Who's Who

Mrs Zoe Stevens

Head Teacher

Senior Designated Safeguarding Officer

I’m originally from Plymouth and wanted to be a teacher from when I was very young. I studied to become a teacher at the University of Winchester and then worked in Salisbury in various leadership roles. I moved to North Devon in July 2019 and love being by the sea! I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking (particularly along the coastal paths), eating out and watching box sets on Netflix.

Miss Abbie Brailey

Acting Deputy Head Teacher

I studied at Bath Spa University where I achieved a BEd and completed my PGCE before beginning my teaching career at St Mary’s. I am very passionate about dance and have trained in a variety of styles. I have performed in many shows and have been involved in dance filming projects around North Devon. I also love athletics, especially sprinting, and have previously been a member of North Devon Athletics Club. I enjoy living near the coast and spend a lot of my time at the beach.

Mrs Rachael O'Dell

Assistant Head Teacher

SENDCo

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer

Miss Michelle Jackson

Phase Leader

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer

I joined the school in 2016, prior to that I was Primary lead within Holsworthy Federation. I have a music degree and studied at Cardiff University. I play clarinet, piano and saxophone. I enjoy listening to music, reading, going for walks and running.

Mrs Candy Daffern

Phase Leader

Before coming to St Mary’s in May 2022, I lived and worked in the US. There I specialised in Early Childhood Education as the Director of Head Start Programs in Charlottesville, VA and worked as a teacher of an inclusive PreK teacher serving vulnerable children and families.  It was here that I gained my Masters in Early Childhood Special Education at James Maddison University.  Prior to this I began my career teaching on the borders of Hampshire and West Sussex.  Starting in 1991 I taught in Key Stage 1 and 2 before finding my “home” in the Foundation Stage.  In 2003 I joined the West Sussex advisory service as an Early Years Specialist.  Then, missing relationships with children and families, I was appointed as Head Teacher and Head of Centre to Chichester Nursery School, Children and Family Centre.  As leader of a strong and dedicated team, the school and centre received four Outstanding Ofsted inspections.

Ducklings

Mrs Candy Daffern

Class Teacher

Before coming to St Mary’s in May 2022, I lived and worked in the US. There I specialised in Early Childhood Education as the Director of Head Start Programs in Charlottesville, VA and worked as a teacher of an inclusive PreK teacher serving vulnerable children and families.  It was here that I gained my Masters in Early Childhood Special Education at James Maddison University.  Prior to this I began my career teaching on the borders of Hampshire and West Sussex.  Starting in 1991 I taught in Key Stage 1 and 2 before finding my “home” in the Foundation Stage.  In 2003 I joined the West Sussex advisory service as an Early Years Specialist.  Then, missing relationships with children and families, I was appointed as Head Teacher and Head of Centre to Chichester Nursery School, Children and Family Centre.  As leader of a strong and dedicated team, the school and centre received four Outstanding Ofsted inspections.

Woodpeckers

Mrs Leaha Wilson

Class Teacher

Mrs Kate Taylor-Short

Class Teacher

I did a degree in Ancient History and Civilisation at Swansea University followed by a PGCE. I then taught at a Primary School in Thailand before moving to North Devon.

Working across Foundation Stage are:

Mrs Karen Potter - Teaching Assistant / Forest Schools Lead

Miss Jade Bayliss - Teaching Assistant

Miss Natalie Butler - Teaching Assistant

Pipits

Miss Lydia Price

Class Teacher

Golden Eagles

Mr Michael Gardner

Class Teacher

I gained my PGCE in Derby, before teaching in a variety of schools in the surrounding areas. I moved to North Devon at the end of 2020 and joined St Mary’s in September 2021.

I love spending time with my daughter and making her laugh and giggle as much as I can!

Since arriving to the area, I have enjoyed exploring different places and will often be found devouring a Hocking’s ice cream!

I enjoy playing football for a local team and keeping fit and active by following different HIIT workouts when I can.

Working across Year 1 are:

Miss Melanie John - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Tracy Fulford - Teaching Assistant

Goldcrests

Mrs Julia Cloke

Class Teacher

I completed my BEd degree at Marjons in Plymouth. I began teaching at St Mary's before moving to Hartland for two years as part of a secondment. I then returned to St Mary's in 2018.

Mrs Rebecca Eversley

Class Teacher

Plovers

Miss Annabel Poole

Class Teacher

I gained my Childhood studies degree in 2017 and then went on to work as a teaching assistant in a secondary school in Taunton. I completed my PGCE in 2019 and have been teaching in Devon for past 2 years before moving to St. Mary’s in 2022.
I love to travel and explore different cultures and have been fortunate enough to visit some fantastic countries! In my spare time I enjoy paddleboarding along the river and swimming in the sea. During those colder months I will be by the fire with a hot chocolate and a book. 

Working across Year 2 are:

Mrs Rebbeca Eversley - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Victoria Watson - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Becky Weaver - Teaching Assistant

Skylarks

Mr Sam Shuttleworth

Class Teacher

Doves

Miss Lauren Davis

Class Teacher

Working across Year 3 are:

Mr Jon Wines - Teaching Assistant

Nightingales

Miss Emily Naylor

Class Teacher

Swans

Mrs Emily James

Class Teacher

I gained my teaching degree in 2017 at the University of Plymouth. I studied a Bachelor of Education with a specialism of humanities. 
I started teaching at St Mary’s in September 2017. I am the school geography subject leader. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and dog exploring the countryside and beaches. 

Mrs Melissa Scott

Class Teacher

Working across Year 4 are:

Mrs Michelle Dymond - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Wendy Maynard - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Marguerite Johnson - Teaching Assistant

Jays

Miss Michelle Jackson

Class Teacher

Swifts

Miss Coral Southam

Class Teacher

Working across Year 5 are:

Mrs Claire Nast - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Deb Barrett - Teaching Assistant

Miss Jess Barnes - Teaching Assistant

Chafffinches

Miss Natalie Chalk

Class Teacher

Mallards

Mrs Michelle Mead

Class Teacher

I studied in Reading, achieving a BA Hons degree in Child Development & Learning and then achieved a PGCE teaching qualification through the School Direct Programme.  

I am a qualified yoga teacher and enjoy jogging with Just Jog running club in Bideford.  I also have a passion for animals and have three Cocker Spaniels which I love to walk on the local beaches. 

Working across Year 6 are:

Mrs Sue Rowe - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Gaby McHenry - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Shirley Oke - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Miss Claire Stacey
Pastoral Support Mentor

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer

Mrs Sarah Clark

Administrative Assistant

Mr Timothy Miles

IT Technician

Mr Darren Cairns

Caretaker