Local Governance Board

Paul Ticehurst - Community Governor - LGB Chair

I was a secondary school teacher of geography for 42 years. In that time, I held a wide range of roles, including: Head of Geography; Head of Humanities; Head of Research; and I was an Advanced Skills Teacher.

In these roles, I have worked alongside colleagues in my own schools and those in others, delivering all kinds of support, from one-to-one coaching to whole school INSET. I was instrumental in developing one of the first, if not the first, in-school research units. Additionally, I chaired the research unit of the Millais Alliance.

I am looking forward to using my experience to support Chulmleigh College in providing a first-class education for the local area.

I retired to mid-Devon five years ago. I enjoy walking, cycling, bowls and pickleball.

Neil Payne - Headteacher

Susie Catling - Community Governor

I have three children, all educated at Chulmleigh Primary School and Chulmleigh College. I am a firm believer in the importance of schools and communities working together which is why I am delighted to be a Community Governor.

I am passionate about education and pupil welfare, both as a parent and as a professional working in education. I am the Outreach and Officer Manager at Exeter Maths School, with a particular focus of my role being on widening participation. I’ve worked in marketing and project management throughout my career, with a large chunk of this time in education.

Volunteering and community involvement are very important to me. I was on the committee of Chulmleigh Youth Football Club for several years and Chulmleigh Primary School PTA prior to that. I value working collaboratively to create opportunities and ensure the best possible outcomes for the children in our community.

James Gillam - Community Governor

I was a teacher for twenty years, teaching across both primary and secondary education. I now run Fabula Arts, a community arts organisation for children and young people based near Dulverton, and I also work as an academic tutor in the Education Department at The University of Buckingham.

I moved to the West Country in 2022 and have really enjoyed the quieter pace of life, which has given me more time to pursue my interests in reading, writing, music, theatre and sport.

However, I remain very ambitious and aspirational for young people, and I hope to bring this energy, experience and commitment to my role as a governor at Chulmleigh.

Richard Miners - Staff Governor

For the past 30 years, I have been lucky enough to have had a combined career as a music educator and professional musician. As an educator, I have worked across all types of settings, from EYFS through to Post Graduate level and in Specialist SEND Organisations, working both as a teacher, and as a subject advisor and trainer.

As a professional musician, I have worked throughout the world performing at notable prestigious venues as well as contributing to television and theatre productions.

I have had Governance Experience by Chairing the Governing Board at a local VA Church School for over 5 years, culminating in the school's successful acadamisation.

For the last two years, I have been the Lead Music Teacher at Chulmleigh College, working to develop and extend the school music department. This work has been recognised by the College being appointed as a Lead Music School for Devon.

Ian Packer - Parent Governor

Sian Williams - Parent Governor

Ann Stanton - Community Governor

I have lived in Chulmleigh for 5 years and joined the Governor Board this year as a Community Governor.

I previously worked in secondary schools in different roles, including HLTA, Maths teacher and a Lead/line manager in the everyday running of a SEND department.

With this background, I have become the SEND Link Governor, as I believe education should be accessible to all children, inclusion for all. That every pupil should feel safe, have a happy school experience and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Outside of this role I enjoy walking, especially on Dartmoor, and am actively involved in Swifts and House Martin conservation. I also love crafts, especially knitting, sewing and weaving.

If you have any questions about the local governing board then please contact our Trust Governance Professional on clerk@chulmleigh.devon.sch.uk or 01769 580215.