Governors

James is a solicitor at Michelmores LLP and specialises in trusts, wills and UK tax advising individuals and families on the protection and devolution of assets. James was appointed as a governor in 2015 and has a particular interest in history and music as a history graduate and amateur musician.

After doing a degree in Engineering Geology and working in Ground Investigation for a few years, I moved back to the county I grew up in and worked for an Engineering Consultancy in Exeter for 15 years. During this time, I got married, had four children and took up writing as a hobby, the latter eventually taking my life in a somewhat unexpected direction. I now work from home for an online writing and story platform as a Science Fiction specialist and volunteer co-ordinator managing several hundred people all around the world. When not sat in the corner tapping away at a keyboard I enjoy listening to music, playing guitar, walking and martial arts. 

I am an old Helian who studied at St Peters. I studied English Law at University but unfortunately did not complete the course. My interests include the progress of children in education and their well-being. I am a restaurant chef. I came 2nd in a chef competition at the Houses of Parliament. My restaurant has been voted the best Indian restaurant in the South West. I have held 3 directorships for local businesses. I am also an amateur actor and have been involved in a number of Shakespeare performances. I also enjoy reading, walking and work.

After moving to Exeter at the start of Secondary School, I attended St James and then Exeter College. I then completed a Degree in Primary Education with a specialism in Art at the University of Plymouth.  I now work as a Primary School Teacher.  I am married and have two children. We live in Beacon Heath and our children are at Willowbrook School. I have a particular interest in English Literature and Art.

I currently work for Sparx, a socially focussed learning technology company aiming to improve life opportunities for over 5 million learners. In my current role I am exposed to a wealth of educational developments from cutting edge research to innovative curriculum content. Having previously worked as a Primary School Teacher for 4 years, I have a strong knowledge of the primary education sector. I held positions as both Leader of Mathematics and Physical Education and still take an active interest into looking at how young people learn and what motivates them. I grew up in Exeter and attended West Exe School so am familiar with some of the current issues facing the local community.

Julie Skinner runs her own Consulting business specialising in quality improvement in the Education sector. Julie has over 25 years’ experience in the FE sector. As a former Vice Principal of Exeter College she is passionate about providing the very best experience for learners. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and her two dogs.

 I am the staff Governor on the Governing body. I have been at St James for nine years as an English teacher and am second in department. I joined the school as an NQT as prior to teaching I worked in TV and theatre as a Stage Manager. I have been heavily involved in the extra-curricular programme at school such as school productions, Ten Tors and DofE and organising a European Comenius project. I recently qualified as a DofE expedition assessor. I think this is an incredibly important part of school life as I feel education goes far beyond the classroom.

I have lived in Exeter for 25 years, but was educated at a large comprehensive school in Sheffield. In addition to being a mother of two children, I am a professor of History at Exeter University. I have the greatest respect for secondary school teachers who see our children through some of their most challenging years and have an important impact on their life choices. I bring a range of skills including experience of: helping to run a large department of around 80 staff and over 1000 students; appointing, managing and supporting staff; successfully applying for grant income and managing projects; carrying out gender equality audits; collecting and interpreting numerical data; and teaching and inspiring students.