Meet Our Governors

Governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in all St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust schools however the ultimately responsibility for the school lies with the Board of Directors with much of the work delegated to the Local Governing Body (LGB).

The LGB has three core functions:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

Governors set the aims and objectives for the school and set the targets/policies for achieving those aims and objectives. They monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making and act as a source of challenge and support to the headteacher. 

Governors bring a wide range of skills and expertise from their professional lives to the governing board and schools benefit greatly from working with skilled volunteers. 

If you are interested in hearing more about becoming a governor please contact; sid.clerk@stcmat.org

Tania Stapleton

Chair of Governors/ Parent Governor

When we decided to move to Exeter, I viewed a lot of schools. As soon as I walked into St Sidwell's, I knew it was where I wanted my children to go. I loved the atmosphere, the strong feeling of care and community, and the diversity of the school. 

In my day job, I work for the University of Exeter Medical School raising money for medical research into dementia, cancer and other disease. Before that I spent 18 years raising money for the very best of theatre and the arts in London. I am as passionate about the importance of the arts and creative industries in our life, as I am about curing disease!

I am really proud to be part of the team of governors, staff and parents who together make our school a school to be proud of. As governors we are all here to do our best for the children and to promote the highest standards at the school. If you have any ideas or want to help - please do get in touch.

Veronica Lee

Vice Chair of Governors / Foundation Governor

I have worked in Primary schools, as a teacher and a head teacher, for most of my working life. Whilst I was training for ordination, I worked for the University of the West of England and had various opportunities of doing some work abroad in Eastern Europe and the Caribbean. I was ordained 17 years ago and, as part of my parish duties I was a governor and a volunteer at a Nursery and Children’s centre. I am pleased to be part of the team of governors at St. Sidwell's working with children, staff and parents to provide the very best for the children at the school.

Rev. Ed Hodges

Vice Chair of Governors / Ex-Officio Foundation Governor

With my wife Jessica, I lead St Matt’s Exeter, the parish Church. Having been students at the university, we moved back to Exeter in 2019 with our two daughters from London. I’m passionate about the role our church can play in the growth and development of Exeter, especially through education and in local schools. It’s a privilege to be able to support the staff team and contribute to the ethos of St Sidwell’s.

Mel Cleveland

Foundation Governor

I previously I worked alongside my husband in a busy, multi-cultural parish in Coventry, where I was also a School Governor. In that role I was particularly interested in developing links between the school, the community and the church. Throughout my career I have been involved in supporting families in a variety of ways, so that they can make the best of their situations . I enjoy the company of children and my 4 little granddaughters keep me up to date on current trends.  By training I am a pastoral counsellor and have lived in India and worked for short spells in Africa. I really enjoy being outdoors, bird-watching and gardening and we have an allotment beside St James Park Station.

Jakir Hussain

Foundation Governor

I am self-employed and I have worked and am still working as a volunteer with a few organisations. I worked as a volunteer COVID-19 safety Officer and management team member at Exeter Mosque and was selected as a Devon Lockdown Legend for helping people during the first lockdown. I enjoy helping people in any way I can.

Keith McLeod

Staff Governor

I have been teaching at St Sidwell’s for almost 15 years and have always felt a great pride in our school. I have formerly taught Year 6 and held the role of Assessment Lead, so I am well aware of the academic pressures on schools. Having been Staff Governor previously, I have now returned to the fold and look forward to being able to support the school again, in this role. Outside of school, weekends are generally the active times for us, which include cycling, the beach or popping away for a night with the dog- after playing some favourite music on the Phonic FM breakfast show.

Jackie Willey

Co Opted governor

Hi I've been involved with St Sidwell’s school for many years. I was a pupil myself and my 3 children have also attended here. I have been a Meal Time Assistant for about 15 years and I'm really proud to be a part of the wonderful family of St Sid's. I have been a governor for 6 years, it is hard work & time consuming but I enjoy doing my best for the children & staff of our school. I am the governor’s link with the St James Forum & Queen’s Crescent project. I raise funds for the governing body by letting the car park out for football parking every home game. I have had a lot of involvement with F.O.S.S.S. and was chairperson for over 10yrs. I still help out with fund raising at discos, fetes, community gardening etc. Those of you that know me are aware that I've supported Exeter City for many years and am a season ticket holder. I also help Exeter & Tedburn Rangers Ladies FC by helping organise games, referees, friendlies, fund raising, etc.
 

Chloe Fox

Parent 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 works in secondary education and trained on the school-centred route in London before moving back to her beloved Devon.  Working within the Ted Wragg Trust, Chloe has many roles within the school leadership and sits as an associated member of the West Exe School senior leadership team. With a passion for 'Pedagogy and Practice'  Chloe has the pleasure of running South West Teacher Training as their Deputy Lead, with 80 trainees across 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, who love being at St. Sidwell's. 

Angela Oshea

Foundation Governor

Charlie Walker

Foundation Governor

Having grown up in Wales, I’m now a student at the University of Exeter studying neuroscience, where my research focus is the relationship between poverty and brain development. Supporting a group of MPs and ministers in parliament, I’m interested in how scientific findings can improve public policy. 

Most of my spare time is spent as the Founder’s Associate at EqualEd, a not-for-profit edtech venture launching later this year. I’m a trustee of NAPCE (a pastoral care charity for schools), and sit on the advisory boards of the Be Free Campaign (a mental health charity) and Tribal Group (an edtech business). I’m also a Fellow at the Royal Society of Arts and an Associate at the Royal Society for Public Health. 

I’ve really enjoyed meeting many of the fantastic St Sidwell’s community so far and am looking forward to the rest of my time supporting the school!

William Gallois

Foundation Governor

William has previously served as a school governor on two occasions and works in an educational setting at the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter.

In terms of governance, William has special interests in celebrating the diversity at St Sidwell's as well as staff well-being and recruitment.

Becky Askew

Clerk to the Governing Body

To contact Becky or the Governors please email sid.clerk@stcmat.org