an important part in their learning experiences.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is supporting students from diverse backgrounds. I help them adapt to the school environment and language skills, which has strengthened my connections with various departments. This cross-collaboration has not only enriched my role but also given me the chance to learn from different teams and contribute to the success of the wider school community.
The atmosphere at West Exe School is truly amazing. I feel like a valued part of a hardworking and ambitious team, and the respect and support from my colleagues make it a place where I can continue to grow. I’m proud to be a part of such a dedicated and inclusive environment.
Dilber Erdogan
General Food Technician